15 Classroom Decorations That Screamed ’70s Style
Step inside a 1970s classroom, and you’ll instantly recognize these groovy, colorful decorations from a mile away.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Classrooms in the 1970s had a distinct look. They had bold colors, handmade charm, and flair. Teachers turned dull cinderblock rooms into vibrant learning zones filled with character and creativity. Here’s a look back at the décor details that made every ’70s classroom feel like home.
1. Felt Bulletin Boards
Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Every classroom had a giant corkboard covered in brightly colored felt. Teachers used push pins and cut-out letters to post everything from birthdays to math tips.
2. Lettering Made with Stencils
Kevin Malik on Pexels
Big, bubble-style letters stenciled onto poster paper were everywhere—motivational slogans, holiday greetings, you name it. The edges were always a little fuzzy, but no one cared.
3. Alphabet Strips Above the Chalkboard
RDNE Stock project on Unsplash
From A to Z, these laminated strips helped kids remember how to write their letters. The font was cartoonish, the colors loud, and they were always slightly peeling at the corners.
4. Smiling Sun and Rainbow Posters
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Cheerful faces beamed down from the walls—sometimes literal sunshine with eyelashes and a grin. Rainbows arched across walls with motivational quotes like “Shine Bright!” or “You’re a Star!”
5. Giant Maps with Faded Edges
Andrew Neel on Pexels
Hanging from squeaky rollers, these maps were pulled down with dramatic flair. The Soviet Union was still labeled, and oceans were a dull blue-green.
6. Macramé Wall Hangings
Red Nguyen on Pexels
Yes, even classrooms weren’t safe from the macramé trend. Woven plant holders or abstract patterns hung from the walls, often near a dusty classroom plant.
7. Construction Paper Chains
Emily Orpin on Flickr
Made by students during art time, these colorful loops hung across ceilings or windows. They were a go-to for celebrating holidays or just “brightening up” the room.
8. Weather Charts with Movable Pieces
Anna Tarazevich on Pexels
A cardboard sun, cotton-ball clouds, and felt raindrops helped kids track the weather. Someone new got to move the marker every day—it was a big deal.
9. Seasonal Window Clings
Erik Mclean on Pexels
Peeling pumpkins, snowflakes, and bunnies made of static cling covered windows year-round. Half would fall off by week two, but no one bothered to fix them.
10. Motivational Posters with Groovy Fonts
Alizee Marchand on Pexels
Think bold swirls, disco-era lettering, and sayings like “Keep on Truckin’” or “Reading is Far Out!” They were supposed to inspire but mostly made kids giggle.
11. Chalkboard Drawings and Borders
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Teachers used colored chalk to outline subjects or add fun borders around the day’s lesson. By Friday, everything was half-erased and dusty.
12. Hanging Mobiles Made by Students
David Yu on Pexels
Paper planets, butterflies, or geometric shapes dangled from the ceiling on fishing lines. They twirled every time someone opened the door and sometimes fell on a classmate mid-lesson.
13. Classroom Jobs Chart
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
Drawn on poster board and decorated with stars or apples, these charts listed who would feed the fish or clap the chalk erasers. It felt official—even presidential—to be “Line Leader.”
14. Themed Borders Around Bulletin Boards
Matheus Bertelli on Pexels
Trimmed edges with scallops, polka dots, or funky stripes made every bulletin board pop. Sometimes layered in multiple colors, they were a labor of love for teachers.
15. “Word of the Day” Board
Daniel Reche on Pexels
This board, updated daily in chalk or marker, introduced big new words with definitions. Students rarely remembered the terms, but the effort was there.