The bold style of the 1970s comes alive again in today’s furniture, with an unprecedented return that, in fact (perhaps), never really said goodbye.
The bold style of the 1970s comes alive in today’s furnishings, with a fresh comeback that, in reality, (perhaps) never truly said goodbye.
1970s Design, a Story of Breaking the Rules
Bright colors, fluorescent shades, geometric patterns, heavy use of steel and foam: the 1970s marked a clear break between everything that came before and what followed, both socially and culturally, as well as in design.
Mass production on a large scale met the need for design democracy, aiming from this specific historical period to make beauty, ergonomics, and above all functionality available to everyone. The desire for a more playful, almost ironic, and sometimes dreamlike atmosphere did the rest. This gave birth to a design philosophy that has remained iconic and finds a new life in today’s furnishings.
Reinterpreting 1970s Design Today
To be honest, the 1970s style may never have really said goodbye. It was diluted, made less flashy, but it never completely left our homes.
This evolution of style is entirely understandable because a home fully furnished in a total seventies style would be a bit too much nowadays. But pay attention to certain details: space-age lamps, the mix of different materials like glass and wood, the return of floral prints—these are all details originating from the 1970s and skillfully reworked by today’s designers.
1970s-Inspired Chairs and Armchairs by Sem
Beyond lamps and prints, a reinterpretation of 1970s design also involves seating. Armchairs, chairs, and sofas are at the center of the living area and beyond, and for this reason, they are given a fresh focus on comfort and 1970s-inspired design. Let’s look at the details.
Spin
This is a minimal seat that combines two essential materials: an extremely stable, anti-tip chrome frame, and an easy-to-clean mesh cover. These two elements together create a versatile and comfortable structure. It is ideal for spaces with high foot traffic, such as waiting rooms or offices that interact with the public. Not by chance, Spin is part of our Visitor collection, designed to make guests feel comfortable in institutional spaces.
Another advantage of this chair is that it can be stacked for easier movement or cleaning. Spin clearly references the 1970s, but in a light and unobtrusive way. It is available in a white version (with chrome base) and a black version (with black metal base) and can be ordered on our website through the quick delivery option.
Smart 2020
Like Spin, Smart 2020 is a chair from the Visitor collection, dedicated to waiting and reception areas. It is available in a simple sled base version or a swivel version with wheels. Both have a very solid shell upholstered in soft fire-resistant foam that makes waiting much more comfortable. If you love the 1970s and bold, unconventional colors, Smart 2020 is available in mint fabric or coral. For a more classic palette, you can also find this chair in white or black. For more details, we recommend visiting the product page on our website.
Stay
We remain within the Visitor collection, with a seat that is extremely versatile and suitable not only for waiting areas but also for domestic environments or professional reception spaces. Bedrooms, lounges, offices, hotel rooms: a comfortable and versatile seat is always useful, whether for additional guests, as a functional furniture element, or as a design piece with a 1970s touch. Soft lines combined with a minimal style characterize this 1970s armchair, one of our most appreciated models. We designed it both in a simple smooth plastic version and in a version upholstered in soft fabric.
There are many neutral colors available, as well as trending shades that suit young and innovative spaces. This model is also highly customizable. In addition to color, you can choose the type of base: four metal legs, wooden legs, or a swivel base. If interested, you can order Stay and receive it at home via the convenient quick delivery service.
Tour
Whether it’s the steel base, the bold and impactful colors, the modular version, the matching poufs, or the upholstered bench, this sofa immediately transports us to the world of the 1970s! No colorful prints or unexpected elements are needed; the Tour sofa highlights the space (and comfort) with simple and essential shapes designed to make guests feel at ease with minimal bulk. Dark red, ochre, deep blue, or soft gray: whatever color accent you want to give to the space, this sofa offers numerous possibilities thanks to the many coordinating accessories. From cushions to poufs to benches, to find the module that best suits your needs, we recommend visiting the Tour product page with all the details and combinations available.