Vintage Family Handyman Covers from the ‘80s

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.

Speaking of plumbing, here are 30 secrets a plumber won’t tell you.

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.

Plus, check out our top favorite famous handymen/women.

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.

Fall 1983 Cover

Life can be chaotic but we’ve always found ways to make your home stylish and efficient, like this from 1983. Plus, check out these home design trends that will take over in 2020.

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 100 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.

Up next, check out what living rooms in the ‘80s really looked like.

For more of our amazing vintage Family Handyman content, visit our 70th Anniversary Page.