Unless you were born after the year 2000, you’ll have probably experienced how fashion trends always seem to come back around. Right now, the ‘70s seems to be making an impressive comeback, although thankfully, this isn’t when it comes to clothing. Actually, it’s related to home trends and decor, which we welcome with a nostalgic heart. So, if you’d like to time travel back to the 1970s while modernizing your home, take note of the following popular vintage home trends.
Bold Earthy Colors
For a while, muted tones were all the rage in minimalist, modern homes, but now, they’re taking a backseat as vibrant, earthy colors reemerge. Shades of burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep green are popping up everywhere, all over our walls and couches. Frankly, we’re overjoyed by this, as we find these colors to bring a comforting depth to spaces, creating a warmth that feels grounding yet lively.
Wood Paneling Revival
There’s just something so cozy about having wood-paneled walls, so we couldn’t be happier that they’re making a trendy comeback. Once a hallmark of ‘70s decor, wood panels are most definitely “in,” although they tend to use more natural wood finishes or painted paneling. Regardless, the look maintains a sense of warmth and nostalgia that brings us back a few decades, making us feel cozy and warm in our living rooms once again.
Macramé and Woven Decor
The intricate art of macramé is coming back, infusing homes with texture and bohemian charm. Macramé wall hangings, plant holders, and even curtains have become favorite accents recently, adding a handcrafted touch that feels both natural and artistic. Honestly, it leaves us asking why they fell out of favor in the first place!
Shag Carpets
We’re not going to deny that shag carpets can be a pain to clean, but come on–they’re just so stylish, warm, and comfortable on your feed. To tackle the cleaning issue, today’s shags often feature shorter fibers and come in more neutral shades, but they still bring that iconic ‘70s coziness to living rooms and bedrooms.
Rattan Furniture
Lightweight, natural, and effortlessly cool, rattan furniture is seeing a resurgence. Chairs, sofas, and tables crafted from woven rattan add a breezy, relaxed vibe to spaces that are simply undeniable. Best of all, this material blends well with modern decor, so you won’t need a complete decor shuffle to make it look good.
Sunken Living Rooms
Something we never could have expected this year is that the conversation pit is back, creating intimate gathering spots for friends and family yet again. Obviously, this trend remains relatively niche due to its structural requirements, but there’s no denying that these sunken spaces are a welcome throwback.
Terrazzo Flooring
Originally popular for its durability and unique speckled design, terrazzo is regaining favor in kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond. Made from chips of marble, quartz, and glass, terrazzo provides a visual richness with a contemporary twist. The colorful yet subtle patterns allow for versatile styling, making terrazzo a chic, resilient choice for both flooring and countertops.
Bold Wallpaper Patterns
Forget subtle walls—bold ‘70s patterns are coming back with a modern twist. We’re talking about oversized florals, geometric shapes, and playful prints, all of which add immense personality to any room. Yes, it’s true that they can be somewhat clashy, but try to relax and embrace it because it’s really not hard to strip and replace the wallpaper if you get sick of seeing it.
Houseplants Galore
Perhaps the most popular ‘70s home trend these days is houseplants, which are flourishing more than ever. Greenery like spider plants, ferns, and fiddle leaf figs are bringing back a natural feel indoors, creating vibrant, breathable spaces. More than just decorative, houseplants promote relaxation and add life to rooms, not to mention their air-purifying properties.
Avocado Green Appliances
Love it or hate it, the bold look of avocado green is back, especially in kitchens. Admittedly, it seems to be more prominent in accent pieces rather than dominating appliances as it once did, but personally, we’re glad to see it back in any form. Paired with neutral tones or warm wood, avocado green offers a pop of retro color without overwhelming modern spaces, so give it a try and see what it does for your kitchen.
Hanging Chairs
If you’ve been to a chic bar, hotel, or park recently, you’ve probably seen that hanging chairs are back in fashion. Usually found in wicker or rattan, these suspended chairs bring playful comfort to any room, indoors or out. They add a relaxed, almost whimsical feel to living spaces, perfect for lounging, reading, or simply enjoying a unique seating option. As with many pieces on this list, we’re wondering why they disappeared in the first place.
Chunky Knitted Throws
For a while now, people have been using lightweight, fitted throws for their couches, and let’s be honest–they’re just not that cozy! Back in the day, we had ridiculously oversized knitted throws with chunky textures, and we’re so happy to see they’re coming back. They offer more than just warmth, serving as stylish accents on couches or beds. If you’re not old enough to remember them, grab one for yourself or even consider knitting one, and you’ll see what we mean.
Geometric Patterns
As we briefly mentioned earlier in regards to wallpaper. Geometry ruled the psychedelic ‘70s design, and its sharp lines and symmetry are back in fashion. However, today’s geometric patterns appear in rugs, tiles, and art, adding structured, eye-catching details to spaces. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but for many of us, the clean lines create visual interest without being too overwhelming, providing a mathematical and cerebral vibe.
Vinyl Record Players
Music lovers are rejoicing as vinyl record players find their way back into living rooms with several enhancements. In particular, they now feature USB ports that allow us to seamlessly play them through modern sound systems. We couldn’t be happier about this, as it gives us the best of both worlds: the convenience of digital audio, yet with the grainy, crackled imperfections of vinyl.
Statement Lighting Fixtures
Lighting in the ‘70s was all about making a statement, and today’s retro-inspired fixtures follow suit. Whether it’s a large pendant light or a funky floor lamp, these designs add flair to spaces that might otherwise feel understated. Statement lights combine function with artistry, illuminating rooms while adding a hint of personality and era-inspired style.
Archways and Curved Lines
The angular lines of recent years are finally softening as archways and curved elements reenter the scene. Curved doorways, rounded furniture, and flowing shapes add a touch of elegance that feels both retro and modern, creating a sense of movement and adding a timeless quality reminiscent of the more organic shapes of the ‘70s.
Textured Walls and Ceilings
Gone are the days of flat walls, as textured surfaces make a dramatic return. Materials like plaster and stucco create depth on walls and ceilings, improving the vibe of our rooms with a vintage twist. This tactile quality captures the essence of the ‘70s wonderfully while adding warmth and character, proving that plain walls sometimes need a little extra dimension.
Beaded Room Dividers
Last but not least, we’re happy to announce that beaded curtains are back, despite disappearing at the end of the ‘70s. Sure, they can get a little bit annoying after a while, but lighten up–they add so much texture, tranquility, and movement to doorways or open spaces, creating visual interest without fully blocking areas. So, bust out your lava lamp and raid your ‘70s wardrobe, and you’ll be feeling 50 years younger in no time.