Easy Ways to Add a Retro Aesthetic to Any Room

If you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia and personality to your home, the retro aesthetic might be just what you need! Drawing inspiration from the vibrant styles of the 50s-80s, retro decor is all about bold colors, playful patterns, and a sense of fun.

Whether you’re a fan of mid-century modern chic or the groovy vibes of the 70s, incorporating retro elements can bring unique charm to any room.

Ready to get started? Here are some easy and creative ways to add a retro aesthetic to any room in your home:

Play with Patterns

One of the simplest ways to infuse a nostalgic vibe into your room is through the use of retro rugs and pillows. Rugs are not only functional but also act as statement pieces that can tie your entire room together.

Consider adding a rug with a classic checkerboard pattern. The simple geometric design adds a rhythmic feel that instantly catches the eye and brings a playful touch to your floor. For a more subdued look, opt for geometric patterns or rugs with abstract designs reminiscent of the 60s and 70s.

Throw pillows, poufs, and blankets are other easy and versatile ways to introduce retro patterns and colors into your decor. Look for eye-catching designs like chevrons and diamonds, or classic textures like fringe and velvet.

Mixing and matching different patterns and textures can create a fun, eclectic feel that embodies the spirit of retro style. Don’t be afraid to use accent pieces in vibrant colors like mustard yellow, lime green, and burnt orange to add pops of color to your furniture.

Mix in Thrifted Items

Thrift stores are treasure troves for retro decor enthusiasts. Look for vintage furniture pieces like sideboards, coffee tables, or chairs with distinctive shapes and materials. Don’t shy away from incorporating small accessories like retro vases, lamps, or picture frames. If you can’t find items at your local thrift store, buying secondhand from Etsy or eBay shops are great alternatives too.

Embrace Fun Shapes and Colors

The retro aesthetic is all about embracing bold shapes, unique textures, and vibrant colors. Think kidney-shaped coffee tables, textured sofas, and curvy accent pieces.

These fun shapes add a sense of whimsy that invites the eyes to explore the various elements of the room. When it comes to colors, the bolder the better! Mustard yellow, avocado green, and burnt orange are quintessential retro hues that can instantly transform a space. Use these colors in your furniture, wall art, and accessories to create a cohesive and lively retro look.

Highlight Retro Lighting

Lighting is a key element in achieving a retro aesthetic. Vintage-inspired table lamps, pendant lights, and floor lamps can serve as both functional and decorative pieces.

Consider incorporating lamps with bright colors, interesting textures, or unique shapes. For more inspiration, check out our post on 5 Table Lamps that Put the Spotlight on Coziness to find lamps that perfectly complement retro decor.

Incorporate Bold Wallpaper

We’ve mentioned before that wallpaper is making a comeback. It’s especially relevant when trying to bring that 60s-70s aesthetic to your space. Look for wallpaper with bold, eye-catching patterns such as florals, geometrics, or abstract designs.

Applying wallpaper to an accent wall can make a dramatic statement without overwhelming the space. You can even take a 50s era Mid-century Modern approach by fitting wooden slats into a corner of the room. For a more subtle approach, consider using wallpaper in smaller areas like the back of a bookshelf or a powder room.

As you decorate the retro-style room of your dreams, we hope you keep some of this inspo in mind! Bookmark this page for easy reference.