When it comes to retro décor, the first step is to decide what era you’re interested in recreating.
The 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s all have great retro elements and slightly different styles that you can reproduce in your own home. Of course, there’s nothing that says that you can’t mix up the eras a little too.
Generally, bright colors and streamlined shapes are found in retro style homes. But you can also integrate patterns and elements from your era of choice.
A 50’s inspired room, for example, might have a lot of shapes with curved lines and a bright monotone color scheme with a lot of chrome and abstract art.
In contrast, a 70’s inspired room would prominently feature paisley patterns and plush fabric furniture.
Retro Décor Walls and Floors
- Patterned tile is a hallmark of retro style
- You can retile, or just paint patterns like black and white checkerboard or mod circles onto your existing floor
- Deep textured multi colored carpeting or shag rugs add comfort to floors
- Glossy, smooth paint is most common in retro style
- You can also stencil the walls with geometric shapes, fruits, etc.: whatever fits best with your design scheme
Retro Décor Furnishings
- Common materials:
- Plastic
- Glass
- Metal
- Furniture is often painted or upholstered in bright colors
- Lines are simple and smooth, with relatively little ornamentation
- Tulip chairs are one popular retro choice and can be painted to match a room
- If you have an existing piece with smooth lines that you just can’t bear to get rid of, try painting it
- Chrome spray paint can be used on hardware to give it a retro flair
Retro Décor Accessories
- Wall decoration ideas:
- Hang a cluster of vintage signs for candy, beer, or any other product type
- Frame classic film posters or mount them on painted Styrofoam
- Display a collection of vintage costume jewelry in shadowboxes or integrate it into window treatments
- Hang strings of beads along walls or in doorways
- Retro wall art is easily available on eBay or from art retailers
- Attach small square or circular mirrors randomly along a wall or create a pattern
- Table and counter decoration ideas:
- Scatter vintage toys around a bookshelf
- Keep clutter to a minimum by storing items in vintage tins or baskets
- Pick up some vintage magazines from your era and fan them on a counter or table
- Display a collection of vintage shoes or hats
- Display a collection of colored glass
- Lighting ideas:
- Novelty lamps are the way to go
- Consider lava lamps, neon lights, or brightly tinted shades
- Hang globe lamps from ceilings or in corners
