Millennials are known for embracing new trends, but they’re also reviving old-fashioned habits—especially when it comes to home life. Whether it’s a love of slow-living or a reaction to digital burnout, these age-old rituals are making a comeback in unexpected ways. What once seemed outdated is now being reimagined with fresh style and modern intention. Here are twelve vintage habits that Millennials are bringing back—often with a twist.
1. Line Drying Clothes
Instead of tossing everything into the dryer, many Millennials are turning to clotheslines and drying racks. It’s a nostalgic habit with eco-friendly benefits, including reduced energy use and longer-lasting garments. According to the Art of Simple, line drying can save the average household more than $100 per year. For those living in small spaces or apartments, collapsible indoor racks are an increasingly popular solution.
Beyond practicality, there’s a mindfulness to this ritual that aligns with the slower-living values of many young adults. Folding sun-dried clothes becomes an almost meditative act. It also softens clothing without the use of dryer sheets. What was once seen as a chore is now considered intentional living.
2. Canning and Preserving Food
Home canning used to be a necessity during times of scarcity, but now it’s a conscious lifestyle choice. Millennials are embracing the practice to reduce waste, connect with their food, and stock their pantries with homemade goodness. The National Center for Home Food Preservation has seen a notable uptick in site traffic and interest since 2020. Fermenting, pickling, and preserving are no longer old-fashioned—they’re fashionable.
This return to DIY food storage fits the millennial ethos of sustainability and self-sufficiency. It also satisfies a creative itch, with jars of vibrant produce doubling as kitchen decor. Friends often share or gift their preserves, creating new forms of connection. The trend brings both flavor and nostalgia to the table.
3. Growing Houseplants from Cuttings
Instead of buying pricey potted plants, many Millennials are turning to propagation. Growing houseplants from cuttings is both a money-saving trick and a rewarding ritual. According to NPR, indoor gardening has surged in popularity among adults under 40. Sharing cuttings has even become a form of modern-day neighborliness or friendship.
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching roots form and new growth emerge. Propagation stations and glass jars now double as home decor. It also allows plant lovers to curate personalized, thriving indoor jungles. This revived ritual feels both timeless and therapeutic.
4. Hosting Sunday Dinners
Millennials are bringing back the tradition of regular family-style meals with friends or roommates. These dinners emphasize connection, cooking, and quality time—values that have only grown in importance since the pandemic. A Bon Appétit article highlighted how communal meals are replacing bar nights for many young professionals. The vibe is casual but intentional, and the food is often home-cooked.
While older generations may recall formal dining, the modern Sunday dinner is flexible and fun. It’s about showing up, not showing off. Themes, potlucks, or comfort foods often take center stage. The ritual strengthens bonds in a world where screens dominate.
5. Making the Bed Every Morning
This simple act is being reclaimed as a grounding start to the day. Millennials are finding that a tidy bed leads to a clearer head. It sets a productive tone and instantly makes a room feel more peaceful. Even minimalist spaces benefit from the sense of order.
The ritual doesn’t require fancy linens or hospital corners. A few fluffed pillows and a pulled-up duvet will do. For many, it’s the first mindful habit of the morning. It’s a tiny win that builds momentum for the rest of the day.
6. Lighting Candles for Ambiance
Candles used to be a fallback during power outages, but now they’re a mood-setting essential. Millennials love using candles to mark transitions, wind down in the evening, or make routines feel special. Scented varieties create spa-like moments in everyday spaces. Unscented tapers are also making a comeback for simple elegance.
Lighting a candle during dinner, reading, or journaling elevates the experience. It’s a visual cue that says, “slow down.” Many enjoy supporting small candle businesses or making their own. This small flicker of ritual feels warm and purposeful.
7. Displaying China or Dishware
Instead of hiding fancy plates in the cabinet, some Millennials are putting them on display. Open shelving, plate walls, and eclectic hutches are making antique and heirloom dishware part of home decor. Even thrifted finds or mismatched sets are being embraced for their charm. It’s less about formality and more about beauty.
People are tired of saving things “for someday.” These dishes tell stories and add character to modern interiors. They invite people to actually use and enjoy what they own. It’s a meaningful twist on tradition.
8. Handwriting Notes and Letters
In a digital age, putting pen to paper feels surprisingly special. Millennials are reviving the art of handwritten thank-you cards, birthday letters, and journal entries. They value the personal touch and slowness of this analog form. Even basic stationery has gained new popularity.
Writing by hand helps people feel more present and expressive. It turns communication into a keepsake. Whether it’s a letter to a grandparent or a note left on a partner’s pillow, it adds heart. This ritual proves that old-fashioned doesn’t mean outdated.
9. Having a Signature Scent at Home
Just as someone might have a signature perfume, many Millennials now curate a scent for their space. Whether it’s a specific candle, diffuser oil, or incense, scent has become a form of identity. Homes that smell like eucalyptus, cedar, or lavender evoke a strong sense of place. Guests remember it—and so do the people who live there.
The scent is often chosen to reflect mood, season, or memory. It turns even studio apartments into intentional sanctuaries. This ritual combines sensory pleasure with self-expression. It’s an invisible detail that leaves a lasting impression.
10. Using Cloth Napkins
Single-use paper products are falling out of favor, and cloth napkins are stepping back into the spotlight. Millennials enjoy the environmental benefits, but also the little touch of luxury. It’s a small way to make everyday meals feel a bit more special. Linen or cotton napkins don’t just clean—they charm.
They’re easy to wash and endlessly reusable. People pair them with everyday dishes, not just special occasions. This simple habit makes meals feel more grounded and mindful. What was once considered old-school is now aspirational.
11. Decorating with Family Photos
Millennials are displaying printed photos again, bringing warmth and nostalgia into their homes. Unlike digital galleries, framed photos make personal history tangible. Walls, shelves, and photo ledges are becoming storytelling spaces. It’s about honoring roots and memories in a meaningful way.
Even Polaroids and vintage prints are making a comeback. These displays remind people of what matters most. They create homes that feel lived-in and full of love. In a screen-heavy world, real photos feel refreshing.
12. Caring for Linens and Bedding
Properly washing, folding, and storing linens has become a conscious ritual. Millennials are learning how to care for sheets, duvet covers, and towels to extend their life. They’re embracing lavender sachets, natural detergents, and storage baskets. It’s part of the broader movement toward intentional living.
No longer just tossed in a closet, linens are treated with care. Folding becomes almost ceremonial, and quality is prioritized over quantity. The experience of a freshly made bed or well-kept towel feels indulgent. It’s a quiet ritual that brings calm and order to daily life.
