Minimalism had its moment — and honestly, I still love a clean space and a well-placed IKEA gem (especially the lesser-known ones). But lately? I’m falling hard for furniture with character. Retro curves, brass details, bold colors, inherited lamps, wild patterns… the kind of things that make people walk into your home and say: “Whoa. Where did you get that?”
There’s something magical about having a piece in your home that tells a story. Maybe it’s thrifted. Maybe it’s a hand-me-down from your grandma. Maybe it’s an oddball Marketplace find that you had to wrestle into your backseat. These aren’t just objects — they’re conversation starters, mood setters, and little windows into your personality.
Why retro just hits different
Retro furniture brings a sense of play. It’s confident. It’s not trying to blend in — and that’s kind of the point. It reminds us that our homes can be joyful, expressive, and a little bit weird (in the best way). And when you mix it with modern pieces, the whole space just sings.
Think: a glossy red sideboard like this Lennon piece, or a vintage-inspired clock like this quartz-and-nickel stunner. Even something small, like a handpainted bowl or ceramic vase, adds so much warmth and soul to a room.
My favorite pieces with personality
Here are a few retro-leaning gems I’ve been loving on Spoken lately:
- This very Mad Men desk lamp — sleek, moody, and adjustable.
- This high-back egg lounge chair — dramatic in the best way.
- This cigar leather accent chair — cozy, bold, and just the right amount of rugged.
- This handcrafted amber vase — because glassware deserves a personality too.
But I’m not just here to link you to pretty things. I’m here to say: you don’t have to buy brand-new to make your space feel amazing.
Remember: cool doesn’t have to mean expensive
Some of my favorite pieces were found on Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, or that random vintage store I walked into on vacation. Keep your eyes open, get creative, and don’t be afraid to mix eras. A sleek white LED lamp next to a brass chandelier? Love that. A corduroy chair across from a lacquered wingback? Big fan.
A few more Spoken favorites that give off major retro or one-of-a-kind vibes:
- This drum-style chandelier
- This corduroy and chrome chair
- This luxe black leather wingback
- This drifted oak spindle chair — a true classic.
Your home deserves personality. That doesn't mean it needs to be loud — but it should feel like you. Whether it’s one incredible piece or a whole corner full of retro treasures, don’t be afraid to embrace the wow.
Go find something that makes you smile every time you walk by it. 💫
Irina Calin
Software Engineer at Spoken
Irina is a developer at Spoken. She is passionate about design, loves curating & collecting photography of all sorts and is a big fan of colorful decor. She says it matches her personality. Her favourite furniture piece is the Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini.
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