12 Home Décor Trends from the ’70s That Look Wild Today
Here's a throwback tour through the boldest, quirkiest home décor trends from the 1970s that would turn heads today.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1970s were a time of fearless design choices, full of clashing colors, psychedelic patterns, and funky textures. While some trends from that era have made subtle comebacks, others now seem outrageously over-the-top. These décor styles once defined cool but now serve as design cautionary tales or guilty pleasures.
1. Avocado Green Everything
Ben Maxwell on Pexels
From refrigerators to bathroom sinks, avocado green dominated home palettes. It was considered modern and earthy back then, but today, it’s often seen as dated and dull.
2. Shag Carpeting
Seamlesstextures on Pexels
Thick, fluffy, and often brightly colored, shag carpets covered entire floors — and sometimes walls. While cozy, they were magnets for dust and a nightmare to clean.
3. Wood Paneling Walls
Kübra on Pexels
Dark, vertical wood panels gave rooms a “den-like” feel that was hugely popular. While it offered warmth, it also made spaces feel closed in.
4. Conversation Pits
MidCentArc on Flickr
These sunken lounge areas were designed for socializing and lounging in style. While undeniably groovy, they posed safety risks and complicated floor plans.
5. Macramé Everything
Charlotte May on Pexels
Wall hangings, plant holders, even curtains, macramé was a home décor staple. Its handmade aesthetic added a touch of bohemian flair.
6. Harvest Gold Appliances
artistmac on Flickr
Often paired with avocado green, harvest gold stoves and fridges made kitchens look like a fall-themed showroom. The warm yellow hue has fallen far out of favor.
7. Beaded Curtains
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Used as door dividers or funky room accents, beaded curtains jingled with every breeze. They offered little privacy but lots of personality.
8. Psychedelic Wallpaper
Steve Johnson on Pexels
Walls were often dressed in dizzying swirls, florals, or geometric patterns in clashing colors. While bold, they were hard to match with furniture or keep in style.
9. Wall-to-Wall Mirrors
Joe Wolf on Flickr
Living rooms and bedrooms often featured full mirrored walls to “open up the space.” Instead, they created awkward reflections and dated vibes.
10. Rattan and Wicker Overload
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
What started with patio furniture crept indoors, taking over chairs, shelves, and even headboards. The natural look was big, but the comfort was often lacking.
11. Sunken Bathtubs
Dgtldesigner on Wikimedia Commons
Installed flush with the floor, these tubs were seen as luxurious and modern. In reality, they were tough to clean and easy to slip in.
12. Bold Color Blocking
Svetlana Zadiraka on Pexels
Interiors flaunted extreme combinations, like orange with purple or turquoise and red. These made the rooms feel electric but also exhausting.