20 Things Every Living Room Had in the 1970s

The 1970s was a decade of bold experimentation, vibrant self expression, and a heavy dose of harvest gold. Moving away from the structured mid century modern look, homeowners embraced textures like shag carpeting and materials like wicker and chrome. From the hypnotic swirl of lava lamps to the cozy embrace of a conversation pit, the living room became a sanctuary for social connection and relaxed vibes. This listicle explores 20 nostalgic items that captured the essence of ’70s interior design, proving that while some trends are better left in the past, the spirit of the decade remains legendary. Join us as we revisit the decor that made every house a home during this colorful era.

1. Wall to Wall Shag Carpeting

Nothing says the 1970s quite like the feel of thick, unruly shag carpet beneath your toes. Often found in shades of avocado green, burnt orange, or a murky brown, these carpets were the ultimate symbol of comfort and luxury. They were famously difficult to clean, often requiring a literal rake to keep the fibers standing upright after a long night of entertaining. Despite the maintenance, the shag carpet provided a soft, tactile foundation for the room that encouraged people to ditch the chairs and sit right on the floor. It was a bold design choice that muffled sound and added a layer of cozy warmth to every suburban household.

2. The Hypnotic Lava Lamp

While invented in the 1960s, the lava lamp truly hit its stride as a living room staple during the psychedelic 70s. These mesmerizing motion lamps used a heat source to melt colorful wax, which would then float and undulate in a glass carafe. They served as the perfect ambient lighting for late-night listening sessions or deep conversations. Available in a rainbow of colors, the lava lamp was less about illumination and more about setting a mood. It represented the era’s fascination with fluid shapes and experimental technology. Even today, seeing that slow, rhythmic bubble movement immediately transports you back to a wood-paneled den filled with incense smoke.

3. Dark Wood Paneling

If you walked into a living room in 1975, there was a very high probability that the walls were covered in sheets of dark, faux wood paneling. This design trend aimed to bring a sense of rustic, outdoorsy charm into the home, though it often ended up making rooms feel like cozy caves. The vertical grooves and deep brown tones provided a moody backdrop for the bright furniture of the time. It was an affordable way to cover up drywall while adding instant texture and character to a space. While many modern homeowners have since painted over it, the wood-paneled wall remains one of the most recognizable hallmarks of the decade’s aesthetic.

4. Console Televisions

In the ’70s, television was not just an appliance; it was a substantial piece of furniture. Known as console TVs, these units were housed in massive wooden cabinets that often featured ornate carvings or Mediterranean styling. They were heavy, stationary, and acted as the undisputed centerpiece of the living room layout. Because they were so bulky, families would often place decorative doilies, framed photos, or even lamps on top of the cabinet. When the tube eventually burned out, many people simply left the unit where it was and placed a newer, smaller TV on top of it. It was the ultimate multi-functional centerpiece for an evening of broadcast entertainment.

5. Intricate Macrame Wall Hangings

The 1970s saw a massive revival of fiber arts, and macrame was the king of them all. Using various knotting techniques, crafters created everything from wall art to plant hangers using heavy jute or cotton twine. These textured pieces added a bohemian, earthy vibe to the living room, often incorporating wooden beads or feathers for extra flair. Macrame was a reflection of the “back to the land” movement and a desire for handmade, artisanal goods over mass-produced plastic. Whether it was a giant fringe hanging over the sofa or an elaborate owl design, these knotted masterpieces were essential for anyone looking to achieve that classic groovy interior look.

6. Bold Orange and Brown Upholstery

Forget neutral grays and whites. The 1970s living room was an explosion of “Earth Tones,” with burnt orange and chocolate brown leading the charge. Sofas and armchairs were often upholstered in heavy fabrics like velvet, corduroy, or even vinyl. These colors were thought to be warm and inviting, reflecting the natural world that was so popular in design at the time. Patterns were equally bold, featuring large-scale florals or geometric shapes that were impossible to ignore. While these color palettes might seem overwhelming today, they created a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that defined the social spaces of the era. It was all about making a statement with every single seat in the house.

7. The Iconic Sunburst Clock

Hanging high on the wood-paneled walls was often a sunburst or starburst clock. These timepieces featured a central dial surrounded by wooden or metal “rays” that fanned out like a shining sun. They were a carryover from mid-century design that maintained its popularity well into the late ’70s. The clock served as a piece of functional art, drawing the eye and adding a sense of movement to the room. Often finished in gold or dark walnut, the sunburst clock was the perfect finishing touch for a stylish home. It captured the era’s optimism and love for celestial motifs, ensuring that even keeping track of time was a stylish endeavor.

8. Abundant Spider Plants

Indoor gardening reached a fever pitch in the ’70s, and the spider plant was the undisputed star of the show. With its long, arching green and white leaves and cascading “babies,” it was the perfect candidate for those ubiquitous macrame hangers. People filled their living rooms with greenery to create an indoor jungle vibe, often placing plants on every available surface and hanging them from the ceiling at various heights. The spider plant was beloved not just for its looks but for its hardiness and ability to purify the air. It added a burst of life and organic texture to the brown and orange rooms, bridging the gap between nature and the living space.

9. Wicker and Rattan Furniture

Wicker and rattan were no longer just for the patio; in the 1970s, they took over the living room. From peacock chairs with their massive, throne-like backs to simple side tables and shelving units, these woven materials were everywhere. They offered a lightweight, airy contrast to the heavy upholstered sofas and dark wood walls. Wicker furniture gave the home a relaxed, tropical, or bohemian feel that was highly sought after during the decade. It was often paired with colorful cushions or sheepskin rugs to add comfort. This trend celebrated natural materials and craftsmanship, proving that a bit of texture can go a long way in making a room feel personalized and stylish.

10. High Fidelity Record Players

Music was the heartbeat of the 1970s, and every living room needed a solid sound system. Whether it was a sleek turntable integrated into a wooden cabinet or a stack of silver-faced components, the record player was a vital piece of equipment. People would spend hours flipping through vinyl collections, admiring the large-scale album art while listening to the latest rock or disco hits. Massive floor speakers covered in brown mesh fabric usually flanked the setup, ensuring that the bass could be felt throughout the house. It was a tactile, social way to experience music that brought friends and family together for shared listening parties and dancing.

11. Swivel Chairs and Ottomans

Mobility was a fun feature of ’70s seating, particularly with the rise of the swivel chair. These chairs allowed users to spin around and face different parts of the room, making them perfect for social gatherings. Often paired with a matching ottoman, these sets were designed for ultimate lounging. Many featured futuristic shapes with chrome bases or heavy tufted leather upholstery. The ability to kick your feet up while being able to turn toward the TV or a conversation made these chairs a favorite for the “man of the house.” They added a touch of modern sophistication to the room while emphasizing the decade’s focus on relaxation and ease.

12. Fragrant Incense and Ash Trays

The sensory experience of a 1970s living room often included the distinct scent of patchouli or sandalwood incense. Burning incense was a common way to set a mellow mood and was part of the decade’s counterculture influence on mainstream decor. Alongside the incense burners, you would almost always find large, heavy glass or ceramic ashtrays. Even for non-smokers, these ashtrays were often kept as decorative objects because of their bold colors and interesting shapes. They were part of a time when smoking indoors was socially acceptable and even encouraged in social settings. These small details contributed to the “lived in” and slightly rebellious atmosphere that many ’70s homes projected.

13. Built in Bookshelves and Curio Cabinets

Storage in the ’70s was often built directly into the architecture of the room. Large, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were used to display more than just literature. They were the stage for curio collections, travel souvenirs, and decorative pottery. These shelves helped break up the monotony of the wood-paneled walls and allowed homeowners to show off their personalities. It wasn’t uncommon to see a mix of encyclopedias, ceramic owls, and small indoor plants all nestled together. The shelving units often included a lower cabinet section for hiding away board games or messy cords. It was a practical design solution that turned everyday items into a visual narrative of the family’s interests and history.

14. Stained Glass Tiffany Style Lamps

For a touch of vintage elegance, many ’70s living rooms featured Tiffany-style lamps with colorful stained-glass shades. These lamps cast a warm, multicolored glow across the room, adding to the layers of textured lighting that were popular at the time. Whether hanging as a pendant over a table or sitting as a table lamp on a side desk, the intricate patterns of the glass were highly prized. They often featured floral or nature-inspired motifs, fitting right in with the earthy color schemes of the era. The heavy metal bases and vibrant glass pieces added a sense of craftsmanship and “old world” charm to an otherwise modern and experimental decade of design.

15. Hanging Beaded Curtains

Why use a boring wooden door when you could have a beaded curtain? In the ’70s, many doorways between the living room and kitchen were adorned with strands of beads made from wood, plastic, or bamboo. These curtains provided a sense of separation while still allowing light and air to flow through the house. They also made a satisfying clacking sound whenever someone walked through them. Beaded curtains were a staple of bohemian decor, adding movement and a playful, laid-back vibe to the home. They were the perfect way to soften the transitions between rooms and add a bit of unexpected texture and color to the living space.

16. Mirrored Walls and Accents

To make small living rooms feel larger and brighter, the 70s turned to mirrors. Mirrored wall tiles were a popular DIY project, often applied in a grid pattern behind a sofa or in a dining nook. These weren’t just plain mirrors; they often had a smoked or bronze tint, or even gold veining, which kept them from feeling too clinical. Beyond full walls, mirrored furniture and chrome accents were used to reflect the vibrant colors of the room and create a sense of glamour. This trend leaned into the disco influence of the late 70s, bringing a bit of sparkle and shine into the domestic environment and helping to bounce light around those dark, wood-paneled spaces.

17. The Conversation Pit

The ultimate ’70s architectural flex was the sunken living room, also known as the conversation pit. By dropping a section of the floor and lining it with built in seating, designers created a dedicated space for socializing. It removed the need for bulky furniture legs and created a cozy, intimate “nest” in the middle of the room. Conversation pits were often carpeted entirely, including the seating benches, making them the perfect spot for sprawling out during a party. They symbolized the decade’s shift toward informal, community focused living. While they eventually fell out of fashion due to being a bit of a tripping hazard, they remain the peak of cool ’70s home architecture.

18. Crochet Granny Square Blankets

No ’70s sofa was complete without a handmade crochet blanket draped over the back. These “granny square” afghans were typically made from scrap yarn in a chaotic yet charming mix of colors. Because they were often made by a family member, they carried a sense of warmth and personal history. The open weave and heavy wool made them perfect for snuggling under during a movie or a cold winter evening. These blankets added a pop of folk art to the living room and complemented other handmade elements, such as macramé. They represent the “crafty” side of the decade, where making something yourself was just as valued as buying something new from the store.

19. Ceramic Owl Decorations

For reasons that remain a bit of a mystery, the 1970s were absolutely obsessed with owls. Ceramic, wooden, and even macrame owls could be found perched on shelves, hanging on walls, or serving as bookends in almost every living room. The owl was seen as a symbol of wisdom and had a certain “nature” appeal that fit the era’s aesthetic. They were often finished in the classic ’70s palette of gold, green, and brown. From tiny figurines to large, stylized statues, these wide-eyed birds were the quintessential knick-knack of the time. Collecting them became a popular hobby, and they added a whimsical, forest-like quality to the indoor decor of many suburban homes.

20. Crushed Velvet Pillows

To round out the texture-heavy experience of the ’70s, crushed velvet throw pillows were a must. These pillows featured a shimmering, uneven texture that felt incredibly soft and looked slightly different depending on the light. They usually came in deep, saturated jewel tones or the standard harvest colors of the era. Velvet was the fabric of choice for adding a touch of luxury and decadence to the room without being too formal. Piled high on a shag carpet or lined up across a massive sectional sofa, these pillows invited people to sink in and get comfortable. They were the perfect finishing touch for a room designed entirely around the concept of “chilling out.”

• Tags:
• 1970s
• Interior Design
• vintage decor
• Nostalgia
• retro style