Retro patterns, chunky shapes, earthy tones, carpeted flooring, and floral patterns—these define the funky, nostalgic vibes of 1970s furniture styles. Like the gang from That '70s Show, true style is comfy, cozy, eclectic, and fun! Whether you're feeling sentimental, redecorating, or just want a trip down memory lane, this guide to iconic 1970s furniture styles is for you.
1. A Retro, Patterned Couch
Grandma's crazy, patterned fabric couch was a perfect addition to any living room with wood-paneled walls, orange shag carpet, and a cuckoo clock. These couches featured earthy hues and durable fabric, often bought on layaway to last a lifetime.
2. Earthy Tones and Hues
Photos from the 70s reveal a recurring color palette reminiscent of the outdoors and the desert. Common color schemes included:
- Rusty or burnt orange
- Avocado green
- Orange-tinted yellows
- Harvest gold
- Warm reds
- Natural stone
- Dark blues
- Barn red
- Autumn brown
They loved color and weren't afraid to decorate their entire homes with it! Deep blues offset the beiges and browns, while other colors matched carpeted flooring and wood-paneled walls.
3. The Infamous Bean Bag Chair
Ahh, the beanbag chair. This shapeless, comfy bag of filler was in every home from 1968 on. Commissioned by Sacco, these teardrop-shaped bags were quickly embraced by young adults. Originally crafted of fine leather, options like the velvet chair offer the same quality and longevity with added softness and style.
Why did people love beanbags so much? They're affordable, comfortable, stylish, and mobile, allowing for redecorating at a moment's notice.
4. Ottomans for Everybody
You can't have a beanbag chair and a couch without an ottoman. Most living rooms featured at least one, often in front of any sitting space. Relax and prop your feet up on one of these square, practical beauties.
5. Carpet, Carpet, Everywhere
Carpet appeared everywhere in the 1970s, often as brightly colored and eccentric as the furniture. Oranges, yellows, and browns were commonplace, with the bonus that dirt and stains weren't as obvious.
6. Wood Paneling (On the Walls!)
Keep it neutral and natural with wood paneling on the walls of your living room. It provided a sturdy look and feel that brought all the colors of the room together, muting the funkiness and making everything appear as natural as can be.
7. Sit down in a Futuristic Tulip Chair
Surrounding many a kitchen table in the 1970s was the tulip chair. This plastic and aluminum creation, born in 1956, found its way to many homes in the 70s. The seamlessness of the materials makes it look like one, with a molded plastic seat connected to a sturdy aluminum base.
8. Far-Out, Bold Prints
Keep it bold with eclectic and funky prints for your couch, pillows, and carpet. Couches featured nature scenes, old clocks, tons of floral, animals, outdoor themes, geometric shapes, paisley, flannel, and more. If something weren't in a bold print, it was in a bold fabric. Bonus points for combining the two!
9. Groovy Shag Rugs, Obviously!
Retro shag rugs were perfect for those places where you didn't have carpet. These little chunks of elongated fabric decorated many floors, featuring the usual patterns or colors. Some were shaped in a circle with a large, golden sun atop.
10. Wicker Chair, Wicker There, Wicker Everywhere
Wicker was re-popularized in the 1960s and 70s. People loved the look and feel of vintage wicker, which took the shape of chairs, couches, even baby carriages! This rattan-based material was sturdy but light, and it fit the color palette. It was used either inside the living room or outside the home as patio furniture. The Arts and Crafts Movement of the 1900s brought us a lot of wicker furniture, but then it dipped off.
1970s Furniture Styles: A Blast from the Past
History has a way of repeating itself. Modern brands will begin harnessing the energy of the past and bringing it into the present. The same goes for the 1970's furniture styles. Be the trendsetter by redecorating or adding a big bean bag chair to your living room decor. Keep everyone comfy and cool by adorning your home with some funky, far-out vibes. Contact us today to see how we can help you transform your space into one that wows.