Retro bedroom trends have a way of circling back into our lives, bringing nostalgia and charm with them.
These trends, once considered outdated or a memory of past decades, are now making a delightful comeback in our homes.
From glamorous post-war opulence to the playful patterns of the 80s, each trend tells a story of its era.
Let’s explore these 16 beloved trends that have redefined bedroom aesthetics over the years, each with its unique flair and timeless appeal.
1. Post-War Glamour

The aftermath of World War II saw a resurgence in elegant interior design. Post-war glamour became a hallmark of bedroom decor, filled with rich fabrics and mirrored furnishings.
This opulence reflected society’s longing for sophistication and elegance.
Bedrooms were adorned with chandeliers, velvet drapes, and luxurious finishes, creating a sanctuary of style and comfort.
Mirrored furniture added a touch of glamour, while plush textiles enhanced the sense of luxury.
This trend, synonymous with a return to prosperity, continues to inspire modern bedroom designs aspiring for timeless elegance.
2. Fitted Carpets
Fitted carpets became a defining feature of mid-20th-century homes, offering wall-to-wall comfort underfoot.
These soft, plush carpets were often found in neutral tones or subtle patterns, providing a unified and cozy look.
The trend emphasized comfort and warmth, enveloping bedrooms in a soft embrace. Despite their understated appearance, fitted carpets were vital in creating a cohesive design.
Today, their legacy lives on, with modern variations continuing to bring warmth and unity to bedroom spaces, proving that comfort never goes out of style.
3. Pastels
In the 1950s, pastel colors painted bedrooms in soft hues, like mint green, baby blue, and pale pink. These colors brought an airy and serene atmosphere, reminiscent of springtime blossoms.
These gentle shades made spaces feel larger and more inviting, creating a peaceful retreat within the home. Pastels turned bedrooms into tranquil sanctuaries, soothing the senses.
Reimagined today, these colors continue to charm us, adding a touch of vintage elegance, reminding us of simpler, softer times.
4. Plant Prints
Botanical motifs have long graced bedrooms with their natural allure. Floral wallpapers and leafy fabrics breathe life into interior spaces, connecting us to nature’s beauty.
These prints add vibrancy and freshness, creating a lively and welcoming environment. The trend of indoor gardens extends even to textiles, where nature-inspired patterns reign supreme.
Plant prints are more than a visual delight; they evoke a sense of calmness, connecting us with the outdoors and adding an evergreen appeal to our personal spaces.
5. Twin Beds
Twin beds were a practical solution in mid-century homes, often appearing in children’s or guest rooms. Their symmetry and functionality made them a popular choice.
These beds allowed for versatile room arrangements and were ideal for shared spaces, offering a neat and organized look.
Twin beds were also a canvas for playful bedding choices, adding personality to rooms.
Today, they remain a practical option for compact spaces, proving that good design is enduring, adaptable, and always in style.
6. Neutral Bedroom Sets
Neutral bedroom sets have long been celebrated for their timeless appeal and versatility. These sets provide a calm and cohesive backdrop that can easily adapt to changing trends.
Neutral tones, such as beige, grey, and white, create an inviting and serene atmosphere, allowing personal touches to shine through. Their understated elegance offers a blank canvas for creativity.
Even today, neutral bedroom sets remain popular for their ability to blend with various styles, proving that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
7. The Golden Era
The 1930s and 1940s were marked by the luxurious style of the Art Deco era. Bold geometric patterns, metallic accents, and rich colors defined this glamorous trend.
Bedrooms adorned with these elements exuded a sense of opulence and sophistication. Art Deco pieces, often featuring intricate details, brought a touch of modern elegance.
This era’s design principles continue to inspire today, with many incorporating its lavish style into contemporary bedrooms, proving that true glamour is timeless.
8. Mixing and Matching Patterns
The art of mixing and matching patterns has always added depth and personality to bedrooms. Combining stripes, florals, and plaids creates a playful and eclectic style.
This approach invites creativity and individuality, allowing for a personalized touch in bedroom decor. The interplay of different patterns brings a dynamic and lively feel to spaces.
Even today, mixing patterns remains a bold choice for those unafraid to express their unique style, proving that variety truly is the spice of life.
9. Round Beds
Round beds were all the rage in the 1960s and 1970s, bringing a futuristic flair to bedroom design. These unconventional shapes offered a unique twist on traditional sleeping arrangements.
Often accompanied by mirrored ceilings and bold decor, round beds became symbols of modern luxury and innovation. They challenged the norms and sparked conversations.
Today, they continue to intrigue, appealing to those with a taste for the extraordinary, proving that bold choices never go out of fashion.
10. Floral Prints
Floral prints have charmed bedrooms across decades, from the delicate patterns of the 1950s to the bold, oversized motifs of the 1970s. These designs add warmth and charm to any space.
Flowers evoke feelings of joy and serenity, transforming bedrooms into inviting sanctuaries. Their timeless appeal lies in their ability to adapt to changing styles.
Floral prints remain a constant favorite, reminding us of the beauty of nature and the elegance it brings indoors, proving that some trends never fade.
11. Avocado Green
The 1970s welcomed the earthy tones of avocado green into bedrooms, often paired with browns and oranges. This color palette was a nod to the era’s fascination with natural elements.
Avocado green added a bold yet warm touch, creating a retro vibe that was both comforting and vibrant. It became a staple color, defining the decade’s aesthetic.
Though it fell out of favor, avocado green has made a comeback, celebrated for its vintage charm and ability to bring a nostalgic touch to modern spaces.
12. Platform Beds
Platform beds rose to popularity in the 1970s, offering a sleek and modern look. Their low-profile design, often featuring built-in nightstands, became synonymous with contemporary style.
These beds provided a minimalist approach, focusing on clean lines and functionality. The platform design eliminated the need for bulky box springs, adding to their appeal.
Today, platform beds remain a favorite for their simplicity and elegance, proving that less truly can be more in design.
13. Bold Prints
The 1970s was a decade of daring patterns and vibrant colors. Bold prints in orange, yellow, and brown dominated both fashion and home decor.
These lively patterns brought energy and excitement to bedrooms, reflecting the era’s adventurous spirit. Plaid designs were particularly popular, adding a playful touch.
Bold prints continue to inspire, offering a lively and expressive option for those seeking to make a statement, proving that boldness is always in style.
14. Light and Airy Style
The 1980s embraced a light and airy style, favoring pastel colors, sheer fabrics, and minimalist decor. This approach created serene and spacious bedrooms.
Soft palettes and uncluttered designs offered a retreat from the decade’s more extravagant trends. The focus was on creating a peaceful environment.
This style continues to resonate with those seeking tranquility, proving that a serene space is always a welcome refuge.
15. Candy Stripes
Candy stripes were a hallmark of 1980s bedroom decor. Vibrant striped patterns added a playful touch, seen in bedding, wallpaper, and curtains.
These bold stripes brought energy and movement, turning bedrooms into lively and cheerful spaces. The use of contrasting colors heightened the visual appeal.
Candy stripes remain popular for their ability to add fun and excitement, proving that playful decor is always in vogue.
16. Valances
Valances, or bed skirts, have been a decorative staple in bedrooms for centuries. They offer a touch of elegance while concealing under-bed storage.
These fabric skirts add a polished finish to beds, enhancing the overall decor. Valances come in various styles, from ruffled to tailored, allowing for customization.
Their practicality and decorative appeal ensure that valances continue to be a beloved choice, proving that sometimes, decor can be both beautiful and functional.