27 Best 70s Interior Design Ideas
The 70s interior design style was bold, funky, and unapologetically groovy. Think shag carpets, avocado-green kitchens, wood paneling, and furniture that looked like it came straight from a space-age movie set.
If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest and thought, “Wow, my grandma’s living room was actually kinda cool,” then you’re already halfway hooked.
IMO, the 70s nailed the art of mixing comfort with personality. And the best part? You can still pull these looks off today without making your home feel like a costume party set.
So, let’s chat about the 27 best 70s interior design ideas that’ll give your home that retro-but-modern twist. Ready? Let’s roll.
1. Shag Carpets Everywhere
Yes, shag carpets were basically the Kardashians of the 70s—everywhere and impossible to ignore.
Thick, fluffy, and usually in wild colors like burnt orange or mustard yellow, shag rugs screamed cozy and funky at the same time.
Pro tip: If you don’t want to commit wall-to-wall, grab a shag area rug. It’ll give you that retro vibe without becoming a dust collector across your whole house.
2. Wood Paneling (But Make It Chic)
People love to clown on 70s wood paneling, but hear me out: when done right, it looks warm, rustic, and downright cool.
Skip the dark fake stuff and go for real wood in lighter or mid-tones.
Ever wondered why this works so well? Because wood = instant cozy factor.
3. Funky Geometric Wallpaper
The 70s wallpaper game was WILD. Circles, squiggles, waves, you name it. Bright oranges, deep browns, and pops of avocado green were staples.
Hot tip: Use geometric wallpaper on a single accent wall so it feels bold without overwhelming your entire space.
4. Rattan and Wicker Furniture
Rattan chairs and wicker coffee tables were 70s icons. They brought a natural, laid-back vibe that balanced out all those loud colors.
Today, rattan still works wonders in making a space feel both retro and modern-boho.
5. Earth Tones Everywhere
The 70s loved colors inspired by nature: avocado green, mustard yellow, burnt orange, and chocolate brown. Sounds like a picnic basket, right? But trust me—it worked.
Pair these colors with neutral creams or whites, and you’ll nail the aesthetic.
6. Macramé Wall Hangings
Macramé was the ultimate DIY décor flex in the 70s. Plant hangers, wall art, even lampshades—if it had knots, it was in style.
And yes, macramé is still cool today (thank you, boho trends).
7. Conversation Pits
Picture this: a sunken living room with a cozy pit of sofas perfect for group hangouts. That was peak 70s luxury living.
Do you need one? No. Do you want one? Absolutely.
8. Low-Slung Furniture
Couches and chairs in the 70s sat low to the ground, making living spaces feel more casual. Pair this with a shag rug, and you’ll practically hear disco music.
9. Statement Lighting (Hello, Globe Lamps)
The 70s didn’t shy away from funky lighting. Globe lamps, lava lamps, and pendant lights shaped like UFOs were everywhere.
Honestly, nothing says retro-chic like a big glowing globe lamp in your living room.
10. Pattern-on-Pattern Madness
The 70s weren’t afraid of clashing. You’d see floral curtains with geometric couches and somehow it worked.
Rule of thumb: Pick a unifying color palette, and then go wild with the patterns.
11. Velvet Sofas
Velvet was the fabric of choice, and 70s living rooms were filled with plush velvet sofas in rich colors like emerald, navy, or mustard.
And IMO, a velvet couch is still the fastest way to make a living room look luxe.
12. Indoor Plants (Lots of Them)
Before it was an Instagram trend, the 70s made indoor jungles a thing. Ferns, spider plants, and palms were must-haves.
Pro tip: Use macramé hangers or rattan stands to keep that vintage feel alive.
13. Psychedelic Prints
Bold swirls, tie-dye colors, and trippy patterns showed up in bedding, curtains, and even wall art.
Want to channel it today? Try a funky patterned throw pillow—it’s retro without being overwhelming.
14. Kitchen Avocado Green Appliances
Avocado green refrigerators and stoves were the vibe. Was it chic or questionable? Both.
If you’re not ready to commit, just add green kitchen accents like cookware or tiles.
15. Tiled Tabletops
Kitchen and coffee tables often had colorful tiles built in. It looked playful and artsy.
Today, a tiled side table can give you the same vibe without looking dated.
16. Beaded Curtains
Remember walking through a doorway that jingled and swayed with beads? Yep, that was peak 70s.
Sure, they’re not the most practical, but as a fun divider or accent piece, they still slap.
17. Patterned Linoleum Floors
Bold linoleum floors in geometric patterns or wild colors were everywhere.
Want to bring it back? Try patterned vinyl tiles—they’re affordable and way easier to install than old-school linoleum.
18. Built-In Bars
The 70s were all about entertaining, and built-in bars became the centerpiece of many homes.
Even a small bar cart with retro glassware can give your space that groovy party vibe.
19. Hanging Egg Chairs
These suspended chairs made lounging look futuristic. Plus, they were ridiculously fun to sit in.
Honestly, nothing says “70s but make it chic” like a white rattan egg chair.
20. Sunburst Mirrors
The iconic sunburst mirror is a perfect example of 70s glam meets retro charm. Hang one over a console table, and boom—instant statement piece.
21. Accent Walls in Bold Colors
One wall painted in deep orange, green, or brown was a quick and easy way to bring drama.
IMO, it’s still one of the best tricks if you want to go retro without breaking the bank.
22. Modular Sofas
These sofas could be rearranged into different shapes—perfect for parties or lazy Sundays.
Pro tip: Go for modular furniture in bright colors or funky shapes for that authentic retro feel.
23. Textured Walls
From stucco to fabric-covered panels, the 70s loved texture. Smooth walls were boring, so they added depth wherever possible.
Today, a textured accent wall (like fluted wood panels) can channel the same spirit.
24. Oversized Artwork
Big, bold art pieces dominated 70s walls. Abstract prints, psychedelic posters, or oversized landscapes all fit the bill.
Ever wondered why this worked? Because big art = big personality.
25. Warm Lighting
Harsh lighting was out, and warm, golden tones were in. Lamps with amber glass shades created that cozy, retro glow.
If you hate cold lighting (same), you’ll love this 70s staple.
26. Funky Room Dividers
Screens, open shelves, and even plastic partitions broke up rooms in playful ways.
Want to try it? Look for a vintage folding screen with bold patterns.
27. Layered Textiles
The 70s were all about mixing fabrics: shag rugs, velvet cushions, crochet blankets, you name it.
The more textures you layered, the cozier (and funkier) the space felt.
Final Thoughts
The 70s interior design style was loud, funky, and completely fearless. From shag carpets to avocado kitchens, it wasn’t afraid to experiment. Sure, some of it was a little over-the-top (looking at you, beaded curtains), but so much of it still feels stylish and relevant today.
If you want to give your home a groovy upgrade, start small—maybe a shag rug, a velvet sofa, or a globe lamp. Before you know it, you’ll be channeling Studio 54 in your own living room (minus the glitter-covered dance floor, unless that’s your thing :
