In the ’70s, “fancy” had its own pastel-soaked rulebook: bold, brash, and completely convinced it was the height of class. It wasn’t about subtlety or status symbols; it was about making a statement, preferably one loud enough to echo through the neighborhood.
If it sparkled, spun, or came with a remote, it was instantly elevated to elite. What counted as high-end often walked a fine line between fabulous and hilariously over-the-top, and somehow, everyone was in on it.
Step back into a time when the definition of luxury was wildly different and absolutely unforgettable.
1
Quadraphonic Stereo Systems
Surround sound before we had the words for it. It was loud. It was proud. It cost a fortune.
2
Candle Drip Chianti Bottles
Wax cascades = culture. The more colors, the classier you were. Probably.
3
Eight-Track Car Radios
Bulky, clunky, and weirdly magical. Jamming in your ride never felt so elite.
4
Groovy Custom Vans
Mural on the outside. Bean bags on the inside. Fancy? Technically, yes.
5
Gigantic Crystal Ashtrays
Heavy as a bowling ball. You didn't smoke in the '70s, you performed it.
6
Ponchos
For that “I meditate and host dinner parties” energy. Bonus if it had fringe.
7
Giant Televisions
Picture the size of a piano. With a screen the size of a breadbox. Fancy!
8
Wild, Over-the-Top Decor
Beads. Mirrors. Gold swans. If your house didn’t scream at guests, were you even trying?
9
Heavy Wood Furniture
Oak. Mahogany. Walnut. If it didn’t break your back moving it, it wasn’t real furniture.
10
Conquistador Living Rooms
Heavy wood. Velvet. Vibes of power. No one knew why, but everyone wanted it.
11
Waterbeds
Nothing said “I’ve made it” like sleeping on a glorified water balloon. Bonus points if it leaked.
12
A Completely Turquoise Kitchen
Fridge, stove, toaster, floor: turquoise everything. Cooking in style (and maybe sunglasses).
13
Mood Rings
Fancy science meets questionable fashion. Was it mood... or just the weather?
14
Puffy Sleeves
Why have a shirt when you could have a statement? The puffier, the posher.
15
Nehru Collars
For the woman who wanted to look both peaceful and like he owned a velvet waterbed.
16
Doilies
Your grandma’s weapon of choice in the war against plain surfaces.
17
IBM Selectric II Typewriters
The Cadillac of typing. If you had one in beige? You basically ran the office.
18
Cars Built Like Tanks
Gas mileage? Who cares. These land yachts glided through status.
19
Princess Phones
Twirling that pastel cord while gossiping in your bedroom? High society behavior.
20
Sunken Living Rooms
One step down, one giant leap into ‘70s chic. Fancy? Yes. Sprained ankles? Also yes.
