Everyone Had It In The '70s — The Furniture Piece That's Making A Comeback

An era that witnessed plush shag carpets, bold-patterned linoleum floors, grandiose stone fireplaces, and lofty floating staircases has quietly reemerged in today's home designs. And while some folks may steer clear of design fads of the past, there are a couple of home decor ideas to bring the '70s vibe into the modern day that don't make us cringe. One of which is to incorporate a statement bar cabinet, with all of its luxe features, for a retro and lavish look in your living space.

The 1970s saw a resurgence of more opulent and ornate decor, overtaking the structured and minimalist styles of the prior decades. When this aesthetic is demonstrated through statement drink cabinets, we see gorgeous furniture pieces featuring high-gloss finishes, glass shelving, polished brass hardware, and mirrored materials. Glitz and glam catch our attention and bring a high-end look to the entertainment space.

Even if you already have a simple drink setup, few designers have suggested that it's time to swap out the traditional bar cart for a cabinet that will elevate your serving station. After all, as home bars become a growing trend in today's homes, a vintage piece could be a great solution for reasons aptly summed up by interior designer Claire Garner in a recent interview with House Beautiful: "[There is a] strong sense of nostalgia as mid-century design and retro entertaining styles come back into vogue." So, what better way to implement a home bar than to gravitate towards vintage 1970s bar cabinets and their opulent appearance?

You can find some incredible true vintage bar cabinets online that exude the aesthetic of the decade. For example, online vintage retailers like Chairish and Pomono have plenty of options available, though these options can be a bit more on the expensive side. While prices vary, true vintage cabinets could potentially cost hundreds or thousands, especially if they're made of high-quality materials or produced by well-known designers. If you're lucky, however, it's possible you could score a vintage liquor cabinet from a local thrift or antique shop or from places like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

Once you have your piece, it's important to consider how the luxe 1970s design will blend with the rest of your aesthetic. One secret to making your home bar the centerpiece of a room is to choose an item with unique details. Thankfully, '70s liquor cabinets often have distinct features, and it's quite easy to play into the mirrored surfaces, geometric carvings, and brass details to create a cohesive look throughout the space. Incorporate these materials elsewhere in your design, but be wary of overkill — a few hints here and there is enough. It's also best to avoid cluttering the top of the cabinet with bar tools, cups, or bottles. Instead, keep things minimal to allow the furniture piece itself to shine.