The 1970s were a golden age of bold design, filled with texture, earth tones, and playful experimentation. From velvet sofas to rattan furniture, living rooms of the era blended comfort and personality in ways that still inspire designers today. As retro aesthetics re-enter modern homes, many beloved ’70s elements are being reimagined with a fresh twist. These 15 living room staples from the disco decade are making a stylish return—and proving that great design never truly goes out of fashion.
1. Bold Colors and Patterns
The ’70s embraced fearless color schemes—mustard yellow, avocado green, and burnt orange—often layered in geometric or psychedelic prints. Wallpaper, upholstery, and rugs featured bold patterns that added movement and energy. Today, these rich tones and designs are making a comeback, especially when used cohesively to mix and match textures without overwhelming the space.
2. Velvet Sofas and Accents
Velvet was a staple of ’70s interiors, offering rich texture and luxe appeal. Sofas in deep jewel tones like emerald or rust brought both comfort and sophistication to a room. Now, velvet is back in modern silhouettes, balancing retro charm with contemporary design. Its tactile quality adds depth and visual interest in both minimal and maximalist spaces.
3. Conversation Pits
Sunken seating areas were the social heart of many ’70s homes. These cozy, built-in pits encouraged relaxed gatherings, surrounded by plush cushions or modular sectionals. In modern open-plan spaces, conversation pits are being reimagined as architectural features that blend comfort and functionality—creating intimate zones within expansive layouts.
4. Wood Paneling
Dark wood-paneled walls were synonymous with ’70s living rooms, adding warmth and depth. While they eventually fell out of fashion, designers today are bringing them back in lighter tones or with updated styling. Whether real wood or high-quality veneer, paneling now adds nostalgic texture without feeling dated—especially when paired with clean, modern furnishings.
5. Rattan Furniture
Lightweight, sculptural, and earth-friendly, rattan furniture thrived in ’70s homes. Whether used for lounge chairs, coffee tables, or bar carts, its natural look fit perfectly into the era’s laid-back aesthetic. With today’s renewed interest in sustainable materials, rattan has returned as a versatile staple in vintage-inspired and boho-modern interiors.
6. Shag Rugs
Thick, plush shag rugs were practically synonymous with 1970s living rooms. Their high-pile texture offered comfort underfoot and anchored conversation areas with bold color or neutral softness. Today’s shag rugs come in more refined palettes and eco-friendly fibers, maintaining the cozy appeal while fitting seamlessly into updated, modern décor.
7. Macramé Wall Hangings
Hand-knotted macramé designs adorned walls throughout the ’70s, adding a handmade, earthy feel. These woven pieces returned with the rise of boho-chic interiors, now appearing in neutral tones, geometric shapes, and creative formats. Their texture softens walls and complements both modern minimalism and layered, eclectic styles.
8. Mushroom Lamps
Mushroom-shaped lamps became design icons in the 1970s, known for their soft curves and diffused glow. Often made of glass or plastic in colors like amber or white, they added character and ambient lighting. Their playful silhouettes are trending again, offering sculptural lighting with a hint of nostalgic charm.
9. Houseplants
Indoor greenery flourished in ’70s homes, with pothos, spider plants, and ferns displayed in hanging planters and macramé holders. This era marked the start of biophilic design, bringing nature inside. Houseplants are back in a big way, enhancing air quality and adding life, texture, and freshness to living rooms of all styles.
10. Cane Furniture
Cane detailing added a breezy, natural feel to the sleek shapes of 1970s furnishings. From accent chairs to bar carts, this technique offered a light, durable structure. Today’s cane pieces are valued for their retro-meets-modern appeal, combining craftsmanship with versatility in both classic and contemporary settings.
11. Abstract Art Pieces
Colorful, expressive abstract art brought a gallery vibe to many ’70s living rooms. Works featuring bold shapes, dynamic brushwork, or color blocking added visual drama. This artistic energy is returning in curated collections or one-off pieces, serving as focal points that celebrate individuality and a touch of retro attitude.
12. Organic Shapes in Decor
Furniture and accessories in curvy, fluid shapes were everywhere in the 1970s—from arched floor lamps to oval coffee tables. These organic forms counterbalanced sharp architecture and created a relaxed flow. The trend is resurging in modern design, adding softness, visual movement, and a natural rhythm to living spaces.
13. Geometric Wallpaper
Graphic wallpaper in diamonds, circles, and interlocking patterns turned blank walls into works of art. Often used in statement walls or full-room wraps, these patterns defined ’70s interiors. Geometric prints are now making a comeback with cleaner palettes and updated scales, offering depth and personality without overwhelming a room.
14. Retro Drinks Trolley
Drinks trolleys were staples for entertaining in ’70s living rooms, often made of chrome or rattan and wheeled from room to room. These bar carts are back as stylish, functional décor—perfect for housing glassware, plants, books, or actual spirits. They bring a touch of nostalgia with plenty of modern-day purpose.
15. Dimmer Switch Lighting
Lighting control became popular in the 1970s, with dimmer switches setting the mood for lounging or entertaining. Instead of harsh overhead lights, homeowners could create a soft glow throughout the room. Today, adjustable lighting has evolved with smart technology, but the goal remains the same—custom ambiance at your fingertips.