Intro
Step back in time to the vibrant 1970s with our curated selection of 7 iconic colour palettes that defined the decade. From burnt oranges and avocado greens to disco-era metallics and retro pastels, explore the grooviest colour combinations that influenced design and fashion. Get inspired by these classic 70s colour schemes for your next creative project.
The 1970s - a decade of disco, bell-bottom jeans, and some of the most iconic color palettes in design history. From the earthy tones of the hippie movement to the bold and bright hues of the disco era, the 1970s were a time of great creativity and experimentation with color.
In this article, we'll take a look at 7 iconic 70s color palettes that continue to inspire designers and artists today. Whether you're a graphic designer, a fashion designer, or simply a lover of all things retro, these color palettes are sure to transport you back to a time of great cultural and artistic expression.
1. Earthy Hues: The Hippie Movement
The hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s was all about embracing a more natural, earthy way of life. This color palette reflects that, with shades of sienna, umber, and moss green that evoke the natural world.
- Sienna (#A0522D)
- Umber (#964B00)
- Moss Green (#8B9467)
- Sandy Beige (#F5F5DC)
- Driftwood Grey (#3A3D41)
This color palette is perfect for designs that need to feel natural and organic. Use it for eco-friendly brands, outdoor gear, or any design that needs to evoke a sense of the great outdoors.
2. Bold and Bright: The Disco Era
The disco era of the 1970s was all about glamour, excitement, and self-expression. This color palette reflects that, with bold and bright shades of pink, purple, and blue that are sure to get you moving.
- Hot Pink (#FF69B4)
- Electric Purple (#7A288A)
- Baby Blue (#A1C9F2)
- Metallic Silver (#B1B1B1)
- Black (#000000)
This color palette is perfect for designs that need to feel fun, energetic, and attention-grabbing. Use it for nightlife brands, music festivals, or any design that needs to evoke the excitement of the disco era.
3. Retro Futurism: The Space Age
The 1970s were a time of great optimism about the future, with many people believing that space travel and technological advancements would soon become a part of everyday life. This color palette reflects that, with shades of silver, blue, and orange that evoke a sense of retro futurism.
- Metallic Silver (#B1B1B1)
- Space Age Blue (#3498DB)
- Burnt Orange (#FF9900)
- Deep Grey (#333333)
- Cream (#FFF599)
This color palette is perfect for designs that need to feel futuristic and innovative. Use it for tech brands, sci-fi movies, or any design that needs to evoke a sense of excitement about the future.
4. Warm and Inviting: The Family Home
The 1970s were a time of great warmth and comfort, with many people focusing on building cozy family homes that felt welcoming and inviting. This color palette reflects that, with shades of brown, beige, and yellow that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort.
- Chocolate Brown (#964B00)
- Sandy Beige (#F5F5DC)
- Sunshine Yellow (#F2C464)
- Soft Sage (#BCE3C5)
- Warm Cream (#FFF0F0)
This color palette is perfect for designs that need to feel warm and inviting. Use it for home decor brands, family restaurants, or any design that needs to evoke a sense of comfort and warmth.
5. Moody and Atmospheric: The Punk Movement
The punk movement of the late 1970s was all about rebellion and nonconformity, with many people embracing a more moody and atmospheric aesthetic. This color palette reflects that, with shades of black, red, and purple that evoke a sense of edginess and rebellion.
- Black (#000000)
- Deep Red (#8B0A1A)
- Rich Purple (#6c5ce7)
- Dark Grey (#333333)
- Burgundy (#8B0A0A)
This color palette is perfect for designs that need to feel edgy and rebellious. Use it for music festivals, fashion brands, or any design that needs to evoke a sense of nonconformity.
6. Pastel Paradise: The Summer of Love
The summer of love in 1967 was a time of great cultural and artistic expression, with many people embracing a more peaceful and psychedelic aesthetic. This color palette reflects that, with shades of pastel pink, blue, and yellow that evoke a sense of peace and love.
- Pastel Pink (#FFC5C5)
- Baby Blue (#A1C9F2)
- Sunshine Yellow (#F2C464)
- Mint Green (#ACFFAC)
- Powder Purple (#C7B8EA)
This color palette is perfect for designs that need to feel peaceful and psychedelic. Use it for wellness brands, music festivals, or any design that needs to evoke a sense of relaxation and calm.
7. Bold and Graphic: The Graphic Design Movement
The graphic design movement of the 1970s was all about bold and graphic shapes, with many designers embracing a more geometric and minimalist aesthetic. This color palette reflects that, with shades of red, blue, and yellow that evoke a sense of boldness and energy.
- Fire Engine Red (#FF3737)
- Navy Blue (#032B44)
- Sunshine Yellow (#F2C464)
- Deep Grey (#333333)
- White (#FFFFFF)
This color palette is perfect for designs that need to feel bold and graphic. Use it for logos, branding, or any design that needs to evoke a sense of energy and movement.
Gallery of 70s Color Palettes
Seventies Color Palette Gallery
What were some of the most iconic colors of the 1970s?
+The 1970s were a time of great creativity and experimentation with color, with some of the most iconic colors including avocado green, harvest gold, and powder blue.
What is the difference between a color palette and a color scheme?
+A color palette is a collection of colors that work well together, while a color scheme is a specific combination of colors used in a design. A color palette can be used to create multiple color schemes.
How can I use these 70s color palettes in my designs?
+These 70s color palettes can be used in a variety of designs, including graphic design, fashion, and home decor. Simply choose the palette that best fits your design style and use the colors to create a cohesive and visually appealing design.
We hope this article has inspired you to incorporate some of the iconic 70s color palettes into your designs. Whether you're a graphic designer, a fashion designer, or simply a lover of all things retro, these color palettes are sure to add a touch of nostalgia and glamour to your work.