Are you looking to add a touch of nostalgia and charm to your living space? Look no further than retro furniture. While classic, timeless, antique, and vintage furniture all have their appeal, retro furniture brings a funky and fun vibe that is truly unique. It proudly displays its era, instantly transporting you back in time and evoking feelings of nostalgia. But don't be fooled, retro furniture may be dated, but it is never out of style.
In this article, we'll explore 12 retro furniture trends that will transform your space and infuse it with a blast from the past. So let's dive in and discover the iconic styles of the 1950s through the 80s.
1. 1950s Vinyl and Chrome
The 1950s marked the start of the "space age" design movement, introducing materials like vinyl, laminate, and plastic. Vinyl became a popular upholstery choice, especially for kitchen seating, thanks to its easy-to-clean properties. Chrome-colored metal frames adorned chairs and tables, creating a quintessential 1950s diner vibe. Embrace this style with pieces like the Theodore Upholstered Top Bar Stool or the Retro Round Dining Table.
2. 1950s Curved Wood and Plastic
The 1950s also saw the rise of mid-century modern design, characterized by clean lines and geometric shapes. With the introduction of manufactured wood and plastics, furniture took on curved silhouettes and rounded corners. Explore this style with pieces like the Juniper Armless Dining Chairs or the Alvin 2-drawer TV Console.
3. 1950s Bright Colors
The optimistic spirit of the 1950s was reflected in home decor through the use of bright and happy colors. Primary colors like blue, yellow, and red, as well as teal and pink, were popular choices for upholstery. Embrace the cheerful 1950s aesthetic with pieces like the Caufield Biscuit-Tufted Sofa Bed or the Darlene Upholstered Track Arms Accent Chair.
4. 1960s Tulip Silhouette
The 1960s brought the iconic tulip silhouette. This design featured furniture, such as dining tables and lounge chairs, supported by a single leg that flared at the top and bottom, resembling a tulip stem. Embrace this playful style with pieces like the Arkell 40-inch Round Pedestal Dining Table or the Dave Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair.
5. 1960s Acrylic Furniture
As the fascination with space-age materials continued, acrylic furniture became a popular alternative to glass. Versatile and durable, acrylic made appearances in living rooms and outdoor spaces, adding a touch of modernity. Embrace this trend with pieces like the Dallas 2-shelf Curved Home Bar or the Serreta Boucle Upholstered Armless Accent Chair.
6. 1960s Global Design
While European trends influenced mid-century modern design, the 1960s saw American homes embracing Indian and Moroccan motifs. Woven textiles, carved wood furniture, and intricate lighting brought a touch of global design to interiors. Embrace this eclectic style with pieces like the Nilay Rectangular Storage Trunk or the Clarkia Accent Cabinet with Floral Carved Door.
7. 1970s Earth Tones
In the 1970s, earth tones made a comeback as the environmentalist movement gained momentum. Muted harvest orange, olive green, mustard yellow, brown, and terracotta became popular shades. Infuse the warmth of these earthy tones with pieces like the Kourtney Upholstered Track Arms Convertible Sofa Bed or the Cobie Upholstered Swivel Armless Chair.
8. 1970s Rattan
The 1970s saw a return to natural materials, with rattan making a comeback. Solid wood furniture, stone tabletops, and wicker and rattan seating brought a touch of nature into homes. Embrace the organic feel of the 1970s with pieces like the Artina Woven Rattan Round End Table or the Zamora 3-Drawer Accent Cabinet.
9. 1970s Shine
The disco era of the 1970s brought a touch of sparkle to homes. Chrome accents added shine and glamour, often paired with dark brown wood for a luxurious feel. Embrace the glitz of the 70s with pieces like the Risley 2-door Circular LED Home Bar or the Kaelyn Round Mirror Top End Table.
10. 1980s Pastels and Bright Colors
The 1980s brought us Memphis design, a movement characterized by bright colors and unconventional patterns. Peach, teal, mauve, and highlighter brights dominated the decade. Embrace the vibrant spirit of the 80s with pieces like the Antoine 7-piece Rectangular Dining Set or the Marilyn 5-piece Rectangular Dining Set.
11. 1980s Mirrored Furniture
Maximalism and glitz defined 1980s design, with mirrored furniture taking center stage. Crystal accents, mirrored surfaces, and metallic finishes added a touch of glamour to interiors. Embrace the opulence of the 80s with pieces like the Yvaine 2-Door Mirrored Wine Cabinet or the Andorra Console Table with LED Lighting.
12. 1980s Southwest-Inspired Design
For those looking for an alternative to the glitz of the 80s, Southwest-inspired design offered a rustic and natural aesthetic. Teal, bright orange, and geometric patterns brought a touch of the Southwest to homes. Embrace this style with pieces like the Noah Upholstered Entryway Storage Bench or the Sembene Bedroom Set.
Enjoy the Timeless Charm of Retro Design
Retro furniture allows you to journey through the decades, infusing your space with unique character and style. Whether you have a fondness for a particular era or prefer to mix and match pieces from different periods, retro furniture offers a wide range of options. From the 1950s vinyl and chrome to the 1980s Southwest-inspired design, each decade has its own distinctive aesthetic. So visit your local Coaster Furniture store and discover the perfect retro pieces that will transform your home into a stylish time capsule.