Step back in time and embrace the groovy vibes of the 70s with a living room that’s both stylish and nostalgic. This era, known for its bold colors, geometric patterns, and eclectic mix of textures, offers endless possibilities for creating a space that’s both vibrant and inviting. Whether you’re aiming for a full-blown retro aesthetic or incorporating subtle 70s elements into your existing décor, there’s a design idea for everyone.
Velvet Couch in Earthy Tones
Bring warmth and sophistication to your living room with a plush velvet couch in rich, earthy tones. Think deep emerald green, terracotta orange, or burnt sienna brown. These colors evoke a sense of nature and grounding, complementing the earthy textures and natural materials popular in the 70s. For a touch of modern flair, choose a velvet couch with clean lines and minimalist design. Alternatively, embrace the era’s maximalist tendencies with a couch adorned with intricate detailing, like button tufting or rolled arms. To complete the look, pair the couch with chunky knit throw blankets and a variety of patterned cushions, playing with textures and colors for a layered and inviting feel.
Geometric Patterned Rug
Add a dose of 70s style with a geometric patterned rug. From bold abstract designs to classic chevron patterns, a geometric rug instantly injects personality and visual interest into your living room. Opt for colors that complement your furniture or add a contrasting pop of color to the space. A large-scale rug with vibrant hues will command attention, while a smaller rug with subtle patterns can be used to create a more understated vibe. Consider materials like wool, jute, or sisal for a natural feel, or embrace the era’s love for synthetics with a bold geometric rug in acrylic or nylon.
Macramé Wall Hangings
Embrace the bohemian spirit of the 70s with macramé wall hangings. These intricate, hand-knotted pieces add texture and visual interest to your living room while creating a sense of warmth and handcrafted charm. Hang a large macramé piece as a focal point above your couch or incorporate several smaller pieces throughout the room for a more eclectic look. Choose natural fibers like cotton or hemp for a classic macramé aesthetic, or explore contemporary interpretations using brightly colored yarns for a modern twist.
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Combine the timeless elegance of Mid-Century Modern design with the spirit of the 70s with a sleek coffee table. Look for pieces with simple, organic forms and minimalist details, often featuring materials like teak, walnut, or rosewood. Opt for a table with clean lines and geometric shapes for a contemporary feel, or embrace the 70s aesthetic with a table featuring curves and rounded edges. Pair the coffee table with a statement vase filled with dried flowers or a stack of books for a curated look.
Terracotta Planters
Bring a touch of the outdoors inside with terracotta planters filled with lush greenery. Terracotta, with its warm, earthy tones, is a quintessential 70s material that adds a touch of rustic charm to any space. Choose planters in various sizes and shapes to create a visually appealing display, grouping them together on a shelf or table or incorporating them into your existing décor. Fill the planters with plants that thrive in indoor environments, such as ferns, snake plants, or peace lilies, for a touch of natural beauty and a healthy boost to your living room.
Statement Lighting
Make a bold statement with 70s-inspired lighting. Think oversized pendant lights with geometric shapes, globe-shaped lamps in vibrant colors, or sleek sconces with brass accents. Opt for lighting that creates a warm and inviting ambiance, complementing the earthy tones and textured materials of your living room. Consider using dimmer switches to adjust the light levels depending on the mood and time of day, creating a dynamic and versatile space.
Vintage Record Player
Embrace the era’s love for music with a vintage record player. A stylish record player not only adds a nostalgic touch to your living room but also serves as a functional piece, allowing you to enjoy your favorite vinyl records. Choose a record player with a sleek, retro design, or explore refurbished vintage models for a unique and authentic look. Display your vinyl collection on a bookshelf or record stand for a curated and eclectic vibe.
Brass Accents
Add a touch of glam and warmth with brass accents. Brass, with its warm, metallic sheen, was a popular material in the 70s and adds a touch of sophistication to any space. Incorporate brass accents in various ways, from a brass-framed mirror or a brass table lamp to brass-finished coffee table legs or a brass sculpture. Choose pieces with simple, geometric shapes for a contemporary feel or opt for elaborate, ornate designs for a more traditional vibe.
Woven Baskets
Bring a touch of natural texture and bohemian charm with woven baskets. Woven baskets in natural materials like rattan, wicker, or seagrass are not only stylish but also incredibly functional. Use them for storage, holding blankets, magazines, or even plants. Arrange a collection of woven baskets in different sizes and shapes on a shelf, table, or even the floor to create a visually appealing and functional display.
Bold Wall Colors
Embrace the boldness of the 70s with vibrant wall colors. Think deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red. These colors create a sense of energy and drama, setting the stage for a stylish and inviting living room. Alternatively, create a more subdued vibe with earthy tones like burnt orange, mustard yellow, or terracotta brown. For a more modern twist, consider using a single bold color on a feature wall, contrasting it with white or cream walls for a dynamic and balanced look.
Geometric Patterned Wallpaper
Add a touch of retro flair with geometric patterned wallpaper. From bold abstract patterns to classic chevron designs, geometric wallpaper instantly adds personality and visual interest to your living room. Opt for colors that complement your furniture or add a contrasting pop of color to the space. Consider using wallpaper on a single wall or in a specific area to create a focal point or a sense of depth.
Shag Rug
Indulge in the tactile pleasure of a shag rug. Shag rugs, with their long, soft pile, were a popular flooring choice in the 70s and continue to be a statement piece. Choose a shag rug in a bold color, like mustard yellow, burnt orange, or emerald green, or opt for a more neutral tone in shades of brown or gray. Place the rug under your coffee table or in front of your couch for a luxurious and inviting touch.
Wood Paneling
Bring a touch of rustic charm with wood paneling. Wood paneling, with its warm and natural feel, was a staple in 70s homes and adds a touch of character and texture to any space. Consider using wood paneling on a single wall or in a specific area to create a focal point or a sense of depth. Choose wood paneling in a rich, natural finish, like walnut, oak, or cherry, for a classic look or opt for a more modern finish, like white or gray, for a contemporary twist.
Wicker Furniture
Embrace the relaxed and bohemian vibe of wicker furniture. Wicker furniture, with its lightweight and airy feel, was a popular choice in the 70s and continues to be a stylish and functional option. Choose wicker chairs, sofas, or side tables in natural finishes for a classic look or explore wicker pieces painted in bold colors for a contemporary twist. Pair wicker furniture with plush cushions and throws in earthy tones for a warm and inviting ambiance.
Faux Fur Throws
Add a touch of luxury and warmth with faux fur throws. Faux fur, with its soft and cozy texture, was a popular choice in the 70s and adds a touch of opulence to any space. Choose faux fur throws in colors that complement your furniture or add a contrasting pop of color to the space. Drape a faux fur throw over your couch or armchair for a touch of warmth and comfort.
Bohemian Touches
Embrace the free-spirited and eclectic vibe of the 70s with bohemian touches. Incorporate elements like macrame, woven baskets, dreamcatchers, and vibrant textiles to create a layered and eclectic look. Hang a tapestry on a wall or display a collection of ethnic textiles on a coffee table for a touch of global flair.
Ceramic Vases
Add a touch of art and color with ceramic vases. Ceramic vases, with their unique shapes and finishes, were a popular choice in the 70s and add a touch of personality to any space. Choose ceramic vases in bold colors, like mustard yellow, burnt orange, or emerald green, or opt for a more muted palette in shades of brown or gray. Fill the vases with fresh or dried flowers or branches for a touch of natural beauty.
Vintage Posters
Embrace the nostalgia of the 70s with vintage posters. Vintage posters, from movie posters to rock concert posters, add a touch of character and history to your living room. Choose posters that reflect your personal interests or showcase iconic moments from the 70s. Frame the posters for a more polished look or simply hang them on a wall for a relaxed and eclectic vibe.
Statement Mirrors
Make a bold statement with a 70s-inspired mirror. Choose a mirror with a geometric shape, a bold frame, or an intricate design. Hang the mirror over your couch, above a fireplace, or on a wall to create a focal point and add a sense of depth and dimension to your living room.
