1. Shag Carpeting
Nothing screams ’70s like shag carpeting. This plush, thick-pile carpet came in a rainbow of colors, from avocado green to burnt orange, and was often paired with equally bold wallpaper. It felt great underfoot, though cleaning it was a nightmare—vacuuming often required sheer determination. Many families sat on it during movie nights, as the carpet became an impromptu hangout space. Despite its charm, it eventually fell out of favor for being notoriously difficult to maintain, but it still has a nostalgic spot in many hearts.
2. Wood Paneling
In the ’70s, every respectable den or basement seemed to be clad in wood paneling. The dark, faux-wood finish added a cozy, rustic vibe, though it sometimes made rooms feel more like a cave. Often paired with shag carpeting, it was an easy way to make a home look “modern” for the era. Families would gather around their big-box TVs in these panel-lined rooms, creating countless memories. Today, it’s either a retro-chic feature or a remodeler’s worst nightmare, depending on whom you ask.
3. Avocado Green Appliances
Avocado green was the reigning color in ’70s kitchens, adorning everything from refrigerators to stoves. The color was a bold departure from the sterile whites of earlier decades and symbolized a new era of personal expression in home design. These appliances were built to last, often sticking around long enough to embarrass their owners in later decades. Paired with similarly bold countertops or linoleum floors, these kitchens felt alive and vibrant. Love it or hate it, avocado green is an unforgettable hallmark of the era.
4. Macramé Wall Hangings
Macramé, the art of knotting rope or twine, was everywhere in the ’70s. These handmade decorations adorned walls, held plants, or even doubled as room dividers. They were perfect for the bohemian spirit of the time, exuding warmth and individuality. People took pride in crafting their own macramé pieces, which often featured earthy tones and intricate patterns. While they fell out of vogue for a while, macramé has made a comeback, proving that everything old can be new again.
5. Bean Bag Chairs
Comfort and casualness defined the ’70s, and nothing embodied that better than the bean bag chair. These squishy, malleable seats were a staple in teen bedrooms and dorm rooms. They were inexpensive, colorful, and easy to move around, making them a hit for impromptu hangouts. Though not the best for posture, they perfectly captured the laid-back vibe of the era. Today, they’ve evolved into luxury items, but the ’70s versions were all about carefree lounging.
6. Harvest Gold Everything
If avocado green dominated kitchens, harvest gold was close behind, often competing for attention in the same room. This warm, yellowish hue adorned everything from appliances to cookware, adding a sunny, cheerful vibe to the home. Like its green counterpart, it symbolized the era’s departure from subdued tones toward bold, expressive decor. The color even extended to dish sets, meaning your entire dinner experience might be a harvest gold affair. While some might cringe at it now, it’s undeniably iconic.
7. Rotary Phones
Before smartphones and even push-button phones, rotary phones were the communication lifeline in ’70s homes. These sturdy devices often came in bold colors, like bright red or olive green, and were attached to cords that always seemed too short. Waiting for the dial to rotate back after each number was part of the calling experience. They often sat on a designated “phone table” with a chair nearby for long chats. Nostalgia aside, most people today wouldn’t trade their speed and convenience for that slow spin.
8. Waterbeds
The epitome of ’70s cool was having a waterbed. These fluid-filled mattresses were seen as luxurious and modern, offering a unique sleeping experience. They were often paired with wooden bed frames and built-in headboards, sometimes doubling as bookshelves. While they promised comfort, they could also be leaky disasters if not properly maintained. Despite their quirks, waterbeds became a status symbol of the decade, representing the era’s experimental spirit in home design.
9. Velvet Furniture
Velvet wasn’t just for clothing in the ’70s—it made its way into living rooms in the form of lush sofas and chairs. Deep shades like burgundy, navy, and emerald green were popular, adding a dramatic touch to interiors. These pieces were often paired with bold patterns or metallic accents, creating a luxurious vibe. While beautiful, velvet could be high-maintenance, especially in homes with kids or pets. Today, vintage velvet furniture is a sought-after statement piece for retro enthusiasts.
10. Sunburst Clocks
A starburst or sunburst clock was a quintessential ’70s wall accessory. With its radiating metal or wooden spokes, it was both functional and decorative. These clocks were often hung in living rooms or kitchens, blending mid-century modern influences with the era’s love for statement pieces. They symbolized optimism, reflecting the era’s fascination with space and the atomic age. Though their popularity waned, they’re still prized by collectors and retro design fans.
11. Hanging Plants
Indoor plants became a huge trend in the ’70s, often displayed in macramé plant holders suspended from ceilings. From pothos to spider plants, greenery brought a natural, calming vibe to homes. People believed plants improved air quality and added a touch of life to otherwise stark interiors. Hanging plants were especially popular in kitchens and living rooms, where they served as living decor. This trend has resurfaced, with many finding joy in cultivating their indoor jungles.
12. Funky Light Fixtures
Lighting in the ’70s was bold, experimental, and sometimes a little wacky. Lava lamps, with their mesmerizing globs of wax, became iconic symbols of the decade. Swag lamps, often draped from chains, were another popular choice, adding a touch of drama. These lights often had stained glass or beaded shades, reflecting the era’s penchant for individuality. Whether practical or purely decorative, ’70s light fixtures always made a statement.
13. Pop-Art Prints
Bright, bold, and often surreal, pop-art prints were a defining feature of ’70s walls. Inspired by artists like Andy Warhol, these prints featured everything from comic book characters to abstract designs. They brought a playful, avant-garde energy to homes, reflecting the decade’s creative freedom. Often paired with minimal or monochromatic furniture, these prints became the focal point of many rooms. Today, they’re a nostalgic nod to a vibrant artistic movement.
14. Vinyl Record Players
Music played a massive role in ’70s culture, and vinyl record players were the heart of any music lover’s home. Families gathered to spin records by Fleetwood Mac, The Bee Gees, or Led Zeppelin on these cherished devices. The warm, rich sound of vinyl added to the listening experience, making it more personal and immersive. Record players were often part of larger console units that included radios and storage for LPs. While streaming dominates now, vinyl has made a remarkable comeback, proving its timeless appeal.
