It is often said that the past inspires the present. This is especially true for interior design, with retro style interior design still shaping how we style our homes today. From mid-century minimalism to groovy ’70s glamour, each era brought its own personality, colour palette, and home styling trends, including how windows were dressed. Whether you’re chasing the clean lines of the ’50s or the eclectic vibes of the ’80s, here’s your guide to retro interiors, plus a look at how window coverings defined each period.
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Retro Style Interior Design Through the Decades
1950s: Mid-Century Cool
The 1950s marked the rise of retro style interior design in its most recognisable form. Inspired by optimism, new materials, and space-age shapes, this era celebrated functionality with flair.
Key Features:
- Clean lines, tapered legs, and organic shapes
- Pops of colour like mustard, turquoise, and cherry red
- Laminates, plywood, and early plastics
Popular Window Coverings During This Era:
Venetian blinds, particularly aluminium Venetian blinds, rose in popularity thanks to their practicality and sleek appearance. Simple, no-fuss drapery panels in geometric or atomic patterns were also common.
1960s: Pop Art & Psychedelia
The swinging ’60s brought bold contrast, unconventional pairings, and a splash of rebellion to interiors. Design became more expressive, and homes reflected the cultural shift of the decade.
Key Features:
- Bright colours: orange, lime, cobalt
- Pop art influences, mod furniture, and geometric prints
- Plastic, acrylic, and chrome finishes
Popular Window Coverings During This Era:
Patterned curtains in wild, clashing prints were a favourite. Homeowners started layering fabrics over basic blinds to add drama. Vertical blinds also emerged during this period, especially in modernist homes.
1970s: Earthy & Eclectic
If there’s one decade that defines retro style interior design, it’s the 1970s. This era leaned into natural textures, layered materials, and earthy tones that made homes feel lived-in and soulful.
Key Features:
- Terracotta, olive green, and burnt orange colour palettes
- Macramé, shag carpets, timber panelling
- Rattan furniture and houseplants galore
Popular Window Coverings During This Era:
Timber and PVC Venetian blinds became a must-have, blending function with warmth. Heavy curtains in textured fabrics like velvet or thick cotton helped complete the cozy vibe.
1980s: Bold, Glamorous & Geometric
The ’80s embraced excess, with bold geometry and a mashup of past styles turned up to eleven. Think Memphis Design meets Wall Street chic.
Key Features:
- High-contrast colour blocking: black and white, neon accents
- Mirrored surfaces, glass blocks, lacquered furniture
- Overstuffed sofas and pastel Art Deco revivals
Popular Window Coverings During This Era:
Drapes were dramatic, as swags, pelmets, and pastel florals were common. Blinds took a backseat, but roller blinds began gaining momentum for minimalist decorators.
1990s: Minimalist Meets Rustic
By the ’90s, interior design shifted to pared-back minimalism, but with an organic twist. Scandinavian influences arrived, and rustic-meets-modern became the norm.
Key Features:
- Neutral tones, soft blues, and sage greens
- Natural timber, sisal rugs, and exposed brick
- Clean lines with subtle detailing
Popular Window Coverings During This Era:
Roman blinds and light-filtering fabrics suited the simpler aesthetic. Timber shutters and neutral-toned interior blinds became a default for homeowners embracing calm, functional spaces.
Why Retro Style Interior Design Still Works
What makes this style of design so enduring is its personality. Each decade reflects cultural change, technological progress, and shifting values, so whether you’re into minimal 1950s flair or boho ’70s coziness, retro design always feels intentional.
Many homeowners today blend retro elements with contemporary design, whether it’s layering clean white walls with a funky lounge chair or installing motorised blinds alongside vintage lamps. It’s not about full restoration, but instead about capturing a feeling.
If you’re considering retro touches for your home, don’t forget the windows. Window coverings frame the entire room, and choosing the right style makes all the difference.
Inspired to Add Retro Style Interior Design to Your Home?
Whether you’re recreating a 1970s den or just want to pair vertical blinds with your mid-century sofa, our range of blinds and shutters are here to help. Explore our collection at your nearest showroom or call us on 1300 303 391 to book a mobile consultation for expert advice, free measuring, and full product samples brought to your door. If you already have a good idea of the coverings you want, book a FREE measure and quote to get started.