Retro 50s Bedroom Ideas

10 Retro Bedroom Ideas Reworked For Modern Living

See how mid-century sophistication can be reclaimed in 21st-century bedrooms

Kerryn Ramsey

March 19, 2016

Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator, reporting for print and digital articles on architecture, design, travel and business.

'A little bit dreamy and a little bit decadent' was a popular concept when it came to designing mid-century bedrooms. Some of the key elements for a sleep space that works well with the style are gentle hues, refined furniture, rich timbers and daring wallpapers, all reconfigured for the 21st century.

1. Timber veneer
With the look of teak or walnut, timber veneers were inexpensive, light and easy to install back in the mid-20th century. A recent resurgence has seen the development of new ranges, which look so authentic they're hard to distinguish from solid wood. The veneer's flexibility allows it to be applied in creative ways, such as on a feature wall, ensuring the look is seamless, clean and very sophisticated.

2. Bold print bed cover
There's one thing that rarely changes in a bedroom – the bed unit is positioned in the centre of the room – so, why not treat it as an opportunity to display a work of art? The doona cover seen here sports the mid-century Marimekko 'Kaivo' textile design. This acts as a dramatic centrepiece – and the upholstered bed frame is a bonus!

3. All-white
In this sci-fi inspired bedroom, the only thing missing is the soundtrack of Strauss' 'Also sprach Zarathustra' from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Minimalism and glossiness create a sense of serenity in the beautifully composed space. To maximise this look, a white leather-upholstered platform bed is a must.

More white bedroom ideas

4. Wallpaper
Drawing inspiration from '50s florals, this stylised wallpaper adds a touch of whimsy to the bedroom. For a similar look, try a paper from the 'Dandelion Clocks' collection from Sanderson. The long-pile carpet and plush bedding complete the decadent look.

5. Sputnik chandelier
An infatuation with space travel began in the late 1950s when satellites started orbiting Earth, and it's never dissipated. New ranges of Sputnik chandeliers – all in different sizes and materials – capture the spirit of mid-century modern, but with a contemporary spin.

6. Dark moods
While the '50s embraced cheery, uplifting colour palettes after WWII, darker, sensual tones popped up in the late '60s and early '70s. Here, the chocolate-brown veneer and midnight-blue fabric could have appeared in a Swedish cabin – or on an Ingmar Bergman film set. Cool white elements provide a strong contrast.

Black in the bedroom

7. Repurposed cabinetry
In the olden days, a small wardrobe and a chest of drawers were all that was required to keep a bedroom neat and tidy. Though a modern obsession with built-in wardrobes has seen the demise of the chest of drawers, a vintage sideboard can still work beautifully in a bedroom.

While this type of furniture was more likely to appear in a living or dining area, its large dimensions quite clearly appealed to the owners of the charming boho bedroom pictured here. As a bonus, the central shelving has enough space to place a turntable – bring on those Burt Bacharach and Ella Fitzgerald LPs!

8. Built-in shelving
Remember the mid-century bed units in timber veneer that had bedside tables seamlessly attached? This newly designed unit has a similar approach, adding built-in nooks to store objects, books and even tech devices. Instead of choosing veneer for the backing wall, the white surround gives the room a light, crisp feel. The unit also doubles as a privacy screen, with the ensuite positioned behind the bed.

9. Wall lamp
Over two metres long, Jean Prouve's 'Potence' pivoting lamp for Vitra looks very contemporary. It definitely has a 21st-century feel, but surprisingly it was actually released in 1950. The dramatic lamp even has a dimmer effect to suit the mood in the bedroom. When choosing items that won't date, select vintage pieces that have design integrity and a timeless appeal.

Find the perfect bedside lamp