20 Decor Trends From The '70s That Look Even Cooler Today

The 1970s are known for disco balls, bell-bottoms, TV dials, and waterbeds. It was an era where furniture had curves, tones were earthy, and lighting was the center of attention. Whether you lived through it or only read about it in history books, the '70s era of self-expression and fearless mix of colors, shapes, and textures is making a comeback in a big way. While some of those memorable trends should stay exactly where they are, like shag carpet and avocado-green kitchen appliances, others are shaking off the dust and re-emerging for their second life as modern decor. And we are all in.

If you're weary of conventional furniture that features straight-as-a-board lines and about as much character as a waiting room chair, you're not alone. Thanks to a '70s-inspired resurgence of curves and sculptural shapes, low-slung sofas and rounded nesting tables can help soften those harsh elements in your home. Retro '70s lighting will instantly transform your kitchen, while bold tapestries can help give your walls depth, adding texture in ways modern decor just can't. Even shag rugs — shaggy carpets' more modern siblings — are becoming a decor statement by bringing an updated, cozy vibe to your space without feeling dated. After all, we're only trying to channel the 1970s era, not completely recreate it. When you're ready to put the soul back into your aesthetic, home decor from the "Me First" decade will give you a chance to (re)live the movement that started it all.

Shag carpet was a staple in 1970s homes. They're popular again, but on a much smaller scale and without the bold colors that clashed with everything. Shag rugs have been reimagined with neutral tones and refined textures that help add warmth and coziness to sparse, dull spaces. These rugs aren't the statement makers of their predecessors, but instead, they mesh with modern decor and hardwood floors with little effort.

Whether it was all over your grandmother's kitchen cabinets or her wall-to-wall shag carpet, golden-y, mustard-y yellows were a pillar in indoor spaces — and now the shade is back with a vengeance. You'll see it filling interiors in the form of painted walls, sofas, and decor accents, to name a few. No longer singled out with avocado greens and browns, yellow accents can be paired with complementary earthy shades or vibrant colors that make it pop.

Green bathroom countertops were a daring statement in 1970s homes. Today, they've been given a major upgrade in both hue and texture. Instead of the avocado shade that was a complete eyesore, we're talking jade, sage, and even emerald green tones. And forget materials like Formica. Modern bathrooms feature smooth, glossy tile counters, mixed with natural stone shades in an effort to bring calm and a connection to nature without channeling your grandparents' bathroom that hasn't been updated in several decades.

Tapestries once lined the halls of Gothic castles, but somehow became a must-have staple in the Bohemian aesthetic of the '70s. Now, these tapestries are weaving their way into the modern era as an alternative to traditional framed art — or even to replace a closet door you're totally sick of. Whether it's vintage-inspired macrame with fringe, a nature scene, or bold geometric design, tapestries bring an air of nostalgia and a laid-back vibe that the era is known for. 

Curvy profiles that are reminiscent of the sculptural, organic shapes made famous in the 1970s are making a major comeback. From rounded sofas to arched mirrors to blob-shaped tables, these fluid lines are a refreshing anthesis to sharp rectangular lines we've become accustomed to. You can add this fun, non-traditional aesthetic to your space with Sputnik lightning, irregular-shaped rugs, and shapeless wall art and sculptures.

Using wood elements throughout your home is a hallmark of '70s decor and a rebellion against the traditional decor of the 1960s. People who crave nostalgia are reimagining some of the most telltale signs of the era. Wood wall panels are having a bold revival in homes today, filling up accent walls, but without the heavy, dark tones. With a shift toward sustainability, wood elements, like coffee tables, exposed ceiling beams, and wall art, are made with reclaimed wood that brings consciousness to modern interiors.

Considered a stance against minimalism, 1970s lights were an explosion of geometric shapes, jumbo sizes, and aesthetic textures. Sleek fixtures and globe pendants are back in modern homes. Hung in clusters over kitchen islands or as a whopping statement in living rooms, globe pendant lights are having a moment. They come in frosted, beveled, or clear glass, chrome, rattan, or matte finishes, and a plethora of sizes to fit any room inside your home.

One of the most iconic architectural interior design features of the 1970s was the sunken living room. Meant to be a conversation starter in open floor plans, these cozy pits encouraged personal connection — and now the level-changing layout is resurfacing. Modern sunken living rooms have cleaner lines, plush or modular sectionals, bold accents, statement lighting, and maybe even a fire pit that takes center stage. Sunken living rooms can make any space way more interesting.

Rattan's natural texture made it a staple in '70s home decor, and went hand-in-hand with the Boho aesthetic. It just made the whole space feel more laid back and totally casual. Modern versions are going a step further by incorporating rattan and cane into other areas of the home. Curved bedroom headboards, woven kitchen chairs, and cane-front dining room cabinets are making their way into interior spaces and bringing back that '70s look.

Leopard, zebra, and snakeskin animal patterns haven't ever really fallen out of favor since their '70s heyday. Today, animal prints are being reimagined and working their way into homes with neutral, minimalist interiors that are craving some pizzazz. Think throw pillows, rugs, accent chairs, and wallpaper — in moderation, of course. We can neither confirm nor deny that part of the unexpected interior design trend you'll see everywhere includes animalcore items that we can't wait to get our hands on.

Houseplants have always been a mainstay inside homes, but in the '70s, they were a movement. Their ebb and flow could be seen in lush greenery and dainty succulents that filled macrame hangers in the '70s and lined window sills in the '80s. Today, the houseplant boom is reinventing itself again, but coming full circle with rattan planters and vintage ceramic pots that instantly elevate the jungle vibe we're attempting to capture — again.

Known for saving space in small areas and their sleek profiles, nesting tables are perfect for any style thanks to their versatility and flexibility. Although you don't need to have a tight area you're furnishing, these tables definitely help maximize the square footage. Modern nesting tables come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes to blend effortlessly with your boho decor or modern aesthetic.

Wallpaper was once a statement of pattern and personality in the '70s. By the '90s, it took a backseat to easier-to-apply interior paint. Over the last few years, wallpaper has been creeping back into our homes, thanks to peel-and-stick options and patterns that play nicely with most aesthetics. They feature organic textures, geometric prints, and lush botanicals that effortlessly blend without overwhelming the space. As a nod to nostalgia, modern wallpaper adds depth and character without looking like you tried too hard.

Making an unexpected return after spending decades covered up by shag carpet or linoleum floors, terrazzo is being resurrected with brighter colors on bathroom walls, countertops, and floors. The speckled mix of marble, quartz, and glass chips is becoming a design favorite inside modern homes. If you love the look of terrazzo but don't want to do a total reno, you can paint a terrazzo effect to save money on your bathroom tiles.

Forget tranquil meadow scenes or dark woods, abstract art is taking over the walls of modern homes. Their bold colors, geometric shapes, and freeform lines were heavily influenced by the 1960s, and steamed ahead into the '70s. Modern abstract art blends retro energy into earthy tones, organic forms, and cool textures that hit a high note in contemporary decor. Use several prints to make a curated gallery wall or one statement-making canvas to bring a splash of nostalgia to your walls.

Reimagining the low slung — or low profile — furniture that was popular in the '70s has given rise to modular sectionals and loveseats. Sitting lower to the ground, their minimalist, sleek look encourages a grounded atmosphere that makes rooms feel more open and inviting. Whether it's a low-profile coffee table or a velvet upholstered chair, low slung furniture turns any space into a polished retreat you won't be able to peel yourself away from.

Gold, brass, and chrome finishes are nods to disco-era luxury. Metallic accents, like kitchen hardware, mushroom lamps, light fixtures, and even cabinet pulls, are making our homes shinier and more sophisticated than ever. They can subtly reflect light, while adding an understated sparkle. Metallic accents and decor help balance those woodier, natural tones and stark concrete materials filling our modern interiors and elevate them without looking and feeling pretentious.

The '70s bubble motifs are, er, bubbling back up, only this time, they're featuring a sleek, modern vibe. Skipping the colorful glass orbs that looked like they suspended bubbles in space, modern bubbles and rounded shapes are adding fun and fluidity to your modern interior. The key isn't to overdo it, but to sprinkle spherical-inspired designs throughout your home. Soft, bubble silhouettes create a whimsical feel, like a bubble chandelier, glass vase, or abstract bubble figurine, for example.

Eclectic accents are back and more inspiring than ever. It's a trend that rewards individuality by mixing styles, textures, and even eras to create a more personalized space. From bold pillow patterns tossed on a velvet sofa to vintage ceramics and colorful rugs that are anything but shy, the key to nailing this '70s-inspired look is balance. You're telling your story with the same carefree spirit the decade is known for.

You might think the '70s wood wall theme looks dated, but this time around, they're a bold, standout feature, with lighter finishes that highlight the wood's natural texture and grain. Whether it's vertical slats, full-paneled walls, or a statement behind a bed, a real wood accent wall is like bringing a piece of nature to your indoor space. It adds depth and character to modern accents and materials, including stone, metal, or linen.