How to: Retro Style Your Home
So, you’re tired of the same old basic decor? And don’t know where to start?
Spoiler alert: it’s all about the walls. Let’s break down how to nail that retro vibe using wall art posters, Retro style is here to save you from the boring clutches of minimalism. It’s time to bring in some character, some chaos, and a splash of actually interesting. Whether you’re into the groovy vibes of the ‘70s or the neon overload of the ‘80s, here’s your guide to styling your home so it’s got that vintage charm but won’t make people wonder if you raided your grandma’s attic.
If your walls look like a showroom and don’t say a single thing about who you are, we’ve got a problem. Retro wall art isn’t here to blend in; it’s here to start conversations. Go for pieces that people actually notice and that might even make them ask, “Where did you find that?”
Bold Typography: The ‘70s had groovy fonts, the ‘80s had hard-hitting neon text, and both eras knew how to make a statement. Skip the tiny fonts and go for posters that could double as a magazine cover.
Retro Ads: There’s something hilariously timeless about old-school product ads. Coca-Cola, classic cars, anything that looks like it should be in a vintage magazine—get it on your wall.
Legends and Icons: Listen, if you’re going retro, you have got to include some classic icons. Bowie, Marilyn, Freddie Mercury—put them front and center. Think of it as creating your own little Hall of Fame.
Step 1: Pick Your Retro Poison
Each retro era had its own thing, so let’s break down what you’re working with.
1950s: Clean, cool, and lowkey diner chic. Think soda shop vibes, pin-up posters, and pastel everything. It’s the golden age of “safe” retro. If you’re looking for a mild nostalgia kick, this is it. 1960s: Hippie central. Psychedelic colors, flower power, and “Whoa, that’s trippy, man.” If you’re not into visual noise, maybe pass on the ‘60s.
1970s: Think disco balls, rich browns, avocado green, and endless funky patterns. This is the retro decade for anyone with confidence—and maybe a little bit of a wild side. 1980s: Neon, neon, and more neon. If your idea of art includes anything that screams for attention and looks like it’s plugged into the wall, welcome to the ‘80s. This is not your subtle, understated style.
Step 2: Layer It Up (This Ain’t a Museum)
Retro style isn’t about order—it’s about vibe. If you’re going to do this right, skip the carefully curated look and go for something a bit more chaotic (in a good way).
Start with one big piece, Add smaller art around it: Use different sizes, mix a bit of pop art with an old-school concert poster, and add a couple of classic ads for that “found art” feel.
A retro gallery wall shouldn’t look like it was too planned out. This is about as far from “Marie Kondo minimalist” as it gets, so embrace the retro mess.
Step 3: Retro Accessories Are Key (Yes, Your Walls Deserve Accessories)
Your posters are the star of the show, but they need some backup. Think funky mirrors, retro clocks, and the kinds of random accents you’d see in a 1970s movie set. The idea is to make your space feel like a time capsule, minus the dust.
Record Covers: Frame some vintage record covers to add an extra layer of music history.
Neon Signs: Go full ‘80s with a neon sign. It’s retro and way more exciting than your average wall sconce.
Retro Mirrors: A good, funky mirror in a retro frame will add that extra bit of character and keep your walls from feeling flat.
Think of your wall accessories as the final piece of the retro puzzle. Without them, it’s just another wannabe gallery wall.