Take a nostalgic journey through home trends of the 70s that have vanished from modern living.
Step into a time machine and revisit the groovy era of the 1970s—a decade bursting with bold colors, quirky trends, and home staples that redefined what it meant to decorate with personality. Back then, homes reflected freedom, creativity, and comfort, with an anything-goes approach to style that made every room feel like a statement piece. Whether you grew up during the era or just remember visiting a neighbor’s funky pad, the 70s left an unforgettable mark on American home design.
Many of those iconic design elements have completely vanished from modern living, swept away by evolving tastes and the march of minimalism. But the memories linger—of bold carpets underfoot, avocado kitchens, and velvet sofas so plush you never wanted to leave. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through 13 household features that once ruled the 70s but have since disappeared, living on only in memory—or in the occasional retro revival.
1. Shag Carpets Were The Epitome Of Comfort And Style
Back in the 70s, stepping onto a shag carpet felt like sinking your feet into a cloud. These thick, high-pile rugs came in every bold color imaginable—burnt orange, moss green, mustard yellow—and stretched wall-to-wall in living rooms, bedrooms, and even hallways. The look was dramatic and cozy, perfect for lounging on the floor during a movie or gathering with friends for a laid-back evening. Their texture gave rooms a relaxed vibe, making homes feel warm and welcoming.
But while they felt fantastic, shag carpets were notoriously hard to clean. Dust, crumbs, and pet hair loved to hide deep in the fibers, and vacuuming them was more of a chore than a solution. Over time, homeowners traded fluff for function, replacing these plush carpets with easier-to-maintain hardwood, tile, or low-pile alternatives, according to Jill Gleeson at Country Living. Shag carpets may have fallen out of favor, but for anyone who lived through the 70s, they still represent a tactile, groovy symbol of a unique design era.
2. Brightly Colored Appliances Made Every Kitchen Pop
In the 1970s, kitchens weren’t just places to cook—they were vibrant showcases of personality and style. You couldn’t miss the avocado green, harvest gold, or burnt orange refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers that filled every home. These colors weren’t seen as wild; they were warm, earthy tones that brought a comforting, grounded energy into the heart of the home. Paired with wood cabinets and linoleum floors, the whole kitchen felt like a cozy retreat.
Today’s appliances are sleek, streamlined, and often monochrome, with stainless steel dominating the market. The bright hues of the 70s have been replaced by a preference for neutrality and minimalism, Matthew Abraham mentioned in Century Homes America. Yet, for those who remember walking into their childhood kitchen to find a cheerful green fridge humming along, there’s a certain nostalgic beauty in those bold, nature-inspired choices that no modern design quite captures.
3. Wood Paneling Created A Cozy Cabin Vibe
Wood paneling was everywhere in the 70s, instantly transforming plain walls into rich, textured surfaces. Often made from faux wood veneer, the panels mimicked the look of cedar or oak and were used extensively in living rooms, basements, and even hallways. They offered a rustic, homey charm that made spaces feel like warm cabins tucked away in the forest. It was a cost-effective solution that brought instant atmosphere to any room.
However, these panels were often thin, easily scratched, and prone to warping over time. As interior trends shifted toward lighter, airier aesthetics, homeowners began painting over or removing the paneling entirely, says Greg Reinhart at The Washington Post. Drywall and crisp paint now dominate, but anyone who lived through the paneling craze remembers how it transformed otherwise dull rooms into cozy sanctuaries—imperfect as they may have been.
4. Macramé Decor Brought A Handmade Touch To Every Room
Macramé wasn’t just a passing trend—it was a defining visual motif of the 70s. Handmade wall hangings, elaborate plant holders, and even room dividers were all tied together with knotted rope, showcasing a commitment to artistry and individual expression. Macramé brought texture and warmth into homes, often used to frame houseplants that dangled cheerfully in front of sunny windows.
The bohemian spirit of macramé captured a broader cultural movement toward handcrafted, earthy décor. Though it has made a modest comeback in recent years among lovers of vintage style, macramé is no longer the household staple it once was. Still, those who remember painstakingly knotting their own designs—or receiving them as heartfelt gifts—can’t help but smile at the memory of those charming woven accents hanging proudly on the wall.
5. Sunken Living Rooms Were The Ultimate Conversation Pits
Nothing said “welcome to the 70s” quite like stepping down into a sunken living room. These lowered spaces, often lined with built-in seating or plush sectional couches, created a unique sense of intimacy perfect for conversation and entertaining. Surrounded by pillows and low tables, they were stylish hubs for social gatherings, game nights, or simply relaxing with a good book in your own little lounge cave.
While the concept was undeniably cool, sunken living rooms proved less practical over time. They presented tripping hazards and made furniture rearrangement a nightmare. As open-concept homes became more popular, the raised and sunken levels gave way to flat, seamless layouts. Though rare today, those funky, cozy pits remain one of the most visually striking and memorable trends of the 70s, making any retro home photo instantly recognizable.
6. Harvest Gold Bathrooms Were A Bold Style Choice
Bathrooms in the 70s embraced a level of boldness we rarely see today. Harvest gold was one of the most iconic colors of the decade, showing up in tubs, sinks, and toilets alike. Paired with floral or geometric wallpaper and matching tile, these bathrooms radiated a warm, vintage glow. It was a daring departure from the sterile whites of earlier decades, offering personality in a place often overlooked for style.
But as trends shifted toward spa-like minimalism and calm, neutral palettes, harvest gold became a dated eyesore rather than a statement. Replacing colorful fixtures with sleek white porcelain became a popular renovation move. Still, finding a perfectly preserved 70s bathroom is like uncovering a design time capsule, offering a bold reminder of how expressive and fearless the decade really was.
7. Velvet Furniture Was Plush And Inviting
Velvet furniture was the peak of 70s indulgence, with sofas and armchairs in deep jewel tones creating an atmosphere of rich comfort. Emerald green, ruby red, and royal blue couches invited you to sink in and stay a while, often adorned with tufted backs or dramatic fringes. Velvet exuded luxury while still feeling approachable, becoming a staple in stylish, welcoming homes.
Though velvet has made a quiet return in contemporary design, the over-the-top glamour of 70s velvet is rarely replicated. Today’s velvet pieces tend to be more streamlined and subdued. Still, those who remember sprawling on a sunken velvet sectional, listening to a record spinning in the background, can attest to just how deliciously dramatic and cozy those furnishings once were.
8. Beaded Curtains Added A Groovy Touch To Doorways
Beaded curtains were the go-to solution for adding flair and flow to doorways without the need for a door. Made from wood, plastic, or glass beads, these shimmering dividers added movement, sound, and a whole lot of personality. Walking through them felt magical, especially when they clinked together gently, creating a kind of sensory experience unique to the 70s.
They were particularly popular in teen bedrooms or boho-inspired spaces, often serving more as decoration than functional separation. While beaded curtains rarely show up in today’s interiors, their playful spirit and sensory charm left a lasting impression. Anyone who had one remembers how cool it felt to walk through, as if stepping into your own private world behind a cascade of color and sound.
9. Rotary Phones Were Both Practical And Stylish
The rotary phone was more than just a communication tool—it was a household fixture, often displayed proudly on a wall or end table. With their circular dials, sturdy handsets, and long cords, rotary phones came in cheerful colors like baby blue, mint green, and vibrant orange. Making a call felt like a ritual, one that required patience and a bit of finger dexterity.
Though completely outmoded today, rotary phones carry a special kind of nostalgia. The tactile click of the dial, the satisfying clunk as it spun back—these small details etched themselves into the memories of an entire generation. While smartphones have turned communication into something sleek and silent, rotary phones remind us of a time when even a phone call had its own deliberate rhythm.
10. Popcorn Ceilings Were A Popular Textured Finish
Popcorn ceilings—those bumpy, spray-on textures—were all the rage in the 70s. Designed to hide imperfections and reduce sound reflection, they were a quick, affordable solution for finishing ceilings. The texture gave rooms a finished look without the need for meticulous smoothing or painting, and nearly every suburban home had at least one popcorn-coated ceiling.
Over the years, however, their charm wore off. Popcorn ceilings began to feel dated and dusty, often accumulating grime and sometimes containing asbestos. Homeowners started scraping them off in favor of sleek, flat surfaces. Still, those who grew up staring at those cratered ceilings from their childhood beds remember them as a quiet, ever-present part of the 70s home atmosphere.
11. Waterbeds Were The Coolest Way To Sleep
Nothing screamed “modern luxury” in the 70s quite like a waterbed. These sloshy, fluid-filled mattresses felt futuristic, offering a new kind of comfort that cradled your body with every movement. Waterbeds were often framed in elaborate wooden platforms with built-in headboards, mirrors, and even hidden compartments. They felt like the ultimate status symbol, blending comfort with flair.
But the maintenance was high, and the novelty began to wear off. Leaks, heating elements, and the difficulty of moving them led many to abandon waterbeds by the 90s. Still, the memory of gently rocking to sleep on a wave-like mattress lingers, reminding those who tried them of a time when home innovation was bold, experimental, and unapologetically different.
12. Tupperware Parties Were A Social Phenomenon
Tupperware wasn’t just about containers—it was a full-on cultural moment. Friends and neighbors gathered in living rooms to sip punch, snack on finger foods, and explore the latest in colorful, stackable food storage. These gatherings empowered stay-at-home moms to earn income and build community, all while keeping kitchens organized in style.
While the brand still exists, the party model has faded into history, replaced by online shopping and social media marketing. But those who experienced the excitement of opening a brand-new set of burp-seal lids and modular bins know that Tupperware parties were about more than plastic—they were a symbol of connection, empowerment, and shared domestic joy.
13. Lava Lamps Brought Psychedelic Vibes To Bedrooms
Lava lamps were the crown jewel of 70s bedroom decor, casting a hypnotic glow and turning any room into a chill zone. The slow, mesmerizing movement of colored wax blobs drifting through liquid created a dreamy, ambient vibe perfect for relaxing or daydreaming. They were often set beside record players or next to ashtrays and posters of Led Zeppelin or Joni Mitchell.
Though they’ve had occasional revivals, lava lamps are now more novelty than necessity. But they remain one of the most iconic symbols of 70s youth culture—fun, artistic, and just a little bit weird. For those who spent hours staring into one, they offered a kind of quiet escape from the world, embodying the experimental spirit of a truly groovy decade.