10 Retro Wallpaper Designs Making a Comeback

With decades of inspiration ranging from the ’50s to the ’80s, retro wallpaper designs are full of character, color, and nostalgia. So, if you want to add a little bit of retro magic to your modern home, you can find something here!

Let’s look at the best 10 retro wallpaper designs with a modern twist.

1. Bold ’60s Florals

The groovy floral prints of the 1960s are back, and we couldn't be happier. These patterns are loud and incredibly joyful. Think large-scale daisies, tulips, and poppies in vivid shades of orange, teal, mustard, and hot pink. What makes them work today is the balance. You can easily pair these florals with simple, contemporary furniture and neutral accents. Just let the wallpaper sing. They’re perfect for powder rooms, feature walls, or anywhere for a touch of personality.

Check out our Poppy Fields Floral Wall Mural – Red Horizon.

2. Psychedelics

Inspired by the late ’60s and early ’70s, psychedelic, funky wallpaper designs brings fluidity to the modern home. The swirling patterns (often in sunset oranges, earthy browns, or dreamy pastels) create visual movement. It just fills every space with good energy. Nowadays, you can use these designs to elevate otherwise plain spaces (maybe stairwells or small hallways). For a modern twist, opt for a toned-down color palette or use the design in small doses to keep the vibe fresh rather than frantic.

Our best choice here would be our showstopper – the Chimera Marble Wall Mural – Polychrome!

3. Retro Geometry

Geometric prints have timeless appeal. The retro versions from the ’70s and ’80s add a layer of complexity and charm. In this scenario, you can literally use any kind of retro wallpaper you like. These designs always feel structured, artistic, and full of depth. We suggest you use them in spaces that benefit from a little visual rhythm; maybe a home office, kitchen, or entryway. Pair with minimalist décor and let the pattern take centre stage. Or, if you want to, go full maximalist and lean into the era with vintage furniture.

Your best choice here would be our Looping Current Wall Mural – Olive Linen.

4. Pop Art

A Pop Art wallpaper is bold, clever, and daring. With bright primaries, cheeky graphics, comic-book styling, and repetition, this style doesn’t shy away from drama. It’s more than wallpaper. It’s a statement. 

We know that at first, this look may sound risky. But it works brilliantly in spaces designed for creativity. Here, think art studios, media rooms, or even a guest powder room. 

Our suggestion for this includes the spectacular Yvette Wallpaper by Furbish.

5. Memphis Movement

The Memphis design movement of the 1980s was all about clashing colors and bold geometric shapes. Today's Memphis-inspired wallpapers soften the chaos, Now, you can focus on one or two elements of the original style. Use this look to create a playful kitchen backsplash wall or a hallway nook. Combine it with minimal modern furniture (you don’t need to go full maximalist with this one). Just let the wallpaper do all the talking.

Here is the perfect way to make it happen – with our Bombay Wallpaper by The Blush Label.

6. Faux-Tile Patterns (Vintage Kitchen Vibes)

Faux-tile wallpaper is a clever throwback that mimics the charming, patterned tiles popular in mid-century kitchens and bathrooms. These patterns often feature retro colorways, bringing in warmth and nostalgia. This mid-century modern wallpaper is a perfect option for renters or anyone hesitant to commit to real tiles. It works especially well as a backsplash substitute or in a laundry room where you want a little design flair without the renovation budget.

Our eye-catching suggestion here is our Traveler Tile – Onyx Wallpaper by Natalie Papier.

7. Faux Wood Paneling

Wood panel wallpaper is a smarter, sleeker nod to the 1970s, when basement rec rooms and dens were clad in dark wood walls. Now, 70s wallpaper brings back that rustic charm, only with more sophistication. Opt for light-toned oak panels or deep walnut effects, depending on your aesthetic.

It instantly makes any room feel cozier, especially when combined with other textures like boucle, leather, or linen. Try it in a reading nook, media room, or a masculine office space to add visual warmth and retro flair.

8. Striking Retro Stripes

From candy-shop stripes to multicolored gradients, this classic motif spans every retro era. Vertical stripes add height, horizontal stripes widen the space, and colorful stripes simply inject fun. Incorporate them into a hallway for elongating impact, or use them behind a bed or sofa to create a focal point. Whether you go two-tone or rainbow, stripes are a retro pattern that adapts easily to modern interiors.

9. Groovy Botanicals

Botanical funky wallpaper designs offer a more stylised and graphic take on nature. Instead of hyper-realistic leaves, you’ll see simplified silhouettes in autumnal shades, like burnt sienna, olive, and terracotta. These wallpapers are ideal for creating calming yet characterful backdrops in living rooms or bedrooms. They blend beautifully with wood finishes and textured fabrics, making the space feel warm, earthy, and relaxed.

Just take a look at our Flourish – Olive Canary Wallpaper by Natalie Papier, and you will know.

10. Art Deco Glamor

Art Deco patterns enjoyed a revival in the late ’70s and early ’80s - and now they’re trending once again. With fan motifs, stepped arches, and metallic lines, these wallpapers are glamorous without being gaudy. Perfect for entryways, dining rooms, or formal living spaces, Art Deco wallpaper works beautifully when paired with moody hues and luxe textures like velvet, brass, and marble. It’s a nod to both history and high design.

Last but not least, check out our African Art Deco Shell Blue Grasscloth.

Retro wallpaper isn’t about turning your home into a museum - it’s about celebrating design legacies and injecting some fun and flavor into your space. These patterns are bold, nostalgic, and surprisingly versatile when styled with intention. There is always a retro wallpaper that fits your personality and lifestyle.

Which decade are you decorating with? Choose a wallpaper from our shop!