Looking to add a touch of retro flair to your home with the perfect rug?
In this post, you’ll discover how to choose rugs that complement retro decor.
We’ll cover popular styles, colors, and patterns that define the retro look.
You’ll also get tips on materials and placements to enhance your space.
Ready to bring some vintage vibes to your home?
Let’s get started!
Introduction
Brief overview of retro interior design and the important role rugs play.
Retro design is a style that draws inspiration from the past, particularly the 1950s through the 1970s.
Characterized by bold colors, geometric patterns, and nostalgic elements.
Rugs are a key component in achieving an authentic retro look, tying the room together and adding texture, color, and pattern.
What is Retro Interior Design?
Definition and key characteristics of retro style
- Retro refers to a style that imitates trends, fashions, and designs from the recent past
- Hallmarks include mid-century modern furniture, bold wallpaper prints, and pop art
- Color palettes feature avocado green, mustard yellow, burnt orange, and teal
Time periods and decades that inspire retro design (1950s-1970s)
- 1950s: Pastel colors, atomic patterns, Formica, and vinyl
- 1960s: Psychedelic prints, tie-dye, lava lamps, and shag rugs
- 1970s: Earth tones, macramé, wood paneling, and rattan furniture
Color palettes, patterns, and textures commonly used
- Bright, saturated colors like orange, yellow, green, and turquoise
- Geometric and abstract patterns such as starbursts, boomerangs, and curved lines
- Textures range from sleek and smooth to plush and shaggy
Why Rugs Matter in Retro Interiors
How rugs help define the retro style and tie the look together
- Rugs are often the focal point, setting the tone for the entire room
- They pull together other retro elements like furniture and decor
Rugs add color, pattern, texture and a cozy, nostalgic feel
- Retro rugs feature bold hues and graphic prints that were popular in past decades
- Plush and shaggy textures add a cozy, tactile element and sense of nostalgia
Rugs protect flooring and provide comfort underfoot
- Practical benefits of rugs include protecting hardwood and cushioning feet
- Vintage rugs are often well-made and durable, withstanding the test of time
Types of Rugs for Retro Decor
Shag rugs – iconic retro style, plush pile
- Deep pile rugs made of wool or synthetic fibers
- Popular in the 60s and 70s, they epitomize the retro aesthetic
Geometric patterned rugs – bold graphic prints, angular designs
- Featuring atomic starbursts, abstract shapes, and op art patterns
- Reflect the Space Age influences and modern art movements of the era
Moroccan and Turkish rugs – rich colors, tribal patterns
- Handwoven wool rugs with geometric motifs and vibrant hues
- Their timeless look complements many retro and boho interiors
Braided rugs – classic textural style, oval or round
- Made from braided strips of fabric, often recycled materials
- Lend a handcrafted, folk art feel that suits casual retro decor
Flokati rugs – fluffy wool shag from Greece
- Thick, high-pile rugs made of 100% wool
- Cream colored and super soft, they were a 70s staple
Natural Materials and Sustainability
Wool, cotton, jute and other natural fibers common in vintage rugs
- Rugs from the 50s-70s were often made with natural, durable materials
- Wool is prized for its softness, warmth, and stain resistance
- Cotton and jute add casual, earthy texture
Eco-friendly and biodegradable materials
- Natural fibers are renewable, biodegradable, and have less environmental impact
- Older rugs may predate the use of synthetic materials and chemical treatments
Buying vintage is a sustainable choice
- Purchasing secondhand rugs reduces demand for new production
- Extends the life of well-made pieces and keeps them out of landfills
Choosing the Right Size Rug
Rug placement and ideal sizes for each room
- Living room: rug should be large enough to fit under furniture, at least 8’x10′
- Dining room: rug should extend 24″ beyond table on all sides to accommodate chairs
- Bedroom: rug can be placed under bed with 18-24″ of floor exposed on sides
Leaving enough floor space around edges
- Aim for 10-20″ of bare floor between rug and walls for balance
- In open floor plans, use rugs to define separate zones
Ensuring furniture fits on rug properly
- Front legs of sofas and chairs should rest on rug, back legs can be on or off
- Avoid “floating” furniture with only coffee table on rug
Styling Retro Rugs in Your Home
Complementing other retro decor and furniture
- Choose a rug that shares colors and motifs with your space’s retro palette
- Consider the lines and shapes of furniture when selecting rug pattern
Mixing patterns and textures
- Layer a smaller patterned rug over a larger neutral one for bohemian flair
- Pair a shaggy rug with sleek, modern furniture for textural contrast
Creating a focal point with a statement rug
- Use a boldly colored or patterned rug to anchor the room and draw the eye
- Build the rest of your decor around the rug’s palette
Where to Shop for Retro-Style Rugs
Vintage and antique shops
- Check local vintage stores, flea markets, and estate sales for one-of-a-kind finds
- Inspect condition carefully – some wear is expected but avoid major damage
Online marketplaces for vintage rugs
- Etsy, eBay, and specialty rug resellers offer a wide selection of vintage pieces
- Read descriptions and seller reviews thoroughly, ask for additional photos if needed
Modern retailers offering retro and vintage-inspired styles
- Many contemporary brands now offer retro-look rugs made with updated materials
- Look for colorful, patterned options at various price points
Retro Rug Inspiration
Photo gallery of beautiful retro rooms featuring stylish rugs
- Showcase a variety of rug styles in real retro interiors
- Provide captions with details on rug type, size, material, and placement
Examples of pattern and color combinations
- Highlight successful pairings of rug patterns with furniture and decor
- Explain why the combinations work and how to recreate the look
Conclusion
Rugs are an essential element in authentic retro interior design.
Choose natural, durable materials and bold colors and patterns for a true vintage look.
Consider size, placement, and care to keep rugs looking their best.
Encouragement to experiment with retro style rugs.
Vintage-inspired rugs are a fun and accessible way to add retro flair to any space.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles and eras for a unique, personalized look.
