30 Vintage Photos That Show Just How Different Life Used to Be

History Nostalgia April 7, 2025

Before everyone was walking around wielding smartphones and being bombarded by a constant stream of notifications, life as we know it was vastly different. From how people dressed and traveled to how they would work and relax, it is remarkable to note just how much life’s picture has changed. This collection of photos aims to offer a window into glimpsing what those earlier decades looked like.

1. At the time this seemed like it was about to completely change the world.

A black and white photo shows two people using a vintage video phone system. Each person holds a phone handset, with screens displaying each other's images. A desk with office items surrounds them.
anonymous

It’s daunting to think on just how far we’ve come.

2. Well, Roomba has certainly had its glow-up.

A woman in a light blue dress stands in a mid-century modern kitchen, looking curiously at a futuristic, robotic vacuum cleaner on the floor. The kitchen features colorful cabinets and a large window with an outdoor view.
slowmovingsloth

Roomba has certainly undergone its own impressive evolution over the years.

3. This dude’s testing early television technology out in New York all the way back in 1959.

A man in a dress shirt adjusts equipment in a vintage electronics lab. The setup includes cables and monitors, with a high voltage warning sign visible. The black-and-white scene suggests a focus on early television or radio technology.
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So many wires, so little time.

4. The vintage car combined with the French mountain pass makes for an iconic look.

A person in a red coat stands beside a vintage car on a narrow, snow-covered mountain road. Towering snowbanks line the path, with majestic snow-capped peaks stretching into the cloudy horizon.
deleted

The French mountain passes possess that timeless beauty.

5. It was a busy day to be out in the bustling London streets of olden times (1960s)

A bustling street scene from the past, featuring people walking and shopping. A colorful, polka-dotted building with the store "Lord John" is prominent. Vintage cars are parked along the street amidst a mix of brick buildings and shop signs.
helloslowly

People were always fitted in the London of the olden days.

6. The haircuts are all on point for that seventies nostalgia

A group of students sit on the floor in a school hallway, leaning against brown lockers. They are casually dressed in 1970s fashion, with denim jackets and patterned tops, and are engaged in conversation, holding books or looking around.

Love some nostalgia for the old days of having to go to school.

7. Look at all those colors

A woman smiles while standing in a clothing store, wearing a colorful floral top and pink pants. She is surrounded by racks of yellow and orange pants. A mannequin in a yellow outfit is visible in the background.
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Especially the sixties and seventies saw all kinds of loud clothing decisions.

8. I’m not sure what’s going on here, but I’m kind of all about it.

A person walking confidently in a stylish, textured jumpsuit with a long, flowing coat. They wear a wide-brimmed hat and white boots. The background features a stone column and glass door. The black-and-white image captures a vintage, avant-garde fashion look.
deleted

This is just the kind of fit that you can’t afford to embrace with nothing short of unwavering confidence.

9. Nothing but love for that vintage seventies fashion.

A group of six stylish people in 1970s fashion pose confidently outdoors. They wear a mix of colorful outfits, including bell-bottoms, dresses, and a fur coat. A building with a pagoda-style roof is in the background.
slowmovingsloth

Every fit here is on point.

10. The guy on the far left really nailed the Bob Ross look

A group photo of ten people in a living room. Some are standing, others are sitting on chairs and on the floor. One person has crutches. There's a cabinet with decorative items in the background and a curtain near the group.
deleted

Bob Ross himself would be brimming with pride.

11. This guy could probably shred on guitar

A man stands playing an acoustic guitar, wearing a shirt with "Lewis" written on it, plaid pants, and sneakers. He is positioned in a doorway with an expression of concentration. The setting appears to be casual and informal.
anonymous

This style of pants might be due for a comeback.

12. Loving the green hair decision

Two people stand together wearing punk-style outfits. One has long, dark hair with colorful accents, while the other sports a vibrant green mohawk. Both are wearing jackets adorned with pins and patches, expressing a bold, alternative fashion.
olditmesofold

Green hair don’t care.

13. Some people fully go for it when they dress up for an outing (1970s)

A person with curly hair and large red sunglasses smiles while wearing a fur coat and plaid scarf. They hold a patterned bag. An older person in a tan coat and hat walks nearby on a bustling street.

So much fur going on here.

14. Let’s bring back the corded phones

A woman with curly hair wearing a pink and purple sweater talks on a red rotary phone while writing. She stands by a wooden table with a bouquet of vibrant flowers and framed photos. The setting appears retro.

Or not. It could be a bit inconvenient.

15. Using phones with a video function back then seemed like it was stolen from the future

A woman in a military uniform sits in a room with a telephone, speaking to a man visible on a small screen. The room has illuminated walls and the man appears to be in uniform. A camera and bright lights are visible.

They’re minds were clearly being blown.

16. He’s clearly in the flow state

A person in a red jacket is using a vintage computer in a cluttered room. The workspace is filled with papers, books, and various items. A white bag hangs on the wall, and a calendar with scenic images is nearby.

Don’t interrupt him. Let him cook.

17. Oh boy, have TVs changed a bit

A woman in a red dress sits beside a vintage television on a stand. The TV has rabbit ear antennas. The room has floral wallpaper and a flower-patterned armchair.
anonymous

Thank goodness for that too.

18. Now that’s a sleek aesthetic

A man in a dark suit and sunglasses stands beside a vintage white scooter, holding a small dog. The background is a plain wall and a patch of ground.
anonymous

That bike must’ve been madly fun to ride around in.

19. London back in the sixties just hit different

Street scene with people walking by a storefront displaying Union Jack flags and signs reading "John Stephen" in bold red letters. A vintage white car with the license plate "ELB964C" is parked on the road. Urban setting with buildings in the background.
hellowslowly

Would love to take a drive around in that car.

20. Telephone booths were the place to be back in the day

A woman in 1960s attire is using a public phone booth on a busy street. She holds a large phone directory while dialing a rotary phone. A building with "ORTH'S" signage is visible in the background, along with cars and pedestrians.
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Not with the phonebook too.

21. It doesn’t look like it’s exactly a good telephone booth call here

A person with curly hair sits on a bicycle, talking on a payphone. They're wearing shorts and a tank top. The scene is set on a street with a parked car and residential buildings in the background. It's a sunny day.
anonymous

That or she’s just tired from another busy day back in the day.

22. Honestly, an iconic hairstyle going on here

A young girl with curly brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a teal blouse under a pink and blue checkered dress. The background is a soft blend of muted colors.
deleted

She seems stoked about it though, so that’s all that matters.

23. Toy stores are always going to be the best, but oh how they’ve changed

A child with curly hair is sitting amongst stacks of Little Tikes toy boxes. The child is wearing a red shirt with suspenders and holding a toy, looking down with one arm raised. The background is filled with colorful toy packaging.
anonymous

This kid’s having their best day.

24. Toy”R”Us was such a destination spot back in the day

A young child in a Mickey Mouse outfit stands next to a person in a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles costume in a store aisle lined with colorful product boxes. Other shoppers are visible in the background.
deleted

Leonardo out there making kids dreams come true.

25. Being a kid and getting a Nintendo was the pinnacle of living

A young child with blond hair sits on a gray carpet, eating at a yellow play table. Toys and a Christmas tree are visible in the background, along with a TV and a wooden cabinet. The child is smiling and wearing a sweater and green suspenders.
anonymous

And they have the snacks.

26. The boombox was such a vibe back in the day

Young boy in sunglasses and a striped polo shirt holds a boombox and poses with one hand pointing. Two spray paint cans are on the boombox. Graffiti covers the wall behind him. He stands on a leaf-strewn path.
anonymous

Probably playing all the jams.

27. The sunglasses here are on a whole another level

A black and white photo shows a group of young people on an urban street. Three are wearing futuristic visors and hold a large boombox. The background includes buildings, a fire escape, and more people. The scene is lively and energetic.
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Seriously though, those sunglasses might’ve shot laserbeams.

28. A thin screen TV is showcased back in 1961

A woman in a patterned dress adjusts an old-fashioned console television. The TV, with wooden casing and a reflective screen, stands on angled legs. Curtain backdrop. Black and white photo.

Wow, quite, quite impressive.

29. This sailor’s trying his best stuff out at a taxi dance hall in Honolulu in 1945

A sailor in uniform talks to three women seated in a room with a "Reserved for Girls Only" sign. The women are dressed in 1940s style, with one holding a cigarette. The setting suggests a dance or social gathering.
susoutthemoon

He’s going for it, and it seems like he’s not fully striking out.

30. The hairstyles are the giveaway that this is a throwback dance moment

A group of people dance in a room with green and yellow patterned carpet and yellow walls. Some women wear white and yellow dresses, while men are in suits. There's a chandelier above and chairs lined against the wall.
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It was a glorious night to be on the ballroom dance floor.

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