According to the dictionary, an antique can be either art, furniture, or decor. But, it must have been made 100 years ago, or more.
Antiques are rather old, but what do we consider the stuff in between antique and now?
The retro period consists of 4 decades full of furniture that you will want to add to your home.
Scroll down to learn what retro furniture is and how you can include it in your modern home.
What Is Retro Furniture?
Retro furniture is pieces made from the 1950s to the 1980s.
In the 1950s, furniture was becoming more sleek and updated. The fabrics that they used had bold graphics and bright colors.
Chrome barstools and Formica tables are known for being popular during this time.
The 1960s brought patterns and structure into the picture. Bright, bold, and psychedelic patterns were popular during this decade. This was a time of blow-up chairs and sleek styles.
1970 was much different, big and bulky items were all the rage and earth tone colors were popular.
Finally, the 1980s style included pieces that were inspired by the Southwest.
Floral patterns added a nice touch during this time and mirrors became more popular in the 80s.
Below are easy ways that you can add retro furniture into your modern lifestyle.
1. Update Fabrics
Are you in love with a vintage couch or chair, but the fabric is too outdated?
Changing out the fabric for a more updated look can completely alter the look of your couch, or whatever furniture you want.
You would be updating the fabrics, while still preserving their vintage look.
If the furniture that you are updating has wood, keep that in its normal condition, and just change the pattern.
If you want to preserve a vintage fabric, you can look for patterns that correlate with your preference.
2. Focus on Your Focal Point
The focal point is the piece of furniture that you want to stand out from the rest.
This is often a larger piece of furniture, such as a table or couch.
Getting a retro couch or table can look great when the modern decor is all around.
When finding your focal point, you should also consider what types of patterns or designs to use in the room.
Focal points are meant to tie everything in the room together, so make sure that yours matches the other decor.
Adding mirrors in a room can also help highlight your focal points.
3. Light It Up
When designing a room, most people tend to overlook the lighting fixtures.
A great way to incorporate retro furniture into your home, while complementing modern pieces, is by adding a chandelier.
Retro chandeliers and light fixtures often have exposed light bulbs, crystals, and even bright colors.
Depending on the decade that you are influenced by, there are many light fixtures that you can find for your retro look that will help complete a room.
4. Add a Pop of Color
If you have most of your decor done but feel that it is boring or something is missing, you may just need a pop of color!
The 1950s were known for calming pastel colors that couldn’t help but make you feel nostalgic.
Retro refrigerators, microwaves, and stoves all give character to a kitchen and can brighten the area up.
The 60s were also a time for bright colors in the home. Bright colored chairs can change the feel of a room and take you back to a time of spending time with those you love and not your cell phone.
5. Change What You Stand On
If you prefer to have modern technologies in the home but still want to maintain a retro feel, you may want to consider doing something with the floor.
Checkered patterns and vinyl flooring were popular retro options that you can include in your home.
If you have an area in your home that is full of new technologies, you can turn your entire space into something new with these types of flooring.
Don’t be afraid to try and match the floor with the style of a room.
This part may take more research, as not all things will go together.
What Not to Do with Vintage Pieces
One of the biggest risks that you can run when adding retro pieces to your home, is making it look like a used thrift shop.
Adding furniture to your home just because it is vintage, isn’t always a good idea.
Try looking for specific pieces and styles so that they match and don’t overfill the space.
Retro furniture comes from the 1950s to 80s, it has surely been exposed to people and probably has a couple of scratches.
If however, the furniture is too beat up, it can make your home look messy.
Make sure to add in modern furniture, like an egg pod chair or smart mattress, to help you be comfortable among your retro lifestyle.
Take a Piece From the Past
Adding retro furniture to your modern home doesn’t have to look like a thrift shop.
Utilizing the tips above can help you mix your retro pieces in with your life and serve a purpose.
Updating fabrics and decorating a room around a retro focal point are great ways to blend the different eras.
Don’t let retro pieces overwhelm you. Stick with a specific pattern or idea while designing your space to keep it from looking like a messy thrift shop.
Be sure to check out our blog for the latest trends and designs when decorating your home!