The return of Retro: Vintage style this year

Vintage style and retro design are experiencing a real resurgence in interior decoration, especially in the hospitality industry. Restaurants are looking to differentiate themselves and create spaces with personality, resorting to the nostalgic aesthetics of bygone eras. In this article, we analyze the 2025 trends in vintage decoration and how to apply them in restaurants to achieve unique and attractive environments for customers.

Why does the retro style continue to triumph in the hospitality industry?

Retro style is synonymous with warmth, authenticity and a touch of nostalgia that connects emotionally with customers. In the restaurant industry, this type of decoration helps to generate an immersive experience, transporting diners to another era. In addition, the use of vintage furniture and classic decorative elements provides a sense of comfort and familiarity that is difficult to achieve with other more modern styles.

In 2025, interior design trends point to a reinterpretation of the past with a contemporary approach. This means that restaurants that opt for vintage design will not only faithfully recreate the style of the 50s, 60s or 70s, but will also incorporate modern touches that bring freshness and functionality.

Top vintage trends for restaurants in 2025

1. Warm colours and earth tones

Colour is one of the keys to retro style. In 2025, colour palettes in vintage décor will be dominated by warm tones such as terracotta, mustard, olive green and burgundy. These colours evoke the aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to spaces.

For restaurants, these tones can be applied to walls, upholstery and decorative details, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites customers to relax and enjoy their stay.

At MisterWils we can find pieces in earthy tones such as the Olema or Redding upholstered chairs, or the Palace wooden chair. These chairs are comfortable, easy to clean and provide a differential touch to the space.

2. Vintage furniture with a modern touch

Vintage furniture will continue to be the protagonist in the 2025 trends. Wooden chairs with aged finishes, marble and wrought iron tables, leather sofas and velvet armchairs are essential pieces to achieve an authentic retro style.

However, the key will be to combine these furnishings with contemporary elements. For example, a restaurant can opt for a classic-style bar with modern lighting, or use rustic wood tables with contemporary chairs. This fusion of old and new brings balance and keeps the space from looking dated.

Chesterfield sofas like the Garbo never go out of style, and are ideal for vintage and industrial interiors. A table frame like the Kronos, paired with a Lorna top, will also work well with vintage and retro aesthetics.

3. Nostalgic lighting

Lighting is another crucial factor in vintage decoration. To achieve a retro ambiance in a restaurant, pendant lamps with filament bulbs, wall lamps with gold finishes and warm indirect lights will be a must.

In the 2025 trends, we will see a boom in industrial-style lamps with brass or copper finishes, as well as neon signs or personalized logos, ideal for creating photogenic corners in restaurants.

The MisterWils catalog stands out for its breadth and variety of furniture, where we can find vintage-industrial style luminaires such as the Otto or Sangara wall lights, the Irene, Michigan or Baron ceiling lamps, or the Eclipse floor lamp.

4. Natural materials and retro textures

The use of natural materials such as wood, wicker, marble and leather will be key in the vintage decoration of restaurants in 2025. These materials not only bring authenticity to the space, but also contribute to sustainability, a growing trend in the hospitality sector.

In terms of textures, geometric prints, wallpaper with floral or art deco motifs and hydraulic tiles will be recurring elements in restaurants that opt for the retro style.

In this aspect, furniture pieces such as the Misuri table, made of a spectacular recycled wood, which is perfect as a common table in restaurants; also the Community table, with its turned foot; or the seats upholstered in textile with geometric patterns such as Sacramento and Biloxi Glasgow.

5. Decorative details with history

Small details make all the difference in vintage décor. To create an authentic ambiance, restaurants can incorporate decorative elements such as ornately framed mirrors, vintage paintings, old advertising posters and porcelain tableware with classic designs.

In addition, 2025 trends call for the reuse of objects with history, such as salvaged doors, antique display cabinets and restored lamps. These elements add character and exclusivity to the space, making it a special place for customers.

6. Themed spaces and immersive experience

Themed restaurants are on the rise, and vintage style lends itself perfectly to this concept. In 2025, we will see more restaurants recreating specific eras, such as American diners in the 1950s, Parisian cafés in the 1920s or Italian trattorias with a nostalgic feel.

This trend is not only limited to the decoration, but also includes the musical ambience, the menu and the staff’s attire. The idea is to offer customers a complete experience that transports them to another era and makes them feel part of the history of the place.

7. Sustainability and upcycling in vintage décor

Sustainability is one of the most relevant 2025 trends in interior and restaurant design. The concept of upcycling, which consists of reusing and transforming old furniture and objects into unique pieces, fits perfectly with the retro style.

Restaurants can incorporate restored furniture, recycled lamps and second-hand textiles to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing vintage aesthetics. This practice is not only beneficial for the planet, but also adds value to the décor, as each piece has its own story.

How to apply retro style to different types of restaurants

Fast food restaurants with a vintage feel

American diners of the 1950s are still a source of inspiration for many fast food restaurants. Vinyl benches in bright colors, checkered floors and jukeboxes in the corners are iconic elements of this style.

In our catalog you can find upholstered benches such as Sailing, Odyssey or Melvis, ideal for restaurants with a vintage or retro look.

Bistros and cafés with nostalgic charm

Parisian-inspired cafés and bistros can take advantage of vintage style with wooden furniture, chandeliers and walls decorated with antique artwork. Terraces with wrought iron tables and wicker chairs also add a nostalgic appeal.

We have a wide variety of Bistro style seating and tables. Among our collection you can find rattan chairs like Lisbon or Matignon, wooden chairs like Kotan or Pompeya, or stools like Genova.

Fine dining restaurants with classic touches

Fine dining restaurants can incorporate vintage details in subtle ways, combining classic furniture with elegant lighting and traditionally patterned chinaware. Linen tablecloths and gold-plated flatware are perfect choices to add sophistication without losing the retro charm.

Retro style and vintage decoration will continue to set the trend.

Opting for furniture with history, warm colours, nostalgic lighting and natural materials will allow restaurants to create cozy spaces with their own personality.

In addition, the combination of classic elements with modern touches ensures that vintage design remains fresh and appealing to today’s audiences. If you are looking to give your restaurant a retro feel, this is the perfect opportunity to join this trend and offer your customers a unique and unforgettable experience.