4 Common Retro Style Elements to Incorporate into Your Apartment

A retro style is not a throw back to a random period in the past. It’s often associated with the 1940s and 1950s in American history, and the elements to incorporate into your apartment will mirror that time in history. You might start your quest to achieve this look by speaking to parents or grandparents who lived during that period and have photos to spark ideas or add to the list below. Here’s a list of 4 common retro style elements:

1. Black and White

Very few decorating styles emphasize the use of black and white, but that’s exactly what you want with a vintage retro style decor. It’s important to distinguish this from a classic retro style, which will emphasize white walls. If you like the 1950s look, you’ll want to stay with a classic retro style, and if you want to reflect the 1940s, then the vintage retro style is for you.

2. Retro Style Area Rugs

Round rugs that are decorated with two or more colors signify a retro style. Pick bright colors that work well together, such as blue and yellow. The shape of the rug is important, because round area rugs were common in homes in the 1940s. If you like the 1950s retro style look, then within the round rugs, the colors can be blended to form unique geometric shapes with all sorts of twists and turns. Square rugs will detract from the look and make the room look contemporary or modern, instead of retro.

3. Furniture

There are two extremes for furniture chairs when creating a retro style look. First, you could select a chair that is long and narrow. Select a bright color, and you’ve got a retro piece of furniture. Your other option is to choose smaller chairs and spread them around the room, leaving ample space in between. Your choice for retro furniture will depend on the amount of space you have to work with in your apartment and what you can afford. A large sized living room can accommodate three or four chairs spread around the room. However, a tiny apartment may need a long couch instead.

When buying chairs, look for furniture with unique shapes and designs for the retro style. Curvy tops and arms are popular choices for chairs, and so are bright blue, red, green and orange colors. Chrome and stainless steel are excellent for dining room tables and other tables around the apartment. The use of chrome will solidify the vintage retro look, and you should think of other ways to use it throughout the rooms.

4. Collectibles

Finding collectibles for a retro style may just be the most fun aspect of your decorating project. Your job is to search locally and online for retro style collectibles. For example, a jukebox would be a perfect fit, and you can program one to play music from the 1940s or 1950s when you’re entertaining guests. Antique telephones, such as the ones you have to stick your fingers through to dial a number are great to display.

Designing with a retro style is sure to bring out your creativity. There are no fixed and rigid rules when it comes to this decor, so don’t be afraid to experiment with the ideas you have.