11 Home Decor Trends That Defined the ’70s
Trends come and go, even among the wealthy. In the 1970s, luxury trends in the home ranged from serving high-class dishes to keeping hyper-specific trinkets on display. We took a look at the 1970s home decor trends that were all the rage — some of which remain a luxe item today. Can we start a petition to bring back conversation pits?
1. Sunken Living Rooms
Also called conversation pits, this living room trend was popular in the ’60s and ’70s, and was meant to serve as a comfortable place to chat.
2. Tiffany Lamps
If you had an expensive Tiffany lamp illuminating a corner of your home, you were probably doing quite well for yourself.
3. Built-in Breakfast Nooks
Having a spacious built-in breakfast nook in addition to a dining room was a must-have for well-to-do folks in the 1970s.
4. China Cabinets
If you had a bunch of expensive china in the 1970s, you were probably storing it in an ornate cabinet.
5. Bathroom Jacuzzis
No need to head to a spa to soak in a Jacuzzi. In the ’70s, having one in your own bathroom was a genuine status symbol.
6. Shag Carpeting
Does this even need an explanation? Shag meant swag in the ’70s.
7. Velvet Furniture
The ’70s were about going big, and that was true for texture, too. Just sitting on a velvet couch or chair felt luxurious.
8. Waterbeds
Were waterbeds a good idea to begin with? Probably not. They were still one of the trendiest bedroom additions of the decade.
9. Vibrant Appliances
Whether it was avocado green sinks, burnt orange toasters, or harvest gold mixers, luxury home decor was decidedly bold in the ’70s.
10. Crystal Chandeliers
Often associated with royalty, crystal chandeliers made a bold statement in the 1970s. That statement was usually “I’m rich.”
11. Built-in Media Cabinets
Where else were you going to put all those vinyl records? Built-in media cabinets were the ideal place to store all your ’70s albums and your first color television.
Want more of an inside look at the ’70s?
Head to the disco with these 10 Photos That Take You Inside a Typical Friday Night Out in the 1970s, or peek inside an office with 10 Photos That Capture the American Workplace in the 1970s. You might also like 18 Yearbook Photos That Are Peak 1970s.