10 Retro Bedroom Decor You Should Let Go Of To Refresh Your Space

Retro bedroom decor is all about mixing nostalgia with style, but some trends don’t age as well as others. While vintage touches can add personality, certain outdated elements might be holding your space back more than helping it.

Knowing which retro decor to let go of can help you refresh your bedroom without losing that cool, nostalgic vibe you love. It’s about finding the balance between classic charm and a look that feels current and comfortable for you.

Wall-to-wall shag carpeting

Wall-to-wall shag carpeting was a huge hit in the ’70s, but it’s time to rethink it. While super soft, it can quickly feel outdated and hard to clean.

If you want a cozy vibe, consider smaller rugs instead. They add texture without overwhelming your space or trapping too much dust.

Replacing shag carpet with modern flooring options will make your room look fresher and easier to maintain. Your feet—and vacuum—will thank you.

Lava lamps

Lava lamps were a staple of retro bedrooms, but they’ve grown a bit tired as a decor choice. Their slow-moving blobs might have been cool once, but today they often feel dated and overdone.

If you want a nostalgic touch, there are better ways to add personality without relying on a lamp that’s been everywhere. Plus, newer lighting options offer mood without the cheesy vibe. It’s okay to let this one go and try something fresher.

Plastic bead curtains

Plastic bead curtains were a popular retro choice, but they can feel dated now. If you have them hanging in your bedroom, they might make the space look cluttered or cheap instead of cool.

These curtains tend to collect dust easily and can be a pain to clean. Plus, their bright colors and shiny finish might clash with more modern or minimalist styles you’re aiming for.

If you’re going for a fresh look, it’s worth swapping them out for something that feels lighter and less busy.

Overly busy floral bedspreads

When your bedspread is covered in tiny, clashing flowers, it can feel overwhelming. You want your bedroom to be relaxing, not a visual overload.

Sometimes, less is more. A simpler pattern or a muted floral can bring charm without drowning the space.

If you’re holding onto an old, busy floral bedspread, consider swapping it out. It might open up your room and make it feel fresher.

Neon-colored accent walls

You might think neon-colored accent walls bring a cool retro vibe, but they often overpower a room. Bright, glowing shades can make your space feel smaller and harder to relax in.

Instead of blasting your walls with neon, try smaller pops of color through decor or lighting. This keeps your room lively without going overboard. Neon walls can quickly feel dated, so it’s worth reconsidering how much you commit to them.

Clunky CRT televisions

You might love the vintage vibe, but those big, boxy CRT TVs can take up a lot of valuable space in your room. They’re heavy and harder to move around compared to modern flat screens.

Plus, their picture quality isn’t great by today’s standards. If you want that retro feel, there are slimmer options or even decor pieces inspired by old TV designs that won’t clutter your space.

Pretzel-shaped tube lighting

You might think pretzel-shaped tube lighting adds a quirky retro vibe, but it can quickly date your bedroom. This style often feels outdated and clashes with more modern or timeless decor.

If you want to keep a vintage feel, consider swapping these out for simpler, sleeker lighting options. Your space will feel fresher and less stuck in the past. Plus, it’s easier to mix with other styles without looking cluttered.

Plastic wicker furniture

Plastic wicker furniture might seem like a quick way to get that retro vibe. But it often feels cheap and outdated now.

If you want a wicker look, real materials like rattan or natural wicker are better choices. They bring warmth and texture that plastic just can’t match.

Keeping plastic wicker around can make your space feel less cozy and a bit off. It’s worth swapping it out for pieces that age gracefully and elevate your room’s style.

Early 2000s glow-in-the-dark stars

You might remember those glow-in-the-dark stars stuck all over your ceiling. Back in the early 2000s, they were everywhere, turning bedrooms into mini night skies.

While nostalgic, they can feel a bit dated now. The glow often fades quickly, and they don’t add much style anymore. It’s probably time to swap them out for more modern decor that still creates a cozy vibe without feeling stuck in the past.

Tacky mirrored furniture panels

You might think mirrored furniture instantly ups the style, but those bulky mirrored panels can quickly feel heavy and dated. They often reflect too much light, making your bedroom feel more like a disco than a relaxing space.

Instead of sleek, subtle mirrors, thick mirrored panels can dominate the room and clash with other decor. If you have these pieces, consider swapping them for smaller accents or framed mirrors with vintage charm. Your room will feel fresher and less forced.

More from Cultivated Comfort:

• 7 Vintage Home Items From the ’60s That Are Collectors’ Dream Finds
• 7 Vintage Home Goods That Became Collectors’ Gold
• 7 Fast-Food Chains That Changed for the Worse
• 7 Frozen Dinners That Were Better Back in the Day