There isn’t a place in my home that I enjoy being in more than my bedroom. Like most people, it’s always been my sanctuary.
While the typical setup and overall use of bedrooms haven’t changed much over the centuries, the styles and designs are a different story.
We’ve compiled a collection of bedroom decor photos over the years that will take you down memory lane and fuel endless nostalgia.
From canopy beds to shag carpets, these retro bedroom photos might spark inspiration—or make you cringe. You may even feel tempted to trade modern minimalism for bold ’70s maximalism with colorful prints and stripes, or ditch the rug altogether for natural hardwood floors.
Regardless of where you land, these retro photos capture interior design trends in the place where we spend a third of our lives.
1800s
A late-19th-century bedroom features a notably short bed, simple chairs, and an ornate light fixture overhead. There are many speculations about why beds were much shorter back then. It’s widely believed that they were built because people were naturally shorter, slept in semi-sleeping positions, space limitations, or limited materials. One account suggests it’s all an illusion—beds only appear shorter due to tall posts, canopies, and other design features, but are similar in length to modern beds.
A canopy covers the bed outfitted in bold geometric shapes in this tidy New York bedroom, circa 1895. Canopy beds started as a functional solution to trap heat, but evolved into a decorative statement that defined 19th-century interiors.
1910s
This 1910 bedroom in Baltimore’s Roland Park neighborhood features a large bed, patterned wallpaper, and a sealed mantel topped with decorative objects and a painting. The image comes from a series documenting the construction and sale of homes in the suburb, one of the first planned communities in the United States.
1920s
Twin beds and ample drapery give this room a romantic yet elegant aesthetic. Originally adopted in the late 19th century to curb the spread of germs, twin beds became a stylish, modern staple by the 1920s, particularly among the middle class.
1930s
Ahead of its time, this futuristic British bedroom design uses bright metallic colors to create a modern look that feels decades ahead.
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1940s
A periwinkle blue seashell headboard, narrow bed and a dazzling chandelier give this 1942 London bedroom a glamorous appeal. Chandeliers in bedrooms were popular due to a shift towards using electric lighting for comfort, adding a touch of postwar optimism, and providing a touch of glamour to homes.
1950s
A fuzzy white comforter and deep red carpet give this bedroom an alluring, sultry vibe.
1960s
A hand-crocheted bedspread and a 17th-century birds-eye maple desk from an old sailing vessel give the room a sense of warmth and stability.
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A king-size bed with a bold floral comforter and matching blue drapes serves as the focal point of this spacious bedroom.
1970s
The bright yellow and green floral comforter is complemented by the matching drapes in this 1970s bedroom. The lemon and lime palette creates a refreshing twist on an otherwise muted room.
1980s
This bedroom gives off grown-up Strawberry Shortcake vibes. A pink and red bedspread with matching curtains creates the kind of coordinated look that was all the rage in the mid-1980s. During this decade, rooms were designed with color-coordinated accessories and matching upholstery to create a uniform look.
1990s
Bold florals and remnants of the 1980s’ maximalism trickled down to the early 1990s and this bedroom is a prime example. Shabby chic interiors were a popular design choice for many during this era.
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
