In the 1970s, bean bag chairs were a must-have in every home, and any basement worth its salt had several scattered about. They were undeniably comfortable, but the real challenge was getting out of them once you sank in.

While wood paneling can still be found today, it’s a far cry from the beloved beadboard or shiplap styles. In the 1970s, wood paneling was often made from materials other than real wood, and it sported a noticeably artificial grain pattern.

These throws were crocheted with a recurring “granny” square pattern, featuring clashing colors. Usually made from coarse wool, these blankets were better suited for draping over the back of a couch than for snuggling under during a movie night.

The captivating lava lamp first gained fame in the 1960s but continued to be a favored decor item well into the late 1970s.

Among the interior design trends of the 1970s, the most iconic is undoubtedly the wall-to-wall shag carpeting in bold, attention-grabbing colors like vibrant orange.

In the 1970s, televisions were hefty furniture items, serving both as a means to watch shows like “The Brady Bunch” and as a platform for displaying knickknacks. This is a stark contrast to the slim and lightweight wall-mounted TVs we have today.

This design trend, often crafted from rugged stone and covering an entire wall, could seamlessly integrate with the aesthetics of a hunting lodge.

In the pre-digital era, people would wake up to alarm clocks with flipping numbers. These clocks came in stylish faux wood veneer or vibrant colors reminiscent of the 1970s and made a satisfying clicking sound.

If the walls in the 1970s weren’t covered in wood paneling, they were often decorated with wallpaper featuring bold geometric patterns in contrasting, vibrant colors.

The 1970s fostered a sense of neighborliness, with conversation pits designed to promote social interaction. These seating areas were slightly sunken in comparison to the rest of the room, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance, as long as your guests managed to navigate to them without tripping or injuring themselves.

The floating staircase was a notable feature on the stylish set of “The Brady Bunch.” Despite Mr. Brady’s occupation as an architect, the stairs still appeared somewhat precarious.

While many of us still enjoy eating while watching TV, we no longer do it with the same level of sophistication, using precisely-sized molded plastic trays designed to accommodate our TV dinners.

During the 1970s, rattan furniture, previously reserved for outdoor settings, gained popularity as an indoor addition, often complementing the widespread use of macramé and the presence of ferns throughout indoor spaces.

Much like the wallpaper, upholstery in the 1970s was marked by large, vivid, attention-grabbing patterns that were as bustling as a bee in a sunflower field. However, while wallpaper leaned towards geometric shapes, furniture fabric was all about the florals.

The push-button phone of the 1970s served as a transitional technology, bridging the gap between the rotary phones of the past and the modern cell phones we have today. Its dialing speed was a significant leap compared to its predecessor.

In the 1970s, stereo systems were complete setups, some so complex they reached the height of entire towers, even scaling up walls. The modern equivalent, a small speaker that plays music from cell phones, simply can’t compare.

Macramé, a craft involving the art of knotting cords together, was exceptionally popular in 1970s homes and found various uses, from holding potted plants to creating decorative owl-shaped wall hangings.

Colonial-style furniture saw a resurgence in popularity, possibly influenced by the patriotism surrounding the Bicentennial. It featured turned wood and classic elements reminiscent of the preferences of our ancestors.

Fringe was a fashionable element in 1970s fashion, appearing not only as a hairstyle but also as a decorative detail on vests, ponchos, and various clothing items. Fringe also made its way to lampshades, where it softened and diffused light, contributing to a laid-back atmosphere, man.

In the pre-internet and satellite radio era of the 1970s, people relied solely on AM and FM radio, utilizing devices explicitly designed for this purpose.

It’s hard to imagine, but those peculiar little lamps with colored filaments that emitted a warm glow were a staple in everyone’s rec room back in the day.

Whether you call them ball chairs, pod chairs, egg chairs, or globe chairs, these seats were undeniably comfortable and cozy.

Pottery had already gained popularity long before Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze got their hands dirty with wet clay in “Ghost.” In the 1970s, ceramic lamps, vases, and a variety of other items were common fixtures in nearly every household, possibly due to the emergence of ceramic artists and increased availability of kilns for hobbyists.

In the midst of the earthy tones and hippie-inspired decor of the 1970s, there was also a strong appreciation for shine, especially in the form of chrome. Chrome accents on furniture, like chair legs, coffee tables, and lamps, brought a touch of Studio 54-style glamour to homes.

Undoubtedly, using the backspace key to correct an error is far more convenient than resorting to whiteout. However, doesn’t a part of you miss those clunky typewriters from the 1970s, even just a bit?

Although clear glass is still an option, Pyrex casserole dishes and mixing bowls in the 1970s came in bright and playful colors, introducing a festive element to your dining table.

Vinyl records, it’s regrettable to admit, reached their peak in the 1970s with ambitious “concept albums” like The Eagles’ “Hotel California.” Nevertheless, experts assert that the warmth and richness of sound produced by analog equipment far surpasses what can be achieved through digital means.

The subdued, earthy tones that were highly fashionable in the 1970s have stood the test of time. However, it’s rare to find rooms today decked out in a combination of colors like rust, sand, brick, harvest gold, and avocado. Perhaps this is for the best, as when used together, they can create a somewhat gloomy atmosphere.

Exposed brick was such a sensation in the 1970s that it felt like everyone was residing in a converted warehouse. Throw in an angled roofline, and you’ve got a double dose of nostalgia.

Apart from bell bottoms, few things are as quintessentially ’70s as the 8-track. The plastic analog tape cartridges of yesteryears are a thing of the past, and even Fleetwood Mac’s “Greatest Hits” is believed to be the last 8-track produced by a highly successful band. Nonetheless, the legend endures.

During the 1970s, walls were often decorated with a variety of textures, including flocked or foiled paper and textured plaster. These textures created an inviting ambiance that tempted you to reach out and touch them.

In the 1970s, vinyl tablecloths weren’t limited to outdoor use; they were frequently used to cover kitchen and dining room tables. Their easy-to-clean surface made them ideal for quickly wiping up spills, like Kool-Aid.

In the 1970s, it was a common tradition to invite neighbors over for a slide show presentation of your vacation pictures after returning from a trip.

Rec rooms in the 1970s were frequently found in basements, featuring low lighting and maybe a hint of dampness, but this ambiance was ideal for playing games like spin the bottle and stealing your first kiss.

The 1970s had a distinctive patio style that’s never quite been duplicated. In those days, a basic patio would include a concrete slab, a couple of lightweight plastic lounge chairs, and maybe a small grill. The scene was made complete when Mom applied a generous coating of baby oil.

During the 1970s, glass pendant lamps with oversized globes were the epitome of kitchen style, particularly when they came in vibrant orange.

In the 1970s, fondue pots were a favored option for entertaining guests. Yet, the fun could swiftly turn into a disaster if someone accidentally spilled melted cheese on themselves.

In the era of Keurig, it’s quite astonishing to think that people in the 1970s used such hefty machines to brew their coffee.

Before the advent of cell phones and digital video cameras in the 1970s, families would record their everyday moments on Super 8 film and watch them on a nifty home movie projector, often leading to embarrassment for everyone involved.