10 Retro Room Ideas to Add Nostalgic Flair to Your Home

Decorating is supposed to be fun, and there’s nothing quite as fun as going back in time. Featuring bright colors, funky patterns, and unique shapes, retro home decor is the perfect way to incorporate your favorite styles from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. 

Go all out by embracing the retro trend in your entire room, or add a subtle bit of retro flair with the perfect rug. Either way, it’s a decor style you’ll want to get on board with. 

From crazy kitchens to sophisticated dining rooms to stylish bedrooms, find the retro inspired home decor that speaks to you. Whether you focus on one specific decade, or try adding pieces inspired by a mix of eras, take a cue from years past and add some retro flair to your home with these decorating ideas.

1. Not Your Grandparents’ Living Room

Combining elegance with funk, this marvelous retro living room is all about mixing and matching. The curves of the couch, tables, and hanging rattan chair balances the sharp lines on the blue Jonathan Adler x Ruggable rug for a homey appeal. Add different retro inspired home decor, like furry pillows and gold candle sticks, and you’ve got yourself a comfortable, beautiful space. 

2. City Salon Vibes 

Something about this retro-inspired room makes us want to sip brandy while discussing literature. The mid-century furniture alongside the marble fireplace and ornate gold picture frames works perfect for a living room with vintage moldings on the wall. The moody black and white floral rug, featuring large blooms and flower trumpets, really adds to the playful sophistication.

3. Function and Style 

Proof that you don’t need to sacrifice style for functionality, this stunning kitchen delivers pops of personality. The retro kitchen rug pulls in other design elements featured in the space, such as the abstract art, green tiles, and textured walls. We especially love the wicker light fixture above the shelf for an extra splash of unconventional. 

4. ‘80s-Inspired 

Between the dramatic drapes to the pastel tones, this retro dining room embraces some of the best trends of the ‘80s. There’s no arguing that the chandelier is a standout, but the plush white rug really adds to the retro vibe and helps the gold-and-white light fixture to seriously pop against the wood and glass table.

5. Combine and Contrast 

Give your room some funky flair with a retro area rug in muted tones of blue and grey. The soft colors balance out the pink and gold wall, while the clean line design doesn’t overpower the other elements. Keep the furniture simple and minimal to create a surprisingly stylish and zen space.  

6. Kitschy Cool 

Calling all collectors—this living room has all kinds of funky nostalgic vibes. From the neon palm tree light to the ceramic panther in the center of the coffee table, the room is filled with super fun retro home decor. The red and blue retro rug adds to the offbeat appeal while bringing in the colors of the mismatched furniture. Tie the whole room together with an art-filled gallery wall for a wow-worthy finish. 

7. Fruity and Fab 

This 1950s-inspired kitchen will definitely give people something to talk about! Between the citrus fruit retro runner rug, the orange and white checkered floor, and the multicolored cabinets, there’s nothing subtle about it. But who wants to be subtle when something this fun can look this good? 

8. Playfully Mid-Century 

Who wouldn’t want to sit back and listen to records in this bright, airy space? The mid-century modern rainbow rug pulls together the color palette, from the green chairs and walls to the orange pillows and ottomans to the blue table. Give the room an extra wild feel with a mixture of floor and table plants. 

9. Sophisticated Dining 

This elegant dining room has a retro twist thanks to the leather chairs and black chandelier. The sharp lines in this space standout with the help of the retro striped rug. Meanwhile, the bowl, vase, and candlesticks at the center of the table give the whole room a slightly modern spin without distracting from the real appeal.

10. A Splash of Color 

When working with a neutral space, you can easily give your bedroom a pop of color with vibrant linens. Then for an extra creative pop, try mixing and matching different shapes and designs with an art-deco-inspired retro area rug, abstract art piece, and colorful polka dot throw.