The 1970s were a time of bold and memorable home décor trends that made every household unique. These items reflected a mix of practicality and personality, often influenced by the cultural and social shifts of the decade. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through the first 20 iconic items that once graced 70s homes but are rarely seen today.
Linoleum Flooring
In the 70s, kitchens and bathrooms were often adorned with patterned linoleum floors, praised for their durability and ease of maintenance. The designs ranged from bright floral patterns to geometric shapes, making them a bold statement in any home. While practical, their synthetic appearance eventually fell out of favor with homeowners craving a more natural aesthetic.
Bean Bag Chairs
Bean bag chairs became the ultimate symbol of casual comfort, often found in dens, basements, or kids’ rooms. These plush, malleable seats came in vibrant colors and were a hit for lounging during movie nights or casual gatherings. Although they were fun, getting up from one wasn’t always graceful, and over time, their popularity waned as furniture trends shifted toward more structured seating.
Faux Wood Paneling
In the 1970s, faux wood paneling with artificial grain patterns covered walls, giving homes a rustic yet affordable look. It was an inexpensive way to mimic real wood, often paired with shag carpets for a cozy feel. Today, it’s remembered as a relic of its time, replaced by lighter, sleeker interior finishes.
Crocheted Afghans
Handmade crocheted afghans added warmth and personality to living rooms, draped over sofas or rocking chairs. Crafted in bold color combinations, these blankets often became treasured family heirlooms. Beyond their decorative appeal, they symbolized the era’s emphasis on DIY crafts and personalization.
Lava Lamps
Lava lamps, with their hypnotic, slow-moving wax blobs, remained a household favorite throughout the 70s. They provided ambient lighting and were considered the epitome of cool, especially in teen bedrooms or home bars. Their unique glow was both relaxing and an instant conversation starter during gatherings.
Shag Carpeting
Wall-to-wall shag carpeting in vibrant shades like orange, avocado green, and mustard yellow defined 70s home interiors. This soft, high-pile carpet was prized for its plush texture but was notoriously difficult to clean. Despite its impracticality, it added a sense of coziness that appealed to families at the time.
Console Televisions
Console televisions were more than just a device—they were a piece of furniture, often encased in wood with built-in speakers. These bulky units dominated living rooms, serving as entertainment hubs and display spaces for family photos and trinkets. Their eventual replacement by sleek, wall-mounted TVs signaled a shift in both technology and aesthetics.
Stone Fireplaces
Stone fireplaces were a dramatic focal point in many 70s living rooms, often stretching from floor to ceiling. Made with large, rough-hewn stones, they conveyed a rustic, earthy vibe. While impressive, their maintenance demands and shift toward modern minimalist styles led to their decline in popularity.
Flip Clocks
Before digital clocks, flip clocks featured rotating number panels and were a common sight on bedside tables. They often had a faux wood finish, blending seamlessly with the era’s design trends. The rhythmic sound of flipping numbers added a touch of charm, but their mechanical nature eventually gave way to quieter digital clocks.
Bold Wallpaper
Walls in the 70s were anything but plain, thanks to bold, patterned wallpaper in geometric or floral designs. These wallpapers transformed rooms into vibrant showcases of color and personality. While striking, they could be overwhelming, and their labor-intensive removal ensured their decline as trends shifted.
Sunken Living Rooms
Sunken living rooms, also called conversation pits, featured seating areas recessed below the main floor level. These spaces encouraged intimate gatherings and gave homes a modern, architectural edge. Although stylish, they weren’t always practical, especially for families with young children.
Floating Staircases
Open, floating staircases added a modern, airy feel to homes but weren’t without their challenges. While they looked sleek and contemporary, they often lacked the safety of traditional staircases. Over time, practicality won out, and these designs became rare in favor of more secure options.
Macramé Decor
Macramé wall hangings, plant holders, and curtains brought a bohemian flair to 70s interiors. These handcrafted pieces added texture and a personal touch to living spaces. Today, macramé has experienced a slight resurgence in boho-inspired décor, albeit with a more modern twist.
Avocado Green Appliances
Avocado green became the defining color of 70s kitchens, adorning everything from refrigerators to stovetops. This earthy hue reflected the decade’s love for nature-inspired tones but eventually felt dated. Modern homeowners often cringe at this once-popular choice, favoring neutral or metallic finishes instead.
Waterbeds
Waterbeds were considered a luxurious innovation, offering a unique, fluid sleeping experience. Though fun and trendy, they were notoriously difficult to move and prone to leaks. Their eventual decline was due to practicality concerns and the rise of more ergonomic mattress options.
Harvest Gold Kitchens
Like avocado green, harvest gold dominated kitchen appliances and cabinets, creating warm, cohesive spaces. This rich, golden hue paired well with wood paneling and other earthy tones. However, as tastes evolved, these colors became synonymous with outdated design.
Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture added an airy, casual vibe to 70s homes, often used indoors and on patios. Lightweight and versatile, it was a popular choice for everything from chairs to coffee tables. Today, wicker has mostly transitioned to outdoor spaces, with more durable materials taking its place indoors.
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, with their textured, bumpy appearance, were ubiquitous in the 70s. They were valued for their ability to hide imperfections and absorb sound. However, their difficulty to clean and potential asbestos content have made them a thing of the past.
Vinyl Furniture
Vinyl-covered furniture was a practical and affordable option for many households, particularly in kitchens and dining areas. While durable, it could be sticky and uncomfortable in warmer weather. Modern homes now favor materials like leather and fabric for their superior comfort and style.
Rotary Phones
Rotary phones, with their distinct circular dial and corded handset, were staples in every household. While dialing a number required patience, these phones had a certain charm that today’s smartphones lack. They’ve become nostalgic collector’s items, representing a simpler time in communication.
Wood-Burning Stoves
Wood-burning stoves were both a practical and decorative feature in many 70s homes, especially in rural areas. They provided efficient heating while adding a rustic charm to the home’s interior. Although nostalgic for many, they were eventually replaced by central heating systems and modern fireplaces.
Patterned Drapes
Heavy, patterned drapes in bold florals or geometric designs were a staple in 70s décor. These curtains not only added color and personality but also offered insulation during colder months. Over time, lighter, more minimalist window treatments replaced these dramatic designs.
Built-In Bars
Built-in home bars were a symbol of social sophistication, often featuring mirrored shelves and colorful glassware. They became the center of entertaining, stocked with bottles of liquor and cocktail-making tools. As lifestyles shifted, these fixtures fell out of fashion, giving way to portable bar carts or no bars at all.
Terrariums
Terrariums, filled with small plants, moss, and sometimes tiny figurines, were a popular way to bring nature indoors. These glass-enclosed displays added a whimsical touch and were easy to care for. Though they’ve seen a resurgence in modern décor, their 70s counterparts often leaned toward kitschy designs.
Platform Beds
Platform beds with their low, minimalist frames became a trendy choice in 70s bedrooms. They were often paired with bold-patterned bedding and shag rugs to create a modern aesthetic. While still available today, the overly simple designs of that era have evolved into more refined styles.
Wood Accents
Exposed wooden beams, paneling, and trim added warmth and an earthy vibe to 70s interiors. These accents were often paired with earthy color schemes, making homes feel cozy and grounded. However, the trend faded as lighter, brighter designs took precedence.
Patterned Tiles
Intricately designed tiles in bathrooms and kitchens were a hallmark of 70s home décor. These tiles came in bold colors and patterns, often creating a mosaic-like effect. Although beautiful, their labor-intensive upkeep made them less desirable over time.
Swag Lamps
Swag lamps, with their ornate chains and bold shades, were a common sight hanging over dining tables or in living rooms. They provided focused lighting while adding a decorative element to the space. As recessed lighting and simpler fixtures gained popularity, swag lamps became relics of the past.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl records were the primary medium for enjoying music in the 70s, often displayed proudly in living rooms. Record players, paired with large speakers, were focal points for family gatherings. While digital music has taken over, vinyl has made a nostalgic comeback among enthusiasts.
Tupperware
Brightly colored Tupperware was a kitchen essential for food storage and serving. With airtight lids and a variety of sizes, these containers became synonymous with convenience and durability. Many households hosted Tupperware parties, turning the product into a social phenomenon.
Fondue Sets
Fondue parties were a fun way to entertain in the 70s, with sets designed for melting cheese, chocolate, or oil for cooking meats. These gatherings encouraged interactive dining, adding a playful element to meals. Though still available, fondue has become more of a novelty than a household staple.
Wall Clocks
Wall clocks in the 70s often featured bold designs, blending function with style. Whether they were oversized, ornate, or made to look futuristic, they were a statement piece in many homes. Today, simpler and sleeker designs have replaced their more flamboyant predecessors.
Indoor Plants
Indoor plants like ferns, spider plants, and peace lilies were everywhere in 70s homes. They added a touch of greenery and were often displayed in macramé plant holders or terrariums. While indoor plants remain popular, the 70s focus on greenery was unmatched in its scale and variety.
TV Antennas
“Rabbit ear” TV antennas perched on top of bulky televisions were essential for reception. Adjusting them for a clear picture was often a family effort, with someone standing in just the right spot to get the best signal. These quirky fixtures disappeared with the advent of cable and satellite TV.
Wood Coffee Tables
Solid wood coffee tables, often with ornate carvings or natural finishes, were a central piece in 70s living rooms. These tables were functional yet elegant, serving as a place for magazines, drinks, and décor. While wood remains a popular material, today’s designs are sleeker and less bulky.
Patterned Bedspreads
Bold, patterned bedspreads featuring florals, paisleys, or geometric designs were a 70s bedroom staple. They added personality to rooms and often matched the wallpaper or curtains. Over time, simpler and more muted bedding options replaced these dramatic covers.
Ceramic Ashtrays
Smoking was far more prevalent in the 70s, and decorative ceramic ashtrays were a common household item. These ashtrays came in all shapes and sizes, often reflecting the homeowner’s style or humor. As smoking declined and home décor evolved, these once-essential items became collectibles.
Wall Mirrors
Large wall mirrors, often with ornate or gold-trimmed frames, were used to make rooms feel larger and brighter. Some were even part of the furniture, embedded in dressers or hung in entryways. While mirrors remain popular, their styles have shifted to simpler, frameless designs.
Knickknack Shelves
Shelves dedicated to displaying collectibles, souvenirs, and family heirlooms were a must-have in 70s homes. These shelves often reflected the homeowner’s personality, featuring everything from ceramic figurines to travel mementos. Minimalist trends eventually replaced these busy displays with more streamlined aesthetics.
Conclusion: A Bygone Era of Home Décor
Reflecting on these 70s household staples offers a glimpse into a distinctive era of interior design. Each item, while outdated now, tells a story about the trends and values of the time. Revisiting these relics serves as a reminder of how much our tastes and lifestyles have evolved over the decades.
This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.