23 Forgotten Decor Trends That Defined 1970s Homes In America

Buckle up, design lovers, because we’re about to step into a time machine and land smack dab in the middle of the 1970s—a decade where home decor wasn’t just stylish – it was a full-blown sensory experience!

This was an era of fearless experimentation, where avocado green and harvest gold ruled the color palette, and no living room was complete without a shag carpet thick enough to lose your keys in.

From the unmistakable hum of rotary phones to the hypnotic glow of lava lamps, every detail was a statement—sometimes bold, sometimes bizarre, but always unforgettable. Whether it was wood-paneled walls, funky patterned wallpaper, or macramé everything, the ’70s had a way of turning ordinary homes into groovy time capsules of self-expression.

So grab your bell-bottoms and platform shoes as we take a whimsical stroll down memory lane to revisit 25 delightfully retro decor trends that once defined the decade!

1. Shag Carpet Everywhere

Forget rugs; the floor was a carpeted ocean of shag. It was like walking on clouds, if clouds were really, really high-maintenance.

Shag carpeting was a staple in 1970s homes, known for its long, fluffy fibers that added a distinct texture to any room. Whether in vibrant orange or avocado green, these carpets were the epitome of style – and a magnet for dust.

A vacuum cleaner’s nightmare, they required constant care and attention to maintain their fluffy appearance. Despite their challenges, shag carpets were beloved for their cozy, luxurious feel.

2. Harvest Gold & Avocado Green

These were the colors of the decade. You couldn’t open a kitchen door without being greeted by a microwave or fridge in shades of mustard yellow and puke green.

Harvest gold and avocado green dominated the color palette of the 1970s, adding a bold, earthy vibe to kitchens and living spaces.

These hues were not just limited to appliances but extended to walls, furniture, and even bathrooms. While they may seem outdated today, these colors symbolized a desire for warmth and comfort, bringing a touch of nature indoors.

3. Wood Paneling

Forget drywall—real luxury meant walls made of cheap, dark wood that made rooms feel like you were trapped inside a cabin from a bad horror movie.

Wood paneling was ubiquitous in 1970s homes, offering a rustic charm that appealed to many. Often seen in basements and dens, these panels added a sense of depth and texture to walls.

While they might have made spaces feel a bit enclosed, they also provided a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or curling up with a good book.

4. Macramé Wall Hangings

Nothing said “I’m artsy” more than a 10-foot-long knotted hanging made out of string and beads.

Bonus points if it involved a plant or two. Macramé wall hangings were a symbol of creativity and bohemian style, adding texture and personality to any space. These handcrafted pieces were often adorned with beads and feathers, making them unique works of art.

Whether hung in living rooms or bedrooms, macramé brought a touch of whimsy and nature indoors, reflecting the era’s embrace of handmade, artisanal decor.

5. Brass Everywhere

If it was shiny and metallic, it was probably brass—on lamps, doorknobs, and yes, even furniture legs. The shinier, the better.

Brass became a hallmark of 1970s decor, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to homes. From chandeliers to candlesticks, this metallic finish was celebrated for its warm glow and timeless appeal.

While brass required regular polishing to maintain its luster, it was a small price to pay for the elegant ambiance it provided. Today, brass is making a comeback, proving that some trends are truly timeless.

6. Sunken Living Rooms

To feel like you were lounging in the lap of luxury, the ’70s gave us sunken living rooms. Why stand on a regular floor when you could step down into a padded pit?

Sunken living rooms, or conversation pits, were designed to create an intimate, cozy space for relaxation and socializing. These architectural features added depth and dimension to living areas, making them the perfect spot for hosting guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home.

While not the most practical design, they certainly made a statement.

7. Faux Fur

No real animals were harmed, but your couch and pillows were decked out in faux fur, bringing “snuggly” to a whole new level.

Faux fur was a popular choice for adding warmth and texture to interiors without the ethical concerns of real fur. From throws to rugs, this material provided a touch of luxury and comfort, making any space feel more inviting.

While faux fur was easy to clean and maintain, it also offered a playful, tactile element that encouraged relaxation and lounging.

8. Bean Bag Chairs

Forget a stiff armchair. If you really wanted to chill, you sank into a bean bag and pretended to be cool while desperately trying not to get stuck inside it.

Bean bag chairs emerged as a whimsical and casual seating option, perfect for informal gatherings and laid-back relaxation. These giant, cushiony blobs were available in a variety of colors and patterns, adding a playful touch to any room.

While getting out of one gracefully was a challenge, the comfort and fun they provided were hard to resist.

9. Rotary Phones

Touch screens? What’s that? If you wanted to make a call, you had to wind up that rotary dial, each turn an epic struggle in patience.

Rotary phones were a fixture in every household, their loud dials and cords a common sight. Available in vibrant colors, they added a pop of color to any space.

While they lacked the convenience of modern phones, rotary phones were praised for their durability and charm. Today, they serve as a nostalgic reminder of a time when making a call was an event in itself.

10. Tropical/Exotic Prints

Think palm trees, flamingos, and parrot feathers everywhere. You couldn’t enter a living room without feeling like you were vacationing on a beach in the Caribbean.

Tropical and exotic prints were all the rage, bringing a vibrant and adventurous spirit to interiors. Whether in the form of wallpaper, upholstery, or curtains, these bold patterns created a lively and energetic environment.

While they might have been overwhelming in large doses, their playful nature added a sense of fun and escapism to everyday life.

11. Orange Everything

Orange couches, orange kitchen appliances, orange wallpaper—everything was dripping in this loud, sunny hue.

It was less “relaxing” and more “sit up straight!” Orange was a defining color of the 1970s, embodying the decade’s love for bold and vibrant aesthetics.

From living rooms to kitchens, this eye-catching hue was used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. While it might have been a bit too intense for some, orange added a cheerful and energetic vibe that was hard to ignore.

12. Recliners with Footrests

The 70s didn’t just want to sit; it wanted to lounge. Enter the recliner with a built-in footrest—a seat designed for ultimate laziness.

Recliners were a popular choice for living rooms, offering comfort and convenience at the touch of a lever. These chairs were perfect for watching TV, reading, or simply taking a nap.

Available in an array of colors and patterns, they added a touch of style to any space. While bulky, they were beloved for the relaxation they provided.

13. Shag Pillows

Like the carpet, but smaller. These were the pillows you couldn’t help but run your hands through—if you dared to get them clean after.

Shag pillows were a fun and funky addition to any couch or bed, offering a playful texture that invited touch. Available in a variety of bold colors, these pillows added a pop of personality to interiors.

While they might have been a bit high-maintenance, their cozy appearance and tactile appeal made them a favorite among those looking to add a touch of 70s flair to their decor.

14. Popcorn Ceilings

Forget smooth ceilings; popcorn ceilings had a textured, bumpy surface that didn’t just make the room look funky, it was a nightmare to clean.

Popcorn ceilings were a popular choice in 1970s homes, adding a unique texture that set them apart from flat, smooth surfaces. While they were primarily used to hide imperfections and absorb sound, they also required regular maintenance to keep them looking fresh.

Despite their challenges, popcorn ceilings were a staple of the era, offering a distinctive look that is still remembered today.

15. Round Beds

Why settle for rectangular when you can get a circular bed? Who needs corners when you can just roll out in any direction?

Round beds were a unique and unconventional feature of 1970s bedrooms, offering a playful twist on traditional sleeping arrangements. These beds added a sense of whimsy and luxury, making any bedroom feel like a chic, modern retreat.

While they required custom bedding and took up a bit more space, the novelty and style they provided were unmatched.

16. Colorful Wallpaper

From floral prints to geometric patterns, wallpaper was not just a background – it was the star of the show.

Don’t forget the loud borders! Colorful wallpaper was a key element of 1970s decor, transforming walls into canvases of art and expression. These bold designs added drama and visual interest to any room, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere.

While some patterns might have been overwhelming, they offered a chance to experiment with color and style, making every space uniquely personal.

17. Avocado-Colored Bathtubs

Matching your bathroom color scheme was important.

Your tub, sink, and toilet all had to be in that lovely shade of avocado green that seemed fresh at the time. Avocado-colored fixtures were a hallmark of 1970s bathrooms, offering a cohesive and stylish look. While this color choice might seem unusual today, it was celebrated for its natural, earthy vibe.

Despite being a bit challenging to match with other decor, avocado green added a sense of harmony and balance to bathrooms, making them feel like a retreat from the outside world.

18. Lava Lamps

These squiggly, colorful blobs weren’t just a lighting fixture – they were an experience.

Staring at one was like diving into a psychedelic dream. Lava lamps were a quintessential part of 1970s decor, offering a mesmerizing and colorful display that captivated both young and old. These iconic lights added a sense of fun and whimsy to any room, creating a relaxing and hypnotic atmosphere.

While they might not have provided much illumination, their unique design and playful nature made them a beloved fixture of the era.

19. Fringe

Everything was fringed. From lampshades to throw blankets, the more tassels and fringes, the better.

Fringe was a popular decorative element in 1970s interiors, adding movement and texture to furnishings and accessories. Whether on curtains, pillows, or rugs, fringe provided a playful and tactile element that enhanced the overall look of a space.

While some might have found it a bit excessive, fringe added a touch of bohemian flair that was both stylish and fun, embodying the free-spirited nature of the decade.

20. Plastic Covered Furniture

It was the age of convenience, but it came at a price. Every piece of furniture was wrapped in clear plastic so you could never really relax.

Plastic-covered furniture was a practical yet often uncomfortable trend, aimed at preserving the condition of sofas and chairs.

While the plastic protected against spills and stains, it also made lounging less than enjoyable. Despite the crinkling noises and sticky surfaces, this trend was popular among those who prioritized longevity over comfort, ensuring their furniture remained pristine for years to come.

21. Macramé Plant Holders

You couldn’t just put a plant on a shelf. No, no, it had to dangle from the ceiling in a jumbled, knotted mass of yarn.

Macramé plant holders were a staple of bohemian decor, adding a touch of nature and creativity to interiors. These intricate hangers showcased plants as living art, bringing greenery into homes in a unique and stylish way.

While they required a bit of maintenance to keep plants thriving, the natural beauty and artistic flair they added were well worth the effort.

22. Persian Rugs

Sure, they were “classy,” but they also usually came with 1970s-era bold designs that made your living room look like a mini bazaar.

Persian rugs were a staple of 1970s decor, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to living spaces. These intricately designed carpets were available in a variety of colors and patterns, offering a luxurious and exotic flair.

While they required regular cleaning to maintain their beauty, the richness and depth they added to a room made them a cherished feature among those who valued style and tradition.

23. Rotating Tables

Not just any table. This was a table that spun. Perfect for serving a lazy dinner or impressing your friends at your next party.

A new level of dinner theater! Rotating tables became a novelty item in 1970s homes, offering a fun and practical way to share meals and conversation. These tables were often used in dining rooms or kitchens, making it easy to pass dishes and socialize.

While they might not have been a necessity, the entertainment and convenience they provided made them a popular choice for families and social gatherings.