Boho 70s Living Room

The Boho 70s living room is a nostalgic nod to a decade that embraced freedom, self-expression, and bold design. Combine the free-spirited vibe of bohemian style with the vintage flair of the 1970s, and you’ve got a space bursting with color, texture, and soul. Think earthy palettes, groovy patterns, lots of plants, and natural materials. It’s where macramé meets lava lamps, and rattan chairs chill beside record players.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to create the ultimate Boho 70s living room—from the color scheme and furniture choices to decor, lighting, and cozy touches that make your space as funky as it is inviting.

1. What Is a Boho 70s Living Room?

The Boho 70s living room blends the laid-back, layered look of bohemian design with the vintage, retro vibes of the 1970s. It’s eclectic, playful, and deeply rooted in comfort and creativity. No two Boho 70s rooms are the same—this style thrives on individuality and storytelling.

Defining Features:

Earthy & Retro Color Palettes
Textured Walls & Layered Textiles
Rattan, Velvet, and Macramé Galore
Low Furniture with Laid-Back Energy
Plenty of Plants, Beads, and Globally-Inspired Decor

Why This Style Works Today:

It’s a throwback with a modern twist—charming, warm, and totally expressive.
It’s sustainable—vintage and thrifted pieces are core to the look.
It’s cozy and casual, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

2. Color Palettes That Scream 70s Boho

Colors are everything in this style. The 70s were bold, but Boho keeps it grounded with earthy tones. You want your palette to feel both warm and eclectic, inviting in tones that mimic nature and retro fashion.

Core Colors:

Terracotta, Rust, and Burnt Orange: The holy trinity of retro warmth.
Olive Green and Mustard Yellow: Add depth and a vintage touch.
Warm Browns and Cognac: Use in leather, wood, and accessories.
Cream, Sand, and Off-White: Balance the bolder tones and soften the palette.

Accent Colors:

Peach, Coral, or Dusty Rose: Great for textiles and art.
Turquoise or Teal: Adds vibrancy without breaking the earthy vibe.
Deep Purple or Plum: Moody and glamorous when used in moderation.

Tips for Using Color:

Mix, don’t match. Contrast warm tones with cooler accents.
Use color in layers: paint, textiles, ceramics, and even plants.

3. Furniture That Feels Both Boho and Vintage

Furniture in a Boho 70s living room should feel low-key, comfortable, and slightly mismatched—with a lived-in charm. Combine mid-century shapes with earthy, boho textures.

Sofa and Chairs:

Low, plush sofas in velvet or corduroy.
Sectionals in earthy tones or deep jewel hues.
Papasan or rattan chairs for a relaxed boho touch.
Butterfly chairs or beanbags for extra seating with retro charm.

Coffee & Side Tables:

Rattan or cane tables with glass tops.
Rustic wood pieces with visible grain and imperfect edges.
Stacked crates or vintage trunks for a DIY look.

Storage & Shelving:

Macramé hanging shelves or ladder-style bookcases.
Mid-century credenzas or buffets with warm wood tones.

Tips for Furniture Selection:

Embrace patina and wear—scratches and age add character.
Mix vintage with modern—don’t worry about perfect matching.

4. Decor & Accessories with 70s Soul

The soul of this style lies in the decor and accessories. This is where your personality can shine, whether you’re into art, travel, music, or nature.

Wall Decor:

Macramé wall hangings and woven tapestries.
Fringed mirrors, sunburst clocks, or beaded curtains.
Framed vinyls or vintage posters—think Woodstock, Fleetwood Mac, or retro movies.

Textiles & Throws:

Layer patterned throw blankets and woven pillows.
Use Moroccan poufs, woven baskets, and shag rugs.
Go bold with mix-and-match patterns—paisley, geometric, floral.

Art & Collectibles:

Display ceramics, incense burners, and handmade pottery.
Add globally inspired pieces like Moroccan lanterns or Indian block prints.
Include DIY art or thrift store finds for authenticity.

5. Lighting for Mood & Magic

Lighting should feel warm, relaxed, and slightly mystical. Steer clear of bright overhead lights—this style is all about soft, ambient glow.

Lighting Ideas:

Himalayan salt lamps for a warm pink hue.
Rattan pendants, woven sconces, or mushroom lamps.
Beaded chandeliers or vintage arc floor lamps.
Fairy lights or string bulbs across shelves or around mirrors.

Candles and Lanterns:

Mix tall candles with short tealights.
Use vintage holders or handmade ceramic votives.
Add lanterns in clusters for a bohemian glow.

6. Plants, Patterns, and Playfulness

No Boho 70s living room is complete without a mini jungle, pattern overload, and a little playful charm. These finishing touches bring the room to life and make it feel personal.

Plants to Include:

Monstera, snake plant, pothos, or spider plants.
Use macramé hanging planters or painted terra cotta pots.
Cluster plants in groups of odd numbers for a balanced look.

Patterns to Play With:

Mix florals, geometrics, tribal, and paisley.
Use patterns on pillows, rugs, and art, but balance with solids.
Embrace color clashes—just keep everything in the warm/earthy family.

Whimsical Extras:

Record players, lava lamps, and bead curtains.
A stack of old books, a tarot card deck, or a vintage globe.
Add a bit of humor—don’t take the styling too seriously!

FAQs

1. What is a Boho 70s living room?

A Boho 70s living room blends the relaxed, layered aesthetic of bohemian design with retro 1970s influences like bold colors, vintage furniture, and textured decor. It’s cozy, expressive, and rich in personality.

2. What colors define this style?

Expect warm earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, mustard, and rust, paired with creamy neutrals and pops of teal or plum. These colors mimic nature and add retro flair.

3. How do I make my modern living room look more Boho 70s?

Start with warm-toned throw pillows and a shaggy rug. Add a macramé wall hanging, swap in a rattan chair or mid-century table, and bring in plants and soft lighting.

4. Where can I find Boho 70s furniture?

Check local thrift stores, flea markets, or vintage shops. Online platforms like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or even IKEA (for basics) can also help you find or build the look.

5. Can I mix this style with modern elements?

Absolutely. Try blending modern lines (like a sleek sofa) with 70s textures (like a shag rug or rattan lamp). It keeps the room feeling fresh while honoring the retro vibe.

6. What patterns are best for a Boho 70s room?

Go for paisleys, tribal prints, geometrics, and bold florals. Mix them freely but keep them in a similar earthy or warm-toned palette for cohesion.

7. What kind of lighting works best in a Boho 70s space?

Soft, warm lighting like floor lamps, rattan pendants, lava lamps, and string lights. Avoid harsh overhead lights—think glow, not glare.

8. Are plants important in this style?

Yes! Plants are essential. They add life, color, and a natural element. Use a mix of floor plants, hanging plants, and tabletop greenery.

9. How can I make the space feel cozy, not cluttered?

Layer wisely. Use baskets and hidden storage for extras, keep large furniture pieces low-profile, and group decor in vignettes instead of spreading everything out.

10. Is this style suitable for small living rooms?

Totally! Use floor cushions instead of bulky chairs, opt for a smaller rug with lots of patterns, and use mirrors to reflect light and add dimension.