A 1970s bedroom is warm, bold, nostalgic, and full of character. These retro bedroom ideas bring back the charm of retro prints, wooden textures, shag rugs, and cozy earthy colors. Their timeless appeal makes them perfect for modern homes that want comfort with a touch of vintage personality.
In this guide, you will find 32 retro bedroom ideas, including colors, furniture, patterns, textures, lighting, and décor. These retro bedroom ideas are simple, stylish, and suitable for any size bedroom.
For more inspiration, explore our art deco living room guide here
1. Use Warm Earthy Colors
A 1970s bedroom is defined by rich earthy tones. These colors make the room feel warm and inviting.
Popular shades include: burnt orange, mustard yellow, deep green, and chocolate brown.
2. Add Retro Geometric Bedding
Bold patterns were a major trend in the 1970s bedroom. Geometric prints in warm colors instantly create a retro look.
3. Install Wood Panel Walls
Wood paneling is one of the strongest vintage 1970s bedroom signals. It creates depth and adds a cozy retro cabin feel.
4. Choose a Low Wooden Bed Frame
Low beds were extremely popular in the 70s. A simple wooden frame with clean lines adds instant 1970s authenticity.
5. Use Shag Rugs for Soft Texture
A soft shag rug gives your 1970s bedroom warmth and a touch of retro charm. Choose cream, brown, or burnt orange shades.
6. Add a Retro Dresser With Long Handles
Vintage dressers with long horizontal handles and smooth edges match the classic 70s bedroom style.
7. Try a Bold 1970s Accent Wall
Use wallpaper with retro shapes, stripes, or floral prints. Even one accent wall can transform the entire room.
8. Use Mushroom or Dome Lamps
Mushroom lamps, dome lamps, and curved lighting fixtures give the perfect 70s mood. They create warm, soft light.
See vintage lamp trends at Architectural Digest: https://www.architecturaldigest.com
9. Bring Back Lava Lamps
Lava lamps are iconic symbols of the 1970s bedroom. They add color, light, and an instantly nostalgic feel.
10. Add Patterned Curtains
Retro 1970s bedrooms often used heavy patterned curtains. Look for floral, geometric, or brown-toned prints.
Curtain styling inspiration at Elle Decor: https://www.elledecor.com
11. Use a Vintage Color Block Wall
Color block walls with soft brown, orange, or mustard tones give a true 1970s bedroom feel. Keep the shapes simple and curved.
12. Try a Retro Floral Wallpaper
Large floral wallpaper prints were common in the 70s. Use one wall behind the bed for a bold retro look.
13. Add Cane or Rattan Furniture
Cane headboards, rattan chairs, and woven baskets match the retro 1970s bedroom style and add natural warmth.
14. Use Vintage Posters
Posters inspired by the 1970s music scene, travel, or abstract art bring instant authenticity to the room.
15. Choose Retro Bedside Lamps
Small round lamps, brass lamps, and mushroom-shaped bedside lamps enhance the warm glow of a 70s bedroom.
16. Add a Retro Radio or Record Player
A classic radio or turntable adds nostalgia and becomes a perfect decor piece for your 1970s bedroom.
17. Use Textured Fabrics
Thick blankets, knitted throws, and quilted bedding were common fabric choices in retro homes. These add softness and dimension.
18. Add Indoor Plants
Plants like ferns, monsteras, and pothos create a fresh contrast to warm 1970s colors.
19. Use a Glossy Dresser Finish
Glossy wood or lacquered finishes match the 1970s bedroom aesthetic, giving the room a polished retro touch.
20. Include Retro Wall Shelves
Curved wooden wall shelves were a popular decor item. They give you space for books, plants, and vintage pieces.
21. Add Brown or Tan Leather Accents
A small leather chair, cushion, or footstool adds depth and brings a retro masculine touch to the room.
22. Use a Curved Vintage Mirror
Round or curved mirrors were very common in 1970s homes. Choose a brown, brass, or black frame for an authentic look.
23. Use Warm Amber Lighting
Amber bulbs create the classic 1970s glow. This soft warm light makes the bedroom feel calm and nostalgic.
24. Add Vintage Patterned Carpets
Patterned carpets in brown, mustard, or olive tones were very popular. They add texture and retro character.
25. Bring in a Retro Accent Chair
A curved retro lounge chair or a brown leather accent chair blends perfectly with a 1970s bedroom theme.
26. Use Bold Wall Art
1970s wall art often included abstract shapes, swirls, or sunset gradients. One large art piece is enough to set the tone.
27. Add a Retro Nightstand
Rounded corner nightstands with warm wood and soft edges bring real vintage charm.
28. Include Patterned Throw Pillows
Throw pillows with stripes, circles, or mixed 1970s prints complete the retro bedding look.
29. Use Olive Green or Burnt Orange Accent Chairs
Olive and rusty orange were iconic colors of 1970s bedrooms. One accent chair adds instant retro mood.
30. Add Vintage Wall Clocks
Large round clocks or wood-framed clocks highlight the original 1970s aesthetic.
31. Try a Retro Bookshelf
Curved bookshelves or simple wall-mounted wooden shelves match the natural and warm retro look.
32. Add Macrame Wall Art
Macrame was very popular in 1970s homes. A few macrame pieces bring softness and natural texture.
Conclusion
A 1970s bedroom design is full of warm colors, bold patterns, and cozy textures. These 32 retro bedroom ideas make it easy to create a retro-inspired space that still fits today’s modern homes. From geometric bedding to wood panel walls and shag rugs, each element brings back the comfort and charm of classic 70s interiors. Whether you want a full makeover or a few simple touches, these retro bedroom ideas add personality and warmth to any room.
What colors define a 1970s bedroom
Burnt orange, mustard yellow, olive green, brown, and cream tones.
What patterns were popular in the 70s
Geometric shapes, strong stripes, floral prints, and repeating bold patterns.
Can small bedrooms use retro bedroom ideas from the 1970s?
Yes! Even a small bedroom can use retro bedroom ideas. Opt for lighter colors, one bold pattern, and minimal furniture to keep the space stylish, cozy, and clutter-free while embracing 1970s charm.
What furniture suits this style
Low wooden beds, vintage dressers, curved chairs, and retro lighting.
How to create a budget 1970s bedroom
Use bold bedding, a shag rug, vintage lamps, and warm colors.
Amir Ali is the founder and site administrator of HomeDecorEdge, a modern home decor and interior design platform. Since starting the site, he has combined his passion for interior design, practical styling, and color coordination with hands-on content strategy and site management. He guides authors, curates high-quality articles, and ensures readers have access to actionable, visually inspiring, and user-focused home decor advice for apartments, small rooms, and family homes.