Over the last few years, all things vintage have come into vogue as the we seek to reconnect with times gone by, with 1970s style interiors are becoming increasingly popular in particular. If you want to get in on the trend, check out our 7 pieces for a 1970s inspired living room to get inspired!
- Bold & Graphic Wallpapers
The ‘70s was a decade of bright and bold colour schemes; rooms were filled with bright oranges, warm browns and luscious golden tones. Opt for a feature wall with a warm orange geometric pattern or a the ever-popular paisley print.
Adding bright geometric wall art with a groovy or trippy retro style would be a great way of making that ‘70s style pop. Blacklights with hypnotic glow-in-the-dark art pieces are the perfect touch to take your house party to another retro level!
- Shag Rugs
The essential item for a ‘70s style living room: the shag rug. What 1970s living room would be complete without a statement shag rug? The density of these plush rugs may be a nightmare for dropped earrings, but it’s certainly foot heaven for tired feet.
If you’re very adventurous, you could add a shag carpet; wall to wall carpeting was very common in the ‘70s. Warm colours were popular choices here as well, and those looking to truly replicate this iconic era should go for the avocado green which was so loved.
- Animal Print
If shag rugs don’t grab you, perhaps an animal print piece is what you need. The 1970s was a time of serious statements, and animal print is the epitome of this trend. Whether it’s a rug, pillow covers, or even curtains, inviting the animal kingdom into your home in this way is truly groovy and fabulous.
Leopards, zebras, tigers, and cows are all popular design choices for animal prints, and it’s easy enough to incorporate any of these design elements into a modern home to give it that 1970s touch.
- Rattan Furniture
Not only is rattan exceptionally popular today, it was a staple of ‘70s, with its natural textures and interwoven elements perfectly representing the hippie and boho aesthetics of the era. If you’re looking for rattan inspiration for your ‘70s space, create a cosy reading nook with rattan armchairs and bold colourful cushions.
Rattan coffee tables and rugs are also good choices for bringing this trend into your environment in a subtle way that doesn’t dominate the space. Another subtle touch of rattan can be seen in lightshades of all kinds; there is no wrong way to decorate with rattan!
- Velvet Furnishings
When imagining a ‘70s living room, it’s difficult not to picture the lusciously rich and plush velvet that was so popular. Just like rattan furniture, velvet is another material that had its heyday some decades ago and is once again coming to the fore of fashion.
A bright velvet sofa or armchair is the perfect addition to a living room or bedroom, bringing character and ‘70s charm to any modern space effortlessly. Equally, some real luxury can be added to your life through a rich velvet bedcover. These were popular – though expensive – choices for those in the ‘70s wanting only the softest night’s sleep.
- Antiques
If authenticity is what you’re in to, genuine antiques from the ‘70s and earlier will bring that retro influence to your home with no struggle. Eccentric pieces which seem typical to their time are perfect for filling those empty spots in your home. Antique silver is a timeless type of décor item that can contribute to the aesthetic without clashing with the vibrancy of our previously-mentioned ideas.
The best thing about buying an antique for your home is that you are so much more likely to find something truly unique; everything from ornate jewellery boxes, to ‘70s drinkware, to decorative silver plates and much more can be found.
- Lava Lamps
Finally, the ultimate 1970s moment: lava lamps. You can’t have a funky retro home without some funky retro lighting. Lava lamps are the epitome of this era, creating mood lighting that works for parties just as well as it works for movie night.
Lava lamps first became popular in the 1960s and experienced enduring popularity throughout the ‘70s. They are still popular today mostly for children’s rooms, but it’s definitely time for them to become features of the living room once again. Get a colour combination that compliments what you’ve already got going on in your décor and they’ll bring so much style to your home!
If the 1970s is a time period that makes you feel all warm and groovy inside, then maybe you should consider utilising some of these pieces to show off that passion in your interior décor. Which item do you like the most for a 1970s inspired living room?
Disclosure: This is a featured post.
[…] furniture, be sure to arrange it in a way that is pleasing to the eye. You don’t want your living room to look cluttered or cramped. Instead, try to create a sense of balance and […]