During the 1970s, the Vietnam war raged on and we at home turned toward saving the planet. The era of ecology popularized colors found in nature. While orange was still popular, we added avocado green and harvest gold as well. Colors were still bold and bright, although they tended to be plucked from only one end of the spectrum, the warms or the cools.
Furniture devolved from the sleek lines of the 1950s and 1960s into the bigger softer forms in the 1970s. Patterns again featured florals, but unlike the 1940s, these flowers were bolder prints served as focal points. You could find busy patterns on the curtains, the upholstery and the carpeting, all in one room. Floral couch, shaggy rya rug, striped curtains, for example. Who remembers the brown and gold nature-themed patterned heavy wood sofas of the 70s? Check out this article from Collectors Weekly to jog your memory.
Wood furnish was bright and chunky. Lamps were bold and brassy. Accessories came in all shades of brown, orange, and yellow. Bean bag chairs that you could sink into came in bold colors, adding a bright pop of color to an otherwise nature-inspired color scheme.
Handmade pieces like hooked rugs and needlework as wall art and hand-thrown pottery were in demand. The 1970s was the first great houseplant collecting era. Decorating your home with plants brought the outside in. Adding macrame plant hangers showed off your crafty side. Natural fibers like jute and rope, cotton, denim, and linen were all very popular.
Teak wood and the use of recycled materials grew out of the budding awareness of preserving the planet. With the wallpaper of prior eras coming down, one didn’t think about paint colors as the 70s look was wood paneling, manufactured or installed in actual wood by craftsmen. Wood-paneled walls were the fashionable backdrop for the nature-themed colors found in everything from furniture to kitchenware.
Egg chairs (hanging or otherwise), peacock chairs and papasan chairs were paired with granny square crochet throws. Crochet was big. If we weren’t crocheting afgans, we were crocheting ponchos and vests. It’s easy to get the look of the 1970s.
By including shades of green, gold, orange, or brown and adding a shag rug, bamboo or wicker accessories, and a few plants you’ll be on your way to recreating 70s decor. For a truly authentic look bring in a starburst mirror hung above the sofa.
There are plenty of 1970s reproductions out there, but why settle for the imitation when you can find true 1970s decor at estate sales and vintage stores. Teak from the 1970s may need some oiling and work on the finish, but the quality of the workmanship is far better than anything you can buy at a big box today. Ditto for needlework and rugs. It’s worth the price of having a vintage rya rug cleaned to have the real thing that will last you a lifetime.
Get the Look of the 1970s:
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