August 10, 2016 / RJ Living

How to get the Retro Furniture look in your living room

Retro interiors have made a massive comeback in the past few years. While you may associate retro furniture with bright patterns, colourful plastic furniture and shag rugs, the retro look of today is far more sophisticated. We are seeing many interiors moving away from the conventional trends and embracing the ‘retro look’ with modern designs.

We’ll tell you how to get the retro furniture look in your living room without it being totally Austin Powers!

1. Decide on an era

Source: houzz.com

First things first, you need to decide on what era you would like your living room to be styled in. Perhaps you like the bohemian look of the 70’s, maybe the mod funky style of the 60’s, or the kitschy 50’s. Decide what characteristics you like from each era, as each will have their own distinct patterns, finishes, textures and colours. Remember you don’t have to mimic the retro look exactly!

2. Create a focal point

Source: houzz.com

A great way to decorate your living room in a retro style is to choose a focal piece that sets the tone. This might be a piece of art, a large rug or a piece of furniture like our Harrison Multi-coloured Sideboard. Statement pieces with a strong retro look will start tying your design together.

3. Don’t be afraid of colour

Colour and prints are strongly associated with the retro look. If you are a little afraid of painting your walls or decorating with wallpaper, add colour through the use of furniture and accessories. The Baez Industrial Stool in orange or the Reagan Designer Pendant in blue are great ways to add a pop of colour without committing to such a permanent statement such as paint.

4. Accessorise with retro appeal

Source: decorseven.com

Retro interiors are famous for being filled with sunburst mirrors and eclectic trinkets, along with a bit of bling. If you don’t want to take the plunge into the full retro style, try carefully adding a few functional accessories you love. Hang a retro clock on the wall, use smaller furniture pieces like our Katherine Designer Side Table in copper and carefully decorate your bookcases with a few vintage knick-knacks such as vintage tins or small sculptures. This will add a little nostalgia without overpowering the space.

5. Mix old and new

Getting the retro furniture look in your living room doesn’t mean you need to troll garage sales and junk shops to find all your pieces. What’s great about the retro interiors today is that they are a mix of modern design with aged pieces. And with new furniture inspired by the retro era like the Caleb Modern Designer TV unit you won’t feel like you are hanging out in your grandma’s living room!

Source: dailyhomedecorideas.com

Achieving the retro furniture look doesn’t mean your living room needs to end up looking like a second hand shop. Introducing retro styled pieces in with classics and a few vintage accessories can create a sophisticated contemporary interior with a sense of nostalgia.


Products mentioned
Vendor:
Karpenter

Vintage Open Bedside Table - Teak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

2 colours
Regular price $327.20
Regular price $409 Sale price $327.20

Sale 20% OFF

Vintage Open Bedside Table - Teak Vintage Open Bedside Table - Teak
Vendor:
RJ Living

Tilt Bedside Table - Oak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

Regular price $383.20
Regular price $479 Sale price $383.20

Sale 20% OFF

Tilt Bedside Table - Oak Tilt Bedside Table - Oak
Vendor:
RJ Living

Harmony 3 Drawer Chest - Oak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

Regular price $1,599.20
Regular price $1,999 Sale price $1,599.20

Sale 20% OFF

Harmony 3 Drawer Chest - Oak Harmony 3 Drawer Chest - Oak
Vendor:
RJ Living

Harmony Bedside Table - Oak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

Regular price $455.20
Regular price $569 Sale price $455.20

Sale 20% OFF

Harmony Bedside Table - Oak Harmony Bedside Table - Oak
Vendor:
Unico

Harper 5 Drawer Chest - Oak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

Regular price $799.20
Regular price $999 Sale price $799.20

Sale 20% OFF

Harper 5 Drawer Chest - Oak Harper 5 Drawer Chest - Oak
Vendor:
Karpenter

Twist Bedside - Teak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

2 colours
Regular price $255.20
Regular price $319 Sale price $255.20

Sale 20% OFF

Twist Bedside - Teak Twist Bedside - Teak
Vendor:
Karpenter

Twist Side Table - Teak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

3 colours
Regular price $751.20
Regular price $939 Sale price $751.20

Sale 20% OFF

Twist Side Table - Teak Twist Side Table - Teak
Vendor:
Karpenter

Twist King Bed - Teak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

2 colours
Regular price $3,476
Regular price $4,345 Sale price $3,476

Sale 20% OFF

Twist King Bed - Teak Twist King Bed - Teak
Vendor:
Karpenter

Twist Queen Bed - Teak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

3 colours
Regular price $3,100
Regular price $3,875 Sale price $3,100

Sale 20% OFF

Twist Queen Bed - Teak Twist Queen Bed - Teak
Vendor:
Karpenter

Twist King Single Bed - Teak

Sale ends Midnight April 23

3 colours
Regular price $2,471.20
Regular price $3,089 Sale price $2,471.20

Sale 20% OFF

Twist King Single Bed - Teak Twist King Single Bed - Teak

Related articles

Everything You Need To Know About Scandinavian Interior Design
Default Title
Everything You Need To Know About Scandinavian Interior Design
The ever-popular Scandinavian interior design continues to charm design enthusiasts worldwide with its simplistic elegance and cozy appeal. So, what... Read More
The Well-Accessorised Bedroom: Enhancing Your Space with Stylish Décor and Finishing Touches
Default Title
The Well-Accessorised Bedroom: Enhancing Your Space with Stylish Décor and Finishing Touches
A well-accessorised bedroom not only adds a touch of elegance and style but also helps to create a relaxing and... Read More
Lighting the Way: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bedroom Lighting Scheme
Default Title
Lighting the Way: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bedroom Lighting Scheme
The bedroom is not just a place to sleep and rest; it's also a sanctuary where we retreat after a... Read More
Default Title
Trade Event