The 70s were a time of bold colors and unique designs that really made an impact on home decor. From shag carpeting to vibrant wallpaper, the era was all about making a statement.
Some trends have quietly faded away, while others remain as nostalgic reminders of a different time. Think macramé wall hangings, sunken living rooms, and avocado green appliances.
While some of these choices might seem a bit outlandish now, they were a huge part of the 70s vibe. It’s fun to look back and see how design has evolved, even if some of these trends never quite left our memories.
1. Wood Paneling
Back than, walls were wrapped in wooden attire, giving rooms a snug, forest-like ambiance. It was a favorite among homeowners for its ability to infuse warmth and natural appeal.
The charm of wood paneling lay in its ability to transform any space into a rustic retreat. Whether in the kitchen or the basement, it added a touch of nature’s embrace.
It’s fascinating to think how this earthy trend made its mark and then silently slipped away, leaving only a legacy of groovy vibes behind.
2. Avocado Green Appliances
Color of guacamole, these appliances were the toast of every household. The 1970s were painted in avocado green, from refrigerators to stoves.
It was a bold choice that brought a unique flair to kitchens, making everyday cooking a vibrant affair. A true icon of its time, it symbolized the adventurous spirit of the era.
The green machines may have lost their hue, but their legacy lingers on, a testament to the daring decor choices of the past.
3. Shag Carpeting
That thick, fluffy jungle underfoot turned every step into a full-body experience. Vacuuming it was basically a cardio workout and good luck finding your keys once they disappeared into the pile.
But in the 70s, it was the height of luxury. Bedrooms, living rooms, even bathrooms, no space was safe from the shag takeover.
It came in colors nature never intended, and somehow made it work. These days, it’s mostly a punchline, but deep down, we all miss those fuzzy floors just a little.
4. Sunken Living Rooms
Gather round the pit, where conversations flowed as easily as the design. Sunken living rooms were all the rage, offering an intimate space for family gatherings.
The allure lay in its distinctiveness, a break from traditional room layouts. It was a cozy nook that invited relaxation and connection.
Even though the floors have risen since then, the memories of these sunken spaces still float in the architectural ether.
5. Macramé Wall Hangings
Macramé really had a moment in the 70s. You couldn’t walk into a house without spotting some kind of knotted masterpiece hanging on the wall like it paid rent.
It wasn’t just decor, it was a whole vibe. All those loops and knots gave rooms a cozy, boho touch that whispered I probably own a fern. People loved the handcrafted feel, like their walls had hobbies.
A lot of those old hangings are gathering dust now, but the charm’s still there, tangled up in nostalgia and maybe one too many fringe tassels.
6. Beaded Curtains
Step through a portal of beads into a world of whimsy and charm. Beaded curtains were the quintessential doorway accessory in the 1970s.
They turned ordinary entrances into playful passages, adding a touch of mystery and fun. The gentle clatter of beads became the soundtrack of a bygone era.
Though the beads may have scattered, the playful spirit of these curtains continues to jingle on in our memories.
7. Conversation Pits
You haven’t truly lived until you’ve tried climbing out of a conversation pit without looking awkward. These sunken living room spots were the social hotspots of the 70s.
Designed to bring people closer, literally, they turned small talk into an Olympic event of eye contact. Everything about them screamed let’s connect, even if it meant tripping on the way in.
Sure, our chats have moved to group texts and comment sections, but those cozy little pits still echo with the spirit of togetherness… and maybe a few stubbed toes.
8. Earth Tone Color Palettes
The world turned a shade of brown, orange, and mustard, enveloping homes in earthy warmth. Earth tone color palettes dominated the 1970s, creating a sense of grounded harmony.
These hues brought a natural calmness, reminiscent of autumn leaves and desert landscapes. It was a palette that embraced simplicity and connection to nature.
By than, trends have shifted, the soothing essence of these colors continues to resonate in modern design.
9. Popcorn Ceilings
Texture took to the skies with the introduction of popcorn ceilings. These bumpy surfaces added a unique dimension to rooms in the 1970s.
They were more than just a decorative choice, they were a practical solution to hide imperfections. The ceiling came alive with a cloud-like texture.
While many have since been smoothed away, the memory of popcorn ceilings continues to pop up every now and then.
10. Mirrored Walls
Reflections became a part of daily life with mirrored walls, adding depth and glamour to 1970s interiors. They turned ordinary rooms into expansive spaces.
The magic of mirrors lay in their ability to play with light and perception, creating an illusion of grandeur. They were the era’s answer to spatial challenges.
Though many mirrors have since been replaced, their reflective charm still glitters in design lore.
11. Wicker Furniture
Back in the 70s, this stuff was everywhere. Light enough to move with one hand, stylish enough to look intentional, and cozy enough to nap in without judgment.
Those woven patterns weren’t just decorative. They whispered chill vibes and maybe a little Stevie Nicks. Sure, design trends have come and gone like disco, but wicker? It’s held on.
Today, it still brings that easygoing charm, proving once again that what’s light, breezy, and full of holes can still hold it all together.
12. Mushroom Motifs
Sprouting up in kitchens and living rooms, mushroom motifs were the quirky trend of the 1970s. These fungi-inspired designs added a playful touch to decor.
From cookie jars to wallpaper, mushrooms brought a whimsical flair that captured the imagination. They were a nod to nature’s less traditional forms.
Though no longer a dominant theme, the mushroom’s quirky charm occasionally makes a comeback in retro revivals.
13. Wall-To-Wall Carpeting
Cover every inch with plushness, for wall-to-wall carpeting was the ultimate in cozy flooring choices. The 1970s saw rooms enveloped in a sea of fabric.
It was flooring that promised warmth and comfort, absorbing sound and adding a touch of luxury. Its presence was felt in every corner of the home.
Even though hardwoods have staged a comeback, the memory of those carpeted expanses remains underfoot.
14. Lucite Furniture
Invisible yet impactful, lucite furniture swept through 1970s homes, offering a modern twist to traditional pieces. Its transparency was its unique selling point.
Lucite’s clear appeal lay in its ability to blend seamlessly with any decor, providing an illusion of space and lightness. It was furniture with a futuristic flair.
Though not as prevalent today, the ghostly elegance of lucite still lightly haunts interior design.
15. Velvet Upholstery
Soft, sumptuous, and slightly decadent, velvet upholstery was the fabric of choice in the 1970s. It draped furniture in a layer of tactile luxury.
The rich texture of velvet added a touch of opulence to any room, transforming mundane seating into a plush escape. It was the era’s answer to comfort and style.
Velvet may have taken a back seat in recent years, but its indulgent allure is far from forgotten.
16. Bold Floral Wallpaper
Walls bloomed with florals, as bold floral wallpaper took center stage in 1970s decor. It was a celebration of color and pattern.
These eye-catching designs brought a touch of nature indoors, infusing rooms with energy and life. It was wallpaper that made a statement without uttering a word.
Though many have opted for more subdued designs, the floral extravagance of the past still blossoms in memory.
17. Waterbeds
Float away on gentle waves, for waterbeds were the sleeping sensation of the 1970s. They offered a unique experience, unlike any traditional mattress.
The allure lay in the bed’s ability to conform to the body’s shape, providing a floating sensation that was both novel and relaxing. It was the ultimate in sleep innovation.
Though the tide has turned towards firmer options, the memory of waterbeds still flows in nostalgic currents.
18. Hanging Chairs
Swing into relaxation with hanging chairs, the playful seating choice of the 1970s. These suspended seats added an element of fun and freedom to any space.
Their unique design offered a cozy cocoon for reading, lounging, or daydreaming, making them a favorite among the young and young-at-heart.
They are not widely seen today, the whimsical charm of hanging chairs still dangles in the background of design history.