Retro Style & Designer Furniture: The Hidden Rules for Perfect Pairing

Welcome to a journey back in time to the 50s and 60s. The furniture designs from that era have long since arrived in the present and are now an indispensable part of living rooms worldwide. Playful colourful prints, unusual patterns or Panton pendant lights: All of this represents the unmistakable retro style.

What does retro style actually stand for?

Retro designs feature round, curved shapes and abstract patterns. Lined-up checks, colourful stripes or polka dot patterns are not uncommon. Vibrant colours occasionally add accents and stand in stark contrast to the pastel colours typical of retro style. Black and white patterns complete the varied mix of classic retro style.

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

Pop Art, native to the USA and England – an expressionistic art movement with strong abstract influences – embodies the use of foam and plastics and is characteristic of retro style. However, timeless, elegant teak wood is also currently dominant in retro design pieces – its dark, slightly reddish hue makes it perfect for combining with colourful shades.

With so-called „re-editions“, well-known design labels, however, celebrate the comeback of the retro look and rework existing products with new fabrics and colours. Older models also provide inspiration for new creations by renowned retro designers and ensure the necessary inspiration. However, customers should be careful with „re-designs“: Brands or special models are often counterfeited and sold on as originals!

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

How do I find the right vintage furniture?

To avoid being ripped off when shopping, always look for signs of wear typical for the age when buying. Retro or vintage furniture should look appropriate for its age and not have any new parts.

However, anyone who mixes too many different eras also risks losing sight of the actual style: The combination can look too contrived in this way and distracts from the essentials.

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

In any case, the following applies: Design is all well and good, but furniture are also utilitarian objects. Anyone who clutters their living room with uncomfortable design elements, for example, may no longer enjoy actual living.

Retro meets modern designs

It is very important to use retro items only here and there. As with all unusual styles, the elements attract more attention this way. If the room is filled with garish colours, the composition looks forced. So stick to a few retro furniture pieces, used only sparingly, and highlight them through beautiful combinations.

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

A simple, plain sofa can be jazzed up with colourful cushions featuring geometric retro patterns or a vibrant wool throw. Curved, comfortable armchairs in retro pastel colours perfectly complement a modern coffee table made of oak or beech. For metal enthusiasts, it is recommended to combine copper-coloured elements with a lighter taupe shade.

TIP: Even iconic everyday objects – such as a foosball table – can look great in an otherwise largely modern living room!

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

Mira Celini

Interior Designer at Livarea

As an Interior Designer at Livarea – one of Germany's leading online shops for designer furniture since 2012 – I assist customers with furnishing their homes. My tips come directly from practical experience: honest, inspiring, and always with an eye for the extraordinary.

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