What Boomers Keep That Most Younger Homeowners Have Ditched

Formal Dining Rooms Still in Use

While open floor plans are all the rage among millennials and Gen Z, baby boomers are holding onto their formal dining rooms. According to a 2024 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey, over 65% of boomers say they regularly use a separate dining room, compared to just 32% of younger homeowners. For many boomers, these spaces are tied to tradition—think family dinners, holiday gatherings, and a sense of ceremony. Younger generations, meanwhile, prefer flexible layouts that blend cooking, eating, and relaxing into one big space. Real estate agents have noted that boomers are less likely to renovate these rooms, seeing them as essential rather than outdated. This generational divide isn’t just about design, but also about how home is defined and experienced. The formal dining room, for boomers, is a symbol of togetherness that’s hard to let go.

Collectible China Cabinets on Display

Walk into a boomer’s home and you’re likely to see a classic china cabinet loaded with heirloom dishes and glassware. In a 2023 Pew Research Center report, 58% of boomers surveyed said they still own and use a china cabinet, a figure that drops below 20% for homeowners under 40. Many boomers see these pieces as family history, with collections passed down through generations. Younger homeowners, on the other hand, often view them as bulky and impractical, favoring minimalist shelves or open storage. The trend in resale and thrift stores backs this up, with a surge in donated cabinets as younger families clear out inherited furniture. For boomers, though, these cabinets are more than storage—they’re a showcase for memory and tradition. The emotional value attached to these items makes them difficult to part with, even as decorating trends shift.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Remains Popular

Though hardwood floors and sleek tiles dominate Instagram and TikTok home tours, wall-to-wall carpeting is still a staple in many boomer homes. The U.S. Flooring Market Report for 2024 found that 59% of homeowners over 60 prefer carpeted living spaces, citing comfort and warmth as their main reasons. Younger homeowners are far less likely to install carpet, with only 21% saying they’d choose it for primary living areas. Carpet cleaning companies report a steady business from older clients, while younger ones often ask for removal and replacement. Health and allergy concerns also play a role, with boomers less likely to have young children crawling on floors or worry about dust mites. The tactile comfort and noise reduction of carpet remain selling points for the older generation, even as trends lean toward hard surfaces.

Paper Files and Home Offices Full of Documents

Despite the rise of digital everything, boomers are far more likely to keep physical paperwork and file cabinets at home. The Federal Reserve’s 2023 Survey of Consumer Finances notes that 72% of boomers keep paper records for taxes, medical bills, and legal documents, versus just 28% of millennials and Gen Z. Many boomers grew up filing away receipts and statements, trusting paper more than the cloud. Younger homeowners, meanwhile, have migrated to digital storage, scanning or snapping photos of documents and ditching bulky file drawers. Privacy concerns and a lack of tech-savviness can also keep boomers attached to paper. Shredding companies have reported a spike in requests from boomers who finally decide to downsize, but often, rooms or closets full of paper linger for years. For them, paper is proof—real, tangible, and reliable.

Dedicated Guest Rooms

Boomers are famous for keeping a fully furnished guest room ready, even if it’s rarely used. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2024 home utilization data, 63% of boomers report maintaining a dedicated guest bedroom, compared to just 19% of younger homeowners. Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to convert spare rooms into offices, gyms, or hobby spaces, maximizing every square foot. The boomer approach often comes from a lifetime of hosting family, friends, and grandkids, making the guest room a symbol of hospitality. In contrast, younger buyers are often squeezed by higher home prices and smaller spaces, leaving no room for single-use areas. Real estate listings targeting boomers highlight guest accommodations, while those aimed at younger buyers focus on multipurpose rooms. The guest room, for older homeowners, remains a matter of pride and readiness.

Full-Sized Appliances and Extra Freezers

While compact kitchens and energy-efficient gadgets are trending with the younger crowd, boomers are sticking with full-sized appliances—and sometimes even a second freezer in the garage. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers’ 2023 study found that 54% of boomers own a secondary freezer or fridge, a rate nearly double that of homeowners under 40. This habit often ties back to bulk shopping at warehouse clubs, home cooking, and a desire for preparedness. Younger generations prioritize space-saving and eco-friendly devices, sometimes even forgoing dishwashers or oversized ovens. Boomers, however, value the convenience and security of ample storage for food and leftovers, especially after living through supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. Their kitchens are often designed for big family meals, not just quick snacks.

Heavy Wood Furniture and Antiques

Solid wood dining sets, ornate dressers, and antique sideboards are still centerpieces in many boomer homes. According to the 2024 Furniture Trends Report, 62% of homeowners over 60 prefer traditional, heavy furniture, while less than 25% of younger homeowners say the same. Estate sale organizers report that it’s increasingly difficult to rehome these pieces, as millennials and Gen Z opt for lighter, modular, and often flat-pack furniture. Boomers associate weight and craftsmanship with quality and permanence, often refusing to swap them for modern alternatives. Younger buyers, facing frequent moves and smaller spaces, prioritize portability and ease of assembly. The generational gap is stark—what one group sees as timeless, the other views as cumbersome. These heirloom items, for boomers, are investments in both comfort and legacy.

Printed Photographs and Framed Family Portraits

Despite the ubiquity of smartphones and cloud storage, boomers still display physical photos throughout their homes. A 2023 Harris Poll found that 71% of baby boomers have multiple framed family photos on display, compared to just 34% of millennials and Gen Z. For boomers, a wall of photographs is a daily reminder of loved ones and milestones. Younger homeowners tend to store memories digitally, sharing pictures on social media or saving them to their phones. Photo printing services report a steady decline in younger customers, with most orders coming from those over 60. The tactile experience of holding and viewing a printed photo is deeply valued by the older generation, who often see it as more meaningful than a swipe on a screen. These displays transform houses into homes, creating a visible history for all who enter.

Large Book Collections and Personal Libraries

Boomers are much more likely to maintain shelves brimming with books, from classic novels to encyclopedias. The American Library Association’s 2024 statistics show that 68% of boomers have a personal library or bookshelf, compared to only 29% of younger homeowners. E-books and audiobooks are convenient for younger generations, who value portability and minimalism. Boomers, however, see books as cherished objects, often with sentimental inscriptions or treasured memories attached. Used bookstores report that most of their in-store traffic comes from older adults, while younger readers buy digital copies. There’s also a sense of identity and comfort in a room full of books—a tangible connection to knowledge and the past. For boomers, the personal library is both decoration and sanctuary.

Traditional Clocks and Landline Phones

Even as smart home devices and smartphones take over, many boomers still use wall clocks, grandfather clocks, and landline phones. According to the Consumer Technology Association’s 2024 survey, 57% of boomers have an active landline, while only 9% of millennials do. Clocks, whether decorative or functional, are common in boomer homes, serving as both timekeepers and family heirlooms. Landlines persist due to reliability, emergency use, and long-standing habits. Younger homeowners rely almost exclusively on mobile devices, often viewing landlines as obsolete. For boomers, these items are familiar and comforting, representing stability in a rapidly changing world. The ticking of a clock or the ring of a phone is more than background noise—it’s the sound of home.