Retro is in and these living room retro trends are the proof of it!
We all hold a fondness for antiques and vintage style, yet while we were relieved to see certain outdated home trends disappear (imagine popcorn ceilings and net curtains), we’d happily reinstate others. Over time, many cherished interior items have been forgotten, but there’s a wealth of fantastic retro home accessories ideally suited to our modern lives. Here’s the 8 living room retro trends we would definitely bring back!
SEE ALSO: 10 Mid-Century Modern Living Rooms That Put Retro Back on the Map
Sunken Seating Areas

Conversation pits, once the epitome of cool and modern, were sunken seating areas surrounded by plush sofas. Popularized by mid-century architects, they adorned homes in the 60s and 70s before falling out of favor in the decades that followed. However, we believe their cocooning effect creates an inviting and intimate atmosphere. As this contemporary example shows, they’re perfect for cozying up together on chilly days.
Telephone Tables

Unfortunately, the advent of cordless, cellular, and mobile phones has rendered the traditional hallway side table and bench obsolete. The cherished experience of lounging on a cozy cushion, engrossed in a phone conversation while twirling the cord, is now a distant memory. Nevertheless, these retro-style pieces remain both stylish and practical, serving as convenient spots for putting on shoes and storing small items. We believe they deserve a resurgence in our hallways.
Sputnik Chandeliers

The credit for the first Sputnik-style chandelier belongs to Italian designer Gino Sarfatti. Created around 1939, the original Sarfatti 2003 (its initial name) predates the launch of Sputnik 1 by 17 years. The light fitting’s resemblance to the spherical satellite ignited a surge of similar designs throughout the 50s and 60s. This intergalactic aesthetic continues to captivate the interior world today.
TV Cabinets

Since the 1960s, televisions have been a staple in almost every living room globally. Often bulky and unattractive, many homeowners concealed their sets within stylish wooden cabinets, complete with storage and doors. However, the rise of modern flat screens and wall-mounted LCDs led to the decline of these furnishings. We strongly advocate for the return of TV cabinets in contemporary homes, providing a space to store the television without it being on display.
Magazine Racks

You likely recall these from your grandparents’ home, positioned at the couch’s end and filled with the week’s TV guide and local newspaper. While the shift to online news and listings has diminished their popularity, we believe they deserve a revival. What better place to store those cherished monthly magazines than in a rattan rack or a contemporary alternative.
Modular Sofas

Another practical piece from the past is the modular sofa. Also known as sectional sofas, these simple seating arrangements were composed of individual units designed to be configured in countless ways to suit any living space. Popular in vintage living rooms of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, they’re attributed to American designer Harvey Probber in 1944. Ideal for open-plan layouts, the modular sofa’s versatility is undeniably appealing.
Decorating With Stripes

Once upon a time, bigger and bolder stripes reigned supreme in home decor. Whether horizontal or diagonal, wallpaper was the perfect canvas for dramatic lines. Today, we appreciate a wider range of stripes, from bold, fresh coastal patterns to subtle pin-stripes.
Oversized Table Lamps

Large, bold, and expressive lighting characterized the 70s and 80s, perhaps as a rebellion against mid-century minimalism. A profusion of colorful, sculptural, and novelty lamps illuminated homes across the board. We’ve embraced oversized ceiling lights, and now we crave similar showstoppers for sideboards.
READ MORE: 10 White Living Room Ideas for a Bright, Inviting Space
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