13 Outdated Home Features That Modern Technology Has Made Totally Obsolete

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Which one did you grow up with - or have in your home in the 90's or 2000s? Here’s a list of features and technologies that were once considered essential or cutting-edge in homes but are now less necessary or have been replaced by newer alternatives:

1. CAT-5 Wiring

• Then: Widely used in the 90s and 2000s for Ethernet connections throughout the home.

• Now: Wi-Fi technology has advanced to the point where most homes rely on wireless connections, making hardwired CAT-5 networks largely unnecessary for everyday use.

  • Replaced by: Mesh Wi-Fi systems and CAT-6 or fiber optic for specialized needs.

    
    

Skip the updating when selling - get a full market value cash offer and take the profit when we update it for you!

2. Built-In Surround Sound Systems

• Then: Homes featured pre-wired 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound systems with in-wall or ceiling speakers. It was nothing to spend 10k or more on install and there were many companies that existed to do it in new homes or for a retro fit.

• Now: Wireless, portable sound systems like Sonos or soundbars with virtual surround capabilities (like Dolby Atmos) have largely replaced the need for extensive wiring and built-in speakers.

  • Replaced by: Smart wireless speakers and soundbars.
    

3. Dedicated Home Theater Rooms

• Then: Custom home theaters with projector screens and tiered seating were all the rage.

• Now: Open living spaces with a high-quality TV and soundbar have become more popular for multi-use functionality.

  • Replaced by: Versatile living rooms with large flat-screen TVs or short-throw projectors. Ro's favorite is a Roku TV - easiest remote and system in IHHO!
    

4. Landline Telephone Wiring

• Then: Nearly every room had a landline connection for phones.

• Now: Most people exclusively use cell phones, making landlines obsolete.

  • Replaced by: Smartphones and VoIP services like Zoom or Google Voice.

    

5. Centralized Intercom Systems

• Then: Homes featured built-in intercoms for communication across rooms or floors.

• Now: Smart speakers with voice assistants (like Alexa and Google Nest) have taken over this function.

  • Replaced by: Smart home devices with broadcast or announcement features.
    

6. Wall-Mounted TV Cabinets

• Then: Bulky cabinets or recessed spaces were built specifically to house large CRT TVs. Remember those cabinets???

• Now: Flat-screen TVs have eliminated the need for specialized furniture or built-ins.

  • Replaced by: Slim wall mounts and streaming stick-friendly designs.

    
    

    

7. Central Vacuum Systems

• Then: Homes had built-in central vacuums with wall ports throughout.

• Now: Cordless stick vacuums and robot vacuums are more practical and less expensive.

  • Replaced by: Robot vacuums combo mops (Roomba, etc.) and Dyson-style stick vacuums.
    

  • Skip the updating when selling - get a full market value cash offer and take the profit when we update it for you!

    
    

8. Wired Security Cameras

• Then: Security systems were hardwired with fixed cameras and control panels.

• Now: Smart security cameras like Ring and Arlo are wireless, easy to install, and accessible via smartphones.

  • Replaced by: Smart home security systems with wireless cameras.
    

9. Massive Entertainment Centers

• Then: Custom-built entertainment centers for housing large stereo systems, DVD players, and collections.

• Now: Streaming services and compact devices like Roku or Apple TV have replaced bulky setups.

  • Replaced by: Minimalist TV stands or wall-mounted systems.

    

    
    

10. Formal Dining Rooms

• Then: Separate dining rooms were a must-have for entertaining.

• Now: Open-concept designs have integrated dining areas into kitchens or living rooms for casual, modern lifestyles.

  • Replaced by: Multi-functional dining spaces.
    

11. Analog Thermostats

• Then: Standard in almost every home, requiring manual adjustments.

• Now: Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee allow remote control and automation.

  • Replaced by: Smart home climate control systems.
    

12. Extensive Built-In Bookshelves

• Then: Built-in bookshelves were trendy for housing large book collections.

• Now: E-books and digital libraries have significantly reduced the need for physical storage.

  • Replaced by: Sleek, minimalist shelving for décor.
    

    

13. Wired Audio Systems for Outdoor Spaces

• Then: Outdoor speakers were hardwired into patios and backyards.

• Now: Portable Bluetooth speakers offer better flexibility and quality.

  • Replaced by: Wireless outdoor speakers like Sonos Move or JBL models.

Bottom Line: Technology has shifted toward wireless, portable, and multi-functional solutions, making many older systems redundant. Simpler, flexible, and often smarter alternatives dominate modern homes!

Skip the updating when selling - get a full market value cash offer and take the profit when we update it for you!