retro bedroom designs featured

6 70s-Inspired Beds

You’re about to discover how the groovy spirit of 70s bedroom design can transform your modern sleeping space. From luxurious velvet headboards in rich earth tones to laid-back rattan frames that capture bohemian charm, these six distinctive bed styles blend nostalgic comfort with contemporary flair. Each design showcases the decade’s signature elements: organic materials, bold geometrics, and conversation-worthy details that’ll make your bedroom the ultimate relaxation zone. Let’s explore these far-out furnishings that perfectly balance retro cool with today’s comfort standards.

Low-Profile Platform Beds With Woven Textures

low profile woven platform beds

Low-profile platform beds with woven textures capture the laid-back sophistication of 1970s interior design while offering a contemporary edge. The combination of natural materials, earthy textures, and minimal height creates a grounding effect that makes any bedroom feel more intimate and intentionally designed.

Rattan headboards, woven rope details, and textural elements blend seamlessly with modern styling approaches, creating an aesthetic that’s both nostalgic and fresh. This styling technique works particularly well in spaces that embrace organic modernism and casual California cool vibes.

Perfect for year-round use, it’s especially fitting during spring and summer months when lighter textures and natural materials feel most appropriate. The style adapts beautifully to both urban apartments and coastal homes, providing a versatile foundation for various decorative approaches.

Essential Components:

  • Low platform bed frame (wood or metal)
  • Rattan or woven headboard
  • Natural fiber mattress topper
  • Linen or cotton sheets in earth tones
  • Textured cotton blanket
  • Woven throw pillows
  • Jute or sisal rug
  • Macramé wall hanging
  • Bamboo or rattan accent pieces
  • Task lamp with brass details
  • Natural fiber storage baskets

How to Achieve This Look

Start by positioning the low platform bed frame against the focal wall, ensuring there’s enough space around all sides for easy movement. The key is to maintain a floating appearance, so avoid pushing the bed directly against walls if possible.

Choose a frame that sits no more than 12 inches off the ground, excluding the mattress height. Layer the bedding starting with crisp sheets in warm earth tones like terracotta, sand, or olive green. Add a textured cotton blanket in a complementary neutral shade, followed by a lightweight quilt or coverlet with subtle geometric patterns.

The goal is to create visual interest through texture rather than bold patterns or colors. Complete the look with carefully chosen accessories that enhance the woven theme. Position 2-3 throw pillows in varying sizes, featuring natural materials like jute, cotton, or wool.

Install a macramé wall hanging above the bed to add vertical interest and reinforce the 70s influence. Incorporate plants in hanging baskets or floor stands to bring life to the space and enhance the organic feel.

Pro Styling Tips

To maintain the authentic 70s aesthetic while keeping the look fresh, mix vintage and contemporary pieces. Use removable covers on throw pillows to easily switch between seasons – lighter materials for summer and chunky weaves for winter.

For smaller rooms, choose a platform bed with built-in storage to maintain the low profile while maximizing space efficiency. Keep the look tidy by smoothing bedding daily and rotating textural elements seasonally to prevent wear patterns in high-touch areas.

A designer secret is to incorporate at least one statement vintage piece, such as a ceramic lamp or original macramé hanging, to add authenticity to the overall design.

Velvet Tufted Headboards in Earth Tones

velvet headboard in earth tones

A velvet tufted headboard in rich earth tones instantly transforms a bedroom into a sophisticated 1970s sanctuary. The deep button tufting creates an elegant diamond pattern that catches light and shadow, while the plush velvet material adds textural depth and luxury reminiscent of vintage Hollywood glamour. Earth tones like burnt orange, chocolate brown, and golden amber create a warm, inviting focal point that anchors the entire room’s design.

This dramatic bed styling technique works particularly well during fall and winter months when creating a cozy atmosphere is paramount. The combination of tactile velvet and earthy colors complements both modern and vintage-inspired bedroom designs, making it versatile enough to adapt to various interior styles. The look especially shines in spaces with abundant natural light, as sunlight enhances the velvet’s natural luster and highlights the tufted details.

Essential Components:

  • Velvet tufted headboard in earth tone
  • Coordinating duvet cover in solid earth tone
  • Egyptian cotton sheets in cream or beige
  • Textured throw pillows in complementary earth tones
  • Velvet accent pillows
  • Woven throw blanket
  • Brass or copper bed frame
  • Upholstery cleaning kit
  • Fabric protector spray
  • Measuring tape
  • Level
  • Wall anchors and mounting hardware

How to Achieve This Look

Begin by selecting a velvet tufted headboard in your chosen earth tone, ensuring the height extends at least 24 inches above your mattress for proper proportion. Install the headboard securely, using wall anchors if necessary, and ensure it’s perfectly level for maximum impact. The tufting should be evenly spaced and deeply set to create dramatic shadows.

Layer the bed with high-quality linens, starting with crisp sheets in a neutral tone like cream or sand. Add a substantial duvet cover in a complementary earth tone, such as rust or terracotta, ensuring it’s slightly darker or lighter than the headboard to create depth. Fold the top portion of the duvet back to create a hotel-style turndown that showcases both the sheets and duvet.

Complete the look with carefully chosen accessories that enhance the 70s aesthetic. Arrange throw pillows in varying sizes, mixing solid velvets with textured weaves in coordinating earth tones. Consider combinations like burnt orange with chocolate brown, or golden amber with deep olive. Position larger pillows at the back, graduating to smaller ones in front, maintaining an odd number for visual interest.

Pro Styling Tips

To maintain the luxurious appearance of your velvet headboard, rotate throw pillows regularly to prevent wear patterns, and use a fabric protector spray to guard against dust and fading. For smaller rooms, choose a headboard in a lighter earth tone to prevent the space from feeling cramped, and adjust pillow quantities accordingly.

Keep a soft-bristled brush handy for weekly maintenance of the velvet, brushing in one direction to restore the nap and maintain its rich appearance. During warmer months, swap heavy velvet pillows for lighter textured ones in the same color family to maintain the look while adapting to the season.

Rattan and Bamboo Statement Frames

rattan and bamboo decor elegance

Rattan and bamboo statement frames epitomize the laid-back luxury of 1970s bedroom design, bringing organic texture and bohemian flair to contemporary spaces. These natural materials create a striking focal point while maintaining an airy, tropical aesthetic that transforms any bedroom into a serene retreat. The intricate weaving patterns and warm honey tones characteristic of rattan and bamboo frames add dimensional interest without overwhelming the space.

This styling technique works particularly well in spring and summer months, though it can create a year-round resort atmosphere when properly styled. The versatility of these frames allows them to complement various design styles, from boho-chic to tropical modern, and they’re especially effective in rooms with abundant natural light. The natural materials provide an excellent foundation for layering textures and creating a relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Essential Components:

  • Rattan or bamboo bed frame
  • Natural fiber sheets (linen or cotton)
  • Textured throw pillows
  • Woven blanket or lightweight quilt
  • Macramé wall hanging
  • Potted plants
  • Jute or sisal rug
  • Bamboo roman shades
  • Natural fiber storage baskets
  • Brass or copper accent pieces

How to Achieve This Look

Begin by positioning the statement bed frame as the room’s centerpiece, ideally against a light-colored wall to highlight its intricate details. Layer the bed with natural-toned linens, starting with crisp white or ecru sheets as your base. Add depth with textured pillowcases in earth tones like terracotta, sand, or olive green.

Create visual interest through thoughtful layering of textiles. Incorporate a lightweight quilt or coverlet in a subtle pattern, followed by decorative cushions in varying sizes and textures. The key is to maintain a balanced mix of solid colors and subtle patterns that complement rather than compete with the frame’s natural texture.

Choose a color palette that enhances the natural warmth of the rattan or bamboo. Earth tones, creamy whites, and muted greens work harmoniously with these materials. Accent with brass or copper elements to add subtle glamour while maintaining the organic feel. Complete the look with strategically placed plants that echo the natural elements of the frame.

Pro Styling Tips

To maximize the impact of a rattan or bamboo statement frame, keep surrounding furniture minimal and low-profile. For smaller rooms, choose frames with simpler designs and compensate with richly textured bedding.

During cooler months, layer in chunky knit throws and velvet accents while maintaining the natural color palette. To preserve the frame’s beauty, regularly dust with a soft brush and avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can cause fading and brittleness.

For the most photogenic results, style the bed in the morning when natural light is soft and diffused, highlighting the frame’s intricate patterns without harsh shadows.

Curved Padded Headboards in Geometric Prints

curved geometric headboard styling

The dramatic sweep of a curved padded headboard adorned with bold geometric prints instantly transports a bedroom back to the glamorous 1970s era. The combination of soft curves and angular patterns creates a captivating visual contrast that draws the eye upward, making the bed the undeniable focal point of any room.

These statement headboards, particularly when upholstered in rich velvets or textured fabrics, add both sophistication and comfort to the bedroom’s design scheme. This styling technique works exceptionally well in contemporary spaces that need a touch of retro flair, especially during fall and winter when layered textures feel most appropriate.

The curved silhouette softens modern architectural lines while geometric patterns add structure and visual interest. This approach proves particularly effective in master bedrooms or guest rooms where making a bold design statement feels appropriate, and it pairs beautifully with both minimalist and maximalist decorating styles.

Essential Components:

  • Curved padded headboard with geometric upholstery
  • Solid-colored fitted sheet in coordinating tone
  • Flat sheet in complementary geometric print
  • Duvet cover in solid velvet or textured fabric
  • Decorative pillows in varying sizes
  • Geometric throw pillows
  • Textured throw blanket
  • Brass or chrome bedside lamps
  • Mid-century modern nightstands
  • Measuring tape
  • Upholstery cleaning supplies

How to Achieve This Look:

Start by selecting a curved headboard featuring a geometric print in colors that complement your room’s palette. Popular 70s-inspired combinations include mustard yellow with brown, burnt orange with cream, or teal with gold.

Install the headboard at a height that allows for comfortable sitting while reading in bed, typically 24-26 inches above the mattress top. Layer the bed with solid-colored sheets in a luxurious material like Egyptian cotton or bamboo silk, choosing colors that pick up secondary tones from the headboard’s pattern.

Add a plush duvet in a solid velvet or textured fabric that contrasts with the geometric print while maintaining the color story. Position the duvet with a casual fold at the foot of the bed to create visual interest and depth.

Arrange pillows in a deliberate pattern, starting with standard sleeping pillows in solid shams at the back, followed by Euro pillows in coordinating geometric prints, and finishing with smaller accent pillows featuring varying textures and complementary patterns.

The key is to create a gradient effect that draws attention to the headboard while maintaining balance and sophistication.

Pro Styling Tips:

For maximum impact, photograph the bed styling from a slight angle to capture both the curve of the headboard and the layered bedding elements.

Consider using removable covers for geometric accent pillows to easily update the look seasonally – opt for lighter patterns and fabrics in summer months and richer, more dramatic prints during winter.

In smaller rooms, choose a headboard with a less pronounced curve and stick to a monochromatic color scheme to maintain the style without overwhelming the space. Regular vacuuming of the headboard’s fabric and prompt spot-cleaning of any marks will keep the geometric pattern crisp and fresh, preserving the bold statement piece’s impact.

Shag Carpet-Inspired Upholstered Beds

shag carpet inspired bedroom elegance

The plush, textural appeal of shag carpet-inspired upholstered beds instantly transports a bedroom back to the groovy 1970s era while maintaining modern sophistication.

These statement pieces feature deep-pile fabrics, often in rich jewel tones or warm earth colors, creating an inviting focal point that begs to be touched and admired. The dimensional texture adds depth and visual interest, making the bed appear more luxurious and cozy.

This styling technique works particularly well during fall and winter months when layered textures create a warm, cocoon-like atmosphere. The look complements both maximalist and minimalist bedroom designs, though it truly shines in spaces that embrace retro-modern fusion.

The shag upholstery serves as an anchor for additional 70s-inspired elements while providing versatility for seasonal styling changes.

Essential Components:

  • Shag-textured upholstered headboard
  • Velvet or chenille duvet cover
  • High-pile throw blankets
  • Rounded or cylindrical accent pillows
  • Metallic thread accent pillows
  • Faux fur accessories
  • Brass or gold hardware
  • Geometric patterned sheets
  • Wide-weave bed skirt
  • Lint roller
  • Fabric freshening spray

How to Achieve This Look

Begin by selecting a bed frame or headboard upholstered in high-pile fabric, preferably in a statement color like burnt orange, deep purple, or chocolate brown. The texture should be uniformly plush and reminiscent of authentic shag carpeting, with fibers long enough to create movement and catch light.

Layer the bed with a foundation of crisp, geometric-patterned sheets in complementary colors. Add a velvet or chenille duvet cover in a slightly lighter or darker shade than the headboard to create depth without competing with the shag texture.

Ensure the bedding has clean lines to balance the busy texture of the headboard.

Complete the look with strategically placed pillows and accessories. Position rounded pillows in varying sizes and textures, incorporating metallic elements and contrasting fabrics.

Add a high-pile throw blanket draped asymmetrically across the foot of the bed. The color palette should stay within the warm spectrum of 70s-inspired hues: rust, gold, amber, and deep earth tones.

Pro Styling Tips:

To maintain the bed’s pristine appearance while preventing matting of the shag texture, regularly vacuum the headboard using an upholstery attachment on low suction.

For smaller spaces, choose a lighter-colored shag to prevent the texture from overwhelming the room. Incorporate mirrors or metallic accents nearby to reflect light and enhance the dimensional quality of the fabric.

When styling for summer, swap heavy throws for lightweight textured cotton blankets while maintaining the same visual impact through careful color coordination.

Sunken Conversation Pit-Style Beds

sunken bed styling sanctuary

Taking inspiration from the iconic 1970s conversation pits, sunken bed styling creates a cozy, enveloping sanctuary within the bedroom. This dramatic design approach features layers of plush bedding that appear to sink into the floor, with mattresses often placed directly on a platform or recessed into a custom frame. The resulting visual effect makes the bed appear as an inviting oasis, perfect for both relaxation and social gatherings.

This styling technique works particularly well in modern and contemporary spaces with ample floor area, as it requires room to create the necessary depth and layering. Best implemented in cooler climates where multiple layers feel welcoming, this look thrives in fall and winter months. The style especially complements rooms with high ceilings or large windows, as the lowered bed profile creates an interesting architectural contrast.

Essential Components:

  • Low-profile platform bed frame or custom sunken frame
  • Multiple mattresses or thick foam padding
  • Oversized fitted sheets
  • Large flat sheets
  • Multiple duvet covers
  • 6-8 standard pillows
  • 4-6 Euro pillows
  • 3-4 body pillows
  • Throw blankets in varying textures
  • Floor cushions
  • Hidden storage solutions
  • Upholstery pins or clips
  • Level measuring tool

How to Achieve This Look

Begin by selecting or creating a proper foundation, either with a very low platform bed or by working with a contractor to design a recessed floor area. The mattress should sit significantly lower than traditional bed height, ideally 12-18 inches from the floor. Layer multiple mattresses or add thick foam padding to create the sunken effect while maintaining comfort.

Next, focus on building layers of bedding, starting with a fitted sheet large enough to encompass all padding. Add flat sheets and duvets in progressively larger sizes, allowing each layer to cascade over the edges of the platform. Choose fabrics in complementary tones, working with earthy colors like rust, ochre, and cream for an authentic 70s feel, or modernize with grays, whites, and muted pastels.

Create the conversation pit atmosphere by arranging pillows along the perimeter, starting with larger Euro pillows against any walls or headboard, then layering standard pillows in front. Position body pillows along the sides to serve as casual seating. Add throw blankets in contrasting textures – think chunky knits, faux fur, and velvet – draped casually across corners and edges.

Pro Styling Tips

Maximize the sunken effect by using bedding in slightly darker shades near the bottom layers and progressively lighter tones toward the top, creating depth through color gradients. For smaller rooms, limit the platform size and focus on vertical layering rather than horizontal spread.

Keep the look fresh by rotating throw pillows seasonally – switching to lighter fabrics and brighter colors in summer months – and consider installing hidden storage within the platform to maintain a clutter-free space. Professional stylists often use upholstery pins to maintain precise draping of layers while allowing easy bed-making for daily use.

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