Accessories & Furnishings
What Is "Boomer Junk"?
Photo by Fatih Özer, Pexels
Accessories & Furnishings
What Is "Boomer Junk"?
Those family heirlooms may not be your style...
For centuries, people have passed down the belongings that meant the most to them. We often feel compelled to keep the old china or tchotchkes because they hold sentimental value. But while we loved great-aunt Hana, we may not have loved her decor style.
What is "Boomer Junk"?
"Boomer junk" is the now-common phrase younger generations use to describe the possessions Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) tend to hold onto and pass down. These pieces are usually very obviously Boomer-like, meaning they reflect the time period and decorating styles of said era.
Common examples of "Boomer Junk":
- Themed kitchen decor (roosters, grapes, etc.)
- Decorative plates
- China setts
- Ornate furniture
- Figurines
Boomers are often children of parents who lived through the Great Depression, who lived with need-based fear. As Boomers begin to downsize, they pass on these objects to their family and friends with the intent of sharing something valuable—the hard part is realizing what one person finds valuable, another may not.
Not all boomer junk is junk
Just like minimalism or the colour beige, there's a time and place for everything. And if something was in style once, it usually comes back around again. While we are aware that the word 'junk' may have a negative connotation, the phrase is more of a colloquial term used humorously. Nostalgia has its place, and you're definitely allowed to keep something for "the memories," the hard part is figuring out what is truly important to you and what is just...well, junk.
Read Now: Retro, Vintage, Antique: What's The Difference?
Some home decor trends we're seeing right now actually use "Boomer junk," or at least take inspiration from it. Over the past year, many designers have incorporated fruit-themed decor into the home. I immediately think of the glass grapes my Nana used to have in her dining room and wish I had them now to put in the centre of my table.
In the end, deciding what is worth keeping versus letting go of comes down to a conversation between the giver and the receiver. It's important to validate feelings while also being practical—we didn't say it was easy! The next time you find yourself navigating family heirlooms you just can't keep, try offering to make an audio recording of the memories associated with that item. An oral report can hold a lot of value because that person's voice won't be around forever. And when you decide you'd rather see something than not, then you can keep it with a guilt-free conscience.
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