What is Retro Style Decor? A Look Back at the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s

Retro style decor is a nostalgic design trend that embraces the aesthetics, colors, and furniture styles of past decades. It’s all about creating a fun, vintage-inspired space with elements that pay homage to the past while infusing a sense of warmth and individuality. When we talk about retro style decor, we’re often referring to the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s — three decades that shaped modern interior design in unique ways. Each of these decades brought distinctive changes in color palettes, furniture designs, and, of course, lighting.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at retro decor styles from these three iconic decades, with a special focus on how lamps and lighting evolved during these times, and how you can incorporate elements from these eras into your own home today.

The 1970s: Bold, Bohemian, and Earthy

The 1970s were a time of bold experimentation and cultural shifts. This decade was marked by a love for earthy tones, natural materials, and eclectic decor. The 1970s also saw the rise of the bohemian style, influenced by the countercultural movements of the time.

Key Features of 1970s Decor:

• Earthy Colors: Think avocado green, mustard yellow, rust, and burnt orange. These warm, earthy tones dominated interiors, making the home feel cozy and inviting.
• Natural Materials: Wood, rattan, and leather were popular materials, often paired with heavy fabrics like velvet and corduroy.
• Patterned Fabrics: Bold geometric prints, paisley, and floral patterns were common, often in warm tones.
• Low-to-the-ground Furniture: The 1970s also saw the emergence of low-profile furniture, such as floor-level seating, bean bags, and shag rugs.

Lighting in the 1970s:

Lighting in the 1970s was all about making a statement. The use of bold, oversized light fixtures and ambient lighting became popular. Floor lamps and pendant lights with metallic finishes (gold, brass, and chrome) were iconic. Hanging globe lights and swag lamps — the type that hung from a chain — were common choices for living rooms, dining rooms, and even bedrooms.

Lamps from the 1970s often featured rounded or abstract shapes, reflecting the period’s desire for unique and non-traditional designs. For example, the tulip-shaped lamps and globe pendant lights were often used as focal points in a room.

In terms of power requirements, the 1970s lighting fixtures were often incandescent bulbs, which consumed more energy compared to modern LEDs but were available in a variety of warmth levels.

The 1980s: Glam, Minimalism, and High-Tech

The 1980s marked a transition in interior design from the earthy vibes of the 1970s to a more modern and polished aesthetic. The decade was defined by the rise of glamorous styles, minimalism, and an increased interest in technology. The explosion of color in the 1980s was balanced by the use of sleek, streamlined furniture designs.

Key Features of 1980s Decor:

• Bold, Vibrant Colors: Neon pink, bright blues, purple, and bold red tones replaced the more muted hues of the 1970s. These vibrant colors were often used as accent pieces against neutral backgrounds like black, white, or gray.
• Geometric and Abstract Shapes: Clean lines and geometric patterns were common, often seen in wallpaper, furniture upholstery, and textiles.
• High-Tech Materials: The 1980s embraced the use of more plastic, chrome, and glass furniture. Many designs were sleek, high-tech, and functional.
• Glamour and Opulence: The glam aesthetic was heavily inspired by the rise of Hollywood-style interiors and “luxury living.”

Lighting in the 1980s:

The 1980s saw an increase in the technological innovation of lighting, with fluorescent lights and halogen bulbs becoming more common. These lighting types were more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and were often used in both home and office settings.

Lighting designs became more angular and geometric, with the rise of track lighting, spotlights, and pendant lights. The introduction of fluorescent ceiling lights in kitchens and offices added a more industrial, utilitarian element to the home.

This period also saw the introduction of color-changing bulbs (especially in the form of colored fluorescent tubes), which made lighting a way to enhance the space’s atmosphere or mood, in keeping with the vibrant 1980s color trends.

The 1990s: Minimalism, Technology, and the Rise of the Internet

The 1990s was a decade of minimalism and simplicity. It was influenced by the increasing availability of technological gadgets and the early days of the internet age. The 1990s brought a more restrained, streamlined approach to design, and the home became a place for calm and comfort, reflecting the era’s focus on efficiency and functionalism.

Key Features of 1990s Decor:

• Neutral Tones: The bold colors of the 1980s were replaced with more subdued tones like beige, gray, and white, creating a calming atmosphere in the home.
• Minimalist Furniture: Simple, clean lines, and multifunctional furniture pieces became popular as people looked for space-saving designs in their homes.
• Tech-Inspired Designs: The rise of computers and tech gadgets meant that home offices became more common, with ergonomic chairs, computers, and modular furniture making their way into living spaces.

Lighting in the 1990s:

Lighting in the 1990s reflected the decade’s minimalist design philosophy. There was a shift towards compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which were more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs but still not as common as today’s LED technology.

Ceiling-mounted recessed lighting became popular for a sleek and unobtrusive lighting design, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Designers began to favor subtle ambient lighting over harsh overhead lights, with the introduction of dimmers and wall-mounted lighting.

Pendant lights and table lamps took on a more sleek, contemporary look, often made from materials like chrome, brushed steel, or frosted glass.

How to Incorporate Retro Lighting Into Your Home Today

If you want to infuse your home with a retro-inspired decor style, lighting is an essential element to consider. Here are a few tips to help you bring the best of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s into your modern home:

1. Choose Bold Shapes and Colors: Look for light fixtures that feature round, globe-like shapes (1970s), angular or geometric designs (1980s), or sleek, minimalist silhouettes (1990s).
2. Incorporate Ambient Lighting: Consider using pendant lights or recessed ceiling lights for a modern touch, or swag lamps and floor lamps for a more vintage, boho-inspired look.
3. Opt for Energy-Efficient Bulbs: LED lighting is the modern, energy-efficient choice for achieving the nostalgic glow of retro lighting.
4. Create Contrast with Light and Dark: Pair bold, retro colors with clean, neutral walls to mimic the design aesthetics of these decades.

Conclusion

Retro style decor is more than just a trend; it’s a celebration of the past, reimagined for today’s modern sensibilities. From the earthy tones of the 1970s to the minimalist designs of the 1990s, the evolution of lighting in these decades offers a wealth of inspiration for anyone looking to create a space full of personality and history. Whether you’re drawn to the boldness of the 1970s, the glamour of the 1980s, or the sleek simplicity of the 1990s, retro lighting is the perfect way to add character and warmth to your home.

Looking to bring a little retro flair into your space? Browse our collection of unique lighting options, perfect for achieving that vintage-inspired look!