Vintage Family Handyman Covers from the ‘80s
Updated: Apr. 19, 2022To celebrate Family Handyman's 70th anniversary, take a look back at these vintage Family Handyman covers from the 1980s.
1980 Winter Cover
As energy and fuel costs rose in the late ’70s and early ’80s, people began looking for new ways to save energy. This February 1980 issue of the magazine featured a home where we traced energy consumption down to the last watt. It was estimated then that earth-sheltered homes could reduce heating and cooling costs by 50 to 85 percent.
Plus, check out these vintage home trends that will take you way back.
Fall 1981 Cover
Let’s just say we’ve been solving home emergencies for a long time, and many involve plumbing. Seems like sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Winter 1981 Cover
The cover of our March 1981 issue featured a young Geraldo Rivera! Before becoming a tabloid talk show host and Fox News contributor, Rivera was a Peabody Award-winning investigative reporter for WABC-TV in New York and the ABC Network.
Summer 1981 Cover
In 1981 we described how to find and fix the perfect restorable house. Here are the pros and cons of renovating an old house.
Winter 1982 Cover
Women DIYers have carved a powerful space for themselves in the workshop. Find out more about a few of our favorite female DIYers and why we love them so much.
Fall 1982 Cover
Whether it’s painting the interior of a home or finding the right carpet, we’ve had the ideas homeowners have wanted to see for years, like these projects from 1982.
Winter 1983 Cover
In 1983 we highlighted an environmentally friendly shed that used solar power. These are the things solar panel makers don’t want you to know.
Summer 1984 Cover
By 1984 the Family Handyman increased its newsstand price to $1.75. This issue of the magazine is all about making rooms that families can enjoy.
Fall 1985 Cover
The September 1985 issue of the magazine featured a whole house repair manual. Here are some home repairs you don’t need to call a pro for.
Fall 1986 Cover
Doesn’t this sunroom from our September 1986 cover look relaxing? Plus, check out these 14 ways to add space to your home that won’t break the bank.
Summer 1987 Cover
This 1987 issue of the magazine featured brilliant ways to convert your attic space, how to prevent moisture problems in in the bathroom, and how to take the guesswork out of finishing furniture.
Spring 1988 Cover
Sometimes it’s better to know someone with a hot tub rather than have your own. Or not. Back in ’88 we showed you how to complete a spa-deck.
Summer 1989 Cover
Sold for $1.95 cents in 1989, this issue of the magazine taught you how to construct a library room. Here’s how to build a classic floor-to-ceiling bookcase.
Fall 1989 Cover
The ’80s brought us loads of interesting décor choices, and this white-and-red color combo is one of the more subdued designs. Red and white color schemes were rampant in the ’80s. Remember red-framed glasses? They’re making a modest comeback.
For more of our amazing vintage Family Handyman content, visit our 70th Anniversary Page.