15 Retro Bedroom Décor Ideas From Every Decade To Make You Feel Nostalgic
Remember when your bedroom was more than just a place to sleep? It was a personal sanctuary that reflected the trends of the era. From lava lamps of the 70s to the inflatable furniture of the 90s, bedroom décor has evolved dramatically through the decades.
Let’s take a delightful trip down memory lane with these nostalgic bedroom décor ideas that might just inspire your next room makeover!
1. 1950s Atomic Age Starburst Clocks
Tick-tock back to the fabulous fifties with a sunburst clock! These eye-catching timepieces feature metallic rays extending from a central clock face, embodying the era’s fascination with atomic energy and space exploration.
Hang one above your bed for an instant conversation starter that captures mid-century modern charm perfectly. The starburst design adds both function and artistic flair to your bedroom walls.
2. 1960s Psychedelic Posters and Prints
Groovy vibes await when you adorn your walls with mind-bending psychedelic art! The swirling patterns and vibrant colors capture the free-spirited essence of the 1960s counterculture movement.
Whether you choose vintage concert posters or trippy abstract designs, these prints instantly transport you to an era of peace signs and flower power. For maximum impact, frame them in simple black or metallic frames against a neutral wall.
3. 1970s Macramé Wall Hangings
Knotted from cotton cords into intricate patterns, macramé wall hangings were the hallmark of any stylish 70s bedroom. These textured pieces add warmth and bohemian flair that’s impossible to replicate with modern décor. Hang a large piece above your headboard or place smaller versions beside windows. The natural fibers and earthy tones complement wooden furniture perfectly while adding visual interest to plain walls.
4. 1980s Neon Light Signs
Nothing screams 80s quite like the electric glow of neon! Custom neon signs or modern LED alternatives bring that Miami Vice energy right into your bedroom sanctuary.
Choose your favorite 80s phrase or symbol in hot pink, electric blue, or neon green. When mounted on a dark wall, these luminous art pieces create an ambient glow perfect for evening relaxation while making a bold statement about your retro style sensibilities.
5. 1990s Inflatable Furniture
Bouncy, squeaky, and utterly ridiculous – inflatable chairs were the coolest bedroom addition for any 90s kid! These transparent or neon-colored PVC pieces came in funky shapes and added an element of playful rebellion to bedrooms everywhere.
Place one in a reading nook or beside your bed for that perfect nostalgic touch. While not the most comfortable seating option, nothing captures 90s bedroom aesthetic quite like these air-filled conversation pieces.
6. 1940s Hollywood Regency Vanities
Channel your inner silver screen starlet with a glamorous mirrored vanity! During the 1940s, Hollywood Regency style brought cinematic elegance into everyday bedrooms, with vanity tables being the centerpiece. Look for curved lines, mirrored surfaces, and elegant drawer pulls. Pair with a plush upholstered stool and vintage perfume bottles for authentic charm. This functional furniture piece provides both practical storage and a daily dose of old-Hollywood glamour.
7. 1950s Poodle Skirt Inspired Bedding
Sock hop your way to dreamland with bedding inspired by the iconic poodle skirt! Fabrics featuring record players, jukeboxes, or classic cars capture the wholesome yet playful spirit of 1950s teen bedrooms.
For authentic charm, layer crisp white sheets with a pink or turquoise comforter adorned with retro motifs. Complete the look with black and white checkered throw pillows that evoke diner floors from this optimistic post-war era.
8. 1960s Lava Lamps and Moon Chairs
Far out! No 60s bedroom was complete without the hypnotic bubbling of a lava lamp. These groovy lighting fixtures featured colored wax that formed psychedelic shapes when heated, creating mesmerizing displays perfect for late-night contemplation.
Pair with a round moon chair upholstered in fuzzy fabric for the ultimate retro relaxation corner. The combination creates an authentic space-age vibe that defined bedroom décor during this revolutionary decade.
9. 1970s Shag Carpeting and Bean Bag Chairs
Wiggle your toes through the deep pile of orange, brown, or avocado green shag carpeting! This quintessential 70s flooring option transformed bedrooms into cozy dens where comfort reigned supreme. Finish the look with an oversized bean bag chair perfect for reading, listening to vinyl records, or just chilling out. The tactile combination creates an irresistibly retro vibe that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly comfortable for modern relaxation.
10. 1980s Memphis Design Patterns
Bold geometric shapes in clashing colors defined the Memphis Design movement that dominated 80s interiors. Think squiggly lines, confetti patterns, and primary colors arranged in seemingly chaotic but intentional compositions.
Incorporate this distinctive style through bedding, wallpaper, or art prints. Even a single Memphis-inspired throw pillow makes an unmistakable statement that transports your bedroom straight back to the decade of excess and experimental design.
11. 1990s Band Posters and String Lights
Every 90s teen covered their walls with posters of favorite bands torn from magazines! This bedroom staple created personal shrines to music idols from Nirvana to the Spice Girls.
Recreate this nostalgic look by framing vintage posters rather than taping them directly to walls. String white fairy lights around your bedroom perimeter for that magical glow that made every 90s bedroom feel like a personal sanctuary away from parental supervision.
12. 1930s Art Deco Mirrors and Lamps
Summon the glamour of the Great Gatsby era with angular mirrors featuring stepped designs and geometric patterns! Art Deco style brought sophisticated elegance to 1930s bedrooms despite the economic hardships of the Depression.
The combination creates a refined atmosphere with clean lines and luxurious materials that still feels surprisingly modern nearly a century later.
13. 2000s Fuzzy Picture Frames and Inflatable Ottomans
Remember those fuzzy neon picture frames that held your favorite boy band photos? Early 2000s bedrooms were shrines to teen pop culture, featuring colorful tactile accessories that screamed personal expression.
Pair these frames with an inflatable ottoman in metallic or glitter-infused vinyl for peak Y2K vibes. Though perhaps not the most sophisticated décor choices, these playful items capture the optimistic, technology-embracing spirit that defined the millennium’s early years.
14. 1950s Atomic Age Barkcloth Curtains
Swing open the time capsule with barkcloth curtains featuring boomerang patterns, atomic starbursts, and abstract shapes! This textured cotton fabric was the hallmark of mid-century window treatments.
The distinctive patterns in turquoise, orange, and brown capture the optimistic futurism of post-war America. Hanging these heavy, textured curtains instantly transforms your bedroom into a retro haven while providing excellent light-blocking properties for modern sleep needs.
15. 1970s Hanging Rattan Chairs
Swinging gently in the corner, a hanging rattan chair was the ultimate 70s bedroom status symbol! These egg-shaped seats suspended from the ceiling created perfect reading nooks that embodied the decade’s bohemian spirit.
Modern versions come with sturdy stands if ceiling installation isn’t possible, making this iconic piece accessible for today’s retro enthusiasts seeking that perfect Instagram-worthy bedroom corner.