15 Pieces of Furniture Everyone’s Parents Had in the ’70s
If you grew up in the ’70s, chances are your living room was filled with furniture that screamed shag, wood grain, and pure retro charm.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The ’70s brought bold furniture that made a statement. Whether it looked good or not. From avocado green couches to giant stereo cabinets, homes in this era were decked out in unforgettable pieces. Let’s take a groovy walk down memory lane with 15 furniture items that were basically mandatory in every ’70s household.
1. Avocado Green Sofa
Serife Gerenschier on Wikimedia Commons
This iconic couch wasn’t just green — it was avocado green, and that made all the difference. Often made of scratchy fabric or sticky vinyl, it was the heart of every living room.
2. Wood Paneling Everywhere
Stephen Leonardi on Pexels
Okay, not exactly a piece of furniture, but the wood-paneled walls doubled as part of the aesthetic. Everything from cabinets to entertainment centers matched the fake woodgrain look.
3. Bean Bag Chairs
Thufeil M on Unsplah
Every kid wanted one, and most parents gave in. These soft blobs came in bold colors and were surprisingly hard to get out of. They added a casual, fun vibe to any room.
4. Waterbeds
Ciell on Wikimedia Commons
Equal parts trend and mystery, the waterbed was peak ’70s cool. It sloshed, leaked, and made sleeping feel like a cruise. Parents swore they were great for the back — science disagreed.
5. Plastic-Covered Furniture
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Your mom didn’t trust you with the upholstery, so everything was covered in a thick layer of plastic. It squeaked, stuck to your skin, and made napping impossible.
6. Clunky Entertainment Centers
Chuckwagon700 on Wikimedia Commons
These monsters housed the TV, stereo, record player, and random knick-knacks. They were heavy, wide, and impossible to move. Usually made of fake wood and mirrors, they looked more like shrines than furniture.
7. Shag Carpeting
Karen on Flickr
Technically flooring, but thick enough to count as furniture. This plush carpet came in oranges, browns, and greens that matched nothing yet somehow matched everything.
8. Hanging Egg Chairs
Claudia Schmalz on Pexels
These groovy chairs swung from the ceiling or a giant stand and looked like something from a spaceship. They were more decorative than comfy, but everyone wanted to sit in one.
9. Glass Coffee Tables with Brass Legs
Kamila Nureddinova on Pexels
Sleek, sharp, and a little dangerous, these tables were all the rage. The glass top showed off your shag carpet underneath, and the shiny brass made it feel fancy.
10. TV Trays with Floral Prints
Gary Hoover on Wikimedia Commons
Dinner in front of the TV meant one thing: metal trays with fold-out legs. They often had loud flower patterns or scenic landscapes. Not super sturdy, but they did the job.
11. Wicker Papasan Chairs
Ing. Radek Michelfeit on Wikimedia Commons
Big, round, and hard to sit in gracefully, these chairs were everywhere. The cushion was overstuffed and the frame creaked like crazy. But they looked “earthy” and bohemian.
12. Giant Console Televisions
Shal Farley on Flickr
These weren’t TVs — they were furniture. Framed in wood with built-in speakers and often topped with decorations, they were the centerpiece of the family room.
13. Wall-Mounted Phone Tables
Øyvind Holmstad on Wikimedia Commons
Phones didn’t float on counters back then — they had dedicated little tables, complete with a pad and pen for messages. Some even had mini drawers for address books.
14. Macramé Plant Hangers
Diana Reyes on Pexels
The ’70s loved plants — and macramé. These rope hangers were handmade and often held spider plants or pothos. They hung in every window and added to the “natural” vibe of the era.
15. Velvet Recliners in Bold Colors
Tony61494 on Wikimedia Commons
Comfort met color in these overstuffed, plush chairs. They came in deep burgundy, burnt orange, or golden mustard — subtle was not the goal. Perfect for TV watching and impromptu naps.