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40 Ways to Incorporate Classic Decor Trends Into Your Home

There are lots of vintage home decor trends that we'd rather leave gathering dust in the past. From orange shag carpet to wood paneling across every surface of the home, the "good ole' days" were not always good when it came to style—and that's putting it mildly! 

However, there are some retro trends that, for whatever reason, are actually pretty awesome. These decor styles managed to stay fresh looking and totally chic, even into the modern era. And that's more than your olive green kitchen countertops from the 70s can't boast about! 

There's only one problem, though—we just don't see these classic home decor trends enough these days! They're perfectly timeless and stylish, but it seems like people have just forgotten about them! That's got to change, like, right now. So, we're counting down all the best decor styles from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s that need to make an immediate comeback. From classic brass fixtures to fine China displays that would make your grandmother proud, these are the trends due for a major revival in the world of interior design. 

So, settle in and get ready for a trendy trip down memory lane—here are the 20 classic decor trends we want to see more of! 

Click "Let's Start" to begin the slideshow! 

Chrome Appliances

Chrome Appliances

The next time you’re searching for a new toaster or Kitchenaid mixer, consider something with a chrome finish. This bold, dark metal looks sleeker than stainless steel, so we would love to see more people embrace it in their homes. Plus, the silver hue always looks good no matter the decade—which is good because if you're investing in your kitchen as you should be, you should always steer clear of trendy touches.

Trendy colored appliances tend to age more quickly.  Chrome never seems to go out of style, however.  The designs of colored appliances tend to be more unique and never really fit with time. On top of this, you also have to worry about how your appliances match with your kitchen decor. Chrome can really fit with a lot of different decor which is useful when you want to change up your kitchen.

(Image via Adobe)

Shag Rugs

Shag Rugs

Shag rugs saw a rise in popularity in the 1960s but haven’t been as common in recent years. We hope shag rugs stage a comeback because they add a cozy touch to any room, especially if the rest of your home is ultra modern.

Shag rugs can feel great on your feet and are an ideal option if you have hard floors. You can clean them more easily, unlike a carpet so they won't catch as much dirt and germs as a shag carpet would. Plus you can easily toss it and change things up with a new rug.

(Image via Adobe)

Colorful Kitchen Appliances

Colorful Kitchen Appliances

Something like a light blue fridge can add a pop of color to your modern, white kitchen and create a vintage vibe in your home.

Colorful kitchen appliances certainly have their applications. While you probably don't want to go all-out with color, a few pieces can really pull the ook of your kitchen together.

(Image via Unsplash)

Graphic Floors

Graphic Floors

Wild, graphic floors were all the rage in the 1970s, and we could definitely see them being a hit now. If you had a black and white-printed floor in your bathroom, you would have no need for another focal point. You could decorate with simple style and the room would still look stunning!

Graphic floors are sure to add a touch of personality to your kitchen, living room, bathroom or anywhere else you desire. They are sure to catch the eye of your guests and make a statement. 

(Image via Adobe)

China Displays

China Displays

China cabinets may no longer be the most popular way to display gorgeous vintage china today. However, hooks on a feature wall or floating shelves are a great way to combine modern with vintage.

China displays are ideal if you have China because let's face it: most of the time you aren't going to be using it. A display gives you a chance to enjoy your China year-round.

(Image via Adobe)

Polished Granite Countertops

Polished Granite Countertops

Granite countertops have a luxurious beauty few other materials can match. A benefit of using granite over something else is that it’s sturdy, scratch-resistant, and resists heat. The downside is that it’s expensive. 

Granite countertops can cost as much as $40 to $60 per square foot, which translates between $2000 to $4,000 with installation. But in the end, the price is worth it. You'll spend much less time cleaning and you won't have you worry about cracked tile and dirty grout. 

(Image via Pexels)

Tan Leather

Tan Leather

While you probably don’t want a tan leather sofa in your home, a tan leather chair or ottoman would add a nice, vintage touch. Having that one unexpected piece in your home will make it look like you hired an interior designer!

Tan leather furniture can provide a unique focal point for a room if it's just one chair or you can decorate a room with it for a mid-western theme. Either way, you tan leather furniture pieces will be sure to stand out - in the best way possible.

(Image via Unsplash)

Patterned Sofas

Patterned Sofas

Most of the patterned sofas from the 1980s weren’t exactly stylish, but we think it’s worth it to revisit the idea with a more modern design. A sofa with a subtle herringbone or stripe pattern would add some new life to your living room, especially when paired with a couple of solid-colored throw pillows. 

Patterned sofas are another unique way to decorate a room while also being functional. A patterned couch can easily provide a focal point for your room - that's not a TV of course.  It can also go well when paired with some plain decorative pillows.

(Image via Adobe)

Brass

Brass

Just because the '80s messed up and polished brass, it doesn’t mean that brass can’t look good in your home. Opt for brass fixtures that are burnished or antiqued. You will not be disappointed!

Brass can work great in a kitchen, particularly with the brushed or antique look. It can also work in a bedroom if you are going for an antique look in there. Whatever the case may be, brass is a vintage look that's making a comeback.

(Image via Pexels)

Complementary Color Schemes

Complementary Color Schemes

These color schemes help you keep your home sleek and modern without voiding all color. Pale yellow and purple can create a pastel look that feels both modern and vintage at the same time. 

Complementary color schemes have never really gone out of style unless you are talking about the '60s and '70s where really color is what mattered.

(Image via Unsplash)

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias

With the technology age, most people abandoned their encyclopedias and other reference books for a laptop, but they’re still great to decorate with.

Encyclopedias are a great way to fill up your bookshelves because they usually come in a series, so they take up a lot of space. They also make you look super intellectual, so why not?

(Image via Unsplash)

Black or Ivory Cabinet Fixtures

Black or Ivory Cabinet Fixtures

Black and ivory cabinet fixtures can upgrade a home pretty quickly. Instead of going with a classic floral design that you might see in the ’60s, go with a more modernized design with these colors.

Black or ivory cabinet fixtures such as handles and knobs give your cabinets some character. Serving your cabinets beyond function, your cabinets will really stand out. 

(Image via Unsplash)

Wall-to-Wall Carpet

Wall-to-Wall Carpet

Hardwood floors and stained concrete are great for common areas, but who wants that where they sleep? Carpet instantaneously makes a room feel homier, so don’t be afraid to put a neutral colored carpet in your bedroom.

Wall-to-wall carpet in a room should be very basic and colors should be neutral. If you want to add color to your bedroom, you always have your bedding or you can add artwork to your walls. Bright-colored carpet is a little too vintage and you aren't likely to find many options for that anyway.

(Image via Adobe)

Velvet-Covered Chairs

Velvet-Covered Chairs

Velvet is one of the most comfortable fabrics out there. We suggest going with velvet-covered seating in a place where it won’t get dirty quickly since this fabric can be tough to clean. That being said, it looks incredible next to natural wood and metal.

Velvet-colored chairs provide both a fancy look and plenty of comfort. You can use a chair as an accent and pull the look of your living room together.

(Image via Unsplash)

Antique Rugs

Antique Rugs

If you have hardwood floors, you need a rug. Plain rugs are fine, but antique rugs seriously need a comeback. You know the ones we’re talking about: the ones that have ornate designs, intense colors, and durable weaving. 

Without a rug on your hardfloor, your floors will look a bit barren. It's hard to explain just why that is when people have just caret on the floor, but it's true.  Wood floors just need a little decoration, if only one or two rugs.

(Image via Unsplash)

Clawfoot Tubs

Clawfoot Tubs

Bathrooms have had a major overhaul lately. Among all the changes, clawfoot tubs should return. While standard bathtubs are fine, claw tubs have a way of making a person feel luxurious. Get a clawfoot tub, light a few candles, and relax for a few in a skin-moisturizing bath. 

A vintage-style bathroom is always a good look and clawfoot bathtubs can easily help you achieve it. You and all your guests will appreciate the look of the tub even if you never use it. But why wouldn't you?

(Image via Unsplash)

Molding

Molding

Whatever happened to molding? Sleek designs became super popular, so clean edges were pushed away pretty hard. Molding is a simple way to dress up a room, a window, or a doorway without putting a ton of work into it.

Molding adds a ton of character to your home. When you think of haunted houses that literally come to life in movies, they always have molding. Now, we aren't saying that you should live in a haunted house, but you can't deny how good those houses look until the characters find out there are ghosts in them!

(Image via Adobe)

Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie

Florals should make a comeback, but not the classic type that makes you think “old.” Chinoiserie is a beautiful type of floral that’s fantastic as a statement piece.

Chinoiserie can work great in a bedroom, living room or dining room.  It does a great job of making walls look barren without filling them up with pictures and artwork.

(Image via Adobe)

Covered Sofas

Covered Sofas

Covered sofas are good for two reasons. The first reason is that you can change the cover whenever you want to alter the style of your home. It’s a lot cheaper to replace the cover than the entire couch. The second reason is that covered sofas are so much easier to clean. 

If you ever eat or drink anything on your couch, spilling is pretty much unavoidable. While you can clean the sofa, the spill turns into quite a crisis. The cover can be immediately taken off and thrown into the washer. It's that easy!

(Image via Adobe)

White Kitchens

White Kitchens

White kitchens look polished and modern, so stop covering your kitchen in dark wood and black countertops! Lighten it up a bit and completely change the feel of your home.

A white kitchen leaves plenty of opportunity for color just about everywhere else.  You can use a neutral color like stainless steel for your oven and refrigerator or you can try to find some more interesting colors like red.

(Image via Pexels)

In-Kitchen Dining

In-Kitchen Dining

Our on-the-go, modern lifestyles have led to a decline in kitchen table meals. In-kitchen dining can make dining at home easier and more elegant!

Moreover, in-kitchen dining is just way more convenient! Why carry food across the house just to feed your family in another room. You can risk dropping food on the floor and walking over with plates is way more work than you need. 

(Image via Pexels)

Chaise Lounges

Chaise Lounges

Chaise lounges are elegant, formal, and stylish. Today’s version of chaise lounges is even more comfortable than the classic designs, so you can still get the traditional look with a modern twist.

If you like taking naps (and honestly, who doesn't?) a chaise lounger is the ideal space. It's also a great area to relax and read a book. 

(Image via Midjourney)

Sleigh Beds

Sleigh Beds

Sleigh beds fell out of favor a while ago—another victim of the minimalistic trend. Personally, we think they should come back because they’re super classy.

Sleight beds are elegant but minimalist. They aren't overtly showing but still provide a nice way to display your bed. Plus having a headboard and footboard makes you feel a little more secure when you sleep. Plus, they still provide some support for your pillows. 

(Image via Adobe)

Desks

Desks

Thanks to laptops and phones, desks have started to go out of style. However, vintage desks can create a great statement piece and can be used for a variety of things. Modern desks are great for a minimalist look, if that's more your style.

If you work from home or you have a kid schooling at home, desks will give you an area to stay focused. it's easy to get distracted by the TV and stuff going on at home if you don't have a designated work area.

(Image via Unsplash)

Classic Artwork

Classic Artwork

For a while, classic artwork was out, which is a mistake. The Birth of Venus, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Whistler’s Mother, and other top-tier pieces are famous for a reason. They’re stunning and bring a room together. 

When you have classic artwork in your home, nobody is going to question your taste, first of all. Second of all, it shows you have a respect for culture.

(Image via Wikipedia; Wikipedia)

Gilded Mirrors

Gilded Mirrors

Gilded mirrors scream classic décor—in a good way. Putting a gilded mirror in the entryway is both functional and beautiful. Alternatively, gilded mirrors also look great above mantles. 

A gilded mere can provide a focal point for a vanity or fireplace in place of something like artwork or a family portrait. 

(Image via Unsplash)

Large Window Treatments

Large Window Treatments

Many people are forgoing window treatments altogether, but they are forgetting that a large curtain can act as a perfect accent wall. Choose one with a subtle pattern, and it will literally shine on sunny days.

Large window treatments can be ideal for a bedroom, adding an ethereal or royalty depending on the style of treatment. They also provide more coverage versus regular curtains, so they keep more might out and keep the room cooler when it's hot out.

(Image via Unsplash)

Metal Wall Decor

Metal Wall Decor

Sometimes chunky, metal wall décor doesn’t quite fit in with modern, minimalist looks. However, a metal letter or shape with lights in it can be a focal piece and provide unique lighting to any room.

Metal wall decor is sure to give your home an industrial look or sometimes natural look depending on the design.  Regardless, it is sure to catch the attention of your guests.

(Image via Midjourney)

Wishbone Chairs

Wishbone Chairs

Wishbone chairs were designed in the ’50s. The design is minimalistic, and that’s perfect for homes nowadays that support this trend. Get a statement piece with a couple of wishbone chairs, and you’re made in the shade. 

If you are looking to set up a modest seating area, wishbone chairs are sure to help you achieve that look. You can set them up with a small dining area or use them as accents. Whatever you decide,  they are a great way to fill space without taking up too much of it.

(Image via Unsplash)

Houseplants

Houseplants

Back in the day, houseplants were everywhere, but now? Now, homes are plant-less and boring. It’s time to bring the fern and pothos bask into homes.

Plants are essential for the home because they offer a natural way of providing clean for your home. They also make your home more welcoming. Just be sure not to get fake plants, because fake plants aren't fooling anyone.

(Image via Midjourney)

Washstands

Washstands

Washstands are excellent for large and small bathrooms. For small bathrooms, it drops the bulky vanity in place of an open design, making the room seem bigger. For larger bathrooms, it allows you to add stylish cabinets and décor.

Washstands can be an elegant addition to any bathroom. The vintage style not only provides a unique style for your bathroom but it also can make a bathroom appear more spacious.

(Image via Pexels)

Marble Mantels

Marble Mantels

Lately, the trending thing is to use natural stone or brick for your fireplace mantel. While this looks beautiful, marble mantels are ten times better. Plus, marble mantels tend to have a longer life compared to natural stone.

Nothing says fancy like a marble mantel either. It's a great place for potting candles, busts, statuettes and other decor. You can also hang a painting above it and it will look especially nice.

(Image via Pexels)

Fauteuil

Fauteuil

Fauteuil is an open-armed chair that has an exposed wooden frame. They’re fantastic for making a room look larger, thanks to the legs and lifted design. They come in a variety of styles, too, so it can go with nearly any living room. 

Fauteuil armchairs can provide a rustic look that's also built for comfort. While it wouldn't make a suitable replacement for a sofa, it would work for a lounge area in your home used for guests.

(Image via Midjourney)

Wardrobes

Wardrobes

Wardrobes went out of style because of their burdensome size. However, there are plenty of options for sleek, modern wardrobes today. They can provide extra clothing storage and become a statement piece.

Wardrobes can be a great option for an antique-style bedroom when paired with other antique-styled furniture pieces. Either way, your wardrobe is sure to be an eye-catching piece in your room, adding a touch of elegance. 

Plush Sofas

Plush Sofas

Plush sofas with velvet fabric were the ideal piece of living room furniture in the 1920s. Today, tufted, velvet sofas can add a touch of glamour to any modern home.

Plush sofas aren't just snazzy-looking though, they are also exceptionally comfortable.  If you are looking for a great couch to curl up with a blanket and watch some Netflix, you aren't going to be disappointed with how a plush couch feels. Just don't spill anything on it!

Bar Carts

Bar Carts

Displaying your alcohol out in the open can be taboo and creates a lot of clutter. Having a bar cart you can tuck away is more practical and will give your home a retro feel. 

Bar carts make bringing your booze out for parties or just a nightcap all the easier. Just roll em' out when it's time to drink!

(Image via Adobe)

Art Deco Geometric Designs

Art Deco Geometric Designs

Art Deco got booted to the curb pretty hard, but we should revisit the geometric designs. Today, modernized geometric designs are getting popular, so why not get Art Deco back on track?

Art Deco is certainly interesting and is sure to draw the attention of guests. it can be a real conversation piece. 

(Image via Midjourney)

Marble or Stone Busts

Marble or Stone Busts

Looking for décor options? Get marble or stone busts! There are tons of styles from classic Aztec to Greek. Plus, busts come in a variety of sizes, so you don’t have to dedicate a large space to one piece of décor.

Marble and stone busts are the perfect addition for those who love Roman and Greek-style architecture and want to incorporate that love in their home. And with so many building in that style, you can never really say that it's out of style.

(Image via Unsplash)

Lavish Bathroom Decor

Lavish Bathroom Decor

Nowadays, we love our lavish baths. Why not make the rest of the bathroom more lavish, as well? A fancy shower curtain and gold vanity will create the perfect atmosphere for your next bubble bath. 

 

These days, people have a tendency to want to keep things simple in the bathroom, focusing merely on its functionality. But there's no reason a bathroom can't be the perfect place to relax after work. Plus, you won't feel like you need to rush out of there when you gotta go.

Small Secretary Desks

Small Secretary Desks

Small secretary desks are fantastic home office solutions for small spaces. Now that laptops are more common than desktops, you can set one of these babies up in a corner and use it as needed.

Small secretary desks can be ideal for students who need a place to set up their laptop or notebook. It helps students stay focused and makes sure they are getting all their work done on time. 

(Image via Adobe)