10 Things Found in Every 70s Basement or Den That Bring Back Great Memories

Basements and dens in the 1970s featured cozy elements like bean bag chairs, wood paneling, rotary phones, shag carpets, and lava lamps, defining the era's unique style.

Ever wonder why basements and dens in the 1970s felt so different from the rest of the house? You’re definitely not the only one. These were the places where families came together, kids made memories, and friends just hung out for hours.

They had a certain style—kind of cozy, kind of funky—that you just can’t fake these days.

It’s wild how so many of the same things popped up in almost every 70s basement or den, shaping the whole mood and daily life. Just thinking about these items gives you a window into what made that decade tick.

1) Bean Bag Chairs

A cozy 1970s basement or den with colorful bean bag chairs, a lava lamp, record player, shag carpet, rotary phone, board games, plants, a retro TV, and books on shelves.

If you hung out in a 70s basement or den, you probably flopped onto a bean bag chair at some point. They were soft, squishy, and just begged you to relax. Those little beads inside made them fit your shape every time.

Honestly, getting out of one could be a struggle. Bean bags felt fun and a bit rebellious compared to stiff old couches. They screamed, “We’re here to chill.”

Toss a few bean bags around, and suddenly the room felt way more inviting. If you picture a classic 70s hangout, you’ll see kids and friends sprawled across these things, laughing and talking for hours.

bean bag chairs in the 70s

2) Wood Paneling Walls

A cozy basement or den with wood paneling walls and ten typical 1970s items including a lava lamp, old television, rotary phone, shag carpet, bean bag chair, record player, board games, floor lamp, sports trophies, and a rock band poster.

You can’t skip wood paneling walls when you talk about a 70s basement or den. Those dark, grooved panels covered nearly every wall back then. They made the room feel warm and a little snug, even if it got a bit dim.

Game nights and TV marathons usually happened in these cozy, paneled rooms. The wood backdrop made everything feel more relaxed and lived-in.

It might not have been the brightest decor, but somehow, it added tons of character. There’s something about those textured walls that just screams “home.”

Want to see more of that classic look? Check out homes that still rock the 70s wood paneling style.

3) Rotary Dial Phone

A 1970s basement or den with a rotary dial phone on a side table surrounded by a lava lamp, record player, shag carpet, wood-paneled walls, bean bag chair, rotary fan, books, retro TV, and a psychedelic poster.

Remember the click and whir of a rotary dial phone? To make a call, you’d stick your finger in the right hole and spin the dial all the way around. It took a little patience, but that was just part of it.

Rotary phones came in wild colors like avocado green or harvest gold. They sat on a side table, always ready for you to call a friend or check in with family.

If you messed up a number, you had to start again—no shortcuts. Still, everyone had one, and it was a big part of staying connected. That slow, steady clicking sound sticks with you if you grew up in that era.

Find out more about why rotary phones were so special at this page about rotary phones and their history.

4) Shag Carpet Flooring

A 1970s basement or den with orange shag carpet, wood-paneled walls, a lava lamp, vintage television, rotary phone, record player, bean bag chair, board games, stereo speakers, macramé plant, and a small bar cart.

You’d step into a 70s basement or den and instantly feel the thick, squishy shag carpet. That plush flooring was all about comfort. It made the whole space feel perfect for lounging or hanging out with friends.

Shag carpet came in every color—earthy browns, wild oranges, you name it. The soft, deep pile even muffled footsteps and voices, turning the basement into a private little world.

Vacuuming it wasn’t exactly fun. All those long fibers trapped crumbs and dirt, so keeping it clean took some effort. Still, the cozy, retro look was worth it. Check out more about shag carpets at 70s shag carpet: Get cozy with this deep & plush vintage decor trend.

5) Lava Lamp

No 70s basement or den felt complete without a lava lamp. Those bright blobs of wax drifted and stretched inside their glass tubes, casting a gentle, colorful light.

You’d usually find a lava lamp glowing on a table or shelf, adding a mellow vibe to the room. It was perfect for chilling out or just zoning out with friends.

People loved how the slow-moving wax made everything feel relaxed and just a bit trippy. Even now, original lava lamps are pretty popular with collectors.

Want more on this classic? Check out dailyfetch.net for the lava lamp’s place in 70s home décor.

6) Record Player

A 1970s basement or den featuring a record player surrounded by a lava lamp, rotary phone, vinyl records, shag carpet, bean bag chair, tube television, fan, board game, and wood shelves with books.

Back then, the record player was the heart of any basement or den. You’d gather around to play your favorite vinyl records, maybe with a few friends or just by yourself.

The soft crackle of the needle hitting the record gave the music a special feel. It was different from anything else.

Record players often came with big speakers or were tucked inside console cabinets. You could spin rock, disco, or whatever you loved most. It was about sharing the music and the moment.

Having a record player turned your space into a real hangout. source

7) Brown Floral Wallpaper

A 1970s basement or den with brown floral wallpaper, a vintage TV, rotary phone, shaggy rug, lava lamp, bean bag chair, vinyl records and player, bookshelf with books and games, rotary fan, floor lamp, and a bar cart.

Walk into a 70s basement or den and you’d probably see brown floral wallpaper everywhere. It was super popular. Those warm brown shades and bold flower patterns made the room feel cozy and a little wild.

The prints were busy, sure, but they gave the space real personality. People wanted their basements to feel inviting, not boring, and this wallpaper did the trick.

Even now, brown floral wallpaper brings back that retro vibe. If you’re after a throwback look, it’s a solid choice. Find more examples of this style in 70s floral wallpaper.

8) Plastic Slipcovers on Sofas

A 1970s basement with a plastic-covered sofa surrounded by vintage decor including wood-paneled walls, shag carpet, a lava lamp, a rotary phone, vinyl records, and a television set.

You can’t forget the clear plastic covers stretched tight over the sofas. They protected the couch from spills, stains, and all the roughhousing that happened in the basement.

Sitting on them was… interesting. The plastic squeaked, sometimes felt cold or sticky, and usually stayed on way longer than anyone planned.

People used plastic slipcovers because they wanted to keep their nice furniture looking new. It might not have been the comfiest choice, but hey, it did the job. That crinkly sound when you sat down? Unforgettable. plastic slipcovers on furniture

9) Ashtrays on Tables

Ashtrays sat on almost every table in a 70s basement or den. Back then, smoking was just part of hanging out, so ashtrays were everywhere—practical and, weirdly, decorative.

You’d see all kinds—glass, ceramic, some with wild designs. Sometimes they were conversation starters all by themselves.

Having ashtrays out showed guests they could relax and stay awhile. Most families just left them out, ready for whoever stopped by.

Want to dive deeper into this piece of 70s life? Check out more about ashtrays on tables in homes of that era.

10) Foosball Table

A 1970s basement or den with a foosball table surrounded by a lava lamp, wood-paneled TV, rotary phone, shag rug, bean bag chair, vinyl records with player, arcade machine, wood-paneled walls with a poster, and a bar cart.

If your basement or den had a foosball table, you probably spent hours playing with friends or family. The clack of the rods and the fast-paced action made it a favorite game.

These tables were built tough and often became the center of the room. Whether you were just messing around or getting serious about a match, it was always about having fun.

Want to bring that retro vibe back? A foosball table still does the trick, bringing people together for some friendly competition.

You can browse more basement foosball table ideas here.

Design Trends That Defined 70s Basements

A cozy basement room with wood-paneled walls, a sectional sofa, a lava lamp, a vintage TV, a dartboard, a record player, board games, a bean bag chair, and warm lighting.

In the 1970s, people decorated basements with bold colors and funky materials that really stood out. Choices like these made the space cozy but also kind of flashy.

The colors and textures you picked gave your basement its own personality and warmth. Funny how much style can say about a whole decade, isn’t it?

Popular Color Schemes

You’ll spot a lot of bright and earthy colors in 70s basements. Avocado green, harvest gold, and burnt orange—these shades really dominated the scene back then.

These warm tones made the space feel inviting, but there’s no denying they screamed retro. Sometimes, people painted the walls deep brown or covered them with wood paneling for that cozy, natural vibe.

Orange shag carpets showed up everywhere. They added a bold splash of color and felt super soft under your feet.

Strong color contrasts popped up all the time. Picture a bright orange carpet right next to muted green furniture. It’s a combo that brought energy and a little bit of flair to any basement.

Materials and Textures

People in the 70s picked materials for both comfort and style. Wood paneling covered a lot of basement walls, giving the whole room a cozy, earthy feel.

Thick, shaggy carpets were all the rage. Shag rugs came in wild colors and felt great for lounging around. If you wandered into the kitchen or bar area, you’d probably notice vinyl or linoleum floors—they’re easy to clean, which is always a plus.

Plants often sat in corners or on shelves, adding just a bit of life and texture. Folks liked mixing things up, too, so you’d see laminate furniture with metal legs for a modern touch.

If you want more inspiration, check out 70s basement design trends.

Cultural Influences on 70s Home Decor

A cozy basement room with wood-paneled walls, shag carpet, a lava lamp, rotary phone, tube television, bean bag chair, record player, macrame wall hangings, sectional sofa, and a popcorn machine.

Music, movies, and new gadgets really shaped what ended up in basements and dens. These influences didn’t just make spaces cozy—they turned them into snapshots of the era.

Music and Entertainment Impact

Music and entertainment set the tone for basement hangouts. Families brought in stereos or record players to spin their favorite vinyl albums.

Walls often showcased bright posters of rock bands or movie stars. Lava lamps and bean bag chairs gave the space a playful touch, perfect for relaxing or hanging out with friends.

The disco craze inspired people to decorate with mirrored balls and colorful lights. You’d probably find old TV sets or film projectors ready for the latest shows and movies.

Dens became the go-to spot for catching hits, whether from the radio or up on the big screen.

Emerging Technologies of the Era

In the 1970s, technology really started to shake up the way homes felt. Rotary phones popped up everywhere, and sometimes those tangled cords stretched halfway across the room.

People didn’t just use these phones—they kind of made a style statement with them. Maybe you remember having a big, heavy television with fake wood paneling, or maybe a speaker system that took up half the shelf.

Video game consoles started to sneak into living rooms, turning dens into places for a whole new kind of fun. Basic appliances and gadgets had a look you couldn’t ignore—think avocado-green refrigerators or those loud, orange clocks.

These things weren’t just practical; they brought real personality to a basement or kitchen. If you want to see how all this shaped homes, check out 70s home decor trends.