What are some retro home decor ideas you can use to bring the past into your present? Well, we’ve got just the thing for you! From vintage furniture to retro accessories – these items will make your house look straight out of the 1950s.
In our guide, you will find ideas to bring a touch of vintage glamour to your home. We’ll start by looking at classic furniture pieces, continue with unique lighting solutions, and finish with fun accessories. So, let’s start giving your house a blast from the past!
What is Retro House Decor?
Retro house decor is a style of decorating inspired by designs from the past – think groovy ’60s and ’70s flower power, mid-century modern furnishings that are just begging for a home in your living room, or maybe even some funky neon signs to light up your space. If you’re looking to get into this style of decorating, here are some ideas to make it happen in your home.
What Are the Characteristics of Retro Design Style?
Retro style typically features bright, bold colors, geometric patterns, and plenty of texture. Furniture is often low to the ground and may include statement pieces such as egg chairs or conversation pits. Many elements, such as vintage rugs, quirky wall art, and bar carts, can add a retro feel.
Some good examples of retro design style characteristics include the following.
Bold Colors and Patterns
Retro decorating often incorporates bright, vibrant colors like oranges, yellows, greens, and blues. These colors are often combined with patterns such as polka dots, stripes, or psychedelic prints to create a bold look that stands out.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Another classic element of retro design is mid-century modern furniture. This furniture style was popular in the 1950s and ’60s, featuring clean lines emphasizing functionality. Think of iconic pieces such as Eames chairs, Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs, or Saarinen Tulip Tables.
Vintage Accessories
In addition to furniture, retro decorating includes vintage accessories like rugs, lamps, and wall art. These items can be found in thrift stores or online. They often feature bright colors and fun patterns that make them stand out and add a unique touch to any room.
What are Some Retro Home Decor Ideas?
If you’re looking for some ideas on how to incorporate retro decor into your home, here are a few suggestions:
Color Schemes
In retro decor, forget the neutrals and embrace bold, vibrant colors that demand attention. Think dazzling oranges, fiery reds, and electric blues that were all the rage in the 1960s and 1970s. These hues can be incorporated through accent walls, colorful furniture upholstery, or even eye-catching accessories like throw pillows and rugs.
Pastel shades
If you prefer a softer and dreamier retro ambiance, pastel shades are the way to go. Delicate pinks, baby blues, and mint greens create a whimsical and nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the 1950s. Imagine sipping a milkshake in a pastel-colored diner booth – it’s like stepping into a scene from an old Hollywood movie!
Earthy tones
For a more grounded retro vibe, earthy tones inspired by the 1970s can transform your space into a bohemian haven. Think mustard yellows, olive greens, and rusty browns that bring a warm and organic feel to your home. Combine these colors with natural materials like wood and rattan to truly embrace the groovy spirit of the era.
Furniture and Accessories
No retro home decor is complete without a touch of mid-century modern furniture. Embrace sleek lines, clean designs, and a minimalist aesthetic that defined this era. Iconic pieces like Eames chairs and Tulip tables will be the envy of your friends, and they provide the perfect balance of style and functionality.
Vintage-inspired lighting fixtures
Consider adding retro-inspired lighting fixtures to your home to set the right ambiance. Pendant lights with bold shapes and vibrant colors can act as statement pieces, while Sputnik chandeliers add a touch of space-age charm. Let there be light, and let it be retro!
Retro artwork and posters
Embellish your walls with retro artwork and posters that pay homage to the past. Pop art prints featuring bold colors and famous icons from the era will bring a playful touch to your decor. Vintage movie posters, on the other hand, add a touch of cinematic nostalgia and can serve as conversation starters during your next gathering.
Patterns and Textures
Incorporate funky geometric patterns into your retro decor to make a bold statement. Whether it’s wallpaper with mesmerizing shapes or geometric-printed upholstery, these patterns add a dynamic and energetic vibe to any room. Channel your inner mod style and embrace the geometrical madness!
Paisley prints
If you’re feeling a bit more groovy, paisley prints are the way to go. These swirling, teardrop-shaped patterns were all the rage in the 1960s and 1970s. Incorporate them into your curtains, bedding, or wallpaper for a psychedelic experience that will transport you straight to Woodstock.
Bold stripes
Stripes are a timeless pattern that instantly brings retro vibes to your home. Whether on your walls, rugs, or even upholstery, bold stripes add a sense of movement and energy to your space. Go for contrasting colors like black and white, or experiment with vibrant shades to make a statement.
Textured wallpapers
Textured wallpapers are another fantastic way to add depth and visual interest to your retro-inspired rooms. Opt for wallpapers with faux wood or brick textures to create a vintage feel. It’s like bringing the outdoors in without the hassle of maintaining real bricks or wood panels!
Retro-inspired Appliances and Electronics
Vintage-style record players
Turn up the nostalgia by adding a vintage-style record player to your living space. The warm crackle of vinyl and the aesthetic appeal of a retro turntable will transport you back to the days when music was an experience. Play your favorite albums, and let the good times spin!
Retro radios
Remember those charming radios that people gathered around to listen to their favorite tunes or the latest news? Bring back that retro charm with a vintage-style radio. Not only will it add a touch of nostalgia, but it can also serve as a functional piece to keep you entertained with your favorite radio stations.
Rotary telephones
Before smartphones took over, rotary telephones were a staple in every household. Incorporate a fully functional rotary phone into your retro decor, and you’ll have a cool conversation piece and a fun way to make calls that will transport you back to a simpler time.
Classic typewriters
For all the wordsmiths and aspiring novelists, a classic typewriter is a must-have accessory for your retro-inspired office or writing nook. Feel the satisfying clickety-clack of the keys and let your creativity flow as you channel the spirits of Hemingway and Kerouac.
Flooring and Wall Decor
Nothing screams retro more than funky flooring! Consider installing linoleum or vinyl flooring in vibrant colors or bold patterns to create a true throwback experience. Step onto your checkerboard or harlequin-patterned floor and feel like you’ve returned to a fabulous diner or dance hall.
Exposed brick walls
If you’re lucky enough to have exposed brick walls in your home, embrace their rustic charm and leave them bare. Exposed brick adds a touch of retro industrial chic to your space, giving it character and history. Plus, it is an excellent backdrop for other vintage-inspired elements in your decor.
Wallpaper with vintage designs
Regarding retro wall decor, don’t be afraid to go big and bold with vintage-inspired wallpapers. Opt for patterns like bold florals, psychedelic swirls, or iconic motifs from specific eras like art deco or the hippie movement. Let your walls tell a story of the past and become a visual feast for the eyes.
Incorporating Retro Elements
Retro decor doesn’t mean you have to turn your entire home into a time capsule. Mix retro elements with modern pieces to create a stylish and balanced look.
A retro sofa paired with contemporary coffee tables or a vintage lighting fixture hanging above a sleek dining table can create a captivating juxtaposition that celebrates the best of both worlds.
Creating focal points with retro pieces
Choose a few standout retro pieces and make them the focal points of your rooms. Let an eye-catching mid-century modern sideboard steal the spotlight in your dining area, or hang a vibrant pop art print as the centerpiece of your living room wall.
By strategically placing these statement pieces, you can effortlessly infuse your space with retro charm.
Adding vintage accessories and collectibles
To truly immerse yourself in the retro experience, accessorize your home with vintage treasures and collectibles.
Display antique cameras on your shelves, showcase a collection of vintage vinyl records, or stack your bookshelves with old books that exude history and charm. These small touches can make a big difference in creating an authentic retro atmosphere.
READ ALSO: How Can I Decorate a Home With Kids?
Conclusion
With these retro home decor ideas, you’re well on your way to creating a time machine that takes you back to the vibrant and groovy eras of the past.
Embrace the bold colors, funky patterns, and iconic furniture pieces that defined those times, and let your home become a haven for all things retro.
So, put on your bell bottoms, turn up the vinyl, and embark on a journey of style, nostalgia, and undeniable flair. Remember, retro is not just a decor style; it’s a way of life!