70s interior design is back: 7 ways to get the look

In 2021, 70s style began easing its way back into the fashion world and onto the runways. In 2022, we started seeing that resurgence pop up in 70s interior design and it’s still going strong. There’s an undeniable charm to this era’s style and it has plenty to offer for 21st century living. But rest assured, while the best of 70s style is returning, some of its most infamous quirks are not. (Formica tabletops and linoleum floors? No thanks.)

If you’re ready to jump on the 70s design train with a modern twist, we’re here to help. We’re sharing our favorite interior design trends from the 1970s so you can bring the best of this retro style into your home.

Getting to know 70s interior design

Interior design during the 1970s featured several exciting elements that changed how people lived in their homes. Sunken living rooms piled with pillows provided the ultimate lounge experience while room dividers created open, flowing floor plans.

The decade also boasted open plan homes, which included high ceilings, large windows, spacious entryways, and floating staircases to create a sense of ample, unobstructed living space. These groovy areas were the backdrop for striking geometric designs, bold patterns, vivid colors, and layers upon layers of texture. 

The 70s interior design aesthetic was born right as the mid-century modern era ended in 1969. The mid-century look has never gone out of style, and you’ll see a lot of mid-century elements in 70s styling. Mid-century and 70s homes also draw from Scandinavian interior design, another popular style in today’s homes.

Both mid-century and Scandinavian styles blend beautifully with 70s decor, opening the door to minimalist-inspired style and cozy design ideas. But, of course, you can also mix in today’s colors, textures, and themes to bring the 70s into your modern space.

7 ways to bring chic 70s interior design into your home

If the first thing you think of when 70s interior design comes up is plastic-covered furniture, avocado-green kitchens, and wall-to-wall shag carpet, think again. Yes, 70s interior design committed some serious fashion crimes, but it also had some pretty fantastic elements we can’t ignore. Here are seven ways to bring in stylish design trends from the decade.

1. Natural materials

Like today’s styles, bringing nature indoors was fashionable during the 1970s. Textiles, furniture, and accents offer accessible ways to bring natural materials into your home, adding a 70s-inspired look to any space. Here are some of the many possibilities:

• Cane, bamboo, wicker, and rattan furniture
• Boho-style macrame wall hangings
• Macrame hanging planters for houseplants
• Thick, soft shag rugs (made from modern, easy-clean materials)
• Wood paneling
• Chunky ceramic vases
• Terrazzo floors and countertops

Note: Terrazzo is a building material and finish consisting of chips of marble, granite, glass, shell, and other materials set in a composite like cement or epoxy. It was a popular flooring option for classic 70s living spaces, but you’ll see it on walls, tiles, and even countertops these days.

2. Warm and vibrant colors

The 70s had some excellent color schemes, with warm and vibrant colors throughout the home. You’d see shades like burnt orange, harvest gold, mustard yellow, chocolate brown, and tan mixed with vibrant colors like avocado green, jewel-toned red, and sapphire blue. They gave homes an eye-catching appeal, even if these palettes are a bit much for today’s homes.

Modern design provides an updated approach to weaving in warm, energetic colors. With muted tones and lively colors, you can give your space all the character of a 70s home without sacrificing modern aesthetic appeal. For example, you might start with a base of light, muted earth tones and then add a few vibrant accent colors, creating a five-color palette like this:

• Floral white
• Timberwolf grey (aka greige)
• Tan
• Terra cotta
• Cerulean frost

Most interior designers recommend against using too many bright, bold colors from 70s homes as it can look chaotic rather than cohesive.

3. Fun prints

From upholstery and wall art to wallpaper and accent pillows, eye-catching prints and patterns are hallmarks of 70s interior design. Think funky geometric shapes, jungle prints, and psychedelic designs. These bold, playful prints are part of what’s gaining traction in modern design.

To add some vibrancy to your space without overdoing it, consider getting a few brightly-patterned floor pillows for your living room. (They’d be ideal in a loungey location, such as next to the fireplace). You could also opt for an accent wall in a bold wallpaper print like large palm leaves or groovy florals.

4. Textured fabrics

Corduroy upholstery, chunky-weave throw blankets, boucle furniture, and other textured fabrics can add a 70s feel to your home. Throw pillows, sofas, accent chairs, throw blankets, and even window treatments make it easy to introduce textured fabrics into your space.

For example, you might surround a retro-style coffee table with corduroy floor pillows for a low-to-the-ground hangout reminiscent of 70s-style sunken living rooms. If you’re not a fan of shag rugs, try textured, jute, or carved area rugs for a retro look without the extra-long pile.

5. Retro lighting fixtures

Adding a few retro lighting fixtures is an easy way to add a touch of the 70s without overwhelming your home. For example, try glass pendant lights in the kitchen or dining room or domed mushroom lamp shades in the living room. Rattan, cane, and wicker lampshades also pay homage to 70s interior design’s boho elements and natural materials. 

6. Hanging chairs

Hanging chairs were popular in the 70s, which was an era all about embracing your inner creativity and childlike sense of fun. It’s one of our favorite things about 70s interior design as it encourages you to think outside the box. Add this groovy hippie element to your home with a hanging macrame chair in the living room or a rattan egg chair in the bedroom.

If hanging chairs are a bit much, try a swivel chair instead. Swivel chairs capture the laid-back vibe of hanging chairs while still helping you embrace your inner child. 

7. Maximalist accessories

Maximalist accessories work well with 70s-inspired design. If you want to break up a space or simply add some visual interest, consider a folding screen in a bold print. You can also accent your area with bright ceramics, a geometric side table, chunky vases, or a maximalism print.

Get funky with 70s interior design

If you’re ready for some throwback home decor, consider some of these 70s interior design ideas. Whether you’re adding comfy yet chic rattan furniture, 70s-inspired colors, or groovy lighting, it’s sure to bring your space to life. Try adding your favorite elements from this list one at a time. A slow, planned approach will help you capture the retro look of your dreams without becoming kitschy.

To get your home makeover going, check out what Coaster Furniture has to offer. With thousands of beautiful pieces and a convenient store locator to make shopping easy, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.

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