Decorating styles of the 1970s are back! While it has its quirks – think about wall-to-wall shag carpeting, assorted knickknacks, eyesore couches, funky technicolor furniture – it has many design elements that are timeless and are once again resurfacing in homes today.
The 70s trends like rattan and wicker have been popular again, and décor featuring macramé, fringe, and crochet. Fifty years ago, these items were usually layered between wood-paneled walls and psychedelic floral patterns, but today’s adaptation of the 70s design today is more subtle.
Adding some design elements from the 70s may be a great idea to make your home feel cozy and warm. And while you decorate, try to listen to the best 70s party songs .
Here’s are some design elements you can bring to your home to add a little 70s vibe without making it feel and look dated:
Retro colors
During the decade, yellows, oranges, greens, and browns are among the hottest colors in paint and furniture. Bold color schemes are the name of the game. While these colors never entirely disappeared, they recently started to make a bold comeback after recent years of whites, neutrals, and softer color palettes.
If you’re getting tired of the all-white living room trend, you’ll be delighted to know that bold and bright are back in style. Colors like mustard yellow, hunter green, terracotta red, burnt orange, and dusty rose are making a splash in home décor trends again. You can go full retro by painting an accent wall avocado green and bring a bright blue couch. Pair it with mustard yellow accent chairs, and keep other decorative items and furniture subtle. If you don’t want to commit to a retro palette, consider using some mustard yellow velvet throw pillows or a deep green lampshade to add a 70s vibe to your home.
Wallpaper
If the idea of wallpaper makes you cringe, you’re probably not aware of the wallpaper designs common today. Wallpaper was ubiquitous in the 70s, and it’s often found in outdated homes. But you can find graphic wallpapers that make the room pop but don’t make your home look like it was decorated 50 years ago. Another option to consider is photo wallpaper. From oversized floral wallpaper to geometric patterns, using wallpaper is a great way to add a new personality to any room.
Rattan or wicker
Rattan furniture achieved widespread popularity in the 60s until the 70s. The lightweight, laidback look still appeals today, but modern trends lean into the more natural colors of rattan and wicker. These natural materials are perfect for bringing a little texture, depth, and fun to the crisp construction of new homes for the past few years. Bring in rattan or wicker through accent furniture, like a hanging egg chair or a vintage peacock chair. You may also want to decorate with woven baskets, woven planters, and a woven coffee table.
Fringe and shag
Fringe is a trend in the 70s, from suede vests with fringe to shag carpeting. This trend went back in favor of clean edges and streamlined designs. Fringed table runners and shag area rugs can add a lot of texture and create visual interest.
Wall-to-wall carpeting
Your parents or grandparents probably had a bright orange shag carpet covering their basement floor to the stairs leading to the second floor. It adds a cozy, homey vibe, but you don’t want to make your home outdated with this kind of carpeting. For a more modern approach, you may consider subtle, wall-to-wall carpeting that can lend your home a comfy feeling without being garish.
Mix and match styles
Blend design trends of the era into a mix of other styles to achieve a personalized look for your home. Start small with accents that are easy to swap out. For instance, adding a rattan ottoman or a macramé wall hanging will make an otherwise contemporary space feel bohemian while still looking modern instead of looking like a 1970s time capsule.
One great element to mix and match is animal prints. From cowhide to zebra, animal print is back on track. When it comes to decorating with animal print, less is usually more, but it doesn’t mean you should not mix and match patterns and textures.
Macramé
The art of macramé can be traced back to ancient times, but when we see elaborate macramé or knotted fiber wall hangings, we are instantly transported to the seventies. Hang some macramé wall art above your living room couch or bed for a simple and inexpensive way to give your space a retro feel. Macramé also adds texture and color to a room in a subtle yet lovely way.
Bean bag chairs
Bean bag chairs are super popular during the 70s. It’s hard to resist the temptation to plop down a cozy bean bag chair and nestle in it while watching TV or reading a book. You can easily add this accessory to your living room, bedroom, lounge area, man cave, or any room without overwhelming the space.
Abstract wall art
Homes during the 70s bring to mind abstract wall art, which is usually found hanging over the living room couch. Relive the era by hanging huge abstract wall art in your living room.
Retro lighting
Replace some of your modern fixtures with 70s inspired lighting. This way, you can give the nod to the retro style without being overwhelming. Look for lighting fixtures with bold, geometric silhouettes or glossy finishes. It makes a bigger impact if the piece contrasts with the existing style of the space.
Glass coffee tables
Glass coffee tables were so common in the 70s. Now, they’re back in full force with a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from.
Hanging chairs
A hanging chair can give your space a wonderfully 70s vibe. Add a swing to your porch or a hanging rattan egg chair in the corner of your living room. Other hanging chair ideas include woven hammocks and macramé swings.
But if you’re a renter, you can’t just hang a chair from your ceiling. To recreate that 70s look, you can use egg or wicker chairs on a metal stand – just make sure that the color blends in with the rest of your room, and you won’t even notice it’s there.
Velvet
There’s just something about velvet that looks and feels luxurious. It’s a popular material from the 70s and it becomes more common in home décor. It also makes a great way to add texture to your home.
Vintage rugs
Turkish vintage rugs were a hit in the 70s – your mom’s or grandma’s place probably has one. Adding a vintage rug to your space makes a statement and is well worth the investment.
Palm fronds
With the return of maximalism in home décor today, oversized greenery is making a huge comeback in home décor. Palm fronds are a great indoor plant of choice, as it adds a chic, hippie vibe.