25 Things From the 1970s You Probably Can’t Remember

This article was originally published on ChaChingQueen.com, a site my wife and I own. AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

A person with large round glasses, wearing a red jacket, smiles widely while holding and aiming an old-fashioned film camera.Photo byDepositPhotos

The 1970s were a decade of change, excitement, and unforgettable trends. It was a time when bell-bottoms ruled the fashion world, disco beats filled the air, and new technologies began to reshape our daily lives. 

Looking back, it's amazing to see how much has changed since those groovy days. Many things we thought would stick around forever have quietly slipped into the background of history. Some '70s trends have made brief comebacks, while others remain firmly rooted in the past, existing only in our memories and old photographs.

In this nostalgic journey, we'll take a look at 25 popular things from the 1970s that have mostly faded away. These were once-beloved items, trends, and cultural phenomena that defined the decade for many people. 

As we revisit these blasts from the past, you might find yourself smiling at fond memories or shaking your head at some of the more questionable fads. 

What do you think? Do you remember any of these? Let us know in the comment.

Mood Rings: Your Emotions on Display

Mood rings were the ultimate fashion accessory of the '70s, claiming to reveal your inner feelings through changing colors. These funky rings contained a heat-sensitive liquid crystal that changes color based on your body temperature. 

People believed the colors reflected different emotions, blue for calm, black for stressed, green for relaxed. Everyone wanted one, thinking they had a magical piece of jewelry that could read their mind.

While they were more about body heat than actual emotions, mood rings were a fun conversation starter and a must-have item for any fashion-conscious teen or young adult in the '70s.

Bell-Bottom Jeans: The Wider, The Better

Bell-bottom jeans were the epitome of '70s fashion, with their distinctive flare starting at the knee and widening dramatically towards the ankle. These jeans weren't just a fashion statement; they were a way of life. 

People of all ages rocked this style, pairing them with platform shoes for an extra groovy look. Bell-bottoms came in various materials, including denim, corduroy, and even polyester. 

Some were so wide you could barely see the wearer's shoes! While they may seem impractical now, bell-bottoms were considered the height of cool in the '70s, and wearing them was a surefire way to fit in with the hip crowd.

Platform Shoes: Walking on Air

Platform shoes were the perfect complement to bell-bottom jeans, adding height and style to any outfit. These sky-high shoes featured thick soles, often made of cork or wood, and came in a variety of styles for both men and women. 

Some platforms were so tall that walking in them was a feat of balance and coordination. Despite the risk of twisted ankles, people loved the extra inches and the bold fashion statement platforms made. 

They were especially popular in disco clubs, where dancers showed off their moves and their elevated stature. Platform shoes embodied the daring, over-the-top spirit of '70s fashion.

Earth Shoes: Comfort Over Style?

Earth Shoes were a unique footwear trend that prioritized supposed health benefits over conventional style. These shoes featured a distinctive "negative heel" design, where the heel was lower than the toe. 

The creators claimed this design improved posture and reduced back pain. Earth Shoes quickly gained a following among health-conscious consumers and those looking for an alternative to mainstream fashion. 

They came in various styles, including sandals and boots, all featuring the signature negative heel. While they never reached the popularity of platforms or other trendy shoes, Earth Shoes had a dedicated fan base throughout the '70s.

Tie-Dye Clothing: A Splash of Color

Tie-dye was more than just a fashion trend in the '70s; it was a form of self-expression. This colorful technique involved twisting, folding, and dyeing fabric to create unique, psychedelic patterns. 

Tie-dye appeared on everything from t-shirts and dresses to bedsheets and curtains. People even held tie-dye parties where they'd create their own colorful masterpieces. 

The bright, swirling designs perfectly captured the free-spirited vibe of the era. Tie-dye was closely associated with the hippie movement and represented a rebellion against the more conservative fashions of the previous decade.

Waterbeds: Sleep on Water (What Could Go Wrong?)

Waterbeds were the ultimate symbol of '70s bedroom luxury. These beds replaced traditional mattresses with a large vinyl sack filled with water. People loved the idea of sleeping on a gently undulating surface, believing it would provide the best night's sleep ever. 

Waterbed enthusiasts claimed they helped with back pain and provided unparalleled comfort. Some models even came with heating elements to keep the water at the perfect temperature. Despite their initial popularity, waterbeds had their drawbacks. 

They were heavy, prone to leaks, and made simple tasks like changing sheets a real challenge. Not to mention, any vigorous movement could create waves that might leave you feeling seasick!

Beanbag Chairs: Sink In and Stay Awhile

Beanbag chairs epitomized the casual, laid-back vibe of the '70s. These formless chairs were essentially large fabric sacks filled with small polystyrene beads. They molded to your body shape, creating a cozy nest for lounging, reading, or watching TV. 

Beanbag chairs came in various sizes, colors, and materials, fitting into any '70s decor scheme. They were especially popular among teenagers and college students, who appreciated their informality and low cost. 

Sitting in a beanbag chair meant committing to relaxation, getting up often required a fair bit of wiggling and effort! While comfortable, beanbag chairs had their downsides, including the mess that ensued if they sprung a leak.

Shag Carpeting: A '70s Floor Staple

Shag carpeting was the flooring of choice for many '70s homes. This thick, luxurious carpet featured long fibers that created a soft, textured surface underfoot. Walking on shag carpet was like strolling through a plush, indoor lawn. 

It came in a rainbow of colors, allowing homeowners to express their personality through their flooring choices. Shag wasn't limited to just neutral tones, bold oranges, deep purples, and vivid greens were all fair game. 

While it felt great on bare feet, shag carpeting had its drawbacks. It was notoriously difficult to clean, trapping dirt and small objects in its long fibers. Vacuuming was a workout, and heaven help you if you spilled something on it!

Wood Paneling: Bringing the Outdoors In

Wood paneling was a ubiquitous feature in '70s home decor, covering the walls of living rooms, dens, and basements across America. This wall treatment consisted of thin wooden boards or sheets designed to mimic the look of real wood planks. 

It gave rooms a warm, cozy feel, reminiscent of a rustic cabin. Wood paneling came in various shades, dark and light, and was relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Homeowners loved how it could instantly transform a plain room into a more inviting space. 

Some even took it a step further, covering entire walls with floor-to-ceiling paneling. While it was all the rage in the '70s, wood paneling eventually fell out of favor, with many homeowners later covering it up or tearing it out completely.

Lava Lamps: Groovy Lighting

Lava lamps were the quintessential '70s decoration, adding a touch of psychedelic ambiance to any room. These mesmerizing lamps consisted of a glass bottle filled with colored liquid and a waxy substance. 

When heated by the bulb at the base, the wax would melt and flow in blob-like formations, creating a constantly changing display. Lava lamps came in various color combinations and sizes, some even as large as floor lamps. 

They were perfect for setting a mellow mood during parties or late-night hangouts. Many people found watching the slowly morphing shapes oddly relaxing. Lava lamps became so popular that they were often featured in movies and TV shows as a visual shorthand for the '70s vibe.

Eight-Track Tapes: Music on the Move

Eight-track tapes were the music format of choice for many in the '70s, especially for listening in cars. These bulky cartridges contained an endless loop of magnetic tape that played continuous music. 

They were bigger than cassettes and could hold more music, making them popular for long drives. People loved being able to take their favorite albums on the road. Eight-tracks had their quirks, though. 

The music would often pause and switch tracks mid-song, which could be jarring. They were also prone to jamming, leading to many frustrated music lovers trying to rescue their favorite tapes with pencils.

CB Radios: "Breaker 1-9, Come In Good Buddy"

CB (Citizens Band) radios were all the rage in the '70s, allowing people to chat with others while on the road. Truckers used them to share traffic info and keep each other company on long hauls. 

Regular folks joined in too, using fun "handles" (nicknames) to talk to strangers. It was like a precursor to internet chat rooms, but on the highway. 

CB lingo became part of popular culture, with phrases like "10-4, good buddy" entering everyday speech. For a while, having a CB radio in your car was considered the coolest thing ever.

TV Antennas (Rabbit Ears): The Art of TV Tuning

Rabbit ear antennas were a common sight atop TVs in the '70s. These adjustable metal rods were crucial for picking up broadcast signals. Adjusting rabbit ears was an art form, people would spend ages tweaking the position to get the clearest picture. 

Sometimes it involved creative solutions like wrapping the antennas in aluminum foil or having someone stand near the TV holding the antenna just right. Watching TV often meant dealing with fuzzy images and static, but when you finally got a clear picture, it felt like a real accomplishment.

Pong: The Granddaddy of Video Games

Pong, released in 1972, was the first commercially successful video game. This simple tennis-like game featured two paddles and a bouncing dot, but it was revolutionary at the time. 

People were amazed that they could control what was happening on their TV screens. Pong machines popped up in arcades, bars, and living rooms across the country. 

It sparked the video game craze and paved the way for the entire gaming industry. While incredibly basic compared to today's games, Pong was mind-blowing in the '70s and got countless people hooked on gaming.

Handheld Cine Cameras: Capturing Family Memories on Film

Handheld cine cameras were a popular way for families to record their precious moments in the 1970s. These compact devices used actual film to capture moving images, allowing people to create their own home movies.

Operating a cine camera required some skill, users had to load the film carefully, adjust the focus, and make sure they had enough light. The resulting footage had a distinct, grainy quality that many people now associate with nostalgia.

Families would gather to watch these home movies on a projector, reliving vacations, birthdays, and other special events. While cine cameras gave people the power to document their lives in motion, they eventually fell out of favor as video technology improved and became more accessible to the average consumer.

The AMC Hornet: Compact but Cool

The AMC Hornet was a popular compact car in the early '70s, known for its practicality and affordability. It came in several body styles, including a sedan, wagon, and hatchback. 

The Hornet appealed to budget-conscious buyers who wanted a reliable, fuel-efficient car. It even had a brush with fame, performing a corkscrew jump in the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun." 

Despite its initial popularity, the Hornet couldn't compete with newer models and was discontinued in 1977.

The Ford Pinto: Small Car, Big Problems

The Ford Pinto was introduced in 1971 as Ford's answer to the growing demand for small, fuel-efficient cars. Initially popular due to its low price and cute design, the Pinto soon became infamous for its safety issues. 

The biggest problem was its tendency to catch fire in rear-end collisions. This led to numerous lawsuits and a major scandal for Ford. The Pinto became a cautionary tale in the auto industry and a symbol of corporate negligence. 

Despite attempts to improve its safety, the Pinto's reputation never recovered, and it was discontinued in 1980.

Farrah Fawcett Posters: The Pin-Up of a Generation

The Farrah Fawcett poster was an iconic image of the '70s, adorning the walls of countless bedrooms and dorm rooms. Released in 1976, it showed the "Charlie's Angels" star in a red swimsuit, with her signature feathered hair and megawatt smile. 

The poster sold millions of copies and catapulted Fawcett to superstardom. It represented the ideal of '70s beauty and became a cultural touchstone. 

For many, this poster was more than just a pin-up; it was a symbol of the era's changing attitudes towards sexuality and female empowerment.

Disco Music and Dance Clubs: Stayin' Alive

Disco dominated the music scene in the '70s, filling dance floors with its infectious beats and glamorous style. Clubs like Studio 54 became legendary, attracting celebrities and regular folks alike. 

People dressed up in their best outfits, think sequins, polyester, and platform shoes - to dance the night away under glittering disco balls. Hits like "Stayin' Alive" and "I Will Survive" became anthems of the era. 

Disco culture influenced fashion, film, and even exercise, with the popularity of disco aerobics classes. While disco's reign was relatively short-lived, its impact on music and pop culture was enormous.

Mork & Mindy: Nanu Nanu!

"Mork & Mindy" was a quirky sitcom that captured the hearts of TV viewers in the late '70s. Starring Robin Williams as Mork, an alien from the planet Ork, the show was a perfect blend of comedy and social commentary. 

Williams' manic energy and improvisational skills made Mork a beloved character. The show's catchphrases, like "Nanu Nanu" (Mork's greeting), entered popular culture. 

"Mork & Mindy" was more than just a silly sitcom; it often tackled serious issues with humor and heart. While it only ran for four seasons, it left a lasting impression on '70s pop culture.

Tang: The Astronaut's Drink

Tang, the powdered orange drink mix, gained enormous popularity in the '70s thanks to its association with the space program. NASA used Tang on several space missions, which gave it an aura of futuristic cool. 

Kids begged their parents for Tang, wanting to drink the same stuff as the astronauts. The bright orange color and sweet taste appealed to children, while parents appreciated its long shelf life and ease of preparation. 

Sea Monkeys: Not Quite as Advertised

Sea Monkeys were a popular novelty pet in the '70s, heavily advertised in comic books and magazines. The ads showed fantastic humanoid creatures, promising kids their own amazing underwater world. 

In reality, Sea Monkeys were just brine shrimp that came to life when added to water. Despite the disappointment of not getting miniature mer-people, many kids still enjoyed watching the tiny creatures swim around. 

Sea Monkeys were low-maintenance pets that captured the imagination of a generation, even if they didn't quite live up to the hype.

Clackers: The Toy That Went Too Far

Clackers were a simple but wildly popular toy in the early '70s. They consisted of two acrylic balls suspended on a string, which you'd try to swing up and down to make them clash together with a satisfying "clack" sound. 

Kids loved them, competing to see who could keep them clacking the longest. Unfortunately, Clackers were also dangerous. The acrylic balls could shatter, sending sharp shards flying. 

This led to injuries and eventually, Clackers were banned in many places. They remain a classic example of a '70s fad that burned bright but brief.

Roller Disco: Skating to the Beat

Roller disco combined two '70s obsessions: roller skating and disco music. Roller rinks across the country turned into disco paradises, with glittering balls, flashing lights, and non-stop dance tunes. 

People of all ages strapped on their roller skates to groove to the latest hits. It was a unique form of entertainment that got people moving and socializing. 

Roller disco culture even spawned its own fashion, with skaters sporting colorful, tight-fitting outfits. While traditional roller skating continued, the specific phenomenon of roller disco faded as disco itself fell out of favor.

Mood Lighting: Setting the Scene

Mood lighting was a big deal in '70s home decor and entertainment. People used colored light bulbs, lava lamps, and even specialized "mood lights" to create ambiance in their homes. 

Restaurants and bars also got in on the trend, using dim, colorful lighting to set a specific mood. Red light was considered romantic, while blue was calming. 

Some people even believed that different colored lights could affect your emotions or health. This fascination with lighting effects reflected the '70s interest in creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences, whether at home or out on the town.

Looking Back on the Groovy '70s

As we look back at these 25 faded treasures from the 1970s, it's clear that this decade was truly one-of-a-kind. Some of these, like bell-bottoms and tie-dye, occasionally resurface in modern fashion. Others, such as eight-track tapes and CB radios, have become relics of a bygone era.

The '70s were a time of bold choices and even bolder expressions. People weren't afraid to experiment with their looks, their homes, or their entertainment. This spirit of adventure and self-expression is something we can still appreciate today, even if we're not rushing out to buy waterbeds or shag carpeting.

What seems cutting-edge and essential today might be obsolete tomorrow. Yet, there's a certain charm in these outdated fads. They connect us to a simpler time and remind us of the creativity and innovation that shaped our world.

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