Boomer Home Makeover What To Toss (8 Things) And What To Treasure (9 Gems)
Ready to refresh your home that’s been styled since the Nixon administration? Many boomer-era homes feature decor elements that once defined style but now feel dated and heavy.
The good news is that not everything needs to go! Some vintage pieces have timeless appeal and can be beautifully incorporated into modern design schemes.
Let’s explore which items deserve a one-way ticket to donation-ville and which treasures merit a place of honor in your updated space.
1. Heavy Draperies (toss)
Those floor-to-ceiling fabric fortresses blocking your windows have got to go! Heavy draperies with swags, jabots, and valances were the crown jewel of 1970s and 80s decorating, but they trap dust, block natural light, and make rooms feel smaller.
Modern window treatments favor simplicity and function. Consider replacing them with streamlined options like Roman shades, simple panels, or even wooden blinds that let sunshine flood your space.
Your rooms will instantly feel larger, brighter, and more contemporary. Plus, you’ll likely discover lovely window trim that’s been hiding behind those fabric monsters for decades. Who knew your home had such beautiful bones?
2. Popcorn Ceilings (toss)
Looking up shouldn’t make you cringe! Those bumpy, textured ceilings were all the rage in the 60s through 80s, but now they’re just dated dust collectors that scream “renovation needed.” Originally installed to hide imperfections and dampen sound, popcorn ceilings now age your home dramatically.
Removing them is a messy but worthwhile project that instantly modernizes your space. If you’re worried about the work involved, professionals can handle it efficiently, especially if asbestos testing is needed for older applications.
After removal, a smooth, painted ceiling will make your rooms feel taller, cleaner, and more current. This single change can transform your entire home’s feel without changing a stick of furniture!
3. Floral Sofas (toss)
Grandma’s favorite seat deserves retirement! Those large-scale floral print sofas in muted blues, browns, and pinks were the centerpiece of countless boomer living rooms. While they might hold sentimental value, these busy patterned behemoths overwhelm modern spaces and clash with contemporary design.
Today’s furniture trends favor cleaner lines and solid colors or subtle patterns that won’t look dated next season. If you’re attached to the piece, consider reupholstering in a current fabric though often the cost exceeds buying new.
A fresh sofa with a timeless silhouette instantly updates your living area and provides better comfort and support. Your back will thank you, and so will anyone who no longer has to pretend they love sitting on giant cabbage roses!
4. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting (toss)
That beige, brown, or green carpeting hiding your floors has overstayed its welcome! Wall-to-wall carpeting was the pride of boomer-era homes, but today it’s viewed as an allergen-trapping, stain-collecting relic that dates your space instantly. Even worse if yours features those popular sculptured patterns or shag textures from decades past.
Modern homes celebrate the beauty of hard surface flooring – whether it’s original hardwood, new engineered wood, luxury vinyl, or tile. These options are easier to clean, more durable, and won’t harbor decades of dust and dander.
If you still crave softness underfoot, layer area rugs over hard surfaces. This approach gives you comfort while allowing the beauty of your flooring to shine through and offering easier maintenance and cleaning.
5. Overstuffed Recliners (toss)
Dad’s favorite throne may hold memories, but that massive, overstuffed recliner is hogging space and style points! These bulky seating fortresses – often in brown leather or patterned fabric – were living room staples for the boomer generation, designed more for function than fashion.
Today’s recliners offer the same comfort with sleeker profiles and updated designs that don’t scream “man cave leftover.” Modern versions integrate better with your other furniture while still providing the relaxation you deserve.
Replacing this single piece can dramatically change your room’s appearance and flow. Your space will feel larger, more cohesive, and intentionally designed rather than built around one dominating chair. Best of all, today’s recliners offer better ergonomic support for aging bodies!
6. Lace Curtains (toss)
Those yellowing lace curtains might feel quaint, but they’re dating your windows faster than a flip phone dates a selfie! Popular in boomer homes for their delicate appearance and privacy benefits, lace curtains now look fussy and collect dust in every tiny hole and pattern.
Modern window treatments favor clean lines and natural materials that complement rather than dominate your windows. Simple linen panels, bamboo shades, or even minimalist blinds offer privacy without the grandmotherly vibe.
Swapping out lace for contemporary options immediately refreshes your rooms and lets more natural light filter through. Your windows will appear larger, your rooms brighter, and your style more current. This small change delivers outsized impact in your home’s overall appearance!
7. Ruffled Bed Skirts (toss)
Frills and flounces belong in the past! Those gathered, ruffled bed skirts that cascade to the floor were bedroom staples in boomer-era homes, often matched to equally fussy comforters and pillow shams in coordinating floral prints or pastels.
Today’s bedrooms favor cleaner lines with platform beds, simple box springs, or minimalist bed frames that don’t require skirts at all. If you still need to conceal under-bed storage, tailored, straight bed skirts or beds with built-in drawers offer more contemporary solutions.
Removing this single fussy element immediately updates your bedroom’s entire look. Your sleeping space will feel more serene, more spacious, and less visually cluttered – promoting better rest and a fresher aesthetic that works with today’s simpler bedding styles.
8. Oak Entertainment Centers (toss)
That massive oak wall unit has faithfully housed your TV since “Murder, She Wrote” was prime-time viewing! These imposing entertainment centers were designed for bulky tube televisions, VCRs, and extensive media collections that required deep shelving and specialized storage compartments.
Modern entertainment solutions are sleeker, more adaptable, and designed for today’s flat screens and streaming devices. Wall-mounted TVs paired with floating shelves or low-profile media consoles create a more spacious feel while accommodating current technology.
Removing this furniture dinosaur instantly opens up your living space and eliminates that dated 1980s vibe. You’ll gain square footage, improve traffic flow, and create a more contemporary focal point for your room. Plus, you’ll finally be free from dusting all those tiny cubbies and display areas!
9. Solid Wood Dressers (treasure)
Hold onto that sturdy bedroom dresser! Unlike today’s particle board furniture, your vintage solid wood dresser represents quality craftsmanship that’s increasingly rare and expensive. These substantial pieces were built to last generations with dovetail joints, solid construction, and real wood throughout.
A quick makeover with new hardware, paint, or refinishing transforms these workhorses into statement pieces. The deep drawers and substantial storage capacity outperform most modern alternatives, while their quality materials ensure they’ll continue serving faithfully for decades.
Many younger homeowners actively hunt for these vintage dressers, willing to pay premium prices for what you already own. Their versatility extends beyond bedrooms – repurpose them as dining room sideboards, entryway consoles, or bathroom vanities with a little creative thinking!
10. Vintage Light Fixtures (treasure)
That crystal chandelier or starburst pendant isn’t just old – it’s coveted vintage! Quality lighting fixtures from the mid-20th century often feature craftsmanship and materials rarely found in today’s mass-produced options. Their unique designs have cycled back into style, with many commanding impressive prices in antique shops.
Designers frequently hunt for authentic period lighting to add character to contemporary spaces. A simple cleaning, rewiring, or minor update can transform these pieces into stunning focal points that give your home distinctive personality and historic charm.
If your fixture doesn’t work with your current space, consider relocating it rather than discarding. That dining room chandelier might find new life in an entryway or above a bathtub, while wall sconces could flank a fireplace or bed. Good lighting transcends trends!
11. Midcentury Coffee Tables (treasure)
That low-slung coffee table with tapered legs isn’t outdated – it’s design gold! Authentic midcentury coffee tables feature the clean lines, organic shapes, and quality materials that today’s furniture makers try to replicate at premium prices. Their timeless designs work beautifully in contemporary spaces.
These tables were crafted during an era when furniture was built to last generations. Solid wood construction, quality joinery, and thoughtful proportions make them as functional today as when they were new. Their smaller scale often works better in today’s homes than bulkier contemporary alternatives.
If yours needs refreshing, simple refinishing or even just a good polishing can restore its natural beauty. Many younger homeowners specifically seek these pieces for their authenticity and character – making your “old” table a coveted find rather than a dated relic!
12. Brass Hardware (treasure)
Don’t rip out those brass doorknobs and drawer pulls just yet! Quality brass hardware has made a tremendous comeback in interior design, with manufacturers now producing new versions at premium prices. Your original pieces have a patina and character that new reproductions can’t match.
Brass elements add warmth and sophistication to contemporary spaces, creating perfect accent points against today’s popular white kitchens and neutral color schemes. A simple cleaning or polishing can revive their luster, though many designers now prefer the naturally aged appearance.
If your hardware feels dated in its current location, consider repurposing it elsewhere. Those kitchen cabinet pulls might find new life on a bathroom vanity, while doorknobs could become unique wall hooks or towel holders. Quality brass has inherent value and timeless appeal worth preserving!
13. Quality China Sets (treasure)
Keep those beautiful place settings that have graced your holiday table for decades! Fine china represents craftsmanship and materials rarely found in today’s casual tableware. While formal dining has become less common, these pieces deserve preservation rather than disposal.
Modern entertaining embraces mixing vintage china with contemporary pieces for eclectic, personality-filled table settings. Using heirloom plates alongside casual elements creates memorable gatherings that honor tradition while feeling fresh and personal. Even a few pieces displayed on open shelving add character to kitchens and dining areas.
If complete sets don’t fit your lifestyle, consider keeping just enough for intimate gatherings or repurposing individual pieces. Teacups make charming planters or desk organizers, while plates can become wall art or serving pieces for special occasions. Their beauty and craftsmanship transcend changing entertaining styles!
14. Retro Bar Carts (treasure)
That wheeled cocktail station isn’t outdated – it’s the hottest home accessory around! Authentic vintage bar carts, especially those with brass frames and glass shelves, have become highly sought-after pieces commanding premium prices in antique stores and online marketplaces.
Their versatility extends beyond serving drinks. These mobile gems work beautifully as bathroom storage, bedside tables, plant displays, or kitchen island supplements. Their compact footprint and mobility make them perfect for today’s flexible living spaces and entertaining styles.
If yours needs refreshing, simple polishing of metal components and cleaning glass surfaces restores its glory without diminishing its vintage appeal. The quality materials and craftsmanship of these original pieces far surpass most modern reproductions. Your “old” cart represents authentic style that younger generations actively seek!
15. Original Hardwood Floors (treasure)
Those oak, maple or pine floors hiding under your carpeting are literal gold beneath your feet! Original hardwood flooring represents materials and craftsmanship difficult or impossible to replicate today. Old-growth lumber with tight grain patterns and wide planks would cost a fortune if purchased new.
Refinishing rather than replacing these floors preserves their character while refreshing their appearance. Minor imperfections and patina tell your home’s story and add authentic charm that new materials can’t replicate. Their durability has already been proven through decades of service.
Modern design embraces the warmth and character of vintage flooring, often highlighting rather than hiding signs of age. Area rugs can provide comfort and color while allowing the beauty of your original floors to shine through. This single element grounds your home in authenticity while supporting contemporary design!
16. Antique Mirrors (treasure)
That silver-spotted mirror with the ornate frame isn’t just old – it’s a character-filled treasure! Antique mirrors feature craftsmanship and materials rarely found in contemporary versions, including hand-silvered glass that creates a depth and luminosity modern mirrors can’t replicate.
The subtle spotting and wear on older mirror surfaces creates a romantic, soft reflection that flatters spaces and people alike. Their unique patina adds authentic vintage charm that designers often try to artificially recreate in new pieces at premium prices.
If the current frame doesn’t match your aesthetic, consider reframing while preserving the original glass. Alternatively, an ornate frame can be simplified with paint while maintaining its architectural interest. These mirrors work beautifully in unexpected places – try one in a kitchen backsplash, mounted on a bookshelf, or as a tray base!
17. Statement Artwork (treasure)
Hold onto those large canvas paintings or unique art pieces that have witnessed decades of family gatherings! Original artwork, whether professionally created or lovingly made by family members, adds personal history and authentic character to your refreshed spaces in ways no mass-produced piece can match.
Contemporary design embraces eclectic art collections that mix periods and styles. Your vintage pieces provide depth and conversation starters while grounding your home in authenticity. If frames look dated, simple reframing can transform the appearance while preserving the meaningful artwork.
Don’t judge these pieces by current trends evaluate them on quality, personal significance, and visual impact. Many art styles cycle back into fashion, making today’s “dated” piece tomorrow’s coveted find. The most compelling homes tell personal stories through carefully curated art that spans generations!
