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Trends
70s Revival + Interior Design
The Rise of 1970s Interior Design and how to incorporate 70s Design.
10 min read
The 70s aesthetic isn’t a fleeting trend ‑ it’s here to stay.
A vibrant blend of nostalgia and innovation, 1970s interior design spans from the disco era of Studio 54 to the retro charm of Mid-Century Modern. It can incorporate elements of bohemian freedom from the 1960s as well as radical design from space-age futurism. It feels as exciting and relevant as it did fifty years ago. Let’s take a look at 70s Revival.
In this guide:
A Brief History · Hallmarks · How to Style 70s Revival · 70s Fabrics + Decor · 70s Colour Palette · Small vs Big Spaces · Designs To Avoid
A Brief History
1970s interior design
The cultural relevance of 1970s design continues to shape our homes. It represents individuality and self-expression - a clear contrast to the minimalist “Millennial Grey” that has dominated the last decade. 1970s decor was brimming with artistic vision that took the rigid rules of the previous decades and transformed them into an expressionist style.
A brief history
The late 60s Radical Design Movement
The seeds were planted in the late 60s Radical Design Movement, led by Italian innovators who rejected the suburban ideals of the 1950s. Their playful furniture and interiors were both art and subtle protest in a post-war world - these designers were pushing the boundaries.
As more people moved to cities, living spaces became smaller and informal, and 70s furniture needed to evolve to suit their vibrant lives. Designers answered with furniture that was bold, functional, and comfortable - perfect for a generation eager to make a statement.
A brief history
70s Futurism + Space-Age Furniture
New man-made materials such as plastic and polyurethane revolutionised interiors. Affordable and easy to shape, plastic could be moulded into organic curves and saturated colours that felt thrillingly futuristic.
Metals and smoked glass added to the futuristic vibe with a space-age gleam reflecting a society captivated by the moon landing, glam rock idols such as David Bowie and sci-fi culture. Think tubular chrome lounge chairs and tonal glass tables - high-shine pieces that looked straight out of tomorrow.
A brief history
Classic Retro Style: Back to Nature
Not everyone craved the seventies space capsule. The 1970s epitomised laid-back lived-in style, and a softer, earthier palette was sought-after - supple leathers, sunset-hued velvets, and natural materials such as bamboo and rattan were popular. Whilst dark woods gave depth and richness, they complemented decorative wallpapers. 1970s interior design was stripping back the over-the-top, outdated decadence of the Art Deco period for fun-filled functionality.
Laid-back lounging was introduced in the form of modular sofas that encouraged flexible, conversation-friendly layouts, while the warm browns, oranges, and greens created a lived-in comfort that still feels inviting today.
Injecting fun into furniture/interiors offered more freedom in design choices. Comfortable lived-in set-ups that mixed colours, shapes and materials became the norm. No wonder we’re experiencing a 70s Revival…
Hallmarks of 70s Revival
Embrace Individuality + Functionality
With comfort and functionality at its core, the 70s Revival today takes the key elements of this retro style and refines for a more curated approach.
Earthy Tones
The 70s colour palette is brimming with mossy greens, rich browns, rusts, and ochres that combine seamlessly with tan hues and dark woods.
Space-Age Shine
Chrome, brass, smoked glass, and sculptural plastics, futurism gave modern 70s decor a risque edge.
Organic Shapes
Curved sofas, kidney-bean coffee tables, and rounded corners, 1970s furniture created movement and softness in spaces.
Open-Plan Living
Low, lounge-style seating, including bulbous low-back sofas and slouchy lounge chairs with rounded, curved designs.
Texture Play
Juxtapose sleek metals with plush boucle or velvet. The seventies mastered the art of clashing - mixing patterns as well as fabrics was celebrated.
How to use 70s furniture
70s Revival into home interiors
High gloss + high shine
Deep reds are making a comeback, and in high gloss finishes, they pack a punch. Teamed with tubular metal frames and round coffee tables in chrome or brass.
Retro Wall panelling
A staple from the 70s, dark-toned wall panelling adds instant warmth and texture, especially in your aspirational 1970s living room.
Dark wood + burl wood
Within classic pieces, such as sideboards or dining tables, to give a hint of retro style without being overpowering.
Curved + Organic shapes
Say goodbye to the simple lines and explore creativity with curves, arches, and waves. Think wavy mirrors and globe lighting, plump cloud-like sofas and unusually-shaped coffee tables.
Layering textures
Experimenting with materials screams seventies, whether it’s soft boucle and cool metal or rattan lighting and rich, luxurious velvet.
Embracing warmth
Terracotta and ochre hues give 70s Revival and versatility - a spectrum of browns from tans and taupes to dark mocha will make a 70s statement.
Bringing 70s Revival into Home Interiors
Cantilever chairs
This iconic design was very much pre-70s but has elements of 70s design and a retro feel. The rattan detailing brings big 1970s vibes, but you can modernise this look with upholstered seating in velvet and boucle. Considered high shine frames in chrome and brass. See below for our inspo. For Cult-inspired cantilever, check out our Kenton Range.
Laid-back sofas
Sofas with low backs and soft fabrics give a conversational, relaxed vibe, whilst modular sofas offer versatile customisation. 70s-inspired sofa styles are rounded and curved, upholstered in soft fabrics such as boucles and velvets.
Mid-Century seating
Mid-Century chairs and stools blend seamlessly with 70s Revival. Metal frames and low bolster cushions give cool functionality whilst velvet seating, natural cane backs and walnut-stained wood frames embrace classic 70s style.
Statement accent chairs
From slouchy Mad Men-esque styles in leather to elevated velvet swivel chairs, investing in 70s Revival Accent Chair gives that wow factor.
Travertine + Stone
A new twist to 70s Revival. Terrazzo was a popular choice 50 years ago, but it can look somewhat dated today. Step forward travertine - in neutral creams and browns, it aligns perfectly with the 70s trend.
You can find out more about Travertine in our Buying Guide.
How to use 70s Fabrics + decor
Velvets
Velvet was a way to bring luxury into the home, but whilst the Art Deco period featured crushed velvet and decadent styles, the 70s stripped this back. Hues such as moss green, burnt orange, and dusky pink add instant 70s style to a space.
Boucle
The 70s introduced texture with tactile materials such as macramé. Elevated this further with boucles. Avoid the teddy boucles and opt for more textural fabrics that incorporate multiple shades.
Bamboo, cane and rattan
Combine with dark wood to give effortless 70s retro style or accessorise with lighting and vintage room separators.
Striking lighting
Mushroom-style table and floor lamps, wavy stems, and pops of colour add 70s character. Whilst dynamic bamboo or rattan light shades are an easy win.
Go wild for houseplants
For the finishing touches, bring nature inside with exotic palms, ferns, monstreras, and yucca plants. Green, leafy and bold.
Wall art
A quick and easy way to revamp spaces - opt for wall art prints in warm, earthy tones.
The 70s Aesthetic
70s Colour Palette
Mid-century warmth still sets the tone, but today’s 70s Nostalgia favours slightly muted or expanded shades. Here are some top tips:
- Colours such as caramel brown, neutral taupe, dusty pink, and even accents of indigo for contrast give 70s Revival.
- Instead of dark hues, terracotta orange and ochres have paved the way for a softer side of the classic 70s colour palette. These colours are close friends to the original deep tones, but with more versatility.
- The same goes with Avocado Green - a go-to favourite during the 70s, but a difficult colour to work with. Opting for olive and moss hues means the 70s style furniture and interior design will have longevity.
- Neutral and muted colours sitting beside richer tones lift retro interiors to offer a fresh feel. Speckled creams and light browns balance out the sometimes overpowering greens, oranges and browns.
- The emergence of light blues and dusky pinks that complement the rich browns, whilst the combination of moss green and dusky pink is to die for. This fresh take makes Retro Revival its own trend beyond the 1970s.
The 70s Aesthetic
70s Textures + Patterns
Geometric and psychedelic swirls defined the decade, especially with wallpaper, but the modern update is a considered approach to textures and pattern combinations. 70s Revival still embraces the blend between nature and innovation, but for elevated design, and we have some top tips to incorporate 70s home decor:
- Curved furniture is your best friend - To embrace the waves and curves of the 70s, consider organic shapes and soft corners.
- Large rounded furniture in soft fabrics - Velvet sofas contrast beautifully with the shine of glass coffee tables in your 70s style living room.
- Tactile boucles will include a spectrum of complementary colours, doing half the work for you.
- Have fun with irregular shapes - pebble tables, sculptural designs, and textured stone are all making a comeback.
- Add natural accents in the form of bamboo, rattan and cane - easily incorporated within lighting for 70s bedroom decor.
Small Spaces vs Big Spaces
Small Spaces
70s style furniture can be over-the-top with large bulbous styles in deep colours, ideal for large spaces. To incorporate 70s decor for small spaces, consider thoughtful accents.
Updating walls with prints and wall panelling can celebrate this nostalgic style subtly, and give the illusion of more space, especially in 70s living rooms.
Lighting is also an easy update - statement bamboo and rattan lampshades add instant sculptural character. This is particularly true for 70s bedroom decor. For table and floor lamps, domed shades, brass finishes, and bright oranges are easily incorporated into any 70s-inspired living room or bedroom.
Small Spaces vs Big Spaces
Big Spaces
For big rooms, you can afford to go dramatic. Deep moss green velvet pieces, such as large 3-seater sofas placed in open-plan living spaces, draw in the viewer’s eye and bring softness to retro living rooms. For the ultimate seventies sofa, consider low backs that can be placed thoughtfully in the middle of rooms to create different zones, and a more laid-back conversational feel. For modern 70s home decor, fabrics such as boucle and velvet add to this lived-in vibe.
Large dining spaces - perfect for entertaining - call for walnut-stained dining tables. Large rectangular styles teamed with velvet or boucle dining chairs add retro vibes instantly. Dining chairs in both neutral tactile boucle or rich velvets complete the 70s look. And switching back to a smaller space, you can opt for a walnut dining table too! Just consider round options that give the illusion of more space.
70s design to avoid
Shag rugs
Impractical and notoriously difficult to clean, they’re good for a week before looking tattered and dated. And in light colours, spills and marks are more apparent.
Excessive patterns
In particular, psychedelic designs and overcomplicated styles lead to a space looking clustered and vintage in all the wrong ways.
Overuse of dark tones
Rich earthy palettes are key with 70s decor; however, entire rooms of burnt orange, dark green and walnut-stained woods are overpowering and gloomy.
Conversation pits
An obvious safety hazard, this traditional sunken pit design doesn’t translate into modern living.
Plastic furniture
Revolutionary back in the day, plastic is now often cheaply made and can look very outdated if overused.
Top Tip: Keep accessorising to a minimum - with colour and texture, overusing 70s home decor can make the place look clustered and dated.
Shop 70s Revival
Marie Pouffe
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Ingrid Round Coffee Table
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