The 1970s were a bold era in furniture design—filled with curves, texture, and conversation-starting shapes. While some of these pieces have faded from everyday life, they still spark joy (and surprise) among vintage lovers and collectors. Born from a decade of experimentation, these furnishings blended comfort, futurism, and cultural shifts. For those who lived through it, these items bring instant recognition. For younger generations? They’re often met with curiosity—and sometimes disbelief.
1. Bean Bag Chairs
Soft, shapeless, and endlessly comfy, bean bag chairs became a staple in ’70s rec rooms and basements. Filled with foam beads and covered in vinyl or suede, they were informal, fun, and perfect for lounging. Today’s versions have evolved in materials, but few modern pieces capture the same carefree vibe that made the original bean bag a hit with kids and adults alike.
2. Lava Lamps
The hypnotic glow of lava lamps defined the mood lighting of the ’70s. With colorful wax blobs slowly floating through liquid, these lights were part décor, part conversation piece. They were often placed on side tables or bookshelves for instant ambiance. Though still made today, original lava lamps are prized collectibles that perfectly reflect the decade’s groovy aesthetic.
3. Shag Carpeting
Few things say “1970s” quite like wall-to-wall shag carpet. Thick and plush underfoot, it came in colors like avocado green, burnt orange, and goldenrod. Popular in living rooms and bedrooms, shag offered both warmth and dramatic texture. It eventually gave way to cleaner flooring trends, but retro decorators now embrace it in smaller doses for its unmistakable vintage charm.
4. Statement Stone Fireplaces
Large, rugged stone fireplaces often served as the visual centerpiece in ’70s living rooms. Built with stacked stone or river rock, they added rustic texture and drama to open-concept homes. These fireplaces reflected a desire to bring nature indoors—a common theme in the decade’s décor. Today, many have been replaced, but their grand scale is making a slow comeback in design circles.
5. Rattan Furniture
Lightweight and flexible, rattan furniture—including chairs, sofas, and room dividers—found its way from patios into indoor living spaces during the 1970s. The natural, tropical look paired well with houseplants and earth-tone color schemes. Though often replaced by heavier wood or upholstered styles, rattan has returned as a sought-after material in today’s boho and eco-conscious interiors.
6. Floral Sofas
Big, bold floral prints dominated living room sofas in the ’70s. These busy patterns—featuring oversized blooms in warm or psychedelic colors—were a visual signature of the decade. Combined with velvety or textured fabrics, floral sofas were both decorative and cozy. While often covered up in later years, they now add retro flair to curated vintage rooms.
7. Omkstak Chairs
Made of bent metal and colorful molded plastic, Omkstak chairs were stackable, lightweight, and undeniably modern. Their pop-art colorways and industrial style made them popular in casual dining areas and creative spaces. Designed by Rodney Kinsman, they embodied the fun-meets-function spirit of ’70s innovation. Today, they’re collector favorites for mid-century modern enthusiasts.
8. Wiggle Side Chairs
Created by architect Frank Gehry, the Wiggle Side Chair was a sculptural marvel made entirely from corrugated cardboard. Its curvy silhouette and surprising comfort made it a conversation piece in art-forward homes. Though unconventional, it symbolized the experimental energy of the era. Vintage originals are rare and often found in design museums or high-end auctions.
9. Boby Trolley
A staple in artist studios and creative homes, the Boby Trolley was a modular, wheeled storage unit designed by Joe Colombo. Its rotating trays and side compartments made it incredibly functional while standing out with its bold plastic design. Whether used for art supplies or records, it offered a clever blend of utility and style that’s appreciated to this day.
10. Cifra 3 Clock
With its flip-style digital readout, the Cifra 3 clock brought a sense of tech-forward cool to desktops and nightstands. Designed by Gino Valle, it was one of the first clocks to combine mechanical flip cards with sleek industrial design. Its ticking panels became a familiar sound in ’70s homes. Today, surviving models are prized by vintage electronics collectors.
11. Impala Chair
The Impala Chair blended comfort with a lounge-ready silhouette and sleek chrome framing. Upholstered in leather or plush fabric, it was low-slung and effortlessly stylish—perfect for modern homes embracing a touch of glam. While lesser-known today, the Impala is a hidden gem among vintage seating options for collectors seeking something distinctive.
12. Borkum Sofa
Chunky yet laid-back, the Borkum Sofa featured broad arms, overstuffed cushions, and leather or velour upholstery. Its deep silhouette made it ideal for relaxing, often positioned around fireplaces or sunken living rooms. Though its bulky form faded with the rise of sleek sectionals, the Borkum’s inviting vibe is being reimagined in today’s comfort-first furniture trends.
13. Waterfall Coffee Tables
Defined by their seamless curve at the edges, waterfall coffee tables embodied the minimalist movement of the late ’70s. Made from lucite, glass, or wood veneer, they were sleek and futuristic without feeling cold. Their clean lines allowed them to blend with a range of interiors. These sculptural tables are now back in vogue, especially in mid-century styled homes.
14. Papasan Chairs
Papasan chairs gained popularity in the ’70s for their cozy, bowl-shaped design and laid-back attitude. With rattan or wicker frames and oversized round cushions, they were often tucked into living rooms, reading nooks, or teen bedrooms. The bohemian look they offered aligned perfectly with the decade’s relaxed, nature-inspired interiors. Though they faded for a time, Papasan chairs are now beloved again for their comfort and nostalgic charm in casual modern settings.