The 1970s were a bold time for home decor—sometimes too bold. Every room seemed to be a riot of colors, textures, and patterns, with no fear of clashing. From shag carpets to avocado-colored everything, the ‘70s had a unique style that we all embraced without question. Looking back, some of these trends were downright outrageous, but at the time, they felt cutting-edge and undeniably cool.
1. Wall-to-Wall Shag Carpet
Nothing screamed “luxury” in the ‘70s like an entire room covered in thick, fluffy shag carpeting. It came in every color imaginable—gold, avocado green, burnt orange—and often stretched from wall to wall, creating a sea of soft fibers underfoot. The deeper the shag, the better, even though it was a nightmare to clean and hid everything from dust to lost change. Apartment Therapy suggests this fluffy trend might just be returning after all.
Shag wasn’t just for floors—some daring decorators even put it on walls and ceilings for extra “coziness.” Kids loved rolling around in it, but parents quickly realized that once something got lost in the shag, it was gone forever. While plush carpets still exist today, nothing will ever compare to the sheer commitment of fully carpeted living rooms, bathrooms, and even kitchens.
2. Avocado Green and Harvest Gold Everything
If there was one color combo that defined the ‘70s, it was avocado green and harvest gold. Refrigerators, stoves, countertops, even telephones—if it wasn’t one of these colors, it wasn’t considered modern. Kitchens in particular were completely decked out in these hues, making every meal preparation feel like a trip into an autumn-toned dreamland. Business of Home has tips for incorporating these color tones into your decor, should you wish to bring back this trend.
But it didn’t stop at appliances—curtains, upholstery, and even bathroom fixtures came in these shades, ensuring that no room was safe from the trend. At the time, these earthy tones felt warm and inviting, but by the ‘80s, they looked hopelessly outdated. Today, they’re mostly remembered as a quirky relic of a fearless era in home design.
3. Beaded Curtains
Beaded curtains weren’t just decor—they were an experience. Hanging in doorways or separating rooms, these strings of plastic or wooden beads clacked and swayed every time someone walked through. They gave off a cool, bohemian vibe, even if they were more of a hassle than a practical design choice. Indeed, Click Americana insists that this look is for anyone and deserves place in your home to this day.
The beads came in all colors, with some featuring intricate designs or even glow-in-the-dark beads for an extra touch of drama. While they made every entrance feel like a grand entrance, they also had a habit of getting tangled or breaking with too much use. Beaded curtains were fun while they lasted, but most people eventually replaced them with something a little less noisy.
4. Conversation Pits
For those who wanted to take socializing to the next level, the conversation pit was the ultimate ‘70s design feature. These sunken seating areas were built directly into the floor, often covered in plush cushions and surrounded by shag carpet. They were meant to create an intimate space for deep discussions, game nights, or just lounging in a way that felt effortlessly cool. As noted by Something Curated, conversation pits have a long, reliable history of getting friends and families talking around the country.
While they looked impressive in magazine spreads, conversation pits had a few downsides—namely, the risk of tripping and tumbling into them unexpectedly. They also weren’t the easiest to get in and out of, especially if you were holding a drink. By the end of the decade, they started disappearing, but they remain one of the most over-the-top trends of the era.
5. Wood Paneling Everywhere
No ‘70s home was complete without walls covered in dark, heavy wood paneling. It gave rooms a rustic, cozy feel—at least in theory—but in reality, it made spaces feel smaller and darker than they needed to be. Living rooms, basements, and even kitchens were wrapped in faux-wood sheets, often paired with shag carpet and heavy drapes.
At the time, it was considered stylish and sophisticated, but by the ‘80s, people realized it made homes look outdated and claustrophobic. Many homeowners eventually painted over the paneling or tore it down completely. But for those who grew up in the ‘70s, the memory of that dimly lit, wood-paneled basement is impossible to forget.
6. Giant Wicker Peacock Chairs
A staple of every groovy home, the oversized wicker peacock chair made everyone feel like royalty. With its dramatic, fan-shaped backrest and intricate weaving, it was a statement piece that commanded attention. Whether placed in the living room or on a covered patio, these chairs had an unmistakable presence.
They weren’t exactly the most comfortable seats in the house, but they looked amazing in photos, which was all that really mattered. Many of these chairs found their way into home photography studios, making them the backdrop of countless family portraits. While wicker furniture is still around today, nothing quite compares to the extravagant elegance of the peacock chair.
7. Bold, Psychedelic Wallpaper
The ‘70s weren’t about subtlety, and wallpaper was no exception. Swirling patterns, oversized florals, geometric shapes—every wall was an explosion of color and movement. Kitchens, bathrooms, and even ceilings were covered in these loud, dizzying designs that made a bold statement.
Installing and removing this wallpaper was no easy feat, either—once it was up, it was up. Some homes kept their original ‘70s wallpaper for decades, either out of nostalgia or because it was just too much work to strip down. While modern wallpaper trends lean more toward minimalism, nothing will ever match the sheer audacity of ‘70s wall decor.
8. Orange and Brown Color Schemes
Earth tones dominated the ‘70s, but none were more overused than the combination of burnt orange and deep brown. Whether it was furniture, drapery, or kitchen cabinets, these warm shades took over entire homes. Paired with dark wood paneling, they created an ultra-cozy (but sometimes too dark) atmosphere.
Even bathrooms weren’t safe—orange and brown tile became a common sight in many homes. While these colors were meant to evoke a natural, organic feel, they ended up making spaces look more like a relic of the past. By the ‘80s, people were eager to swap them out for something lighter and brighter.
9. Macramé Everything
Macramé was the DIY decor trend of the decade, with woven wall hangings, plant holders, and even furniture made from knotted rope. Every home had at least one macramé creation, whether it was a hanging fruit basket in the kitchen or an intricate wall tapestry in the living room. The intricate patterns and natural fibers made homes feel warm and handmade.
While some macramé pieces were genuinely beautiful, others leaned toward the excessive—giant knotted curtains, full-sized chairs, and even clothing. Like many ‘70s trends, macramé eventually faded into history, though it has seen a small revival in recent years. Still, nothing compares to the sheer volume of knotted rope decor that once filled every corner of the house.
10. Oversized Console Stereos and TV Cabinets
Every stylish ‘70s living room had a massive console stereo or television cabinet—often taking up an entire wall. These wooden behemoths weren’t just entertainment centers; they were statement pieces, with built-in speakers, record players, and sometimes even hidden liquor cabinets. Families would gather around to listen to records or watch their favorite TV shows on screens that were far smaller than the furniture that housed them.
While they looked impressive, they were also incredibly heavy, making moving them nearly impossible without serious effort. By the ‘80s, sleeker electronics took over, making these oversized units obsolete. But for those who grew up in the ‘70s, the memory of lifting a record needle or adjusting the rabbit ears on one of these massive consoles is forever ingrained.
The ‘70s were a time of fearless decorating, where more was always more. While many of these trends have been left behind, they still hold a special place in our memories. Love them or hate them, they made our homes unique—and they definitely made a statement.
