12 Ugly Family Room Decor Trends from the 70s Every House Had

The 1970s was an iconic era for interior design… and not always in the best way. From loud colors to textures and patterns that screamed “more is more,” 70s decor trends were a bold assault on the senses that somehow made every family room feel like home. Looking back, though, it’s hard not to cringe at some of these unforgettable decor choices. Here’s a walk down memory lane—get ready to groan, laugh, and maybe even remember a little fondly!

1. Avocado Green Everything

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If you grew up in the 70s, chances are good your family room had a serious thing for avocado green. From sofas to carpet, curtains, and even appliances, this greenish-yellow color dominated. The appeal? It was “earthy” and very on-trend. Looking back, though, it feels like the whole room was wrapped in guacamole.

2. Shag Carpeting

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Oh, the shag carpeting! Thick, fluffy, and in wild colors like burnt orange, harvest gold, and, of course, avocado green. It looked fun, but good luck vacuuming that dense pile! And yet, it felt like every house had at least one room where you could sink your toes (or lose small objects) into that high-maintenance fluff.

3. Wood Paneling

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Nothing says “70s family room” quite like dark, faux wood paneling from floor to ceiling. The idea was to create a rustic, cabin-like vibe, but it ended up making rooms feel small, dark, and claustrophobic. And once it was up, it was there to stay… sometimes all the way into the 90s!

4. Orange and Brown Color Schemes

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If any color combo screams 1970s, it’s orange and brown. Inspired by nature, this palette was everywhere in family rooms, from the wallpaper to throw pillows, sofas, and even artwork. We might have called it cozy back then, but now, it feels like an overcooked Thanksgiving dinner.

5. Macramé Everywhere

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Macramé wall hangings, plant holders, and even macramé-covered pillows were a 70s staple. Nothing said “home” quite like knotted yarn in earthy shades, hanging from walls or proudly displayed in the family room. While it had a brief comeback recently, no one misses those giant, dusty wall hangings that seemed to multiply with every family gathering.

6. Beaded Curtains

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Sure, they were a hit with teens, but somehow beaded curtains made their way into family rooms, too. The clacking sound as you walked through them added an unnecessary soundtrack to your entrance, and if you had long hair, you learned pretty quickly to avoid them. They looked groovy but were nothing short of a hassle!

7. Huge Console TVs

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A massive, boxy console TV in a heavy wood frame was a true centerpiece of any 70s family room. It was like a piece of furniture all by itself! These TVs were far from slim or subtle, but they brought the family together for nightly viewing sessions. Changing the channel meant getting up, which somehow added to their charm… or so we thought.

8. Sunken Living Rooms

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In the 70s, nothing said sophistication quite like a sunken living room. These “conversation pits” were often decked out in wild colors and textured upholstery, perfect for lounging. They looked cool in theory, but if you’ve ever tripped trying to step down into one, you know they were an accident waiting to happen.

9. Oversized Wicker Furniture

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Before it was chic, wicker furniture was big, bulky, and a little bit ridiculous. A massive wicker chair with a round, deep seat seemed like a good idea until you tried sitting in it for more than ten minutes. Paired with floral cushions, wicker was a 70s favorite that felt more fit for a sunroom than a family room.

10. Brass Everything

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Brass accents were the “must-have” metallic in the 70s, showing up in every corner of the room. Brass-framed mirrors, brass lamps, and brass-topped coffee tables all gave the room a glinting touch of glamour. Or at least, that’s what we told ourselves as we polished fingerprints off of every surface.

11. Glass-Topped Coffee Tables

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These tables were a lesson in careful living. Not only were they smudge magnets, but they added a layer of anxiety anytime kids were around. Many were paired with brass or acrylic legs, making them the ultimate in impractical yet must-have 70s chic.

12. Mushroom Lamps

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Yes, mushroom-shaped lamps. These short, squat, and round lamps often came in bright orange or brown, adding a pop of “psychedelic nature” to the room. They were quirky and cute at the time, but looking back, it’s hard to believe anyone saw these as anything but funky eyesores.

Despite the questionable decor choices, these family rooms were cozy, inviting, and full of memories. They might make us laugh or cringe now, but back then, they were the heart of the home, filled with family gatherings, laughter, and moments that felt timeless. It might not be our style today, but we’ll always remember the shaggy, avocado-green rooms where we grew up.

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