21 Interior Design Ideas to Try for Bringing Back the ’70s

Ready to give your home a groovy makeover? The 1970s are making a comeback in a big way.

This decade’s bold style is perfect for adding personality and fun to any space.

From warm earth tones to funky patterns, the ’70s design has something for everyone.

This post will explore 21 easy ways to bring retro charm into your home. You don’t need to go all-out disco to capture the era’s spirit.

We’ll show you how to mix vintage-inspired pieces with modern touches for a fresh, stylish look.

Get ready to turn back the clock and create a space that’s both cozy and eye-catching.

Let’s dive into these far-out ideas that will have your home looking hip in no time!

Retro 1970s-Inspired Interior Design Ideas for a Timeless Look

The 1970s brought us unique design trends that are making a comeback. From warm color palettes to interesting textures, these ideas will help you add a touch of retro charm to your home. Let’s look at ways to blend old and new for a fresh take on ’70s style.

1. Macramé Wall Hangings

Macramé wall hangings bring a handmade, artistic touch to interiors.

This textile art was a staple of 1970s décor, and its return adds a touch of bohemian flair to modern homes.

Choose natural materials like cotton or jute and opt for intricate knot patterns to make the walls feel cozy yet stylish.

They pair beautifully with plants, wooden furniture, and neutral color palettes, creating a calming and earthy ambiance that resonates with the essence of 1970s homes.

2. Sunken Living Room

A sunken living room, or “conversation pit,” was a hallmark of 1970s architecture.

This design creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere for gatherings while adding an element of sophistication to your home.

By slightly lowering the floor in one section of the living room, you create a separate and distinct space.

To fully embrace the retro vibe, use plush, low-slung seating, and finish the look with warm lighting and textured rugs for ultimate comfort and style.

3. Shag Carpets

Shag carpets bring the playful texture and warmth of the 1970s into the modern home.

These thick, soft carpets add a luxurious feel underfoot and inject a retro vibe into any room.

Go for bold, warm tones like orange, mustard, or deep green to truly embody the era’s spirit.

Whether used in the living room or bedroom, shag carpeting instantly elevates the comfort level and adds a nostalgic, inviting touch to contemporary interiors.

4. Wood Paneling Walls

Wood paneling, a staple of the 1970s, brings warmth and rustic charm to modern spaces.

While often associated with dark, cozy rooms from the past, today’s interpretation can be lightened up with lighter wood stains or painted panels for a more modern twist.

Using natural materials helps create a grounded, organic feel, while the texture adds visual depth to the room.

Pair wood-paneled walls with minimalist furniture and earthy accents for a refreshed yet nostalgic look.

5. Hanging Bubble Chairs

Introduce a playful, futuristic element to your home with hanging bubble chairs.

This iconic piece of 1970s furniture adds a fun, modernist twist to your space.

Made of clear acrylic, these chairs create the illusion of floating, adding a light, airy feel to the room.

A hanging bubble chair will become a conversation starter, whether placed in the living room, reading nook, or even on a patio.

Opt for bright-colored cushions to embrace the retro vibe fully.

6. Bold Geometric Wallpaper

Bold geometric patterns were a hallmark of 1970s design, and wallpaper featuring these striking shapes can transform a room instantly.

Go for large-scale patterns in rich hues like mustard yellow, deep orange, or teal to give your walls a dynamic, eye-catching element.

Geometric wallpaper can act as an accent wall in living rooms, bedrooms, or even hallways, creating a statement without overwhelming the space.

Keep the furniture and accessories simple to let the wallpaper be the star.

7. Rattan Furniture

Rattan furniture exudes the organic, laid-back charm that defined the 1970s.

Incorporate natural rattan chairs, tables, or shelving units into your home for a boho-inspired feel.

The woven texture adds warmth and visual interest to any room and works well indoors and outdoors.

Whether you opt for a rattan accent piece or fill your space with this light, airy material, it effortlessly captures the easygoing spirit of the era while remaining timeless in today’s design.

8. Conversation Pits

Conversation pits are a perfect way to embrace the social aspect of 1970s interior design.

This hollow space within a living area encourages interaction and creates a cozy, intimate seating arrangement.

Whether you use low, plush seating or custom-built benches, conversation pits are ideal for entertaining guests in a relaxed atmosphere.

Pair the space with low lighting, bold colors, and layered textures to create a truly inviting retro vibe that feels modern and unique.

9. Bean Bag Chairs

Bean bag chairs were an iconic feature of the 1970s, offering relaxed and versatile seating.

Now available in various fabrics and colors, these oversized cushions are perfect for creating a laid-back atmosphere in your home.

Please place them in a reading corner, family room, or even a children’s play area for an informal seating option that’s both fun and functional.

Choose vibrant shades or earthy tones to match the retro aesthetic while maintaining the room’s casual, inviting feel.

10. Wicker Lighting Fixtures

Wicker lighting fixtures add texture and a natural, handcrafted element to your interiors.

Wicker creates a warm, earthy glow when illuminated, whether in pendant lights, floor lamps, or sconces.

These fixtures blend seamlessly with other 1970s-inspired elements, such as rattan furniture and wood paneling, while offering a more contemporary, eco-friendly alternative to traditional lighting.

The intricate woven designs provide visual interest and soften the light, making the space feel cozy and inviting.

11. Colorful Vinyl Records Display

Showcase your collection of vinyl records as a focal point in your living or entertainment space.

This nostalgic design allows you to merge music and décor, transforming the space with a retro flair.

Mount your favorite albums on the walls or on open shelving for a creative, ever-changing display.

Choose albums with vibrant, colorful covers to add a touch of artistry while celebrating the music that defined the 1970s era.

12. Tiled Coffee Tables

Tiled coffee tables were a popular design feature in 1970s homes.

To bring this trend into today’s interior, choose colorful ceramic tiles with intricate patterns that contrast or complement your existing furniture.

Whether you choose bold geometric shapes or softer, organic patterns, a tiled coffee table adds visual appeal and a touch of retro craftsmanship.

This type of table works as a functional centerpiece while infusing your living room with a creative and artistic vibe.

13. Avocado Green Kitchen Accents

Avocado green was a defining color of the 1970s, particularly in kitchen design.

Opt for avocado green kitchen accents like appliances, cabinetry, or backsplash tiles to bring this trend into modern interiors.

This retro color brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia without overwhelming the space.

Paired with white countertops or wooden elements, avocado green can create a refreshing, grounded palette that feels both vintage and contemporary, perfect for those wanting to add a touch of bold color.

14. Circular Furniture

Circular furniture pieces capture the essence of 1970s design by softening the look of a room and creating a flowing, dynamic space.

From rounded sofas to circular coffee tables, these pieces break away from harsh, straight lines and evoke a sense of fluidity.

Incorporating circular furniture helps create a more inviting, comfortable environment, especially when paired with other retro elements like shag rugs or geometric patterns.

This trend balances form and function while adding a playful yet elegant touch to your home.

15. Sunburst Mirrors

Sunburst mirrors were iconic decorative pieces in the 1970s and are a great way to bring a glamorous, vintage look to your space.

These mirrors, often featuring metallic spokes radiating from a central round mirror, create an eye-catching focal point on any wall.

The design adds both light and a sense of drama to the room, and they work well in living rooms, entryways, or even bathrooms.

The reflective surfaces also help to make smaller spaces feel larger and brighter.

16. Retro Bar Cart

A retro bar cart is a fun and functional way to channel the 1970s era in your home.

Opt for a chrome or brass bar cart with glass shelves to store and display your favorite drinks and barware.

Add vintage-inspired glassware like highball glasses and decanters to complete the look.

This versatile piece can be used in the living room or dining area, and it also makes for a stylish serving station during social gatherings, reflecting the entertaining spirit of the 70s.

17. Fringe Curtains

Fringe curtains add a free-spirited, bohemian touch to windows and doorways, instantly recalling the 1970s love for eclectic, textured elements.

Opt for neutral shades or vibrant colors, depending on the mood you want to create.

These curtains soften the look of a room, adding a flowing, organic feel that pairs beautifully with other retro décor.

Whether used as a room divider or to frame windows, fringe curtains offer a playful, laid-back vibe, allowing light and air to filter through.

18. Lava Lamps

Lava lamps are a quintessential piece of 1970s décor, known for their mesmerizing, fluid motion and vibrant colors.

Adding one to your living room, bedroom, or study instantly brings a playful and nostalgic element to your space.

These iconic lamps are functional lighting and conversation pieces, creating a laid-back, groovy atmosphere.

Available in various sizes and colors, lava lamps are an easy way to inject retro charm into your interior while evoking the fun spirit of the 70s.

19. Mirror Walls

Mirror walls were a bold design choice in the 1970s, often used to make spaces appear larger and brighter.

Today, you can update this concept by installing a full or partial mirror wall in a living room, dining area, or hallway.

The reflective surface amplifies natural light, making small rooms feel more expansive while adding a touch of glamour.

Whether you opt for a sleek, seamless mirror or one with a vintage frame, this design idea brings a polished, retro feel to any home.

20. Patterned Linoleum Flooring

Patterned linoleum flooring was a standout feature in 1970s homes, known for its bold designs and durability.

To incorporate this retro flooring option into modern spaces, choose linoleum with geometric or floral patterns in vibrant colors.

Linoleum is eco-friendly and easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens or hallways.

This flooring adds an instant retro vibe to your home while providing a striking visual element that can complement other 70s-inspired design choices.

21. Tapestry Wall Art

The tapestry wall art was a popular form of decoration in the 1970s, offering an alternative to framed paintings or photographs.

Large, intricately woven tapestries with vibrant colors or bold patterns add texture and warmth to a room.

Whether hung above a sofa or used as a headboard alternative in the bedroom, tapestry wall art brings a soft, artistic vibe.

This décor choice works especially well in bohemian-inspired spaces, adding a sense of handcrafted, earthy charm that perfectly reflects 70s interior aesthetics.

Conclusion

We’ve explored 21 fun ways to bring retro charm into your home.

From warm earth tones to funky patterns, the ’70s offer endless inspiration for creating cozy and eye-catching spaces.

Remember, you don’t need to go all-out disco to capture the era’s spirit. Mix vintage-inspired pieces with modern touches for a fresh, stylish look uniquely yours.

Ready to start your retro makeover? Pick one or two ideas that speak to you and try them.

Small changes can make a big impact, whether adding a colorful accent wall or bringing in some macramé.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it – that’s what ’70s style is all about!