The Signs Of A Traditional Home
Every generation designs their home a little differently, following what's currently on trend or what seems comfortable to them, but boomers have an especially recognizable style when it comes to home purchases. Some of these pieces are practical, some are sentimental, and some are just there because, well, they've always been there. Here are 20 things only boomers will buy for their homes.
1. Formal China Cabinets
A formal china cabinet is one of those pieces that instantly gives a dining room a traditional look. You won't often find these at the homes of the younger generation, but boomers will buy them to display inherited dishes, wedding china, and holiday serving pieces. The cabinet likely remains mostly untouched, though.
2. Decorative Plate Collections
Speaking of china, decorative plates have long been a favorite home accent for boomers. Floral designs, landscapes, birds, or even historical scenes are among some of their most loved. You'll see them displayed on walls, in hutches on tables, or simply along kitchen shelves where they sit to be admired, but not used.
3. Recliner Chairs
This isn't to say young people don't love a comfy recliner chair, but those massive, padded ones are practically a boomer living room classic. Comfort is the main selling point, so these don't typically look like the most stylish pieces of furniture. You'll likely remember them as "Dad's chair" growing up.
4. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
These days, many younger homeowners prefer hardwood or tile floors while boomers on the other hand, still appreciate the softness of wall-to-wall carpeting. Young people might be worried about the aesthetic and difficult clean-up, but the older generation love how it makes a room feel warmer and more comfy on the feet.
5. Curio Cabinets
Curio cabinets are designed for people who have things worth showing off but not necessarily touching. Sounds perfect for boomers right? Especially those who have plenty of figurines, travel souvenirs, collectibles, small antiques, or special gifts collected over decades.
6. Matching Living Room Sets
Young homeowners love designing their own living rooms with eclectic decor and furniture that match their aesthetic, but the older generation likely find it a hassle. Boomers are much more likely to simply buy a complete matching living room set that gets the job done and keeps things orderly.
7. Heavy Drapes
Heavy drapes are another home purchase that many boomers still stand by. They offer privacy, block sunlight, and can help insulate a room, but boomers also love to pick ones with unique patterns and layered designs that are much more common in traditional homes.
8. Grandfather Clocks
The boomer quality of this piece of furniture is already built into its name! Grandfather clocks do have tons of craftsmanship and come with that iconic sound, but they do also carry a very formal sense of tradition. Placing one in your home instantly takes the vibe back a decade or two.
9. Floral Sofas
Let's just say, boomers really love floral designs. The moment you see a floral couch, you'll know you're standing in a much older living room. Boomers love them for their cheerful and classic design, but they definitely don't quite fit in with today's generation's preference of minimalist and clean.
Gonzalo Carlos Novillo Lapeyra on Pexels
10. Doilies
Doilies are old-fashioned home decor that boomers still often use to protect surfaces and add a decorative touch to tables and shelves. You’ll find them under lamps, vases, picture frames, and candy dishes, because for them, doilies create a neat, cared-for look that reflects a more traditional vibe.
11. Collectible Figurines
No, we're not talking about the trendy Funko Pops or Labubus that the young generation love today, we're talking about the porcelain dolls, animals, angels, and cottages that boomers collect. These items tend to represent gifts, milestones, or long-running collections, and they definitely look more dated compared to today's modern collectibles.
12. Large Entertainment Centers
Before flat-screen televisions were mounted on walls, large entertainment centers were the pride of many living rooms. Even if they're a bit old-fashioned now, boomers still buy or keep these units for nostalgic and practical reasons. They do provide ample storage for electronics, DVDs, photo albums, books, and decorative pieces!
13. Table Lamps With Fabric Shades
To this day, boomers still have a soft spot for table lamps with fabric shades. They do create softer lighting compared to overhead fixtures, and they often come in various colors, textures, and designs that suit their tastes. Smart bulbs might be popular with the modern crowd, but boomers love a good lamp.
14. Throw Blankets Over Furniture
A classic throw blanket strewn across the back of a sofa or recliner is a very common sight in many boomer homes. Yes, it's there to keep you warm in the colder seasons, but it's also there to protect the upholstery or to just add a touch of color.
15. Silk Flower Arrangements
Silk flowers are a popular choice for boomers who want a decorative centerpiece without the maintenance of fresh blooms. They show up on dining tables, bathroom counters, entryway tables, fireplace mantels, basically anywhere that will fit them.
16. Patterned Wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper has gone in and out of style, but most boomers haven't fully given it up yet. Younger homeowners all prefer neutral, classic colors, but boomers will opt for floral, striped, or damask designs that some might call a bit too old-fashioned. It certainly makes a home feel more traditional.
17. Dining Room Sideboards
A dining room sideboard is a classic boomer purchase because it combines storage with presentation. They love furniture that are two for ones! It can hold table linens, serving dishes, silverware, candles, and all the pieces needed for a proper dinner gathering (which is important to them!).
18. Landline Phone Tables
When was the last time you heard of a landline? It might've been years, but for boomers, it hasn't been all that long. Some still appreciate small tables designed for a landline phone because these pieces often have a drawer for address books, notepads, pens, and takeout menus. It's basically just a useful little piece of furniture.
19. Bathroom Rug Sets
Matching bathroom rug sets are still common in boomer homes because they make the room feel coordinated and comfortable. A set might include a bath mat, contour rug, and toilet lid cover, all in the same color or pattern. To younger folk, it might seem outdated, but boomers love the ease and hassle-free nature of it all.
20. Holiday Village Displays
Every year when the holidays come around, boomers excitedly pull out their entire village displays. These collections often include tiny houses, churches, shops, people, trees, lights, you name it! They’re brought out with care each year and can turn a mantel, table, or sideboard into a full holiday scene.
