Furniture that has disappeared in the modern era

China hutches

Modern homes don't really have traditional dining rooms, and without a space for formal entertaining, there's really no need for an oversized cabinet to display fine dishware.

Telephone tables and benches

As they became more common in households between the '30s and '50s, telephone tables also grew in popularity as decorative and functional furniture pieces. Many included a shelf or drawer to store notepads and pens for messages.

Sewing cabinets

These cabinets were quite popular during the Great Depression, as they were an inexpensive furniture option during a financially difficult time.

Stereo cabinets

Hulking cabinets for amplifiers, speakers, and two or three differently formatted players are just not necessary with today's technology. Unless you're a vinyl record enthusiast, of course!

Secretary desks

Also known as secretaires, these were first seen in France during the mid-1700s. The top half had shelves, and the bottom half had larger drawers or cabinets for storage. The middle had a drop-down writing surface, which hid smaller cubbies used for storing paper, pens, and other desk items.

CD storage racks

Remember these? Now that most people digitally download music, an entire family's audio library can fit on a device the size of a wallet. So there's really no need to clutter up the living room corner with this piece of furniture anymore.

Hope chests

The use of hope chests declined throughout the second half of the 20th century. However, some Amish communities maintain the tradition of gifting them to newly married couples.

Washstands

Dating back as early as the 1500s, their popularity continued to grow during the 1800s. However, washstands were ultimately rendered unnecessary as indoor plumbing became more common in households.

Vanity tables

A status symbol, these tables, with an attached mirror, were used by both men and women to store items such as razors, oils, combs, cosmetics, and perfumes.

Rolltop desks

While desks are still necessities, the rolltop variety has proved bulky and prone to maintenance issues. Jean-François Oeben is sometimes credited with designing the original rolltop desk around 1760. The US patent was issued to Abner Cutler of Buffalo in 1882.

Grandfather clocks

English clockmaker William Clement is credited with developing this clock style in 1670. Today, they're kept mainly for their decorative and antique value.

File cabinets

From external drives to cloud-based storage, there are plenty of alternatives to file cabinets in which to store your important documents without taking up storage space in your home.

Waterbeds

Highly popular in the '70s and '80s, although waterbeds were comfortable, they were heavy, difficult to move, and required electricity to regulate their thermostats.

Teapoys

Drawing their name from Hindi and Persian for three-footed, teapoys were small tables, used to store tea. By erroneous association with the word "tea" and the popularity of the beverage, they became big in 19th-century Britain. Made of the finest wood, teapoys were not only functional, but also served as status symbols.

Armoires

Today, many new homes incorporate plenty of closet space, with walk-in or walk-through closets becoming increasingly popular. This has eliminated the need to own an enormous armoire.