70s Bedroom: 10 Retro Ideas to Bring Back the Groove
70s Bedroom Ideas: Bring Retro Vibes to Your Space
Discover how to design the perfect 70s bedroom with vintage furniture, bold patterns, and warm colors. Embrace the iconic retro style of the 1970s.
Take a nostalgic stroll back to the golden era of shag rugs, bold patterns, and warm earthy tones. A 70s bedroom isn’t just a design choice—it’s a vibe. Whether you’re updating an existing space or building a totally new retro look, here are ten groovy ideas to help you recapture that laid-back, cozy charm.
1. Earth Tones & Warm Accent Walls
Think burnt orange, avocado green, mustard gold, or deep rust. 70s bedrooms were all about embracing colors that felt grounded and cozy. Not ready to paint your whole room? Choose one accent wall—ideally behind the bed—to go bold. Pair it with crisp white bedding and natural wood for a perfect balance.
Tip: Use wallpaper with a subdued 70s floral or geometric print for added texture.
2. Plush Shag Rugs
A soft, high-pile shag rug underfoot instantly transforms your floors into a retro haven. Go for creams or burnt oranges that complement your color scheme. Not only do they look period-perfect, but shag rugs are also comfy for stretching or just kicking back.
Amazon find:
Retro shag rug sets the tone—cozy, classic, and essential.
👉 Check out this shag rug on Amazon
3. Macramé & Handmade Wall Hangings
Boho meets retro. Macramé wall art—a staple of the 70s—is a beautiful way to fill blank wall space and introduce texture. You can opt for monochrome or go bold with natural jute. Many pieces from Amazon support artisans and small workshops:
👉 Discover macramé wall art on Amazon
4. Bold Geometric Bedding
Patterns were huge in the 70s—think hexagons, wavy lines, and abstract circles. Choose bedding with retro-inspired designs in earthy or mustard tones. Pair with crisp white sheets and coordinating throw pillows for a layered, visually rich look.
5. Wood Slatted Headboards & Furniture
Wood was king in a 70s bedroom. Go for slatted or paneled headboards with mid‑century lines. Add a wood-framed mirror or vanity to complete the look. Dark walnut or teak tones bring authenticity and warmth.
6. Lava Lamps & Mood Lighting
Lighting can make or break the vibe. A lava lamp’s soft glow and flowing liquid blobs are iconic 70s. Mix it with amber-tinted bulbs in globe or spherical fixtures, and don’t forget strip lighting along shelves or headboards for ambient glow.
👉 Find vintage‑style lava lamps here
7. Retro Printed Curtains & Drapes
Draw attention upward with curtains in geometric or floral prints. Choose lightweight cotton or velvet in warm tones. Tie up the curtains with bamboo-style wooden tiebacks for an elegant finishing touch.
8. Cozy Bean Bag Chairs
A comfy bean bag is both relaxed and nostalgic. Go for suede or microsuede, shades of brown or olive green, to blend seamlessly into your 70s bedroom palette. It’s perfect for reading nooks, lounging spaces, or extra seating.
👉 Comfy bean bag chairs on Amazon
9. Vintage Posters & Framed Vinyl
Display large-format framed prints or posters from vintage bands and psychedelic concerts. Mix in a real vinyl record as wall art. Use natural wood or rattan frames to keep the warm, grounded aesthetic.
10. Houseplants & Macramé Planters
Bring life (literally) into the room. Snake plants, fern baskets, rubber plants, peace lilies—these greenery icons worked beautifully in 70s bedrooms. Instead of plain pots, hang them in macramé plant hangers from ceiling hooks or wall brackets.
Bringing It All Together: A Sample Layout 🏡
Here’s how to piece together your dream 70s bedroom:
- Warm accent wall (rust or mustard behind the bed).
- Dark wood slatted headboard with crisp white bedding and patterned pillow covers.
- Plush shag rug centered beneath the bed extending out the sides.
- Nightstands with lava lamps on one side, macramé wall art above the other.
- Bean bag lounge in the corner with a floor lamp for a cozy reading nook.
- Printed drapes in geometric 70s patterns over a wide window.
- Houseplants in macramé planters by the window or dresser.
- Gallery wall of framed vinyl and vintage posters above a low-profile dresser.
Why Choose a 70s Bedroom Vibe?
1. Relaxed & Cozy
Warm tones, plush textures, and ambient lighting create a soothing, lived-in atmosphere.
2. Eclectic Style
A 70s aesthetic invites mix-and-match layering—perfect for collectors of retro pieces, pottery, or analog art.
3. Sustainable Reuse
Many 70s-inspired pieces—think vintage furniture or thrifted prints—encourage eco-friendly decorating. Even mass-produced lava lamps and shag rugs bring that retro feel without breaking the bank.
Shopping Guide: Essential Retro Buys
To help you shop without the overwhelm, here’s a mini checklist of statement pieces:
| Item Type | Description | Amazon Sample |
| Shag rug | Earth-toned, high-pile, 5’×7’ cotton or synthetic | ✅ Shag rug link |
| Lava lamp | 14–16″ amber oil version, classic style | ✅ Lava lamp link |
| Macramé wall hanging | 24″–30″ cream/neutral handmade piece | ✅ Macramé art link |
| Bean bag chair | 5’ round suede or microsuede, olive or tan | ✅ Bean bag link |
| Geometric bedding set | Mustard + cream duvet with bold lines or circles | — |
| Printed curtains | Floor‑length, 48″ width per panel, geometric/floral | — |
| Houseplants & planters | Snake plant + macramé hangers | — |
| Wood headboard | Slatted teak or walnut platform | — |
Don’t forget accent cushions—not just for comfort but also pattern and color highlights that tie everything together.
Maintenance & Longevity Tips
A retro room can stay fresh with just a little care:
- Shake shag rugs weekly to prevent matting.
- Dust lava lamps gently—let them cool fully before wiping down.
- Rotate bean bag chairs to flatten out lumps and maintain shape.
- Clean plants regularly to reduce dust and ensure good circulation.
- Maintain wood furniture with a gentle polish every 2–3 months.
Repurposing Vintage Finds
If you love treasure hunts, thrift stores and estate sales can be goldmines for authentic 70s pieces:
- Look for teak or walnut nightstands.
- Vintage record frames get a new life with your favorite album covers.
- Mid-century swivel chairs in mustard, green, or orange are highly collectible.
Mixing genuine vintage with modern pieces offers a layered, intentional look—better than going full retro kitsch.
Beyond the Bedroom: 70s Vibes in the Rest of Your Home
Why stop in the bedroom? Extend the vibe:
- Living room: Add a burnt-orange sofa, a sunburst clock, or rattan accent furniture.
- Workspace: Try a mushroom-shaped lamp or a warm wood desk.
- Bathroom: Styled in avocado tile or bold patterned shower curtains.
Your home becomes a cohesive time-warp experience, anchored by your 70s bedroom core.
Final Thoughts: Your 70s Bedroom Revival
From 70s bedroom color palettes to shag rugs, lava lamps, and handmade macramé, the key is layering textures, woods, warm hues, and nostalgic accents. It’s not just design—it’s mood-setting. Whether you go full immersion or soft nostalgia, your new 70s-inspired space will be inviting, cozy, and full of personality.
- Start small—maybe a lava lamp or printed curtains.
- Gradually build with rugs, posters, and wall art.
- Add signature retro lighting and a cozy lounge nook.
- Seal the look with houseplants and earth-toned accent pieces.
The result? A bedroom that doubles as a groovy retreat—a place to relax, discover your inner bohemian, and show off your retro style.
Featured Retro Pieces (Affiliate Picks)
- Shag Rug – Cozy, earth-toned, and foundational
👉 Grab a 70s–style shag rug on Amazon - Lava Lamp – Ambient glow and retro charm
👉 Explore lava lamp designs here - Macramé Wall Art – Handmade texture & boho flair
👉 Find your macramé statement piece - Bean Bag Chair – Casual seating with vintage vibe
👉 Browse bean bag options
FAQs
1. What colors were popular in 70s bedroom decor?
Earthy tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, avocado green, and warm browns were signature colors in 70s bedroom designs.
2. How can I create a 70s-style bedroom on a budget?
Use thrifted furniture, DIY macramé wall hangings, and patterned textiles to get the retro 70s bedroom vibe without overspending.
3. What kind of furniture defines a 70s bedroom look?
Low-profile beds, teak wood furniture, shag rugs, and curved silhouettes were all staples of 1970s bedroom interiors.
4. Are there modern ways to update a 70s-inspired bedroom?
Yes! Combine retro elements like bold wallpaper or lava lamps with modern lighting or minimalist bedding for a balanced, updated look.
5. What are some must-have accessories for a 70s bedroom?
Must-haves include rattan or wicker accents, lava lamps, beaded curtains, and geometric or psychedelic patterned bedding.
6. Can I mix 70s bedroom decor with other styles?
Absolutely. 70s decor pairs well with boho, mid-century modern, and eclectic styles when mixed with care and consistency.
7. Where can I find authentic or replica 70s bedroom items?
Check vintage stores, flea markets, Etsy, or Amazon for 70s-style bedding, lighting, and décor pieces to recreate the authentic look.