The 1970s were a time of bell bottoms, disco balls, and shag carpets – even for teenagers! Unlike today, with our smartphones and endless apps, teens in the 70s had to get creative with their free time at home. Let’s step back in time and see what life was like for these groovy teens.
Forget sleek minimalism; 1970s homes were all about bold colors and patterns. Think bright orange kitchens, wood-paneled living rooms, and wallpaper with geometric designs. Avocado green and harvest gold appliances were the height of fashion. Shag carpets, often in vibrant colors, covered the floors, and chunky furniture completed the look. Teenagers’ bedrooms were often personalized with posters of their favorite bands, actors, or athletes. Some even had blacklight posters that glowed under special light, creating a cool, psychedelic effect.
Music was a huge part of teen culture in the 70s. Record players were a must-have, and teens spent hours listening to vinyl records of their favorite artists. Popular genres included rock, pop, disco, and funk. Bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, ABBA, and the Bee Gees ruled the airwaves. Teens often listened to music in their rooms, dancing along and singing into hairbrushes as pretend microphones. Many also had cassette players, allowing them to record songs from the radio and create mixtapes for themselves and their friends.
With no internet or smartphones, 70s teens had to find other ways to entertain themselves at home. Reading was a popular pastime, with young adult novels like Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” capturing the challenges and experiences of being a teenager. Board games like Monopoly and Scrabble were played with friends and family, and jigsaw puzzles provided hours of quiet fun. For the creative types, arts and crafts were popular, from macrame and tie-dyeing to painting and drawing.
Television played a significant role in the lives of 70s teens. Families gathered around the TV to watch popular shows like “Happy Days,” “The Brady Bunch,” and “Charlie’s Angels.” Teenagers often had their favorite shows that they wouldn’t miss, and they talked about them with friends at school. Movies were another source of entertainment, and teens flocked to theaters to see the latest blockbusters. “Star Wars,” “Grease,” and “Jaws” were just a few of the iconic films that captivated young audiences in the 70s.
