26 Best 70s Interior Design Ideas: A Throwback to Groovy Style

The 70s: a decade where avocado green, burnt orange, and funky patterns ruled the design world. If you’ve ever wandered into a retro-inspired room or flipped through vintage magazines, you’ve probably noticed how the 70s aesthetic captures a distinct vibe that’s both bold and charming.

It’s a style that mixes the warmth of earth tones with the allure of wild patterns, plush furniture, and a distinct sense of nostalgia. This article is for anyone looking to embrace the throwback style of the 70s, whether you’re reimagining your home or simply fascinated by this iconic era.

1. Bold, Bright Color Palettes

The 70s were never shy when it came to color. The era was synonymous with bold, earthy tones like mustard yellow, avocado green, burnt orange, and deep browns. These colors filled every room and created a warm, inviting atmosphere.

If you want to bring the 70s vibe to your space, don’t be afraid to mix and match these colors. Consider an orange accent wall paired with soft green furniture or a mustard yellow rug beneath a dark wood table. The key is balance: a pop of color in the right places can transform a modern room into a nostalgic time capsule.

2. Floral and Geometric Patterns

Floral prints were everywhere in the 70s, from wallpaper to upholstery. Large, bold blooms in shades of orange, purple, and red created an immersive environment, while geometric patterns such as chevrons, diamonds, and circles added visual interest and energy.

Incorporating these patterns into your home can be done through throw pillows, curtains, or even wallpaper. If you’re hesitant to go all in, start with a single statement piece like a geometric rug or a floral accent chair, and build around it.

3. Plush Velvet Upholstery

The 70s were all about comfort, and nothing says comfort like plush velvet. Whether it was a couch, chair, or ottoman, velvet furniture was the hallmark of luxury during this era. Choose a rich jewel tone like emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep purple to truly capture the essence of the time. Velvet, with its soft texture and bold visual impact, can instantly elevate any room, making it feel more elegant yet nostalgic.

4. Wood Paneling

Ah, the famous wood paneling of the 70s. Often associated with rustic cabins or family dens, wood paneling added a natural warmth to homes. Dark walnut, cherry, or pine panels were a go-to choice, often paired with shag carpets or statement lighting.

To bring this element back in a modern context, consider incorporating wood paneling in small doses—like as an accent wall or around a fireplace. This can give your home the 70s vibe without overwhelming the space.

5. Shag Carpets and Rugs

One of the most iconic features of 70s interiors was the shag carpet. Its plush, thick texture not only added warmth to rooms but also acted as a conversation starter. Today, you can still incorporate shag rugs in your home for that quintessential 70s touch.

Opt for a bold, retro color to make a statement in your living room or bedroom, or choose a neutral tone for a more subtle effect. The soft texture will bring a sense of coziness that was so prevalent in the 70s.

6. Round and Curved Furniture

Straight lines took a backseat to curves in the 70s. Furniture with round edges and soft silhouettes dominated the era. From circular coffee tables to rounded armchairs, the 70s favored comfort and flow. Today, curved furniture is making a major comeback in modern design. A rounded sofa or an ottoman with soft edges can add a vintage touch while still fitting into a contemporary home.

7. Mirrored Surfaces

If there was one thing that screamed 70s glam, it was mirrored surfaces. Mirrors were used everywhere, from coffee tables with glass and metal to mirrored cabinets and walls. This reflective material added a touch of drama and opulence to the otherwise earthy interiors of the time.

To incorporate this look, consider adding a mirrored accent piece, like a statement mirror above your fireplace or a mirrored side table in the living room. It’s a great way to reflect light and give your space a more spacious feel while evoking retro glam.

8. Macramé and Woven Textiles

The 70s were big on handmade, boho-inspired decor. Macramé, with its intricate knotting patterns, was a popular choice for wall hangings, plant holders, and even lampshades. Woven baskets, tapestries, and rugs also fit seamlessly into the 70s aesthetic.

Bring this back into your home by incorporating woven accents, like a macramé wall hanging in your entryway or a woven rug in your bedroom. These textures will add depth and warmth to your space, helping to create a relaxed, lived-in atmosphere.

9. Sunken Living Rooms

Imagine walking into a room where the floor dips down into a cozy, sunken seating area. This was a hallmark of 70s interior design, creating a distinct visual and spatial experience. While sunken living rooms aren’t as common today, you can still recreate the feeling by opting for lower, plush seating or creating a tiered area in a spacious living room. It adds a sense of intimacy and separation, perfect for entertaining or relaxing.

10. Brass and Gold Accents

Gold was another metal that had its heyday in the 70s. Brass fixtures, from chandeliers to door handles, were the epitome of luxury and glamour. To modernize this look, try introducing brass or gold accents in small doses. A gold-framed mirror, a brass lamp, or gold hardware on cabinets can inject a little retro flair without going overboard. It’s a refined way to bring the opulent energy of the 70s into your home.

11. Record Players and Vinyl Displays

The 70s were the peak of the vinyl revolution, and no home was complete without a record player. For true nostalgia, create a dedicated space for displaying your vinyl collection. A vintage turntable on a retro console table, paired with shelves for your records, will instantly evoke the feel of a groovy 70s living room. If you’re not into vinyl, simply use record album covers as wall art to infuse some musical history into your design.

12. Retro Lighting Fixtures

Lighting in the 70s was bold and often featured sculptural designs. Think large, dramatic pendant lights, funky floor lamps, and unique table lamps that were as much about design as they were about function. To get the look, search for statement light fixtures that have an artistic, sculptural feel. A large, spherical pendant light or a funky arc floor lamp can bring the 70s energy into your modern space.

13. Tropical and Safari Influences

The 70s saw a boom in tropical and safari-inspired decor, with bamboo furniture, rattan, and palm leaf prints making their way into homes. Incorporate tropical influences by adding bamboo furniture or a rattan chair in your living room. You can also use botanical prints on throw pillows, curtains, or wall art to create a relaxed, vacation-inspired atmosphere.

14. Open Shelving and Floating Storage

Open shelving was a common feature in 70s kitchens and living rooms. Instead of bulky cabinets, open shelves were used to display everything from dishware to books to decorative objects. To introduce this idea into your space, consider open shelving in the kitchen or a floating bookshelf in the living room. It adds a sense of openness and airiness to a room while showcasing your personality through decor.

15. Terrazzo Floors

Terrazzo floors were a defining feature of 70s interiors. This speckled, colorful surface was used in everything from countertops to flooring, adding visual interest and texture to a space. While terrazzo is not as commonly used today, it’s experiencing a comeback in modern design. If you want to get the look, consider terrazzo-inspired flooring tiles or a terrazzo-patterned rug to add a pop of texture and color to your home.

16. Pop Art Influence

The 70s were heavily influenced by the Pop Art movement, with vibrant colors, comic book-style prints, and famous icons like Marilyn Monroe or Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup cans adorning walls and products. To capture this energy, use bright, bold artwork or wall hangings that feature pop art influences. A large canvas print of a famous pop artist or quirky graphic prints can bring the 70s energy into your modern living space.

17. Clashing Patterns

In the 70s, clashing patterns weren’t considered a design faux pas; they were an essential part of the aesthetic. Bold stripes next to florals, geometric shapes alongside plaids—the more patterns, the better! If you’re brave enough, you can mix contrasting prints in one room, like a bold striped rug with floral cushions. For a more restrained look, consider pairing two patterns with complementary colors to achieve a balanced yet dynamic feel.

18. Chic Bar Carts

A staple of 70s entertaining was the ever-chic bar cart. Whether it was made of brass, chrome, or wood, bar carts added a touch of glamour to any living room or dining area. Today, you can recreate the look by adding a bar cart with your favorite spirits, glassware, and cocktail accessories. It’s a playful way to embrace the 70s style while still being functional.

19. Faux Fur and Animal Prints

Animal prints like leopard, tiger, and zebra stripes were a popular pattern in the 70s, often seen on everything from throw pillows to upholstered chairs. Faux fur also played a big role in creating luxurious, tactile spaces. To bring this into your modern home, consider animal print throw pillows or a faux fur throw blanket over a couch. It’s an easy way to channel 70s glamour without committing to a full-on safari theme.

20. High-Gloss Surfaces

The 70s weren’t just about earthy tones and textures—they also embraced high-gloss finishes in furniture and decor. Shiny, lacquered tables, cabinets, and wall panels added a sense of sophistication and modernity to spaces. To add this to your space, look for high-gloss furniture in bold colors or sleek finishes. A shiny lacquered side table or console can create a chic, glossy focal point in your home.

21. Low, Wide Furniture

Low-slung furniture with wide, inviting seats was a key characteristic of 70s interior design. This laid-back, lounge-y vibe made everything feel more comfortable and relaxed. A low-profile sofa or wide armchair can create that cozy, inviting environment reminiscent of the 70s. Add a couple of throw pillows and a shag rug, and you’ve got yourself a little piece of retro heaven.

22. Wall-Mounted Shelving

The 70s were all about making a statement with furniture, and wall-mounted shelving was one of those clever ways to do it. Instead of traditional bookshelves, floating shelves were installed on walls to create a minimalist yet functional storage solution. Modernize this idea by using sleek metal or wooden shelves to display plants, books, or decorative objects.

23. Maximalism Over Minimalism

In the 70s, more was more. The maximalist trend dominated design, with bold colors, clashing patterns, and a mix of textures filling up rooms. Maximalism allowed homeowners to create vibrant, personalized spaces that expressed their individuality. To embrace maximalism, layer textiles, mix colors, and create a room that feels full of energy. The key is to curate the chaos thoughtfully, balancing eclectic pieces with cohesive elements.

24. Natural Elements and Textures

Natural materials were highly prized in the 70s. Wood, stone, rattan, and bamboo were commonly used for furniture and decor. Incorporating these materials into your home can be as simple as adding a rattan chair, a wooden coffee table, or a stone fireplace. These elements bring warmth and texture, evoking the natural, earthy vibe that was so popular during the 70s.

25. Open Floor Plans

The 70s saw a shift toward open-concept homes, where the boundaries between rooms were blurred. This open, airy feel allowed for better flow and connectivity between spaces. If you’re looking to capture the spirit of the 70s in a modern home, consider an open floor plan that allows for easy movement between rooms while encouraging social interaction.

26. Funky Wallpapers

Bold, funky wallpapers were a must-have in 70s interiors. From geometric prints to abstract designs and bold florals, walls were transformed into art. You can channel this playful vibe with a feature wall in your bedroom, living room, or hallway. Look for wallpaper with retro-inspired patterns or textures like velvet, which were popular during the era. A single statement wall can completely transform your space, adding a unique and nostalgic touch.

Conclusion

Incorporating these 70s interior design ideas into your home is all about balancing nostalgia with modern sensibilities. You don’t have to dive headfirst into a full-on retro look; simply borrowing a few elements will infuse your space with a groovy vibe that’s all your own. Whether you’re drawn to the bold color palettes, plush velvet furniture, or eclectic patterns, the key is to make it your own while celebrating the bold, carefree spirit of the 70s.