Step into a time when home decor was bold, funky, and just a little bit wild. The 1970s brought us unforgettable styles—think shag carpets, avocado-green kitchens, and bean bag chairs. Here’s a look at 15 items that defined the era, each one capturing the unique design choices and cultural spirit of the time.
15. Wood Paneling
Wood paneling was the must-have wall decor in the 70s. Made from plywood or fiberboard, it transformed rooms into cozy retreats with warm, earthy tones. This affordable alternative to real wood gave homes a rustic, natural feel that perfectly matched the decade’s love of nature-inspired decor.
14. Bold Patterned Wallpaper
If you walked into a home without wood paneling, you’d likely find walls covered in bold, colorful wallpaper. The 70s saw an explosion of geometric shapes, psychedelic patterns, and floral designs in colors that practically popped off the walls. This wallpaper was more than decor; it was a personal statement of style.
13. Textured Walls
Textured walls were all the rage, adding depth and dimension to otherwise plain spaces. Whether through flocked wallpaper, metallic foils, or swirled plaster, textured walls created an eye-catching look that went beyond mere decoration—it was a full sensory experience that screamed 70s.
12. Shag Carpeting
Shag carpet was the flooring of choice, loved for its plush texture and vibrant color options. Available in deep reds, groovy greens, and every color imaginable, this carpet turned any room into a soft, cozy haven. It may have required more vacuuming, but stepping onto shag was worth it.
11. Floral Print Sofas
Living rooms in the 70s were often decorated with large, floral-print sofas. These sofas brought the outdoors inside with bold, cheerful flower patterns. Paired with matching chairs, they created a lively and welcoming space that perfectly complemented the decade’s unique color palette.
10. Solid Colored Armchairs
For a more subdued look, solid-colored armchairs in shades like Harvest Gold and avocado green were a popular choice. With their sculpted forms and thick upholstery, these chairs added a cozy, stylish touch that balanced perfectly with the room’s brighter elements.
9. The Round Ottoman
Round ottomans were essential, offering a versatile seating option that also doubled as a coffee table or footrest. These barrel-shaped pieces came in the same vibrant colors as other 70s furniture, seamlessly fitting into any room setup while adding comfort and style.
8. Bean Bag Chairs
Nothing says “relaxation” quite like a bean bag chair. These oversized bags filled with foam beads came in a variety of colors and patterns, inviting everyone to lounge in casual comfort. Perfect for chilling, gaming, or just hanging out, bean bags became a cultural icon of 70s leisure.
7. Huge Wooden TV Cabinets
Before flat screens, TVs sat in massive wooden cabinets that doubled as display spaces for family photos and knickknacks. These cabinets, with finishes from light wood to rich grains, became the focal point of the living room and embodied the multi-purpose design of the decade.
6. Rough Stone Fireplaces
Stone fireplaces were a staple, often stretching across entire walls and bringing a rugged, cozy vibe to living rooms. Whether made from gray stones or multicolored river rocks, these fireplaces were a perfect gathering spot and added a rustic charm to the home.
5. Bright Colored Appliances
In the 70s, kitchens weren’t complete without bold, colored appliances. Goodbye, plain white—hello, Harvest Gold and avocado green! These vibrant stoves, fridges, and dishwashers turned kitchens into cheerful, personality-packed spaces that reflected the era’s embrace of color.
4. Mr. Coffee Machines
The introduction of the Mr. Coffee machine in 1972 revolutionized mornings by making coffee brewing a breeze. With its chunky design and reliable glass carafe, it quickly became a countertop staple, making it the first “must-have” coffee maker of the time.
3. 8-Track and Vinyl Stereos
Music was a huge part of the 70s, and no living room was complete without a stereo system for playing 8-tracks or vinyl records. Encased in wooden cabinets and accented with shag fabric, these stereos offered families a way to enjoy music together, defining the soundtrack of the decade.
2. Rotary and Push-Button Phones
Heavy, rotary-dial phones (and later, chunky push-button models) were the communication hub of the 70s home. Built to last, these phones were both practical and stylish, often available in bright colors that made a statement right in the middle of the family room.
1. Novelty Lamps
From lava lamps to ceramic mushroom lights, novelty lamps brought fun and a cozy glow to 70s living rooms. Their whimsical designs and colorful lights added the perfect touch of warmth, creating a playful ambiance that was quintessentially 70s.
