The 4 Throwback Living Room Trends That’ll Be Everywhere in 2026

Over the past few years, there has been a huge resurgence of different eras in home decor, and people seem eager to incorporate more heirlooms, antiques, and vintage aesthetics into their space than ever before.

We love when a new trend pops up in home decor and design that we haven’t seen before, but it’s just as exciting when a vintage trend makes a comeback in a major way. That’s why we recently connected with two designers to get their thoughts on which vintage looks we’re likely to see return in 2026.

Collected Over Curated

Sleek, streamlined rooms with coordinating decor and simple color palettes can look beautiful in photographs, but interior designer Steven Graffam says in 2026, we’re going to see living rooms that are more collected than curated.

“More homeowners are embracing a layered, eclectic approach,” he says. “Mix heirloom or thrifted pieces with modern furniture, layer textures, materials, and eras, and fill spaces with objects that feel personal and lived‑in.”

The end result should be a warm and welcoming home filled with stories, rather than a perfectly designed showroom. 

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Dusky Blues, Deep Teals, and Charcoal Hues

If you’re looking for a retro-inspired paint palette that will work beautifully in living rooms next year, interior designer and futurist John Stivale says he’s predicting a rise in dusky blues, deep teals, and charcoal blues and grays.

“For those who like retro depth without overt boldness, these shades feel moody and dramatic, yet timeless,” says Stivale.

Reworked Versions of Old Silhouettes 

In terms of living room furniture, Graffam suspects 2026 will see a lot of reworkings of traditional silhouettes.

“For example, a modernized take on the classic deep‑buttoned, rolled‑arm Chesterfield sofa might be more compact, with updated materials and cleaner lines, while preserving the heritage feel,” he says.

As Graffam points out, these modern twists will celebrate craftsmanship and artisans while re-imagining timeless designs so they work in today’s homes.

Playful Layouts

As people lean into their nostalgia, Stivale predicts we’ll become less attached to perfectly symmetrical living room layouts in the year ahead. In fact, he has a sneaking suspicion 2026 will be all about cozy corners, conversation nooks, and reading zones.

“People increasingly value home as their comfort sanctuary,” he says. “It’s less about symmetry and more about experience: how you live in, lounge in, and move through the space.”

Graffam agrees, noting a more retro approach to your living room layout should ultimately lead to more warmth and personality.

“Basically, homes will feel like a hug instead of a sterile museum,” he says.