10 Luxurious Design Ideas to Achieve the Retro Glamour Look

Glamour never goes out of style—while minimalist and industrial trends have dominated recent years, we’re predicting a resurgence of the retro glamour aesthetic. This design style is opulent, richly layered, and exudes sophistication and charm. Use our roundup of expert-approved tips to integrate the luxurious, Hollywood look into your own space.

What Is the Retro Glamour Aesthetic?

To help further understand the retro glamour style, Anthony Barzilay-Freund, the editorial and fine art director at 1stDibs, shares his thoughts. “This aesthetic draws inspiration from the most captivating design eras of the 20th century, incorporating the elegance of Art Deco, the flamboyance of Hollywood Regency, the sleek modernity of Art Moderne, and the glitzy opulence of the 1970s,” says Barzilay-Freund. “The world outside can feel tough and scary. We want our homes to be sanctuaries where we feel cosseted and indulged. Retro-glam interiors return us to a seemingly simpler time that placed a high value on rich materials, elegant forms, and healthy doses of decorative drama.”.

So, what’s catapulting this glamorous aesthetic into the limelight? In an age of mass production and digital overload, there’s a growing desire for authenticity, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. People look to the past for inspiration, curating interiors that tell a story while feeling indulgent and luxurious. Nicola Fontanella, founder of Argent Design, notes, “People today are more open-minded than in previous eras, with a growing curiosity about history and a desire for uniqueness—after all, who wants everything to look the same? Authenticity has become more important than ever.”

10 Applicable Ways to Get the Look at Home

The retro glamour aesthetic lends an opportunity to lean into the romantic nostalgia of bygone eras while celebrating the path to modernity, making homes feel both timeless, personal, and undeniably unique. It’s all about striking the right balance between eras, materials, and statement details. Follow the following design tips to achieve a retro glamour look that perfectly suits your taste.

1. Embrace Historical Differences

The beauty of retro glamour lies in its ability to blend influences from different periods. “It’s so much more glamorous to have a home with character. Mixing period pieces together gives interiors depth,” says Fontanella. “There’s a story, a narrative, and the DNA of the building and the room. You need to get the narrative right, find the correct balance, and mix different eras cohesively so they work harmoniously together, creating historical significance and showcasing cultural heritage.”

Start by celebrating the heritage of your property by incorporating period details of the building, like intricate Georgian cornices, then spin the narrative with an eclectic mix of decor, such as Victorian glassware or bold Art Deco accents. The contrast between ornate architectural details and streamlined 20th-century furnishings adds depth and intrigue to a space.

2. Introduce Gold, Silver, & Bronze Accents

Metallic accents are essential to the retro glamour aesthetic. Gilded bronze, polished silver, and warm brass infuse the space with richness and a captivating luster. Consider metal-clad cocktail tables, vintage bar carts, or sculptural metallic decor to enhance the luxurious atmosphere.

3. Add Pops of Bold Color

Glamorous interiors thrive on bold color choices. Rich jewel tones, like emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep burgundy, can be incorporated through upholstery, drapery, or statement art pieces. These hues create an atmosphere of confidence and luxury, making the space feel both inviting and dramatic.

4. Pair Antique and Modern Pieces

The magic happens when antique furniture meets contemporary design. A sleek modern sofa paired with a Baroque-style gilded mirror or a minimalist coffee table next to a 1970s velvet armchair creates a dynamic interaction between past and present. The retro glamour aesthetic is eclectic, and it’s the contrast in styles that prevents the space from feeling overly themed, keeping it fresh and engaging.

5. Elevate with Antique Accessories & Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the right tone. Crystal chandeliers, Murano suspension lamps, candelabras, and sculptural sconces can instantly add a sense of grandeur to a space. Vintage accessories (think ornate picture frames, decorative trays, and intricate vases) bring a level of refinement to the space. “These elements elevate the scheme, creating a curated look, where every detail is thoughtfully considered,” says Fontanella.

6. Indulge in Chic Finishes

Retro glamour is all about exquisite finishes. Lacquered furniture, high-gloss French polish, luxurious shagreen, polished marble, translucent onyx, and rich ebony with intricate inlays add texture and richness and celebrate the craft of the past. These chic finishes create a polished, high-end aesthetic that looks and feels unmistakably indulgent and opulent.

7. Incorporate Reflective and Clear Surfaces

Mirrored tables and wall panels, Lucite furniture, smoked glass, and crystal accents add an air of mystique and depth. These reflective elements amplify light, making a space feel more open and luminous while reinforcing the exuberant nature of the style.

8. Experiment with Exotic Patterns and Motifs

Bold, statement-making patterns—such as chinoiserie wallpaper, wild animal prints, and geometric Art Deco designs—bring an element of drama and flair. Pair exotic motifs with solid colors and rich textures to prevent them from overwhelming the space while still making a statement. 

9. Prioritize Collectability & Uniqueness

Retro glamour interiors are anything but cookie-cutter. Seek out vintage treasures, statement furniture, and unique decor pieces that tell a story. “A home filled with one-of-a-kind pieces feels more authentic and personal than one where everything matches,” says Fontanella. Glamorous antiques never fall out of favor as they ignite an unmatched sense of curiosity and wonder.

“We see that at 1stDibs, where Art Deco furniture, objects, and lighting remain among the most popular searches year in and year out, as does Murano glass and other Italian pieces from the 1970s, which with their mirrored and smoky surfaces and metallic details exude a luxe sensuality,” says Barzilay-Freund. Whether it’s a hand-carved mirror, a one-of-a-kind Murano glass lamp, or a sculptural midcentury chair, the key is to curate rather than decorate. Every piece should feel intentional and tell a story through its shape and material.

10. Integrate Sumptuous Upholstery

Nothing says glamour like plush, indulgent fabrics. “The best designs were created hundreds of years ago—our job is to amplify those period details and bring them into the 21st century,” says Fontanella. Mohair sofas, silk drapes, velvet lounge chairs, and fur throws add a tactile sense of luxury. These materials invite comfort while reinforcing the lavish, high-end feel of retro glamour interiors.