17 House Items Boomers Should Give Up Already (Plus 4 They Should Never Have Had)

Ever step into a home and feel like time hit pause somewhere around 1987? You’re not imagining it. Many baby boomer homes are filled with well-loved items that have stuck around a little too long.

This isn’t about judgment it’s about making space for something lighter, fresher, and more functional. Think of it as a gentle refresh, not a total overhaul.

Here are 17 things it might be time to finally part with and 4 that probably should’ve never made it in to begin with.

1. Plastic Couch Covers

How many times have you sat on a plastic-covered couch and felt like you were clinging to summer camp slides? That unmistakable squeak, the cold touch, and the slippery feel are truly unforgettable—just not in a good way.

If you’re still protecting your furniture for a rainy day, maybe it’s time to embrace the life your couch was meant to have. Let the fabric breathe and show off its real beauty.

Plastic covers were once a practical shield against spills, but today, they hint at a bygone era. Why not swap stiff plastic for comfort and style?

2. Avocado Green Appliances

It’s hard to imagine another color with so much personality as avocado green. This shade dominated kitchens for decades, but today it’s more of a quirky relic than a design statement.

Are you still hanging onto that green refrigerator or range, hoping it will come back in style? Even vintage lovers are seeking sleeker, more functional appliances today.

If nostalgia tugs at your heart, maybe keep a small green item on display. The rest? Give them a loving farewell and invite modern efficiency into your kitchen.

3. Doilies on Every Surface

Whenever I see a doily draped over a table or mantle, memories of my grandmother’s house instantly come flooding back. These crocheted accents were once the height of hospitality.

Though charming, doilies are dust collectors and rarely fit with today’s streamlined interiors. It might be time to tuck them away or repurpose them into creative art projects.

If you want to keep the sentiment alive, frame a favorite as a memento. Let surfaces shine—uncluttered and fresh—for a new take on tradition.

4. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting in Bathrooms

Did anyone really think carpets and bathrooms made a good match? Wall-to-wall carpeting in the bathroom was once a cozy luxury—until the first splash or spill.

Where comfort met moisture, mildew soon followed, and cleaning became a true challenge. These days, easy-to-clean tiles or waterproof vinyl make more sense.

If you’re still stepping onto plush carpet after your shower, consider trading up for something fresher. Modern flooring keeps things sanitary and stylish.

5. China Cabinets Stuffed with Collectibles

This is where generations of holiday plates, crystal swans, and dusty teacups go to rest. The once-proud china cabinet now feels more like a cramped display case.

If you find yourself dusting delicate figurines you never touch, maybe it’s time to curate or donate. Highlight a few meaningful pieces and let go of the rest.

China cabinets can still shine—just not as overstuffed museums. Show off what matters most and free up space for new memories.

6. Popcorn Ceilings

Whenever I look up to see that bumpy, textured ceiling, it feels like a rain of nostalgia from the ’70s. Popcorn ceilings were all about hiding flaws and absorbing sound.

Though innovative in their day, these ceilings now trap dust and date a room instantly. Removing them breathes new life into any space.

If you’re debating whether to tackle this project, remember the fresh, smooth finish waiting underneath. Modern ceilings make rooms feel open and inviting.

7. Patterned Linoleum Flooring

How wild were those swirling, dizzying linoleum patterns underfoot? Floors like these made every morning feel like stepping into a funky mural.

If your kitchen floor is still a riot of color and synthetic shine, you might be holding onto a piece of history. While memories linger, durability and style have evolved.

Today’s options can be bold yet timeless. Swapping out old linoleum can instantly update your home and bring a dose of modern cheer.

8. Heavy Dark Wood Furniture Sets

It’s impossible to ignore the presence of a solid, lumbering wood furniture set. These pieces command attention but often swallow precious space and light.

When style leans toward heavy and dark, rooms can feel smaller, even gloomy. Lighter, more flexible pieces now fit how we live and entertain.

If you’re ready for a change, consider mixing in airy elements or separate pieces. The room will thank you—and so will your back when moving day arrives.

9. Blinds with Dangling Cords

When those cords tangle or get caught in the window, it’s hard not to feel frustrated. Blinds with long, dangling cords are not only outdated—they’re a safety concern.

Are they still hanging around your windows? Cordless or smart blinds are safer for everyone, especially grandchildren and pets.

If convenience and safety matter, this is an easy upgrade. Simplify your view and open your home to the light—without the hassle of knots and tangles.

10. Enormous Entertainment Centers

Where did all the space go? Giant entertainment centers once displayed TVs, VHS tapes, and stereo systems—proudly dominating entire walls.

With streaming and compact screens now the norm, these behemoths mostly serve as dust collectors. Swapping one for a sleek console can open up a room instantly.

If you’re still housing decades-old electronics, maybe it’s time to let go. A streamlined setup brings calm and space to any living area.

11. Brass Bathroom Fixtures

If your sink sparkles with gold-toned metal, you’re living in a flash of the 1980s. Brass fixtures once spelled sophistication, but now they feel more like a fashion statement past its prime.

How about swapping for brushed nickel or matte black? These updates blend with modern tastes and offer easy elegance.

A simple fixture switch can transform the entire bathroom vibe, giving it new life without a major renovation.

12. Fake Fruit Displays

Did you ever try biting into one of those suspiciously glossy apples as a kid? Fake fruit displays have adorned tables for decades, but their charm has faded.

If you want a touch of nature indoors, real plants or fresh fruit look far more appealing. Plastic fruit, on the other hand, gathers dust and rarely fools anyone.

Toss those faux grapes and bring natural beauty into your space. Your eyes—and maybe your appetite—will thank you.

13. Ruffled Curtains

How sweet and sentimental those ruffled curtains once looked fluttering in the breeze. They softened windows with layers of fabric and nostalgia.

If your windows are still hiding behind tiers of ruffles, maybe it’s time for a lighter touch. Modern drapes or shades keep things crisp and let natural light shine.

Where old-fashioned frills once ruled, simplicity now speaks volumes. A window should frame the world, not close it off.

14. Frilly Toilet Seat Covers

Is there anything more eyebrow-raising than a fluffy toilet seat cover? These soft creations once matched many a pastel bath set, adding comfort where least expected.

If your bathroom still features frills on the lid, you might want to reconsider. Today’s sleek setups favor clean lines over unnecessary fabric.

A bare seat is easier to clean and won’t raise questions from guests. Out with the old fluff, in with simple, fresh style.

15. Cluttered Magnet-Covered Fridges

Why do fridges sometimes double as memory boards? Magnets from every vacation and dozens of notes make the kitchen look busy, not cozy.

Are you running out of real estate for new grocery lists? Consider a digital board or a single special magnet for photos.

Tidying up the fridge door frees your space and keeps life organized. Less clutter can be surprisingly calming.

16. Faux Wood Paneling

Ever feel like you’re sitting inside a cabin even when you’re in the suburbs? Faux wood paneling was once the ultimate cozy statement.

If your walls still wear these sheets, think about painting over them or switching to real wood accents. Modern looks focus on authenticity and brightness.

A quick makeover can erase decades and make a room feel brand new—without losing all that homey warmth.

17. Spinning Spice Racks

How many spices hide in plain sight, forgotten on a spinning carousel? Spice racks once made kitchens feel organized, but now they’re often just dust traps.

If you’re still spinning to find that ancient jar of marjoram, try drawer organizers instead. Fresh ingredients and easy access beat out the old whirligig every time.

Updating your spice solution keeps flavors bold and the kitchen tidy. Sometimes, less really is more.

18. Never-Used Fondue Sets

Did you ever host a fondue party, or is your set still waiting for its big night? Fondue pots were once a social event must-have, but now they mostly collect dust.

If you haven’t melted cheese since disco ruled the airwaves, maybe it’s time to reclaim the cupboard space. There are plenty of fun ways to entertain that don’t involve molten dips.

Let the fondue pot retire in style—and maybe treat yourself to something you’ll actually use.

19. Glass Block Walls

How futuristic did those glass block walls seem back in the day? They offered privacy, but now they just block style.

If these chunky cubes still divide your rooms, think about swapping for open shelving or a clear partition. Light and airy spaces feel more inviting.

A simple renovation can erase visual clutter and make your home feel spacious again. Sometimes, seeing through is best.

20. Bean Bag Chairs

Who can forget sinking into a squishy bean bag chair with a favorite record playing? These seats captured a carefree spirit but often sacrificed support for fun.

If you’re still holding onto one, maybe it’s time to pass it on. Modern seating offers comfort and style without the backaches.

A grown-up living room deserves furniture that keeps both nostalgia and your posture in mind.

21. Never Should Have Had: Waterbeds

Did anyone really sleep soundly on a waterbed? Wobbly nights and endless maintenance made them a novelty, not a necessity.

If you ever braved a leaky mattress, you know the struggle. Thankfully, sleep technology has moved on.

Waterbeds belong in the past—along with disco balls and bell-bottom jeans. Your spine will thank you for choosing a firmer option.

22. Never Should Have Had: Telephone Tables

How quaint was it to perch on a telephone table, dialing friends on a rotary phone? Before cell phones, these mini-desks were a household staple.

If you’re still dusting one off, it might be time to let it go. Modern life is mobile, and old-school phone nooks now waste valuable space.

Repurpose or retire your table and free up your hallway for something you’ll actually use.

23. Never Should Have Had: Electric Can Openers

Are you tired of wrestling with a clunky electric can opener that seems to jam every other time? Manual openers do the job faster and take up less space.

If you’re hanging onto the electric model for nostalgia, maybe it’s time to unplug. Simplicity in the kitchen makes cooking far more enjoyable.

Ditch the gadget and discover how breezy opening cans can really be.

24. Never Should Have Had: Clapper Light Switches

This one’s for anyone who’s ever clapped their way to light—or darkness. The Clapper promised convenience, but too often, any noise triggered it.

If your lights still flicker with every dog bark or laugh, consider upgrading to a smart system. Voice control or dimmers are the real future.

Left in the past, the Clapper is a fun memory but rarely a practical solution.