Can You Identify These Vintage Household Items?

By: Jennifer Post
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
Can You Identify These Vintage Household Items?
Image: Wiki Commons by the Dutch National Archives

About This Quiz

If you remember anything about your grandmother's house, then you will recognize many of these items. Although, if you look at the more updated versions, the vintage ones are almost unrecognizable. Sometimes. items that were used almost daily back in the day aren't even around anymore. Just like anything else, households needs evolve and some items make the cut, some get updated and some just cease to exist. 

What you call your refrigerator used to be an icebox, and it's not the place where your heart used to be. Did you know that some iceboxes also had stoves on top for you to cook on? It seems a little counterintuitive if you really think about it. But that just goes to show how much things change, and when the focus is put on the needs of the homeowner, manufacturers can pinpoint what items they want. Luckily, you can now have your stove separate from where you chill your food. What a novel idea! 

If you can recognize most of these items, you're either relying on nostalgia and the items you use to own or are tapping into the times you spent with your grandparents and their florally decorated drinking glasses. Take this quiz to see if you can identify all of these vintage household items!

Washboard
jeffhochstrasser / E+ / Getty Images
Before your Whirlpool was whirling your items around, this is what was used to get a deep clean. Can you identify it?
Washboard
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Tumbler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before everyone had access to mechanical washing machines, washboards were used to agitate clothes that had been sitting in soapy water. It would help scrub the dirt out and bring life back to the clothes.

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Carpet beater
Opla / E+ / Getty Images
Dust collects on almost every surface in a home. Which item below really dug deep and released the beasts?
Vacuum
Carpet beater
Steam cleaner
Dirt Devil
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A carpet beater kind of looked like an old school tennis racket, but it was actually made out of metal and was used to beat the heck out of rugs in order to loosen all the dirt and dust that would collect. It wasn't an ideal chore, but this made it easier.

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Sewing machine
Zedcor Wholly Owned / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Fix up the holes in your life or create something new with which vintage household item?
Hot glue gun
Tack paper
Sewing machine
Iron
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While the first sewing machine was invented in 1755, it wasn't successfully marketed. It didn't really take off until 1830 when a French tailor signed a contract for his sewing and embroidery machine.

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Breadbox
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
If your life is feeling stale, you need one of these vintage items. Which one is it?
Freezer
Breadbox
Humidifier
Clay bear
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Loaves of bread do not last long before getting that classic stale feel. You know what it is. Putting the bread in a breadbox, which was usually made out of wood, helped keep the bread off your counter and saved the freshness for just a little bit longer.

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Hair dryer
Wiki Commons by the Dutch National Archives
This vintage item looks like something out of a space ship, but it's not from the future. Which item kept your hair in tip-top​ shape?
Hair dryer
Curling iron
Hairspray
Crimper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The hair dryers that your mom and grandma used probably looked a lot like this. They were basically shower caps with an air hose. When turned on, the hot air would get trapped in the cap and dry your hair.

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Bellows
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
This item provided the air needed to grow something big and strong. What is it?
Accordion
Airstream
Bellows
Blow torch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you wanted a roaring fire on a cozy night, you would break out your bellows, which was an accordion-like​ bag that would blow air when squeezed together. Fire needs air to grow, so this was the perfect contraption.

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Push lawnmower
Wiki Commons by Frances Benjamin Johnston, The Library of Congress
Young boys were often tasked with this chore, which was much harder before the things basically ran themselves. What item made this task a little bit harder?
Trash cans
A rake
Watering can
Push lawnmower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lawnmowers have come a really long way since the days of push mowers. Even though someone still has to stand behind mowers now (unless you have a riding mower), back in the day, the only way to move the mowers was to actually push them with your body weight.

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Typewriter
narvikk / E+ / Getty Images
Gather your thoughts and put pen to paper. Well, sort of. Which item below helped people express themselves?
Quills
Voice recorder
Typewriter
Video camera
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before your MacBook and gaming PC, there were typewriters. No backspace, just whiteout, and you had to manually push the mechanism over to get to the next line. It seems so archaic now, but it was revolutionary at the time.

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Scales
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
This looks nothing like the digital version used today. What vintage item required a balancing act?
Thermometer
Scales
Microwave
Stovetop
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These scales were a little trickier to use because you needed to know how to offset the scale in order to get an accurate reading. Once you got the hang of it, though, it was basically second nature and super easy.

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Phonograph
mariusFM77 / E+ / Getty Images
Which hornlike household item encouraged your dancing shoes, a glass of bubbly and good friends to be fully enjoyed?
Homophone
Phonograph
Eight-track
Vinyl player
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This was the classic music playing device of the 1940s. Some might think it looks a little ostentatious but it looks so regal. It usually​ signaled that you knew your stuff when it came to music. It was also just super fun to look at and play.

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Coffee grinder
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
This one is still around, although now it's a little more futuristic. Either way, it will help fuel your day. What is it?
Tea kettle
Percolator
Microwave
Coffee grinder
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The coffee grinders of today are electric and a lot easier, but back in the day, they were hand cranked. You would put whole beans into the canister, then crank the handle to work the grinder. It was easy peasy and a good arm workout to start the day.

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Toaster
Wiki Commons by Daderot
You didn't so much put the stuff in it like we do now, but it definitely did the crispy trick you know and love. What is it?
Oven
Crisper
Cast iron pan
Toaster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Old fashioned toasters did not have slots for the bread. How did they work, you ask? They had doors that you would open, or wire racks (shown here) to position the bread near a heating element.

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Icebox
Wiki Commons by Magi Media
Which item was not known by this name in the early 20th century when it was keeping things cool?
Salt chest
Icebox
Freezer
Chiller
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it was in its heyday, the icebox was just known as a refrigerator. It wasn't until the mechanical fridge was invented that the older version became known as an icebox, since ice, not electricity, is what kept the food inside cold.

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Rolodex
Comstock Images / Stockbyte / Getty Images
Way before cellphones, people needed other ways to organize their contacts. Can you name the one that was more fun to play with?
Business card box
Rolodex
File folder
Index
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Housewives had recipe card boxes, business people had a Rolodex, which basically stands for a rolling index. It was a cylindrical roll of paper that would hold all of your contacts and their information. It was also fun to play with and waste time.

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Candle snuffer
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Most people use their pursed lips and a little exhale for this now, but back in the day, there was a tool specifically for putting these out. What is it?
Fire extinguisher
Candle snuffer
Water gun
Mister
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Candle snuffers were bell-shaped ends on a metal pole that would be placed over a candle's flame. It would, like the name suggests, snuff out the flame. Nowadays, some people do have these, but they are more of a novelty item than a necessity.

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Inkwell
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Put your pen down and really think about this one. Which vintage household item was worth writing home about?
Inkwell
Pen holder
Rubber stamp
Tape recorder
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An inkwell was crucial when writing with quills was the most common method. People have them as collectibles or simply to be "vintage chic." They were made out of lots of different materials, depending on your budget or status.

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Milk bottles
buzzanimation / E+ / Getty Images
Getting your weekly delivery of this in its own container was the best day of the week. Which vintage item is now used as a decoration?
Egg crates
Mailbag
Ice cream container
Milk bottles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Milk used to be delivered right to people's front door in glass bottles. Once the milk was gone, homeowners would put the bottles back on the porch to be taken away and reused. Seems pretty efficient!

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Sifter
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Forearms grew stronger with every use of this, which would help make baked goods light and fluffy. Can you identify it?
Colander
Sifter
Butter melter
Sugar shaker
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These metal items were used to sift the lumps and imperfections out of flour and other dry baking ingredients. It was operated by squeezing a handle or turning a crank. Another part inside would push the dry goods through the little holes.

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Tupperware
Wiki Commons by State Library and Archives of Florida
Package up your leftovers in which trendy item below?
Saran wrap
Freezer bags
Tupperware
Gladware
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When Tupperware was first released in 1942, it took housewives by storm and became a collector's item. Having all of the latest sizes, shapes and colors was a status symbol, but getting them back from neighbors was the hard part.

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Transistor radio
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Listen up! Which item could be taken on the go to stay up to date?
Walkman
Newspaper
Camera
Transistor radio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After the invention of the transistor in 1947, the transistor radio was created and be marketed in 1954. They quickly became the most popular portable item in history and allowed people to listen to music and the latest news.

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Tea strainer
Lawrence Manning / Corbis / Getty Images
Which item below was used before the bag version of this became commonplace?
Stovetop popcorn
Chip containers
Tea strainer
Whole coffee beans
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Back when loose tea leaves were the only option, a strainer was created for them. You would put the leaves in the strainer and steep that in the water. That way, the leaves would be contained and you'd get all the deep flavor out of them.

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Salad tongs
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
You can toss and serve with this one kitchen item. Do you know what it is?
Wooden spoons
Forks
Salad tongs
Salad spinner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Salad tongs, believe it or not, were a specific item used decades ago to toss and serve salad. They could be hard plastic or sterling silver and were part of your china collection. The two parts were connected, so they really only served the purpose of tossing and serving salad.

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Fondue set
Wiki Commons by -jkb-
Grab all your friends and sit 'round the table for a famous party of the '70s using which vintage item as the centerpiece?
Cookie press
Egg molds
Cake cutter
Fondue set
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Owning a fondue set was a staple of the '70s. People would gather at their friends'​' houses and dip anything they could imagine into the melted cheese sitting inside the custom pot. If you weren't invited to a fondue party, you were missing out.

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Stapler
Wiki Commons by StromBer
These were a staple item in home offices everywhere in the 1940s but they were created way before then, in 1878. What is it?
Hole puncher
Pencil sharpener
Stapler
Briefcase
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first stapler was patented in 1878, but they didn't become a household product until the 1940s​ when they were much more readily available to consumers. Did you know the stapling plate is called an anvil? Who knew!

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Rotary phone
Spauln / E+ / Getty Images
Better get your fingers ready for this one. Which vintage item helped keep connections and bolster friendships?
Rotary phone
Keyboard
Typewriter
Record player
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The good old rotary phone. If you never had to use one of these, you did not miss out on anything. It took way longer than necessary to dial a phone and you better hope you didn't miss a number.

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Biscuit tin
Wiki Commons by Alf van Beem
These pastries will always have a place in your heart and this item will keep them safe for you. What is it?
Mason jar
Biscuit tin
Refrigerator
Dehydrator
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Those who had self-control and didn't eat the entire batch of biscuits would need a place to store the leftovers. These tins were made specifically for that purpose. They acted kind of like a breadbox and looked like a cookie jar, but for biscuits.

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Doilies
NNehring / E+ / Getty Images
Protecting your wooden surfaces was crucial for more than the first half of the 1900s. Which item below was the protector of choice?
Table cloth
Doilies
Placemats
Plastic
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Did you know there was a draper named Doiley who introduced the woven item in the 17th century? The term was originally used as an adjective, but then became known as the item we know today.

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Bed warmer
Jesus Gonzalez / Moment Open / Getty Images
We're taking it back real old school with this one. Which vintage item could warm up your tootsies on the coldest days of the year?
Radiator
Fan
Water heater
Bed warmer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With this decorative item that was also extremely functional, you would put hot coals inside the metal container and stick it under your bed sheets before bed. It would heat up the entire bed and be ready for a warm slumber.

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Soup tureen
Wiki Commons by Daderot
Serving this liquid delight today is never as elegant as it was when which household item was used?
Soup tureen
Silver ladle
Ceramic pitcher
Pewter serving spoon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Soup tureens are still around today but are one of those things that just sit in a china cabinet. Back in the peak days of dinner parties, they were used almost every weekend. The soup would sit in the bowl, the lid would keep it warm and there was a slot in both to hold the ladle.

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Dress form
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Which item below took picking out your outfits the night before to a whole new level?
Dress form
Wire hanger
Mannequin
Full length mirror
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dress forms were usually used by seamstresses but they were also readily available for women who wanted to use them to see how outfits would look on a body. They could also use it to alter clothes as needed.

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Ice crusher
Lew Robertson / Photodisc / Getty Images
Much like the coffee grinder, new ones completely demolish the ones from our history. Which vintage household item is it?
Ice crusher
Mallot
Shaved ice
Blender
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These ice crushers actually looked a lot like coffee grinders and worked in pretty much the same way. You would put ice in the canister and wind the crank to crush the ice. Ice is a little harder to crush than coffee, though, so get ready to really wind!

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Butter mold
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Who wants spread to be boring when it can be decorative? Which vintage item did just that for your favorite topper?
Pastry bag
Cookie cutter
Butter mold
Stamp
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Having molded butter at your dinner table was a sign that you really knew how to throw a party. The designs were reverse carved into wood, but sometimes they were made of glass, and would imprint the butter with the chosen design.

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Spic and Span
Wiki Commons by Internet Archive Book Images / KIK Custom Products Inc. / Procter & Gamble / Prestige Brands
Nothing cleaned quite like this product, which left your floors squeaky clean and shiny. What is it?
Scrubbing Bubbles
Armoral
Mr. Clean
Spic and Span
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Spic and Span of the '40s and '50s was known for its amazing commercials. They were fun, often animated, and featured sparkling clean floors and a very happy woman. This makes sense since it was invented by two housewives from Michigan.

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Loom
ilbusca / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
Not every household had this but if you did, you were living the dream. Which vintage item helps build the tapestry of life?
Loom
Sewing machine
Printer
Ink blotter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The loom was mostly seen in factories but there were smaller versions that were meant just for households. It allowed stay-at home-​wives and moms to weave cloth for clothes, curtains, slipcovers, etc.

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Egg cup
Wiki Commons by Metropolitan Museum of Art
Not that you need a special item to eat these, but it sure is a nice way to start the day! What is it?
Egg cup
Pancake plate
Bacon holder
Orange juice cup
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These cups were especially handy for soft boiled eggs so that you could crack them open and dip toast soldiers right into the runny yolk. Eggs tend to roll around on plates, so this would prevent that. Plus, they looked pretty fancy.

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Egg beater
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Maybe we'd have much more toned arms as a society if we had to use this item every morning. Can you identify it?
Rolling pin
Hand mixer
Hand washer
Egg beater
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before hand mixers and stand mixers, there was the egg beater. Like most beating and grinding items from those days, it was hand cranked. The beaters look like the ones on your hand mixer, but you literally had to hand crank a lever to move them.

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Rubber stamp holder
Wiki Commons by Frank C. Müller
If you like it then you should have put a stamp on it. What item below helped keep people's many stamps in order?
Stamp rack
Filing case
Rubber stamp holder
Cork board
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rubber stamp holders are pretty self-explanatory. They were upright contraptions with clamps or slots that would hold the handles of the stamps to keep them organized, all in one place and off your desk. This way, the ink wouldn't stain anything it wasn't supposed to.

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Poloron Featherflight
Gunners762 via YouTube
If you were hosting a garden party or summer picnic back in the day, you definitely had one of these out to keep things up to temp. What is it?
Insulated water jug
Stove
Drink cooler
Portable fridge
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Therm-A-Jugs, the one pictured is a Poloron Featherflight, were basically a giant Thermos used to keep drinks cool. It's a simple concept really, and one that has been updated so much that Therm-A-Jugs don't exist these days. There are plenty of similar options, though.

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Trencher
Wiki Commons by David Jackson
Before plates were made out of ceramic or porcelain, these were used to eat off. What are they?
Cutting board
Proofer
Dough bowl
Trencher
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Trenchers, back in the really old days, were dried out pieces of bread that people would use as plates. Later on, trenchers were made out of wood and were flat disks with a crater in the center to prevent the food from spilling over the sides.

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Milkshake maker
Wiki Commons by Thomas Quine
You thought you could only get these at your local ice cream parlor? Not back in the '50s! Which kitchen item helped make a summer treat right in your home?
Ice cream roller
Shaved ice maker
Milkshake maker
Popsicle mold
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You could own your very own milkshake maker which made milkshakes in the exact same way that you would get at an ice cream parlor but on a more consumer-friendly scale. Salesmen used to go door-to-door selling them!

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Wiki Commons by the Dutch National Archives