If you grew up in the 1970s, you likely spent at least part of the decade in a wood- paneled room. Most likely, the carpet was wall to wall, and you would have found it throughout your house. Popular colors were orange, green, brown, and gold.
The living room was the center of family life and also a place to entertain, so it had to be fashionable, yet comfortable. Light colored wood furniture was more popular in the early part of the decade, but darker tones took over as the Seventies progressed.
The aforementioned paneling, which was made of inexpensive plywood, came in all shades of brown and in white (and other colors, on rare occasion). Paneling was durable and fairly low maintenance, so it was desirable for many families.
In the Seventies, waterbeds became the hot trend for bedrooms. They were a symbol of the counterculture movement; they broke all the rules. Sex, of course, was a big selling point. By 1987, waterbeds had achieved full-fledged fad status, accounting for an astounding 22% of U.S. mattress sales; however, poor quality control led to bad publicity, and enthusiasm waned. By 2001, the market share for waterbeds had dropped to 6%.
Another home décor fad that didn’t survive the decade was to cover a wall completely in mirrors. This was done to make a room look bigger, but it would later become a furnishing faux pas.
First appearing at the end of the 1960s, bean bag chairs were popular in the Seventies as well. Many people owned one (or more), usually made of a shiny vinyl fabric in their favorite color. They were lightweight and could easily be dragged anywhere that a seat was needed.