Retro Style Living Room: How to Get the Look Right

The retro style living room is back — and better than ever. Drawing inspiration from the 1950s through the 1970s, retro interiors are bold, playful, and packed with personality. With the right mix of colour, texture, and statement furniture, you can create a nostalgic yet stylish space that feels both timeless and fresh.

Whether you're starting from scratch or adding retro touches to a modern space, this guide will help you master the look. From colour palettes and iconic furniture to layout tips and accessories, here's how to get the retro living room right in a contemporary UK home.

What Defines a Retro Style Living Room?

The retro aesthetic draws from different decades, with the most popular being the 60s and 70s. It's all about bold design choices, playful patterns, and a blend of old and new.

Key elements include:

• Curved shapes and low-slung furniture
• Warm, earthy colour palettes
• Funky patterns (geometrics, florals, swirls)
• Statement lighting
• Textured finishes — velvet, corduroy, leather woodgrain
• Iconic furniture silhouettes (like the Togo sofa or egg chair)

The beauty of retro design is its flexibility. You can go full vintage or mix retro elements with modern minimalism for a more balances look.

Step 1: Choose Your Colour Palette

Retro living rooms are known for their rich, saturated hues. Think warm, earthy tones contrasted with pops of bold colour.

Popular retro colours:

• Mustard yellow
• Burnt orange
• Olive green
• Teal blue
• Chocolate brown
• Cream and beige
• Rust and terracotta

Tip: Start with a neutral base (like cream or tan walls) and layer in colour through your furniture, rugs, or decor. This keeps the room feeling bright and modern while still embracing the retro theme.

Step 2: Invest in Statement Furniture

Furniture is key to pulling off the retro look. The goal is to choose pieces that balance comfort with personality.

Must-have retro furniture pieces:

1. Lounge Sofa or Modular Seating

Low-profile, sculptural sofas like the Togo-style sofa are ideal. Look for curved shapes, bold colours, and soft fabrics like velvet or suede.

2. Armchairs or Accent Chairs

Opt for mid-century silhouettes with tapered legs or wide, low-back lounge chairs. Try a boucle or corduroy finish for extra texture.

3. Coffee Tables and Sideboards

Retro designs often feature woodgrain finishes, glass tops, or metal frames. Look for rounded edges, hairpin legs, or geometric shapes.

4. Retro Media Units

Choose sleek, low wooden units in walnut or teak with sliding doors and clean lines.

Step 3: Add Textures and Patterns

Textures and patterns bring warmth and character to a retro style living room. The key is to mix — not match.

Ideas for layering texture and pattern:

• Rugs: Go for shag, tufted, or flat-weave with bold prints
• Cushions: Mix florals, stripes, and geometrics
• Throws: Add in wool, boucle, or velvet for cosiness
• Curtains: Opt for heavy drapes in earthy colours or prints
• Wall art: Use vintage posters, abstract prints, or framed record sleeves

Step 4: Lighting That Makes a Statement

Lighting plays a big role in retro interiors — it's both functional and decorative.

Popular retro lighting styles:

• Mushroom or dome lamps
• Sputnik chandeliers
• Arched floor lamps
• Coloured glass pendants

A flowerpot lamp in orange or yellow is a perfect example of retro lighting with a playful twist.

Tip: Combine multiple sources — ceiling, wall, table, and floor lamps — for layered lighting that sets the mood.

Step 5: Accessorise with Personality

Accessories complete the look and give your living room a lived-in, characterful feel.

Try adding:

• Vintage ceramics or vases
• Retro clocks or rotary telephones
• Books with colourful spines
• Indoor plants in patterned pots
• Record players or vintage speakers

Don't forget to add a personal touch — a framed photo in a retro frame or a quirky antique shop find can tie everything together.

Step 6: Mix Retro with Modern for Balance

A common mistake is going too heavy on vintage, which can make the room feel like a time capsule. Instead, blend retro pieces with modern elements.

For example:

• Pair a Togo-style sofa with a minimalist concrete coffee table
• Use retro lighting in a modern white-walled room
• Add sleek shelving to display vintage decor
• Keep the flooring light and clean to balance bold furniture

This creates a layered, timeless look that feels curated — not costume-like.

Ready to create your own retro-inspired living room?

Explore Mobelaris UK's retro furniture collection

Bring iconic style, colour, and comfort to your space — your way

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