The term retro refers to clothing, style, and design which is outdated. Generally to be considered retro, something must be between 20 and 25 years old. The actual item does not necessarily need to be old, but can be a new item that references styles of the past.
Retro style furniture is furniture that belongs to, or has the look of having been made in the decades between the 1950s and the 1980s.
The word retro signifies looking backward, and when we talk of retro furniture, we are speaking of a furniture style that looks back with nostalgia and pays homage to styles that were popular in the decades of 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and recently we have added the 80s to the list.
Retro style can be whimsical, it can allude to pop-culture, and even be kitschy. But to achieve great retro style you have to understand kitsch and use it deliberately to create an effect.
Furniture from the 1950s shows the influence of modern furniture increasing. Sleek furniture with a slender profile was placed against boldly patterned wallpapers and fabrics. For retro style furniture of the 1950s we are also beholden to furniture from diners with Formica-topped tables, and chrome bar stools.
The next decade, the 1960s was more playful, with psychedelic patterns and splashes of colour. Low coffee tables and sideboards were still popular, but you also saw furniture like one-piece molded or blow-up chairs.
The 1970s saw furniture losing its sleek quality and becoming a bit more chunky. Avocado Greens and Harvest Golds, oranges and earthy browns dominated.
As for the 1980s, Art Deco had a big influence on the decorating style, as did South Western motifs. Teal and mauve are two colours you may remember.
The first three-quarters of the twentieth century are often seen as the march towards Modernism. Art Deco, De Stijl and Bauhaus designers all worked to some degree within the Modernist idiom. Born from the Bauhaus and Art Deco/Streamline styles came the post WWII "Mid-Century Modern" style using materials developed during the war including laminated plywood, plastics and fibreglass. Prime examples include furniture designed by George Nelson Associates, Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Eero Saarinen, Harvey Probber, Vladamir Kagan, Arne Jacobsen, and others. Post-modern design, intersecting the Pop Art movement, gained steam in the 1960s and 70s.
Retro style is extremely popular today. We look at how people decorated their homes in the 50s and 60s. We also review some of the more popular retro accessories
In the 50s, 60s and 70s clocks were often objects of high style, designed to add a finishing touch to any modern contemporary home. They took on a similar style to the furniture and décor favoured at the time. In the fifties, clocks reflected the early contemporary style, in the 60s as this style evolved, so did the look of clocks used in the main rooms of the house. As Scandinavian Style became popular, so teak became a fashionable look for clocks.
People changed from liking traditional style living rooms in the 50s to preferring contemporary. Bright and contrasting colours were considered fun and modern. Different patterns were mixed together in the same room
In the first half of the fifties light coloured woods prevailed. They complemented bright coloured fabrics and wallpaper.
If you want to create a retro sitting room inspired by the fifties, look for bold, patterned wallpaper. Abstract shapes were fashionable. Floral wallpapers were also popular. Go for modern style furniture.
In the 60s, modern was still cool, but colours were more subdued. The bright reds and lime greens of the fifties gave way to more subtle shades, but the overall look was still contemporary.
The sixties is a decade that changed very quickly. If you are after the mid sixties look illustrated above, look for geometric shapes. Circles were popular. Contemporary furniture of modern style can do just as well as original pieces from the sixties.
In the later sixties, people started to experiment with psychedelic patterns, paisley prints and vintage accessories. A good tip is to always use them with a low energy bulb. You often do not know which bulb wattage is appropriate for the shade and low energy bulbs will preserve the life of the lampshade.
Browns, creams and golds were the colours of the 70s. Most rooms still accented on modern style, but there was renewed interest in nostalgia and the past.
Exposed brick walls and chrome furniture was used. Teak furniture was still popular into the 70s and early 80s. The wall unit was now a much more common choice than the sideboard for storage.
The 80s interior decorating style was nothing, if not colour-coordinated!
Matching “airy” pastel-colored furniture, walls, carpets, and heavy drapes was the norm for many in the 80s. Light colors and beige provided the backdrop for mauves and blues in furniture.The younger crowd decorated their rooms in fluorescent colors such as hot pink and electric blue, with lots of mirrors and lights.
Pastel glass-front entertainment centres showed off the latest in electronics and TVs, but there were still a lot of “straight” oak, wicker, pine and veneer furniture pieces around, even vaulted ceilings with oak trim. Birch wood was also used in many kitchens, and covered chairs with pretty plain, floral or striped cushions.
The “open plan” rooms were adorned by huge wraparound couches, and often connected with the outside spaces via glass sliding doors.
When those wraparound couches were not used, people adorned family rooms with “sleek” mission furniture and futons. In the living room, traditional sofas and winged chairs were also used.
