1. Macramé Plant Hangers
If you walked into a living room in the ’70s, chances are you saw at least one plant dangling in a knotted macramé hanger. They were usually handmade, often as a DIY project from craft kits, and gave every room that earthy, bohemian feel. People loved using them for ferns or spider plants, and the more knots and beads they had, the better. Some even stretched from ceiling to floor, making the greenery look like part of the furniture.
They were stylish and practical since they saved space while adding a natural touch to a room. The whole trend tied into the decade’s love for bringing the outdoors inside. Even if someone didn’t have much of a green thumb, a macramé hanger was almost a must. It was one of those crafts that defined the era and showed off a bit of creativity.
2. Beaded Door Curtains
Instead of boring wooden doors, many homes had strings of beads swaying in the doorway. These beaded curtains created a sense of drama, even though you could still see through them. They clinked softly when people brushed past, which added to their charm. Patterns ranged from plain wooden beads to colorful, elaborate designs that looked almost like artwork.
Teenagers especially loved hanging them in their bedrooms because they offered a sense of privacy without shutting anyone out completely. They were cheap, easy to install, and made rooms feel a little more exotic. Of course, they had a tendency to tangle, which made them less practical than they looked. Still, they became a signature piece of home décor in the decade.
3. Lava Lamps
Lava lamps weren’t just lights, they were hypnotic little shows in a bottle. Watching the colored wax float up and down was like a mini science experiment and decoration all in one. The soft glow made them especially popular in bedrooms and rec rooms, where they added atmosphere. They became a symbol of groovy ’70s style, blending with the psychedelic carryover from the ’60s.
While they didn’t provide much actual lighting, they were considered cool just to have around. Parents sometimes kept one in the living room to show they were “with it,” and kids loved to stare at them for hours. They gave off a relaxing vibe that matched the mellow mood of the decade. For many, it wasn’t a real ’70s house unless at least one lava lamp was glowing in the corner.
4. Shag Carpeting
Shag carpeting turned up everywhere, from dens to bedrooms, and it came in every color imaginable. Long, thick fibers made it feel plush underfoot, and the brighter the shade, the better. Orange, avocado green, and mustard yellow were some of the most common choices. It was considered cozy, fun, and very modern at the time.
Of course, shag carpet wasn’t easy to clean, and things tended to get lost in the thick pile. Pets, kids, and spills made it a nightmare for homeowners. Still, it made such a statement that people were willing to put up with the hassle. Looking back, it’s one of the first things people picture when they imagine a ’70s home.
5. Velvet Paintings
Velvet paintings were a true oddity, but somehow everyone seemed to have one. The most famous design was the “Velvet Elvis,” showing the King of Rock and Roll in striking detail. The black velvet background made the colors pop, creating a dramatic effect that was eye-catching. These paintings often featured celebrities, landscapes, or even animals.
They were sold at flea markets, roadside stands, and sometimes right out of the back of vans. Because they were affordable, many people picked them up without thinking twice. They might not have been considered fine art, but they became conversation starters. Today, they’re remembered as one of the most eccentric decorative trends of the era.
6. Wicker Furniture
Wicker chairs and tables had a huge moment in the ’70s. They were light, airy, and gave off a tropical, laid-back vibe that fit perfectly with the era’s love of natural materials. The infamous “peacock chair” with its wide, rounded back was practically a photo shoot staple. Wicker pieces could be found in living rooms, patios, and bedrooms alike.
The problem was that wicker wasn’t exactly comfortable, and it could break easily with too much use. Still, homeowners loved how it looked, especially when paired with bold cushions. It fit right in with macramé and houseplants, completing that earthy boho look. For many families, at least one wicker piece was a must-have in the house.
7. Mushroom Decor
Mushrooms popped up everywhere in ’70s kitchens, from cookie jars to wall hangings. They were often painted in cheerful colors like red, orange, and yellow. The whimsical look made kitchens feel cozy and playful, and families loved collecting matching sets. Mushroom salt-and-pepper shakers were especially popular.
It’s hard to say exactly why mushrooms became the trend, but they fit with the natural, earthy style of the decade. Many people saw them as a symbol of luck or happiness. Entire kitchens sometimes ended up with mushroom-themed everything. If you grew up in the ’70s, you probably ate dinner with mushrooms watching over you from the counter.
8. Avocado Green Everything
Avocado green was one of the defining colors of the decade, and it appeared in nearly every household. From refrigerators to countertops, this shade was everywhere. Living rooms even had green sofas or curtains to match. It was considered chic at the time, blending the outdoors with the indoors.
While it may seem dated now, it made homes feel warm and earthy. Many kitchens paired avocado green with wood paneling or harvest gold accents. For families, it was just what modern style looked like. Today, spotting avocado-colored appliances instantly transports people back to that era.
9. Sunburst Clocks
Sunburst clocks were bold and decorative, making them more like art than simple timekeepers. Usually featuring a round clock face surrounded by radiating beams, they made a dramatic statement on walls. They came in gold, brass, or even brightly painted designs. The look was retro-futuristic and fit perfectly with the space-age influence of the time.
Every living room seemed to have one proudly displayed. They stood out as conversation pieces, combining function with flair. Even people who didn’t care much about clocks liked how striking they looked. They became one of the most iconic wall decorations of the decade.
10. Peacock Feathers in Vases
A vase filled with peacock feathers was a common sight in ’70s homes. The iridescent blue and green plumes added a touch of glamour to otherwise earthy décor. They were considered exotic and elegant, even though they were surprisingly easy to find. Many people displayed them in tall vases near entryways or living room corners.
The feathers gave off a dramatic, artsy feel that fit right in with the bold tastes of the time. Sometimes they were paired with dried flowers for extra flair. While not exactly practical, they created a strong visual impact. If you visited friends in the ’70s, chances are you brushed past a vase of peacock feathers at some point.
11. Wall-to-Wall Wood Paneling
Wood paneling covered countless living room and basement walls in the ’70s. It was marketed as warm and cozy, and it gave homes a rustic charm. Families often used it to turn their basements into recreation rooms, complete with a bar and shag carpeting. The darker the wood, the more dramatic the look.
While it may have seemed stylish at the time, paneling had a way of making rooms feel darker. Still, it was durable and relatively cheap, so it became a go-to choice for homeowners. For many families, those paneled walls became the backdrop for holiday photos and gatherings. Today, it’s one of the most instantly recognizable features of the decade.
12. Ceramic Animal Figurines
From owls to frogs, ceramic animal figurines decorated shelves and coffee tables everywhere. They often came in sets, and people loved to collect them. Sometimes they were realistic, while other times they were painted in wild colors. Owls were especially popular, symbolizing wisdom and fitting the decade’s earthy vibe.
These little figures were easy to find at department stores and gift shops. They weren’t expensive, which made them appealing as impulse buys. Homes often had a whole collection scattered throughout different rooms. Looking back, they added personality to spaces in a very quirky way.
13. Fiber Optic Lamps
Fiber optic lamps were futuristic decorations that fascinated everyone. With glowing strands of light that shifted colors, they made a room feel almost magical. Kids especially loved watching the strands change shades in the dark. The lamps gave off a soft glow, perfect for setting a mood.
They were sold as cutting-edge décor, even if they didn’t serve much purpose beyond looking cool. Still, they fit right in with the ’70s love for unusual lighting and conversation pieces. Many families placed them in living rooms or bedrooms for that wow factor. For a short time, fiber optic lamps felt like the future sitting right on your side table.
