8 Popular Home Decor Trends from the 70s That Are Making a Comeback
If you’re someone who loves vintage vibes, 70s home decor might just be the perfect inspiration for your living space.
This era is known for its unique blend of bold colors, funky patterns, and eclectic furniture pieces that can bring a fresh yet nostalgic feel to any room. Exploring 70s decor trends can help you transform your home into a stylish throwback without feeling outdated.
When you think of classic home styles, you might picture the bright and cheerful tones from this memorable decade.
From shag carpets to fringe accents, there’s something wonderfully captivating about the elements that defined 70s interiors.
Whether you’re aiming to recreate a full retro look or just want to add a touch of character to your space, these popular trends offer endless possibilities.
1) Macramé Wall Hangings
Macramé wall hangings were a big trend in the 1970s and are making a comeback today.
This art of knotting rope or cord into beautiful patterns adds a vintage touch to any room.
In the ’70s, macramé was everywhere.
You could find these intricate pieces in living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
They often featured long fringe and were sometimes used as plant holders too.
These wall hangings are perfect for adding a bohemian vibe to your decor.
They’re handmade, which gives them a unique and personal feel.
You can find them in different shapes and sizes, fitting any space in your home.
Try adding a macramé wall hanging to your home to capture that nostalgic ’70s feel with a modern twist.
2) Shag Carpeting
Shag carpeting was all the rage in the 70s.
You’ve probably seen those thick, plush rugs in photos or movies set in that era.
They added a cozy feel to any room.
During this time, shag carpets came in vibrant colors like orange, yellow, and green.
They weren’t just about looks; they also felt amazing underfoot.
The varied textures made shag carpeting a standout feature in living rooms.
These carpets were often paired with matching decor, creating a unified and stylish look.
Shag carpeting wasn’t just for floors.
Sometimes, people used it on walls or even furniture.
It created a warm, inviting atmosphere that many people loved.
If you’re thinking about adding some retro vibes to your home, shag carpeting is a great choice.
It brings that nostalgic 70s charm with a touch of comfort you’ll enjoy every day.
3) Sunken Living Rooms
Sunken living rooms were a huge trend in the 70s.
They gave homes a modern, stylish look.
You might remember seeing them in old TV shows and movies.
These rooms were usually a few steps lower than the rest of the house, creating a cozy, intimate space.
The Miller House in Columbus, Indiana, is a well-known example.
Designed by Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard in 1952, it had a sunken living area surrounded by a continuous sofa.
People loved the relaxed vibe these spaces offered.
They were great for social gatherings or just lounging around.
You could throw some comfy pillows and big, puffy cushions to make it even more inviting.
Today, you might still see sunken living rooms in vintage homes.
Some people even bring this idea back in their modern homes for a retro feel.
If you like the 70s style, consider this nostalgic design choice.
4) Bean Bag Chairs
Bean bag chairs were a huge hit in the 70s.
These chairs were known for their casual and relaxed vibe.
They came in many colors and patterns, often matching the bold and funky tones popular during the decade.
You probably remember seeing them in bright oranges, yellows, and greens.
The covers were usually made from durable materials like cotton duck fabric.
They were often treated with Scotchgard to protect against stains.
Double-stitched seams and double zippers made them sturdy and long-lasting.
Bean bag chairs were perfect for lounging.
You could sink into one while watching TV or hanging out with friends.
They were also easy to move around because they were light and flexible.
These chairs weren’t just for kids or teens.
Adults loved them too.
Whether you placed one in your living room or bedroom, it added a cozy and fun decor element.
Bean bag chairs became a symbol of laid-back 70s style.
Today, they are still popular, especially in vintage-themed homes.
If you want to bring a bit of 70s flair into your space, a bean bag chair is a great choice.
5) Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture was a staple in homes during the 70s.
You probably saw wicker chairs, sofas, and tables on patios and in living rooms.
The natural, laid-back look of wicker was perfect for the casual and earthy feel that was popular at the time.
Wicker furniture is made from woven plant materials, often rattan.
This gives it a lightweight and durable quality that’s great for both indoor and outdoor use.
It’s easy to move around, making it perfect for rearranging your space whenever you feel like it.
You can use wicker furniture to bring a bit of that retro charm into your home.
Look for vintage wicker pieces like basket chairs or small tables.
Or, if you prefer new items, many retailers offer modern takes on classic wicker designs.
Just a few pieces can give your space that relaxed, 70s vibe.
6) Avocado Green Appliances
In the 1970s, avocado green was everywhere in the kitchen.
This color wasn’t just on the walls.
You’d find it on refrigerators, stoves, and even toasters.
The trend didn’t stop at appliances.
Avocado green made its way onto pots, pans, and cooking utensils.
This earthy hue gave kitchens a distinct and memorable look.
Many homes also had avocado green coffee pots and blenders.
These small appliances tied the whole color scheme together.
Even silverware and dishes sometimes got the green treatment.
Seeing this color in a kitchen today might feel retro, but back then, it was cutting-edge.
It added a pop of color and a sense of modern style.
Would you bring avocado green back into your kitchen?
7) Beaded Door Curtains
Beaded door curtains became iconic in the 70s.
You might remember walking through a cascade of beads, each click-clack echoing a groovy vibe.
These curtains added a fun element to homes.
They often featured bright colors and unique patterns, making every space more lively.
They weren’t just pretty; they also gave a bit of privacy while still letting light through.
You’d find beads made of wood, plastic, or even glass.
Some had simple designs, while others showcased intricate patterns and shapes.
The mix of texture and color always caught the eye.
These curtains weren’t limited to doors.
You could use them in windows or even as room dividers.
They provided flexibility in decorating and matched well with bohemian and eclectic styles.
If you’re looking to bring some retro charm to your home, beaded door curtains are a great option.
They are still available today, a testament to their lasting appeal.
The nostalgia and visual interest they offer make them a fun addition to any room.
8) Plastic Slipcovers
Plastic slipcovers were a common sight in the ’70s.
You might remember visiting a friend’s house and seeing their sofa wrapped in clear plastic.
This trend was all about keeping furniture clean and protected from spills, stains, and wear.
These slipcovers were often custom-fitted to the furniture, ensuring a snug and sometimes crinkly fit.
Made from vinyl, they were easy to wipe down and kept the original fabric looking new for longer.
It wasn’t just sofas that got the plastic treatment.
Chairs, cushions, and even some dining room sets were covered.
Families saw it as a practical way to preserve their investment in home furnishings.
Though not the most comfortable or stylish, plastic slipcovers were popular because of their durability.
They allowed homeowners to keep their furniture in pristine condition without worrying about messes.
Some people joked about the sweaty and sticky feeling of sitting on plastic during hot summer days.
Despite that, many homes embraced this trend, valuing function over form.
Today, you might think of plastic slipcovers as a quirky nostalgic memory.
Even though the trend has faded, it left a lasting impression on ’70s decor.
Historical Context of 70s Home Decor
The 1970s were a time of bold colors, eclectic styles, and a mix of futuristic and natural elements.
Key influences on home decor trends during this period included cultural shifts and distinct design movements.
Cultural Influences
The 1970s were heavily influenced by the counter-culture movement that began in the 1960s. Hippie culture played a big role, emphasizing a return to nature, which showed up in home decor through natural materials and plenty of indoor plants.
Global influences also became prominent, with designs inspired by Asian and African cultures adorning many homes.
Pop culture also pushed boundaries.
The popularity of science fiction in movies and TV led to space-age themes in interior design.
Bright, synthetic materials and futuristic furniture shapes become common, reflecting society’s optimism about the future.
Key Design Movements
Bohemian style was a key movement, characterized by its carefree and eclectic mix of patterns, textures, and colors.
This look often incorporated vintage pieces, lots of textiles like macramé wall hangings, and an emphasis on being both cozy and artistic.
Mid-century modern held strong post-1960s, with its clean lines and functional designs.
Yet, the ’70s gave it a twist with more experimental materials like plastic and chrome.
Furniture with curved silhouettes became a staple, showing the decade’s love for comfort and looseness.
These styles reflect a decade that wasn’t afraid to mix things up, integrating comfort, fun, and a sense of adventure into everyday home decor.
Color Palettes and Patterns
The 1970s were marked by vibrant colors and unique patterns in home decor.
People loved expressing personal style with bold shades and eye-catching designs.
Bold and Bright Colors
In the 1970s, homes often featured vivid and daring color choices.
Think of persimmon orange, mustard yellow, and olive green.
These colors brought energy and personality to living spaces. Burnt orange and chocolate brown were also popular, reflecting the era’s earth-tone vibe.
Home offices, living rooms, and even kitchens used these hues to create dynamic and lively atmospheres.
You could mix and match these shades to add a touch of 70s flair to your decor.
Geometric and Floral Patterns
Patterns in the 70s were all about making a statement. Geometric designs and floral patterns dominated home interiors.
Floral wallpapers in vibrant colors were common, giving rooms a lively and cheerful look.
Geometric patterns, often in bold hues, appeared on everything from rugs to upholstery.
These patterns added texture and visual interest, often combining multiple colors to create a cohesive look.
Mixing these patterns was not only acceptable but encouraged to showcase individual style.
