27 Best 70s Interior Design Ideas
If you’ve ever looked at a retro living room and thought,
“Wow, that looks like a disco ball exploded in there… but in a good way,” then you, my friend, are about to fall head over heels for 70s interior design.
There’s something about that decade—bold colors, funky patterns, and unapologetic personality—that just screams freedom and fun. Forget minimalism for a sec.
The 70s was all about maximalism with a side of avocado green.
Ready to bring that groovy vibe home? Let’s time-travel through 27 of the best 70s interior design ideas that’ll make your home look effortlessly retro (without feeling like a museum exhibit).
1. Earth Tones Galore
The 70s had a thing for warm, earthy colors—think shades of mustard yellow, burnt orange, avocado green, and chocolate brown.
These tones brought nature inside, creating that cozy, grounded atmosphere everyone secretly still craves.
Pro tip? Mix these tones in your textiles, walls, and accent pieces to create depth.
And if you’re scared of going full avocado, start small with a throw pillow or vintage vase.
2. Shag Rugs That Scream Comfort
Ever stepped on a shag rug? It’s like walking on a cloud that also has a perm.
These ultra-soft, thick rugs were a 70s staple, and they’re back (thankfully).
Go for cream, mustard, or deep brown shades, and layer them under a sleek coffee table or armchair.
Bonus: your feet will thank you every single morning.
3. Rattan and Wicker Furniture
Rattan wasn’t just for patios back then.
The 70s brought rattan and wicker inside, pairing it with lush plants and earthy tones.
Picture this: a curvy rattan armchair, a woven side table, and a macramé wall hanging nearby. The result? Pure boho bliss with a vintage twist.
4. Funky Wallpaper
If your walls are boring, that’s a 70s crime. This decade loved wild wallpaper—from floral explosions to geometric chaos.
Want to keep it modern? Try a retro-inspired print in muted tones.
Trust me, a bold pattern on one wall can make your whole space feel alive again.
5. The Return of Wood Paneling
Before you cringe—no, not that cheap basement wood paneling from your grandparents’ house.
I’m talking sleek, warm-toned wood walls that bring natural texture back into your space.
Pair it with modern lighting and neutral furniture to balance the retro warmth with contemporary style.
6. Conversation Pits (Yes, Really)
Okay, this might be ambitious, but conversation pits were the showstopper of 70s homes.
Picture a sunken seating area surrounded by plush cushions—a space made for gossip, cocktails, and ABBA.
If you can’t remodel your floor, mimic the vibe with low-slung sofas and layered cushions.
7. Macramé Everything
From plant hangers to wall art, macramé was the unofficial mascot of 70s décor.
It adds texture, artistry, and a handcrafted feel that modern homes often miss.
Plus, it’s a great DIY project (if you’re patient enough not to tangle the cords :/).
8. Statement Lighting
The 70s didn’t believe in boring light fixtures. Think orb chandeliers, mushroom lamps, and pendant lights with a hint of glam.
A single statement piece can turn even the simplest living room into a retro dream.
IMO, a smoky glass globe lamp instantly gives off Studio 54 vibes.
9. Velvet Upholstery
Velvet + the 70s = a match made in heaven.
Whether it’s a mustard velvet sofa or an emerald green accent chair, this fabric instantly elevates the room.
It’s luxe, cozy, and catches light like magic. And yes, it still pairs beautifully with wood and metal finishes.
10. Geometric Patterns
The 70s were allergic to plain designs. Everything had geometric prints—on walls, rugs, and even curtains.
Try introducing a bold rug or throw pillow in a chevron or circle motif. Just don’t mix too many patterns unless you’re going for a psychedelic flashback.
11. Indoor Plants Galore
In the 70s, people didn’t just “like plants.” They turned their homes into jungles. Hanging ferns, spider plants, and monsteras filled every corner.
Bring that lush life back.
Go vertical with hanging planters or group potted plants in clusters. Your air—and your mood—will thank you.
12. Low Furniture
70s living rooms loved low-slung sofas, chunky coffee tables, and floor cushions. It made spaces feel casual, intimate, and ultra-cozy.
If you love the laid-back vibe, try a modular sectional with soft lines and rich colors.
13. Retro Kitchen Colors
Say goodbye to sterile white kitchens. The 70s kitchen was a playground of color—from avocado green appliances to orange backsplash tiles.
Don’t worry, you can modernize it.
Go for muted green cabinets or amber glassware to nod to the past without going full disco diner.
14. Curved Furniture
Forget sharp edges. The 70s adored soft, rounded forms—like crescent sofas, bubble chairs, and kidney-shaped tables.
Curves make a room feel inviting and a little flirty (yes, furniture can flirt).
15. Layered Textures
A 70s room was never flat. Designers mixed wool, leather, velvet, wood, and rattan like pros.
Play with contrast: pair a leather sofa with a wool throw and a woven rug. The more tactile, the better.
16. Record Players & Vinyl Displays
Music was life in the 70s. If you love that nostalgic crackle, set up a vinyl station with a record player, speakers, and a shelf for your favorite albums.
Even if you mostly stream, it’s still the ultimate cool-kid corner.
17. Bold Bathroom Tiles
If you’ve ever seen a 70s bathroom, you know the tiles weren’t shy.
They came in teal, mustard, brown, and even pink—and often had patterns.
Try a retro tile backsplash or a checkerboard floor for instant throwback charm.
18. Mirrors with Personality
Round, sunburst, or tinted—mirrors were an art form in the 70s.
Hang one above your sofa or dresser for both function and flair.
Bonus: the reflections make small rooms feel bigger.
19. Statement Art Pieces
The 70s loved abstract and pop art, especially in oversized formats.
Add one bold art piece to anchor your space. It’s an easy way to channel that era’s fearless creativity.
20. Bohemian Vibes
The late 70s blurred into boho-chic territory—layered rugs, patterned pillows, and eclectic trinkets.
Mix patterns and textures fearlessly, but keep a common color theme so it doesn’t look like your decor just came out of a thrift store tornado. 😉
21. Chrome Accents
While the 70s leaned earthy, it also flirted with metallic finishes—especially chrome.
Think chrome bar stools, lamp bases, or even mirror frames.
It adds that futuristic disco feel that still feels cool today.
22. Open Floor Plans
People wanted flow and freedom—so walls came down, and open living spaces took over.
Even if you can’t knock down a wall, mimic the look with cohesive color schemes and light furniture arrangements.
23. Patterned Curtains
Yes, plain curtains are easy. But 70s design didn’t do easy—it did fabulous.
Add drama with bold, patterned drapes—floral, geometric, or stripey works great. Just balance them with solid-colored walls.
24. Statement Ceilings
The 70s never left a ceiling bare. From wood beams to painted designs, even the fifth wall got love.
Try a wood slat ceiling or bold wallpaper above for a surprising twist. It’s unexpected—and that’s exactly the point.
25. Conversation Artwork
Art wasn’t just decoration—it started conversations. From psychedelic posters to textured tapestries, walls spoke volumes.
Choose art that sparks emotion or curiosity. That’s the 70s way.
26. Textured Walls
Wallpaper wasn’t the only texture in town. The 70s flirted with brick, cork, and plaster finishes.
A cork wall (or even cork tiles) can add warmth, sound absorption, and instant retro appeal.
27. The Mix-and-Match Spirit
If there’s one rule from 70s interior design, it’s this: rules are meant to be broken.
Mix eras, styles, and textures. A vintage rattan chair next to a modern velvet sofa? Totally fine.
The 70s was all about personal expression, and your home should reflect you, not a catalog page.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—27 groovy ways to bring 70s interior design into your home. Whether you go full retro with shag rugs and bold wallpaper, or just sprinkle in a few vintage touches, the key is to have fun with it.
Because that’s what made 70s design so special—it didn’t take itself too seriously. It was warm, wild, and wonderfully personal.
So grab that mustard pillow, hang your macramé plant holder, and maybe put on some Fleetwood Mac while you redecorate. After all, your home deserves to be as free-spirited as you are. 🙂
