10 Things Found in Every Living Room in the ’70s
These 10 items were staples in nearly every living room during the 1970s, capturing the look and lifestyle of the decade.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 3 min read
The 1970s had a very specific style, and nowhere was it more visible than in the living room. From the bold patterns to the chunky furniture, homes in this era followed strong trends that defined the space. This list highlights the common features and objects you’d find in most American living rooms of the time.
1. Wood Paneling
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Walls were often covered in dark, faux-wood panels. It gave the room a warm, earthy tone that matched the natural color trend of the decade. It wasn’t real wood, but it looked close enough. By the 1980s, most people were ready to paint over it or tear it down.
2. Console TV
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These were large televisions built into wooden cabinets that doubled as furniture. Most families had only one TV, and it sat in the living room for everyone to share. Changing channels meant getting up and turning a knob. Remote controls were rare, and cable wasn’t common yet.
3. Shag Carpet
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Thick, high-pile carpet in colors like mustard, avocado, or burnt orange. It was soft but hard to clean, especially if you dropped food or spilled drinks. The look was trendy and cozy at the time. Most homes eventually replaced it with low-pile carpet or wood floors.
4. Macramé Decor
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Plant hangers, wall hangings, and even room dividers made from knotted cord. It was a popular DIY craft and part of the growing interest in natural textures. Many living rooms had at least one hanging planter or wall piece. Macramé made a comeback in recent years, but it started here.
5. Avocado Green Furniture
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This color showed up everywhere, especially on sofas, recliners, and kitchen appliances. It matched the earthy palette that was big in the ’70s. Many couches were covered in vinyl or scratchy fabric. Today it’s a retro look, but back then, it was the standard.
6. Ashtrays
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Smoking indoors was normal, and most homes had ashtrays on coffee tables or side tables. They came in glass, ceramic, or metal and were sometimes decorative. Even non-smokers kept ashtrays out for guests. Smoking laws and public attitudes later made them disappear.
7. Record Player
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Music was a big part of home life, and a record player was often built into a large stereo console. People played albums from popular artists like Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, or The Eagles. Speakers were big and part of the furniture setup. This was before tapes and CDs took over in the ’80s.
8. Beaded Curtains
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These weren’t used for windows but as room dividers or doorway covers. Beads made a clicking sound when you walked through them. They were more for style than privacy. Kids liked playing with them, and parents liked the bohemian look.
9. Lava Lamp
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Filled with colored wax and water, these lamps created a slow, moving light effect. They were more for decoration than lighting. The motion was hypnotic and felt modern at the time. Every teenager or young adult wanted one in their space.
10. Mirrored Wall Tiles
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Many living rooms featured mirrors to make the space feel bigger. These came in square tiles with a gold tint or etched designs. They were often placed behind couches or along full walls. The look faded quickly in the ’80s, but it was everywhere in the ’70s.