Want to transform your home with a dash of vintage flair? Retro interior design is back in a big way, blending timeless trends from past decades with modern charm. Explore our designers’ favorite ideas and tips to create a stunning nostalgic revival interior!
Retro Interior Design 101
Retro interior design brings the best of the past back to life, blending classic charm with a contemporary twist to create unforgettable spaces. This style pulls inspiration from multiple eras, like the sleek lines and minimalist elegance of mid-century modern, the vibrant patterns of the ’60s, and the playful boldness of the ’70s.
At the forefront of today’s retro revival is the influence of Studio 54, infusing interiors with glamorous flair reminiscent of the disco heyday. Expect to see shimmering metallics, mirrored walls, plush velvet furnishings, and dramatic lighting—all designed to make a striking statement while evoking a sense of nostalgic sophistication.
Create retro-inspired interiors tailored to your favorite design style. Not sure what that is? Then, take a Free Interior Design Style Quiz to discover your style today!
Vintage-Style Décor Ideas for Each Decade
Putting together a stunning retro interior is simple when you know which décor and furniture to use. The postmodern and mid-century interior design tips below will help make any 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s-inspired space come alive.
Classic 50s Retro Interior Design
From Scandinavian furniture to pastel colors and beyond – the 50s was an exciting time for interior design. Use vintage décor and reproduction pieces to create a 50s-style living room or even a whole interior with a few designer changes.
1. 50s Modern Retro Interior Design Icon: The Eames Chair & Ottoman
Few timeless furniture pieces of the 50s are as iconic as the sleek Eames chair and matching ottoman. Invest in an original or reproduction set for a sophisticated – or even debonair – focal point.
2. Retro Kitchen Applicanes
Retro design brings a nostalgic touch to kitchens with vintage-inspired appliances that blend classic style and modern functionality. A prime example is Smeg refrigerators, renowned for their iconic 1950s aesthetic, and vibrant color options. These appliances not only add character but also become standout focal points in any room.
3. Funky Patterned Wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper was a big hit in the 50s when boomerang and atomic motifs were as popular as florals and damasks. Embrace vintage-style interior design by applying retro-inspired wallpaper.
4. Artistic Lighting
During the 50s, lamp design became more than practical and evolved into stylish décor. Create an era-appropriate space by choosing dynamic, abstract, and geometric-shaped lighting. In fact, consider a dramatic atomic chandelier for a modern retro interior design look.
Top Retro 60s Interior Design Ideas
Groovy and space-age vibes defined 60s interior design. It’s possible to achieve the same ambiance to suit a contemporary home by adopting some of the period’s best-known trends.
5. 60s Modern Retro Interior Design Icon: Panton chair
The Panton Chair, a 1960s icon designed by Verner Panton, epitomized the era’s love for bold, futuristic forms and innovative materials. Its recent resurgence celebrates its timeless appeal, bringing a touch of retro-modern flair to contemporary interiors.
6. Introduce Plenty of Plants
The vintage-style home décor of the 60s included lots of indoor flora. Pay homage to the period by adding houseplants of varying sizes throughout your interior.
7. Roll Out the Bar Cart
Let the good times roll with a bar cart. Not only are these staples of the 60s mobile, but they take up little space too. It makes them great for apartment living and creates a wonderful vintage-style living room focal point.
8. Macramé Wall Art
Handicrafts have surged in popularity in recent years and macramé is no exception. What’s great about this vintage-style décor is that you can either make your own or purchase some ready-made wall hangings.
Funky 70s Interior Design Ideas
70s retro interior design was all about cheerful colors, bold prints, and maximalism. Many may associate the decade with kitsch looks, but hand-picking a few iconic elements can brighten up any space.
9. 70s Modern Retro Interior Design Icon: Hanging Chairs
Whether hanging from the ceiling or on a stand – hanging chairs are an icon of the 70s. They perfectly embody the carefree spirit of the decade and are just as fun today.
10. Shaggy Accents
Shag carpets were all the rage in the 70s. However, an entire carpet may seem too much for today’s retro-style interior design adaptations. Shaggy accent pillows, area rugs, and faux fur throws can also give a room the same depth and warmth. But why not be bold with a fluffy upholstered accent chair? The 20th century certainly knew how to put joy into interiors and, with a little help, so can you.
11. Terrific Terrazzo
Terrazzo was a desirable floor and countertop material thanks to its unique look. Whatever form it’s used in, it’s a terrific retro 70s interior design addition to any space. Besides, even décor looks good in its speckled pattern.
12. Wood Paneling
Wood paneling, once a staple of mid-century and ’70s design, has made a stylish comeback with modern updates. Today’s versions focus on lighter woods, sleek lines, and creative patterns, adding warmth and character to any space.
Bold 80s Retro Interior Design Ideas
The 80s were a bold and crazy time when it came to interior design. However, the decade also left us with some fantastic décor trends. For tasteful, contemporary results with a retro kick, keep moderation in mind.
13. Bold and Vibrant: The Signature Colors of the 80s
The 1980s embraced bold colors like neon pinks, electric blues, and bright yellows, bringing vibrant energy to design. Color blocking highlighted these hues with striking contrasts for dramatic impact. This playful approach became a defining feature of ’80s style.
14. Transparent Furnishings
Clear furniture made of materials like acrylic and lucite has been around since the 80s. These pieces are perfect for making an interior feel clean, uncluttered, and roomy. Pair them with vintage-style décor, contemporary elements, and more – transparent furniture looks good in any space.
15. Neon Signs & Colors
Retro-style living rooms and any other space just wouldn’t be complete without a pop of neon. Again, a little goes a long way so use the colors and any lighting sparingly. Consider a vintage diner-style neon sign for the kitchen to create a fun retro atmosphere in an unexpected place.
16. Tropical Prints & Plants
When going for a retro interior inspired by the 80s, incorporate either tropical prints or indoor plants. Be sure to pair it with a pop of neon to create some Miami Vice vibes.
Need help picking out the right vintage-style décor for your space?
Decorilla can help you overcome any design challenge with ease. Simply schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation today to get started!
