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Retro Revival: Mid-Century Charm Ideas For Your Living Room

Retro Revival: Mid-Century Charm Ideas For Your Living Room

I am sure many of you have seen movies from the ’50s to ’80s (early ’90s).

The interior design depicted in them has always caught my attention.

The bold colors, geometrical shapes, fun architecture – it all looked so interesting and chic.

Nowadays, people are longing for that warm and homey feeling these designs evoke and retro living rooms are becoming more popular.

There are different types of retro interior design. Some include ’80s vibrant colors, while others accentuate brownish clean lines and floral patterns of the ’70s.

Whichever you prefer, you will definitely enjoy this trip to the past with us, and implement advice that will help you make your living room your personal time capsule.

Geometrical Patterns And Yellow Armchairs

Yellowish armchairs are one of the staple looks of the retro design.

They were popular in offices, living rooms, and coffee bars.

Add a carpet with geometrical patterns and it will already give a retro vibe!

Use Curved Or Circular Pieces

Circular or curved sofas were very popular in the ’70s and the ’80s.

They are perfect for house parties or family reunions.

Use Vintage Drawers And Cupboards

Vintage cupboards are always seen in all movies from the ’60s or the ’70s.

Integrating them to your funky living room will definitely seal the vibe.

Mint And Pink

If you are familiar with TV shows like Miami Vice, you will notice a pattern – they loved the mint and pink combo.

It feels fun, it feels like a Miami summer, and it is a perfect blend that brings positive energy.

You can replicate this vibe with mint cushions, pink furniture, vases, or carpets.

Your house parties will be unforgettable in this setup!

Have Fun With Shapes

Retro style loves unusual shapes and unique patterns.

If you are someone who loves unconventional things, then this style might be the one you were searching for.

From unusual chairs to funky mirrors, you can play with shapes and make your living room look like a space shuttle lounge!

Saturday Night Fever

Do not be afraid to include ball chairs, furry cushions, and purple sofas because they will look like you are in a chic ’70s apartment waiting for a party to start!

Buy A Statement-Piece Sofa

Bold colors are what makes retro style the most fun one!

Do not be afraid to mix different colors that may not even match at first.

Funky Wallpapers

Find a statement sofa and then add cushions and wallpapers that will evoke a funky vibe.

This makes me want to listen to ABBA!

‘Clockwork Orange’ Vibes

Orange was another popular color in the ’70s. If you are a fan of orange, try to use it in your living room as a statement piece or in wallpapers and carpets.

Orange paired with brown is a perfect retro combo that will make you live your ’70s dream.

Use Retro Books, Magazines, Cassettes And Toys

If your budget is low but you still want to make your living room feel retro, use props such as cassettes, toys, old TVs, etc. to make it feel like the ’70s or ’80s apartment.

If you add a pop of color and use a minimal geometric-shaped piece of furniture in yellow or orange – you have hit the jackpot!

Also, can we appreciate how cool these seating areas are?

Retro Minimalism

If you are a fan of minimalism but you still want to add a retro touch to your living room, try the retro minimalism style.

Minimalism was very popular in certain periods and simple shapes were used for all furniture pieces.

Retro-Patterned Chairs

You can add retro-patterned armchairs for a pop of color or character to a minimalist style.

Maximalist Heaven

If you love maximalism then you are in luck because retro ’70s style loves different patterns, colors, and materials – and a lot of stuff everywhere. 

Also, you can use dark wood for floors and walls and they will automatically bring you back in time.

Grandeur Is Always Acceptable

If you watch retro movies or read retro magazines, you will notice that designers back then loved grandeur.

It was a sign of power and status and they made it fit the retro style.

If you own a house or a penthouse, try to use a lot of windows, retro armchairs, and steel to bring back the retro vibe.

’90s Studio Apartment Design

Want to feel like a ’90s artist, musician, or model who lives in a studio apartment and listens to George Michael’s Freedom all day?

Try to add leather sofas, retro chairs, lamps, and art to your studio apartment and you will love the vibe they create!