15 Decor Trends from the ’70s That Quietly Disappeared
These groovy design choices once ruled the '70s—but today, they’ve slipped out the back door.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The 1970s gave us shag rugs, earthy color palettes, and wall-to-wall wood paneling. Some of it felt warm and cozy, while other trends now feel like a time capsule best left closed. Over the years, these bold design moves slowly faded out of modern homes. Let’s revisit the funky flair that defined a decade—and quietly vanished.
1. Shag Carpet
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Thick, fuzzy, and impossible to clean—shag carpet was everywhere in the ’70s. It looked cozy, but the upkeep was a nightmare, and dust allergies had a field day.
2. Floor to Ceiling Wood Paneling
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It made every room feel like a cabin, whether you liked it or not. Over time, homeowners swapped out the dark panels for brighter, airier walls.
3. Orange and Avocado Green Color Schemes
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Kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms were drenched in these two colors. Today, they’re used more for throwback parties than actual design inspiration.
4. Loud Floral Wall Paper
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Walls bloomed with wild floral prints, often clashing with equally bold furniture. Now, it’s all about subtle textures or clean paint jobs.
5. Mirrored Ceilings
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Yes, ceilings had mirrors—and not just in discos. They were meant to open up small rooms, but often just made them feel awkward.
6. Macramé and Ceramic Overload
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Hanging plant holders and chunky ceramic everything filled shelves and corners. While a few pieces still charm, the cluttered vibe got old fast.
7. Console TV as Furniture
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TVs used to be part of the furniture, often built into giant wooden boxes. Flat screens made them obsolete—and so did the need for less bulky living rooms.
8. Colorful Tile Countertops
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Bold, bumpy, and impossible to clean, tile countertops had a moment. They looked fun at first, but over time, they turned into grout-stained regrets.
9. Heavy Drapes in Loud Colors
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Thick curtains in goldenrod or burnt orange darkened every room. Today’s homeowners usually prefer light, breathable fabrics.
10. Beaded Doorway Curtains
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They swayed dramatically and caught on to everything. These quirky room dividers vanished when open layouts came into fashion.
11. Lava Lamps as Mood Lighting
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Lava lamps felt hypnotic, but not exactly practical. Once the novelty wore off, they collected dust in attics and dorm rooms.
12. Oversized Wicker Furniture
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The peacock chair ruled patios and boho corners. It made a statement, but most people eventually opted for comfort over drama.
13. Colored Bathroom Fixtures
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Bathtubs and sinks came in every hue but white. Eventually, the rainbow bathrooms started to feel more dated than daring.
14. Tacky Pendant Lights
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Pendant lighting had its moment, especially the orange orbs and geometric shapes. These days, sleeker lighting designs have replaced them.
15. Ultra-Low Seating
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Sofas sat just inches above the ground, which looked cool until your knees begged for mercy. Comfort finally won over conversation-pit aesthetics.