It’s really true—when it comes to interior design, everything old will eventually become new again. This is especially true of the 1970s. The design style is making a comeback in a big way—and we think it’s a cool, relaxed way to decorate a bedroom.
Ahead, we’ll explore why 1970s interior design style is trending right now and how to incorporate it into your bedroom aesthetic.
What is 1970s interior design—and why is it trending?
In the 1970s, a free-spirited, fun feel permeated culture—and it showed through the decor of the time. More specifically, as Ksenya Malina, founder of New York-based interior design studio Time & Place Interiors, puts it, design of the 1970s emphasized rich, earthy tones combined with metallic textures like polished chrome, brass, Lucite, and shiny lacquer.
“A bohemian flare with materials such as rattan, wicker, and velvet broadened design possibilities,” Malina says. “Rounded shapes and cantilevered structures paved the way for a postmodern response to the minimalist mid-century look.”
While 1970s style evolved from mid-century visuals, the decor of the 1970s showed off more varied textures. It also nodded to art deco style, “with arches, curves, glam materials, and bold patterns that have taken the design aesthetic by storm over the last few years,” Malina notes.
So, why is 1970s revival interior design trending again now? Malina believes people are craving an eclectic approach to design, one that looks modern but encompasses all the recent style trends in one freeing expression of creativity.
“The 1970s look allows experimentation with color, pattern, shape, and texture unlike any other design movement,” she says. “It also emphasizes comfort that people are seeking in their home designs, with deep sink-in sofas, soft velvets, relaxed lounge chairs, and inviting earthy tones.”
How to incorporate 1970s interior design into your bedroom
Embrace rattan
1970s home interior design was all about rattan, from peacock chairs to wall art. You can also weave this laidback texture into your bedroom. As Malina recommends, you can add a rattan headboard in a curved pattern to bring natural texture to your bed.
Another way to add rattan to your bedroom? Place a few rattan baskets around your bedroom to combine 1970s style and functionality to your space.
Think retro lighting
Back in the ‘70s, smoked Lucite, with its moody, gray hue, was the epitome of luxe. Whether you score a real-deal vintage version (scour Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, or flea markets for such pieces) or opt for a modern-day version, Malina says you can display a smoked Lucite vintage lamp on your dresser to create an evocative mood.
To give your nightstands and dresser a 1970s makeover, consider swapping out your current pulls for smoked Lucite ones.
Include a shag rug
What 1970s-inspired room would be complete without a shag rug? Malina says in your bedroom, you can evoke the shag rug look with a handmade vintage Moroccan carpet that has a loose weave and an intriguing pattern. Many vintage vendors specialize in selling vintage shag rugs that would be right at home in your 1970s bedroom.
Accent with chrome
Want to focus on 1970s glam for your bedroom? Then polished chrome is the way to go. Malina says you can bring this motif into your bedroom through the frame of a side chair or in a pendant lamp hanging from the ceiling. This is a material that would look just right in a disco.
FAQs
What was the interior style in the ’70s?
“The 1970s let loose the buttoned-up mid-century style,” Malina says. “It was a futuristic era that embraced varied textures and integrated nature into interiors. It offered a slouchier, softer style that was more fitting to a relaxed environment.”
Is ’70s interior design coming back?
Yes! As Malina says, people are increasingly craving an eclectic approach to design, one that represents a freeing expression of creativity. The 1970s look allows experimentation with color, pattern, shape, and texture, unlike any other design movement.
Malina adds that this style also emphasizes the comfort people are seeking in their home designs, with deep sink-in sofas, soft velvets, relaxed lounge chairs, and inviting earthy tones.
Wondering how to tie all your furniture in the bedroom together to make one cohesive look? Here’s how to mix and match bedroom furniture.
