The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

Seventies-inspired interiors are back: These are the best homeware buys to give your space a retro feel

Step back in time with these stylish designs that promise to revamp your home

Sarah Young
Wednesday 10 February 2021 17:40 GMT
From rattan to velvet, the era of disco is back in full force
From rattan to velvet, the era of disco is back in full force (iStock/The Independent)

A little nostalgia is never a bad thing, especially in times of uncertainty. And right now we’re in the middle of a full-blown 1970s love affair.

The decade of flares and disco has been a constant in the world of fashion for a number of years, but now this throwback theme has also risen to the top of everyone’s interiors wishlist.

Read more: Aldi launches £20 velvet footstool that’s almost identical to Made.com’s £100 version

Perhaps it’s a desire to inject some joy into our own four walls, but the age of boho is back with full force, with everything from rattan and macramé to warm yellow and orange hues infiltrating our homes once more.

The great thing about this trend is that it doesn’t require too much effort to revamp your living space.

With carpeted walls and avocado-coloured bathroom suites still reviled, the best way to incorporate the era of eclecticism into your home is with accessories, like vintage-inspired clocks, hanging plant pots, geometric cushions and comfy accent chairs.

If you're looking for inspiration, we’ve rounded up our picks of the best Seventies decor trends that are officially back in style.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Zara Home glass coffee cup and saucer: £7.99, Zara

(Zara)

Way back when, bar carts and kitchen cupboards were chock full of amber and green glassware, so if you’re looking for an easy way to tap into the trend, we suggest updating your collection of mugs and cups in funky colourways.

Our top pick is this light-brown coffee cup and saucer set from Zara, which is made with a raised retro design that’s guaranteed to brighten up your mornings. For those of you who like to have a matching set, you can also buy the co-ordinating tea cup and saucer (£8.99, Zara) and an individual glass cup (£5.99, Zara).

Buy now

Orla Kiely flower tile velvet cushion: £60, John Lewis & Partners

(John Lewis & Partners)

Add some colour and texture to any sofa or bed by piling on an array of patterned scatter cushions.

This version designed by Orla Kiley ticks all the boxes, with its soft velvet texture, embroidered pattern and bold colour combination.

Buy now

La Redoute afaw berber-style rug: £99, La Redoute

(La Redoute)

Shag carpets were big news in the Seventies, but if you don’t fancy switching out your entire space, then a fluffy, fringed rug is your best bet.

Not only are they comfortable underfoot, but rugs also add a lot of texture to any room and create visual interest. For this reason, we recommend investing in this boho-style rug, which is inspired by traditional weaving techniques and is the perfect match for both retro and contemporary interiors.

Buy now

Next large rattan shelf: £80, Next

(Next)

Rattan furniture is enjoying quite the revival right now, but if your budget can’t stretch to a designer chair or coffee table, opt for a trendy shelf to store all your trinkets on instead.

This floating number from Next is a great way to use up a little extra wall space and add an eclectic vibe to any room. It features a rattan frame and wooden shelves, which you can decorate with houseplants, vintage books and woven baskets for the ultimate throwback feel.

Buy now

Oliver Bonas layla fabric wall hanging: £49.50, Oliver Bonas

(Oliver Bonas)

No longer confined to art fairs, macramé is coming back in style and promises to instantly transport you back to the 1970s.

A great way to add a handmade touch to your space, this wall hanging combines colour and texture with asymmetric tassels at the bottom and a woven string for hanging. Forget figuring out a complicated gallery wall – this is the perfect accent for any room.

Buy now

Acctim Woolcot spokes wall clock: £100, John Lewis & Partners

(John Lewis & Partners)

Tick a trendy timepiece off your interiors wishlist with this striking clock that’s so retro it could easily be passed off as a genuine vintage find.

Featuring a sunburst-style design, the Woolcot wall clock from Acctim has wheel-like wood and brass spokes and a spun metal dial with easy-to-read numerals.

Buy now

Made cecil accent armchair: £549, Made.com

(Made.com)

Relax in style with this statement velvet armchair that gives a nod to 1970s nostalgia.

Designed in a mid-century shape, it’s made with a solid oak frame and has an angled back for a relaxing seat, while the piping and buttoning make for a grand look that’s sophisticated yet homely. Oozing retro charm, this chair is pricey but, if it’s within your budget, it will instantly uplift your living room scheme. We love the bright orange hue but it’s also available in gold and navy blue.

Buy now

For more retro interior inspiration, read our guide to the best places to buy pampas grass online

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in