10 Must Toss Items In A Wisconsin Home And 10 Pieces To Treasure
Wisconsin homes often reflect a unique blend of Midwestern practicality and distinctive local charm.
Over the years, certain design elements have become outdated eyesores that drag down your home’s aesthetic and value.
Meanwhile, other features deserve to be preserved and celebrated as part of Wisconsin’s rich architectural heritage. Let’s explore what to toss and what to treasure in your Badger State abode!
1. Popcorn Ceilings (Must Toss)
Those bumpy, cottage-cheese textured ceilings were all the rage in the 1970s, but now they’re just collecting dust literally! Beyond being outdated, popcorn ceilings can harbor allergens and are notoriously difficult to clean.
Wisconsin’s seasonal humidity can make these textured nightmares even more problematic, causing them to sag or develop water stains during our damp springs. Many older versions may even contain asbestos, posing health risks.
Scraping them away (with professional help if they’re pre-1980s) and replacing with smooth ceilings instantly modernizes your space while improving indoor air quality. Your Wisconsin home deserves better than this relic from the disco era!
2. Plastic Vertical Blinds (Must Toss)
Remember those flimsy plastic slats that never quite closed properly? Vertical blinds might have been practical once, but they’ve become the universal symbol of rental property mediocrity. During Wisconsin’s intense summer heat, they often warp and during winter, they do little to insulate your windows.
These dated window coverings collect dust in their tracks and inevitably end up with missing or broken slats that clack annoyingly with every breeze. The plastic yellows over time, especially in sunny Wisconsin rooms.
Replacing them with insulating curtains, cellular shades, or wooden blinds immediately elevates your space while better protecting against our extreme temperature swings. Your windows frame your view of Wisconsin’s beautiful landscapes they deserve better!
3. Mirrored Closet Doors (Must Toss)
Those wall-to-wall mirrored sliding doors might have seemed luxurious in the 1980s, but they’ve lost their reflective appeal. In Wisconsin homes, these dated features create a cold, impersonal atmosphere that clashes with our warm Midwestern aesthetic.
The thin mirrors often distort reflections and develop black spots where the backing deteriorates. Plus, those metal tracks collect dust and dirt, making them squeak during our humid summer months. Kids and pets leave fingerprints and nose smudges that require constant cleaning.
Consider replacing them with warm wood sliding doors, modern frosted glass, or classic panel doors to instantly update your bedroom. A single tasteful mirror hung strategically works better than these overwhelming wall-to-wall reflective surfaces from the era of big hair and shoulder pads!
4. Worn Shag Carpeting (Must Toss)
That deep-pile carpet might have felt luxurious underfoot decades ago, but now it’s harboring years of Wisconsin pollen, dust, and who-knows-what-else! Shag carpeting is practically impossible to clean thoroughly, especially after our muddy springs and snowy winters track in moisture.
The matted fibers trap allergens that affect your family’s health and create perfect hiding spots for dust mites. Wisconsin’s seasonal humidity makes these carpets particularly problematic, potentially harboring mold beneath the surface.
Tearing out that old shag reveals opportunities for beautiful hardwood, modern laminate, or contemporary low-pile carpeting that’s easier to maintain. Your floors cover major square footage in your home—don’t let outdated shag carpeting drag down your entire space while collecting decades of Packers game snack crumbs!
5. Ruffled Floral Curtains (Must Toss)
Grandma might have loved them, but those fussy floral curtains with layers of ruffles are collecting dust and dating your Wisconsin home faster than cheese curds disappear at a Badgers tailgate! The heavy, outdated patterns block natural light and make rooms feel smaller and stuffier.
Wisconsin homes benefit from maximizing our limited winter sunlight, and these curtains do just the opposite. The fabric typically fades unevenly where sun hits, creating discolored patches that look even more dated.
Switch to simple, clean window treatments that frame your views without overwhelming them. Modern curtains in neutral tones or subtle patterns allow Wisconsin’s beautiful seasonal changes to be the star of the show. Your windows are your connection to our gorgeous state landscapes don’t hide them behind grandma’s garden-inspired fabric fortress!
6. Brass and Glass Coffee Tables (Must Toss)
Those shiny brass-framed glass tables that dominated 1980s living rooms have officially earned their retirement from Wisconsin homes! The cold combination of materials creates an unwelcoming focal point that clashes with our state’s warm, natural aesthetic.
The brass inevitably tarnishes (especially in our humid summers), while the glass edges become dangerous chip magnets. Wisconsin families need sturdier, more practical surfaces that can handle game nights, craft projects, and casual entertaining.
Replace these dated pieces with wood coffee tables that bring natural warmth to your space. Look for locally crafted options made from Wisconsin maple, oak, or reclaimed barn wood that tell a story. A coffee table should invite people to gather around, not worry about fingerprints or sharp corners choose one that reflects our state’s welcoming, unpretentious character!
7. Faded Tapestry Wall Hangings (Must Toss)
Those mass-produced fabric wall hangings featuring woodland scenes or abstract designs have seen better days in Wisconsin homes. Once vibrant, they’ve now faded to murky shadows of their former glory, collecting dust and making your walls look tired.
Wisconsin’s seasonal humidity and temperature fluctuations are particularly unkind to these textile pieces, causing them to sag and deteriorate over time. The dated imagery often clashes with contemporary décor, creating visual confusion in your space.
Consider replacing them with local Wisconsin photography, original artwork from state artists, or simple framed prints that reflect your personal style. Modern wall décor should feel intentional rather than like a relic from a different era. Your walls deserve art that inspires conversation, not questions about when you last redecorated!
8. Overstuffed Floral Sofas (Must Toss)
That massive floral sofa might have seemed cozy in 1992, but it’s now swallowing precious space in your Wisconsin living room! These bulky pieces with dated patterns overwhelm rooms and collect dust in their many folds and tufts.
During Wisconsin’s long winters when we spend more time indoors, furniture proportions matter tremendously. These oversized sofas make rooms feel smaller and limit your layout options. The busy floral patterns compete with other design elements and create visual chaos.
Trade that floral behemoth for a streamlined sofa in a solid color or subtle texture that complements your space. Modern sofas offer the same comfort with less bulk, creating more usable space for gathering during those famous Wisconsin game days and family get-togethers. Your living room should feel fresh and inviting, not like a time capsule from the Clinton administration!
9. Plastic Drawer Pulls (Must Toss)
Those flimsy plastic knobs clinging to your kitchen and bathroom cabinets are the smallest details making the biggest negative impact in your Wisconsin home. Often yellowed from age and frequent handling, these dated hardware pieces instantly signal “budget renovation from decades past.”
During Wisconsin’s dramatic seasonal humidity changes, plastic pulls often crack or become brittle. Many designs feature those unfortunate faux wood grains or dated colors that clash with contemporary aesthetics.
Swapping them for metal, ceramic, or glass hardware creates an immediate upgrade for minimal investment. This small change delivers enormous impact, especially in kitchens where Wisconsin families gather to prepare traditional Friday fish fries or holiday feasts. Hardware is like jewelry for your cabinetry—choose pieces that enhance rather than detract from your home’s character!
10. Faux Wood Paneling (Must Toss)
That dark, fake wood paneling making your Wisconsin basement or den feel like a 1970s hunting lodge needs to go! The thin sheets with printed wood grain patterns create a cave-like atmosphere that fights against our need for light during long Wisconsin winters.
This dated material absorbs light rather than reflecting it, making spaces feel smaller and more oppressive. During humid Wisconsin summers, these panels can warp or develop mildew behind them, especially in below-grade applications.
Removing or painting over this paneling instantly brightens and modernizes your space. If you love wood’s warmth, consider authentic wood accents or modern shiplap that provides texture without the dated look. Wisconsin homes deserve walls that complement our natural surroundings rather than mimicking them poorly with fake materials from the era of disco and station wagons!
11. Solid Wood Dining Table (Treasure)
A genuine hardwood dining table stands as the heartbeat of many Wisconsin homes, silently witnessing generations of family meals, holiday gatherings, and everyday moments. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, these tables develop rich patinas that tell stories through their dings and marks.
Wisconsin’s strong woodworking tradition means many homes feature locally crafted tables made from native species like oak, maple, or cherry. These pieces often represent significant craftsmanship with dovetailed joints and hand-finished surfaces that modern manufacturing rarely achieves.
Even if your wood table doesn’t match current trends, consider refinishing rather than replacing. A quality wood table can last centuries with proper care, becoming an heirloom that connects generations of Wisconsin families. In our disposable age, these enduring pieces represent sustainable living and authentic materials worth preserving for future Friday night fish fries!
12. Vintage Brass Light Fixtures (Treasure)
Those aged brass chandeliers and sconces might look outdated at first glance, but genuine vintage lighting fixtures represent craftsmanship rarely found in today’s mass-produced options. Original brass develops a living patina that can’t be replicated by factory “antiquing” processes.
Wisconsin homes from the early 20th century often feature handcrafted lighting with intricate details and solid construction. Unlike modern lightweight fixtures, these pieces were built to last generations and can be rewired for safety while maintaining their historic character.
Before sending that old brass fixture to the curb, consider gentle cleaning or professional restoration. Many contemporary designers now seek these authentic pieces for their warmth and character. A carefully preserved brass chandelier can become a stunning focal point that honors your Wisconsin home’s architectural heritage while adding timeless elegance that transcends passing trends!
13. Handwoven Area Rugs (Treasure)
Beneath your feet might lie an overlooked treasure handwoven rugs represent extraordinary craftsmanship that machine-made versions simply cannot duplicate. These textiles often improve with age, developing deeper colors and softer textures that complement Wisconsin homes perfectly.
Quality wool rugs provide natural insulation during our harsh winters while their intricate patterns hide the occasional spill from Wisconsin beer or cranberry sauce. Unlike synthetic alternatives that deteriorate, handwoven rugs can last generations with basic care.
Many Wisconsin families inherit these textiles as heirlooms, carrying stories and memories across decades. Even if your handwoven rug doesn’t match current color trends, consider preserving it design cycles eventually return, and quality craftsmanship never truly goes out of style. Professional cleaning can revitalize tired rugs, revealing their original beauty while maintaining the character that only comes from years of Wisconsin family life!
14. Antique Wood Dressers (Treasure)
That heavy wooden dresser handed down through generations deserves prime real estate in your Wisconsin home! Antique dressers showcase craftsmanship virtually impossible to find in today’s furniture—dovetailed drawers, quarter-sawn lumber, and hand-carved details that tell stories of our state’s rich woodworking heritage.
Wisconsin’s furniture-making history means many homes contain pieces crafted from local hardwoods by skilled artisans. These dressers were built during eras when furniture was expected to last lifetimes, not just until the next trend cycle.
Even if the finish has seen better days, the bones of these pieces typically outshine anything available at similar prices today. Consider gentle restoration rather than replacement. A quality antique dresser offers superior drawer space, authentic character, and sustainable living by reusing existing materials—perfect values for environmentally-conscious Wisconsin homeowners who appreciate genuine craftsmanship!
15. Mid-century Modern Chairs (Treasure)
Wisconsin has a surprisingly rich mid-century modern heritage, and those sleek chairs with tapered legs might be worth far more than you realize! The clean lines and organic shapes of genuine mid-century pieces complement many architectural styles found throughout our state.
Unlike today’s reproductions, authentic mid-century chairs feature superior construction with solid hardwoods and quality upholstery techniques. Many Wisconsin homes contain these pieces purchased new in the 1950s-60s from department stores or specialty shops in Milwaukee and Madison.
Before replacing that “old chair,” research its potential value and historical significance. Even damaged pieces can often be professionally restored for less than quality new furniture costs. These designs have proven their staying power, remaining relevant and sought-after decades later. Preserving mid-century furniture honors Wisconsin’s design heritage while enjoying pieces that seamlessly blend with contemporary aesthetics!
16. Original Hardwood Floors (Treasure)
Hidden beneath that worn carpeting might lie the most valuable feature in your entire Wisconsin home! Original hardwood floors, particularly those crafted from local species like oak, maple, or pine, represent craftsmanship and materials increasingly difficult to obtain today.
Wisconsin’s historic homes often feature hardwoods harvested from old-growth forests with tight grain patterns and stability unavailable in modern lumber. These floors have already proven their durability by surviving decades of Wisconsin’s seasonal humidity fluctuations and temperature extremes.
Even floors with cosmetic damage can usually be sanded and refinished for far less than installation of new materials. The character marks and patina tell stories of your home’s history—each scratch represents a moment in Wisconsin family life. These authentic floors provide thermal mass that helps moderate indoor temperatures while connecting your home to our state’s rich forestry heritage!
17. Leaded Glass Windows (Treasure)
Those delicate windows with small panes of glass held by metal came represent extraordinary craftsmanship worth preserving in your Wisconsin home! Authentic leaded glass windows were hand-assembled by skilled artisans, creating unique patterns that filter light in ways modern windows simply cannot replicate.
Many Wisconsin homes built before 1940 feature these windows in entry doors, built-in cabinets, or as decorative accents. The wavy, imperfect glass panes tell stories of historic glass-making techniques, with each tiny bubble or ripple creating rainbow prisms when sunlight streams through.
Though they may require specialized restoration and weatherization, these windows contribute immeasurably to your home’s architectural integrity and value. Professional restoration can improve energy efficiency while preserving their historic character. Wisconsin’s changing seasons look particularly magical when viewed through the prismatic effect of authentic leaded glass that connects your home to our state’s architectural heritage!
18. Cast Iron Clawfoot Tubs (Treasure)
That heavy porcelain tub with decorative feet might seem outdated, but it represents bathroom luxury that modern fiberglass units can’t match! Genuine cast iron clawfoot tubs retain heat exceptionally well—perfect for long soaks during Wisconsin’s frigid winters.
Unlike contemporary tubs with limited lifespans, these fixtures were built to last centuries. The deep, ergonomic design allows for truly comfortable bathing experiences that standard modern tubs rarely provide. Many Wisconsin homes from the early 20th century feature these tubs, often with the original porcelain in remarkable condition.
Professional refinishing can make damaged tubs look brand new for a fraction of replacement costs. The substantial weight and quality of these fixtures represent craftsmanship from an era when things were built to endure Wisconsin generations. Rather than struggling to remove this bathroom centerpiece, consider making it the stunning focal point of a thoughtfully updated bathroom that honors your home’s historic character!
19. Marble Fireplace Mantels (Treasure)
That cool, veined stone surrounding your Wisconsin home’s fireplace represents craftsmanship and materials increasingly difficult to obtain. Authentic marble mantels were often hand-carved by skilled artisans, featuring details and proportions that mass-produced alternatives simply cannot replicate.
Wisconsin’s historic homes, particularly those built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often showcase these impressive architectural elements. The unique veining patterns in each piece tell geological stories while the subtle variations in color create depth that manufactured materials lack.
Even if your marble shows signs of age or minor damage, professional restoration can revitalize these pieces for generations to come. The thermal properties of marble make it ideal for fireplace surrounds, moderating temperature while providing a naturally fire-resistant barrier. These elegant focal points connect your Wisconsin home to architectural traditions while providing timeless beauty that transcends passing design trends!
20. Handcrafted Pottery Vases (Treasure)
Wisconsin has a rich ceramics tradition, and those handmade pottery pieces deserve places of honor in your home! Unlike mass-produced decorative items, handcrafted pottery represents individual artistry with subtle variations that make each piece unique.
Many Wisconsin homes contain locally-made pottery from renowned studios like Pauline Pottery of Edgerton or from the many talented artisans working throughout our state. These pieces often showcase regional clay bodies and glazes inspired by our natural landscapes. The weight, texture, and subtle imperfections tell stories of human hands shaping clay into functional art.
Even simple pottery pieces gain character and value over time, connecting your home to Wisconsin’s artistic heritage. Rather than replacing these treasures with trendy store-bought alternatives, consider creating thoughtful displays that celebrate their authenticity. Handcrafted pottery brings warmth and organic texture to Wisconsin interiors while supporting local artistic traditions worth preserving!
