10 Ways to Style Your House Like It’s Straight Out of That ’70s Show

Eric Forman’s basement became one of the most recognizable sets in TV history. It was warm, cluttered, and very, very ’70s. The charm came from its imperfections—shag carpets, mismatched furniture, and earth-tone everything.

If you want to bring a little of that retro fun into your own home, focus on playful colors, cozy textures, and furniture that says comfort over perfection.

Lean Into Earth Tones

Mustard, avocado green, burnt orange—this palette defined the decade.

Use those colors in accent walls, rugs, or throw pillows. They instantly pull you into the ’70s without having to redecorate top to bottom.

Bring in a Shag Rug

Nothing says 1970s like a shag carpet.

You don’t need wall-to-wall shag. Even a small shag area rug in the living room or bedroom captures the decade’s cozy vibe and sets the stage.

Try Wood Paneling or Faux Paneling

The Forman basement walls had paneling everywhere.

You can mimic the look with peel-and-stick panels or even wallpaper with a wood-grain design. It creates instant retro character without being permanent.

Add Funky Lighting

The ’70s were all about personality lamps—lava lamps, globe lights, stained glass shades.

Even adding one funky lamp to a side table can completely change the feel of a room.

Choose Low-Slung Seating

The basement couch was oversized, soft, and close to the ground.

Find a low-profile sectional or add beanbags for that casual lounge feel. Comfort comes first here, not clean lines.

Decorate With Vintage Posters

Psychedelic prints, rock bands, and bold wall art were everywhere in the 1970s.

Frame a few retro posters and hang them in casual spaces. They’re fun, inexpensive, and authentic to the style.

Incorporate Macramé

Macramé wall hangings and plant holders were staples.

Hang one above a sofa or use a macramé plant holder to bring texture and height into your space.

Use Patterned Curtains

Plain drapes didn’t cut it in the ’70s. Curtains came in florals, stripes, and bold prints.

Choose a pair with retro patterns to instantly tie a room together in that vintage way.

Add a Record Player Setup

Music defined the decade, and vinyl was everywhere.

A record player with a stack of vinyl doubles as décor and function. It’s retro, but still practical today.

Don’t Be Afraid of Mismatch

One of the most defining parts of Eric’s basement? Nothing matched.

Mix chairs, lamps, and side tables. The charm comes from it looking thrown together, not carefully curated.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.