Landline Phones Are the New Gen Z Design Obsession
Just when you thought rotary phones had been relegated to the prop department, Gen Z has dialed back in. Landlines are trending—and not because they’re useful in an emergency. They’re definite design elements. TikTok is overflowing with vintage phones that are less about making a call and more about making a statement.
Nicole Randone, also known as Miss 2005 on TikTok is the proud owner of a purple Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen–branded landline telephone first sold in 2003. It fits right into her bedroom, where the theme is early 2000s nostalgi. She’s also got a Motorola flip phone, a CD player (and tons of CDs), and what looks like a few Barbie Dreamhouses—as well as a laudable collection of print magazines.
Meanwhile, brooktheshopaholic shares her excitement. “I just made my childhood dreams come true with a landline phone from Amazon for $17, tee hee,” she says in a video showing off her new baby pink landline AT&T corded phone. Although it doesn’t actually work and is purely decorative—a taxidermy phone, if you will—she has it mounted prominently on the wall, where it adds to her mostly pink decor.
The nostalgia extends to character designs. A TikTok video posted by Makaroni Pony features a bright pink heart-shaped Disney Princess landline. Similarly, sunnyxjpg posted a video explaining how to get ahold of a Hello Kitty landline phone—and showing off how hers lights up when a call comes in. TikTok user webkinzyohoho shared a video of installing a Garfield phone, complete with the classic feature where Garfield’s eyes open when you lift the receiver. It’s a fun and nostalgic addition that brings a smile to any viewer’s face.
And, oh, the novelty doesn’t stop at mere colors and characters and cords. Some of these phones would make Salvador Dalí proud.
Why Landlines Are Back
Maybe it’s the much-needed break from screen time. Maybe it’s the tactile satisfaction of slamming down the receiver. Maybe it’s the charm of sitting in one spot for a conversation, anchored by a curly cord, instead of pacing around with a smartphone.
As rotary phone collector Andrew Nodell from Brooklyn tells House Beautiful, “I’ve always been fascinated by the conversations that may have happened through them—news of weddings, war, love, and loss. We’re so distracted by screens these days, so having a focused chat on my corded phone is refreshing. Plus, the design and colors.”
This isn’t the first technology Gen Z has rejected. The Instagram account @wireditgirls, which arguably peaked in 2021 when celebrities like Bella Hadid were spotted wearing wired headphones instead of more technologically advanced ear pods, is still going strong. There’s something modern (and honestly super appealing) about rejecting the millennial ideal of being connected and reachable at all times.
Phones as Design Elements
In the world of home design, these phones are more than functional. They’re focal points and conversation starters.
“Like all things in design, the good things make a comeback, and the rotary phone is one of those items,” Lindsay Joyce, interior designer with 3F Living, says. “I’m sure you’ve noticed the surge of Art Deco–inspired items on the marketplace, and the rollout of the rotary phone is a hot accessory.”
Joyce adds, “From the pops of seafoam, citron, and Barbie pink to the vintage candlestick, a rotary phone is a great addition to any space. Not only is it functional, but it adds interest and something to talk about when people come over from all generations.”
How to Connect a Landline Phone to WiFi
Nodell has found a workaround to avoid paying an old-fashioned phone bill on top of internet service: “I connect my phone to my modem with a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) box linked to a Google Voice account, so I don’t have to pay for monthly phone service.”
Just be forewarned that your rotary phone won’t dial out on modern networks without a pulse-to-tone converter like Dialgizmo. It’s a good idea to have a touchtone phone on hand to set up your VoIP network before connecting the rotary one too.
If you’re looking to give your living space a hint of nostalgia, consider adding a landline. It’s useful, it’s relaxing, and—best of all—no one expects you to be on 24/7.
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