The 1970s was a decade of bold and unconventional designs, especially when it came to home decor. One of the most popular trends during this time was the use of plastic furniture in living rooms. From chairs and sofas to coffee tables and shelving, plastic was a versatile material that added a unique touch to any living space. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top 10 1970s living room furniture pieces made with plastic. Whether you're a fan of retro style or just looking for some inspiration for your own living room, these plastic pieces are sure to impress.1970s Living Room Furniture with Plastic
1970s Living Room Furniture with Plastic
Plastic furniture became a staple in 1970s living rooms, and for good reason. It was affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Plus, it came in a variety of colors and styles, making it a popular choice among homeowners looking to add a pop of personality to their space. Some of the most notable plastic furniture pieces from the 1970s include the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and the Tulip Chair designed by Eero Saarinen. These pieces were not only stylish, but also comfortable and durable, making them timeless additions to any living room.Plastic Furniture in 1970s Living Rooms
Plastic Furniture in 1970s Living Rooms
Aside from furniture, plastic was also used to create various decorative pieces for living rooms. These included plastic wall art, hanging planters, and sculptures. The use of plastic in these decor items added a fun and playful element to living rooms, making them stand out from traditional decor. One popular plastic wall decor item from the 1970s was the macramé wall hanging. These intricate and colorful pieces added texture and visual interest to any living room wall.1970s Plastic Living Room Decor
1970s Plastic Living Room Decor
As mentioned earlier, chairs and sofas made with plastic were popular choices in 1970s living rooms. The unique material allowed for innovative designs that couldn't be achieved with traditional materials like wood or fabric. One standout piece was the Bubble Chair designed by Eero Aarnio. This iconic hanging chair was made entirely of clear plastic and added a futuristic touch to any living room. Other popular plastic chairs and sofas included the Bean Bag Chair and the Modular Sofa, both of which were affordable and versatile options for any living space.Plastic Chairs and Sofas in 1970s Living Rooms
Plastic Chairs and Sofas in 1970s Living Rooms
Coffee tables made with plastic were a popular choice in 1970s living rooms for their unique designs and functionality. One of the most well-known pieces was the Isamu Noguchi Coffee Table, which featured a clear glass top supported by a curved plastic base. Other notable plastic coffee tables from the 1970s included the Acrylic Coffee Table, which was made entirely of clear plastic, and the Tulip Coffee Table, which featured a plastic base and a marble top.1970s Plastic Coffee Tables for Living Rooms
1970s Plastic Coffee Tables for Living Rooms
Storage was essential in 1970s living rooms, and plastic was a popular material for shelving and storage units. These pieces not only provided functional storage space, but also added a modern and unique touch to living rooms. One popular plastic shelving unit from the 1970s was the String Shelving System, which consisted of plastic shelves and metal wire supports. This versatile system could be configured in various ways to suit any living room layout.Plastic Shelving and Storage in 1970s Living Rooms
Plastic Shelving and Storage in 1970s Living Rooms
In addition to wall art and hanging planters, plastic was also used to create other types of wall decor in 1970s living rooms. One popular option was the plastic clock, which came in various shapes and colors. These clocks added a fun and quirky touch to any living room wall. Another noteworthy plastic wall decor item was the three-dimensional wall sculpture. These pieces were made with plastic and featured abstract shapes and designs, adding a bold and artistic touch to living rooms.1970s Plastic Wall Decor for Living Rooms
1970s Plastic Wall Decor for Living Rooms
Lighting played a crucial role in 1970s living rooms, and plastic was a popular material for creating unique and eye-catching light fixtures. From plastic pendant lights to table lamps, these pieces added a touch of modernity to any living room. One standout plastic lighting fixture from the 1970s was the Sputnik Chandelier, which featured multiple arms with plastic globes at the end. This iconic piece added a retro and futuristic touch to living rooms.Plastic Lighting Fixtures in 1970s Living Rooms
Plastic Lighting Fixtures in 1970s Living Rooms
In addition to furniture and decor, there were also various plastic home accessories that were popular in 1970s living rooms. These included plastic vases, trays, and coasters. These small but impactful pieces added a touch of color and personality to living rooms. One popular plastic home accessory from the 1970s was the lava lamp. These colorful and mesmerizing lamps were made with plastic and added a groovy and psychedelic feel to living rooms.1970s Plastic Home Accessories for Living Rooms
1970s Plastic Home Accessories for Living Rooms
Last but not least, let's not forget about plastic flooring options in 1970s living rooms. While traditional carpet and hardwood floors were still popular, plastic flooring offered a more modern and durable alternative. One popular plastic flooring option was the vinyl floor tile. These tiles came in a variety of colors and patterns and were easy to install, making them a budget-friendly choice for many homeowners. Another popular option was the shag carpet, which was made with plastic fibers and added a cozy and retro feel to living rooms. In conclusion, the 1970s was a decade of bold and unconventional designs, and plastic furniture and decor played a significant role in shaping the style of living rooms during this time. From iconic pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair to unique accessories like the lava lamp, plastic added a touch of fun and modernity to living rooms. So if you're looking to add a retro touch to your living room, consider incorporating some of these 1970s plastic pieces into your decor.Plastic Flooring Options for 1970s Living Rooms
Plastic Flooring Options for 1970s Living Rooms
The Rise of Plastic in 1970's Living Room Furniture
The Versatility and Durability of Plastic
When we think of 1970's living room furniture, images of bold colors, funky patterns, and futuristic designs often come to mind. But one material that played a major role in the design of this era is often overlooked - plastic. Plastic was first introduced as a material for furniture in the 1950s, but it wasn't until the 1970s that it truly became a staple in living room design. Its versatility and durability made it a popular choice for designers and homeowners alike.
Plastic was a game-changer for living room furniture
, allowing for new and innovative designs that were not possible with traditional materials like wood and metal. It was lightweight, easy to mold and shape, and could be produced in a wide range of colors. This opened up endless possibilities for designers to create unique and eye-catching pieces that would become iconic of the 1970s.
The Impact on Design Aesthetics
The use of plastic in living room furniture also had a significant impact on the overall design aesthetic of the era. The bold and vibrant colors of plastic furniture reflected the optimistic and carefree attitude of the 1970s. It was a time of self-expression and breaking away from traditional norms, and plastic furniture was a perfect representation of this.
One of the most iconic pieces of plastic furniture from the 1970s is the molded plastic chair
. This sleek and modern design became a symbol of the decade and is still a popular choice in modern interior design. Its smooth curves and bright colors added a touch of fun and playfulness to living rooms across the country.
The Longevity of Plastic Furniture
Another key factor that contributed to the popularity of plastic furniture in the 1970s was its durability. Unlike traditional materials, plastic was not easily damaged by everyday wear and tear, making it a practical choice for busy households. It was also resistant to water and stains, making it ideal for families with children and pets.
The longevity of plastic furniture also made it a sustainable choice for the environment
. Unlike wood furniture, which requires cutting down trees, plastic could be recycled and repurposed, making it a more eco-friendly option.
The Legacy of Plastic in Living Room Design
Even though the 1970s have come and gone, the impact of plastic on living room design is still felt today. Its versatility and durability have stood the test of time, and plastic furniture continues to be a popular choice for modern homes. Its bold and colorful designs add a touch of nostalgia and playfulness to any living room, making it a timeless addition to any home.
In conclusion, the use of plastic in 1970s living room furniture was a game-changer in the world of design. Its versatility, durability, and impact on aesthetics have left a lasting legacy that is still seen in modern interior design. So the next time you see a molded plastic chair or a vibrant plastic coffee table, remember the role it played in shaping the iconic style of the 1970s.
