This holiday season, embrace the charm of the past with a touch of modern elegance by bringing the Retro Luxe look into your home. Imagine the warm, glamorous atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, combined with luxurious materials, rich colours, and a dash of sparkle. This unique trend blends nostalgia with sophistication, transforming your home into a festive haven that’s as stylish as it is welcoming.

Whether you’re a fan of mid-century aesthetics or simply want to add a sense of opulence to your holiday decor, our Retro Luxe Christmas trend has something for everyone. Here are some top tips to help you achieve this timeless yet luxurious look in your own home.

1. Rich Colour Palette with Glamorous Accents

To set the foundation for your Retro Luxe holiday decor, start with a rich and moody colour palette. Think deep emerald greens, midnight blues, burgundy, and vintage gold. These colours instantly evoke a sense of luxury and elegance, perfect for creating a festive atmosphere that feels both warm and refined.

• Add Glamorous Metallics: Metallic accents in gold, brass, and bronze are essential for the Retro Luxe look. Incorporate them in candleholders, picture frames, or decorative vases for a touch of glamour. Consider mixing different metallic tones to create an eclectic yet cohesive look.

• Play with Jewel Tones: Jewel tones like amethyst purple, sapphire blue, and ruby red bring out the essence of vintage elegance. Add these colours through cushions, throws, and other small decor pieces to enhance the richness of your space.

2. Choose Velvet and Faux Fur for Luxe Textures

Nothing says “luxury” quite like velvet and faux fur. These textures were huge in mid-century interiors and add a sense of softness and warmth to any space. They also create a sophisticated backdrop for your holiday decor.

• Velvet Accents: Consider swapping out your regular sofa cushions for velvet ones in deep jewel tones. A velvet throw blanket over the arm of your couch or an upholstered velvet armchair can bring instant vintage elegance to your space.

• Faux Fur Throws and Rugs: Faux fur is another way to add a touch of retro glam. A plush faux fur throw draped over a sofa or chair adds warmth and a hint of opulence. You can also add a small faux fur rug near your fireplace or under your coffee table to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

3. Statement Lighting for That Retro Glow

In the world of Retro Luxe, lighting is everything. Mid-century modern lighting was all about statement pieces that combined form and function. Think brass floor lamps, globe chandeliers, and table lamps with sleek, metallic bases. The right lighting can make a massive difference in setting a nostalgic yet luxurious mood.

• Opt for Statement Chandeliers: An eye-catching chandelier can be a focal point in any room. Look for fixtures with brass or gold finishes and geometric shapes. The soft glow of warm lighting will add an elegant ambiance and highlight the rest of your decor.

• Add Small Table Lamps and Candles: Retro Luxe is all about creating a warm and welcoming glow, so don’t be afraid to use lots of small lights. Table lamps with vintage-inspired designs, candle holders in metallic finishes, and LED fairy lights in glass jars all add to the atmosphere and create a sense of cosiness and warmth.

4. Retro-Inspired Ornaments and Holiday Decor

One of the best parts of Christmas decorating is choosing ornaments and decor that reflect the season’s joy. For a Retro Luxe Christmas, go for decorations that feel vintage but luxurious. Vintage glass ornaments, mercury glass baubles, and metallic accents will give your tree and holiday decor a timeless elegance.

• Glass Ornaments in Classic Shapes: Look for glass ornaments in rich colours like red, gold, and green. Opt for classic shapes such as spheres, teardrops, and icicles. These traditional designs, when paired with metallic finishes, bring a nostalgic yet glamorous feel to your Christmas tree.

• Glamorous Garlands and Wreaths: Use garlands with metallic leaves, beads, and glass baubles. Drape them along your mantel, staircase, or even your dining table for a festive touch. Wreaths with metallic accents, velvet bows, and seasonal foliage add a luxe feel to your entryway.

• A Pop of Sparkle with Tinsel: A small touch of tinsel can go a long way in creating that vintage holiday look. Use it sparingly on the tree or around the room to add a hint of sparkle. Silver and gold tinsel can evoke memories of Christmases past while adding a festive, glamorous feel.

5. Create a Luxe Tablescape for Holiday Gatherings

A Retro Luxe Christmas isn’t complete without a beautifully set dining table that invites your family and friends to enjoy a festive meal together. Create a tablescape that combines vintage-inspired elements with luxurious touches for an elegant and memorable holiday dining experience.

• Vintage Tableware with Modern Glam: Look for vintage-inspired plates and glassware, like gold-rimmed glasses or china with metallic details. Pair them with modern flatware in gold or brass to create a sophisticated look. If you have access to vintage crystal or cut-glass pieces, bring those out for added elegance.

• Velvet Table Runners and Napkins: Swap out your regular table linens for velvet table runners or napkins in rich, seasonal hues. Deep green or burgundy velvet creates a luxurious backdrop for your table decor, making the meal feel even more special.

• Festive Centerpiece with Candles and Greenery: Make a stunning centerpiece using a combination of fresh greenery, metallic candle holders, and vintage ornaments. The soft glow from the candles combined with the natural greenery and a touch of sparkle will create a timeless and luxurious effect.

6. Incorporate Retro-Inspired Furniture and Accessories

If you want to fully embrace the Retro Luxe style, consider incorporating a few mid-century inspired furniture pieces or accessories into your decor. Items that combine sleek lines with rich materials, like wood and metal, are perfect for achieving this look.

• A Vintage Bar Cart: A stylish bar cart with brass details and mirrored surfaces can be a fabulous addition to your space. Decorate it with cocktail glasses, a vintage shaker, and a few small holiday accents like garland or baubles. A bar cart adds a fun, festive element and makes serving drinks a breeze.

• Geometric Mirrors: Mid-century design was known for its geometric shapes, and mirrors are a simple way to incorporate that aesthetic. Try a large sunburst mirror above your fireplace or a collection of smaller, circular mirrors on the wall to add visual interest and bounce light around the room.

• Metallic Side Tables or Consoles: Incorporate side tables or a console table in gold, brass, or mirrored finishes. Not only do they add function, but they also enhance the retro glam look, creating a cohesive style throughout your home.

7. Finish with Thoughtful Details and Personal Touches

Finally, make your Retro Luxe decor feel personal by adding a few thoughtful touches that celebrate your unique style and family traditions.

• Framed Vintage Holiday Cards or Photos: Showcase a few vintage holiday cards or family photos from Christmases past. You could place them on your mantel, side table, or even hang them in small frames as part of your wall decor. These personal touches add warmth and nostalgia to the overall look.

• Vintage Record Player or Festive Playlist: Nothing sets the mood quite like music. If you have a record player, dust it off and play a few classic holiday records to complete the retro vibe. If not, create a festive playlist featuring vintage Christmas songs to add a musical touch to your celebrations.

• Scented Candles with Warm, Spicy Scents: A cosy aroma can make a big difference in setting the mood. Scented candles in warm, spicy fragrances like cinnamon, clove, or pine help create an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for the holidays.

Final Thoughts

A Retro Luxe Christmas is all about embracing the glamour and nostalgia of the past while adding a touch of modern elegance. By combining rich colours, luxe textures, and vintage-inspired decor, you can create a holiday look that feels both stylish and timeless. This season, let your home become a festive retreat that’s perfect for cosy gatherings, sparkling decor, and memorable celebrations.

So go ahead, embrace the Retro Luxe look and turn your home into a festive haven that’s filled with elegance, warmth, and a little bit of sparkle. Happy decorating!! 

To see how Larry O'Keeffe Furniture can help give you that Retro Lux look then why not head to our website and browse our collection with up to 20% off or if you want to see us in person then come along to our showrooms in Clonmel, Tipperary or Mitchelstown.