70s Decorating Style: Must-Have Pieces for a Vintage Revival

The bold, electric, and effortlessly cool 70s decorating style is making a comeback — and it's not hard to see why. With its earthy tones, plush textures, playful patterns, and retro silhouettes, the style is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Whether you're aiming for full vintage immersion or simply want to add a few retro touches to your living space, the 1970s offer a wealth of design inspiration. In this guide, we break down the key elements of 70s interiors and share the must-have pieces that can help you bring a vintage revival into your UK home.

What Defines the 70s Decorating Style?

Interior design in the 1970s was bold, expressive, and layered. It blended natural materials with futuristic forms, and embraced both cosy earth tones and vibrant accents. Unlike the minimalism of today, the 70s style was about creating warm, personality-filled environments that encouraged relaxation and self-expression.

Key features include:

• Earthy colour palettes (burnt orange, mustard yellow, avocado green)
• Curved, sculptural furniture
• Plush fabrics like velvet, shag, and suede
• Wood panelling and rattan or wicker accents
• Graphic prints and psychedelic patterns
• Low-slung modular seating
• Funky lighting in sculptural forms

1. Low Lounge Seating: Togo-Style Sofas and Modular Pieces

No 70s-inspired interior is complete without the ultra-relaxed silhouette of low lounge seating. Togo-style sofas are a standout option, originally designed in the 1970s and now widely available as stylish replicas.

Look for:

• All-foam, armless designs with deep seating
• Quilted, pleated upholstery in suede, velvet, or Alcantara
• Warm colours like camel, rush, olive, or terracotta

Styling Tip: Float your modular sofa in the centre of the room for a retro lounge zone. Layer with cushions in tonal shades and add a deep-pile rug underneath.

2. Statement Lighting: Mushroom Lamps and Smoked Glass

Lighting was a defining feature of 70s interiors. Designers moved away from traditional chandeliers and embraced more sculptural, futuristic shapes.

Must-have lighting styles:

• Mushroom lamps with dome-shaped shades in metal, coloured glass, or plastic
• Pendant lamps in bold colours or smoked glass
• Arched floor lamps with chrome finishes and oversized shades
• Wall scones in brass, amber glass, or geometric designs

Pro tip: Use warm-toned bulbs to enhance the soft, atmospheric glow that defined 70s interiors.

3. Retro Colour Palette: Warm, Earthy and Playful

The 70s colour palette was heavily influenced by nature, with rich browns, ochres, and greens layered alongside bolder tones like orange, red, and teal.

Classic 70s colour combinations:

• Burnt orange and avocado green
• Mustard yellow and walnut brown
• Cream with rust and gold
• Olive green and terracotta

How to use: Incorporate these shades through upholstery, cushions, artwork, and painted walls. For balance, use neutrals like cream or taupe as a base.

4. Textured Fabrics and Materials

One of the most tactile decades in design history, the 70s decorating style embraced texture in every room.

Add texture with:

• Velvet or corduroy sofas and chairs
• Shag or high-pile rugs
• Boucle and wool cushions
• Macramé wall hangings and woven art
• Rattan, cane, and teak furniture

Layering Tip: Mix textures across soft furnishing to create a cosy, inviting space. A boucle cushion on a velvet sofa instantly evokes retro charm.

5. Iconic Chairs: From Egg Shapes to Cantilevers

The 1970s saw the rise of sculptural seating that doubled as functional art.

Chairs to consider:

• Egg chairs or pod-style seating in leather or velvet
• Cantilevered chairs with chrome frames and leather seats (perfect for dining or office use)
• Tub chairs with low backs and wide arms
• Rattan hanging chairs for bohemian-inspired corners

Mobelaris UK offers designer-inspired seating based on iconic 70s silhouettes — ideal for a retro revival without compromising on comfort.

6. Wood Panelling, Rattan, and Wicker

Materials played a major role in defining the 70s aesthetic. Natural textures brought warmth and grounding to even the boldest of colour schemes.

Integrate 70s materials through:

• Teak or walnut wood sideboards and shelving
• Rattan coffee tables or armchairs
• Wicker baskets and planters
• Wood venee or panelled feature walls

If full panelling is too much, try a wood -clad bar cart sideboard to bring in that retro feel without overwhelming the room.

7. Vintage Accessories and Finishing Touches

Accessories are where you can have fun with pattern, shape, and character.

70s-inspired decor ideas:

• Abstract and psychedelic art prints
• Ceramic vases with earthy glazes
• Stacked books with colourful spines
• Retro record players and speakers
• Patterned cushions and throws

Pro tip: Use a mix of vintage finds and modern reproductions to keep the space feeling curated rather than costume-like.

Ready to revive the spirit of the 70s in your home?

Explore Mobelaris UK’s collection of retro-inspired furniture and lighting 

Bring warmth, personality, and timeless vintage style to your space

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