Funky Retro Creative Ways to Decorate Tables

Decorate your tables with a funky vibe for a retro-themed party, or to complement or inspire retro decor for the entire room. If you find yourself a fan of decades past, decorating your table may be a way to compromise with others in your home who aren't so fond of the bright, funky style. Choose items that fit in with your room and add some flair, but don't go overboard so certain aspects of your decor get overlooked. Does this Spark an idea?

Kitchen Tables

Select a retro-style table if you want to embrace the funky decor full-time. Tables with Formica tops and rounded corners with chrome around the edges, would fit in nicely. Choose chairs with red or black vinyl seats and chrome frames and legs. If you are decorating for a party, however, a simple tablecloth will do. Pick a bright floral pattern, black and white checkerboard pattern, or red and white picnic style.

Flower-shaped dishes in bright neon colors or shiny mirror-inspired dishes would look nice on the table. Plain white dishes can be used as well, but add a bright tissue paper flower or other colorful decorative item on top of the plates. Pair your dishes with cutlery that has thick white or red handles. Find some old diner-styled mustard and ketchup bottles. Use old sundae dishes or glass soda bottles as a centerpiece filled with wildflowers, sunflowers or daisies.

Coffee Tables

Use your coffee table to display a stack of vintage magazines. Avoid stacking them in a neat pile or fanned out like a doctor's office, but stack them like a teenager would, with the most colorful or interesting one on top. The same method can be applied using vintage vinyl records, full size 78s or 45s. Set a replica turntable or mini jukebox in the center of the table.

Another idea is to use large bowls, jars or vases and fill them with the most colorful retro candy as you can. Individually wrapped bubblegum, licorice, Sugar Daddies, Tootsie Rolls, taffy, Abba Zaba, Boston Baked Beans, Chiclets, Jujubes, candy necklaces, pop rocks or whatever colorful sweet treat you fancy.

Accent or End Tables

Treat your end tables as the ultimate place to creatively incorporate retro pieces, such as lava lamps or mini-disco strobe balls. Accent tables and end tables offer the prime spot to bring in smaller details as they offer a smaller space making it so that only one or two smaller elements can be introduced and nothing will be overshadowed. Keep your coffee table clear and use the end tables to display vinyl records or vintage looking record players (even if they really play CDs). Show off a vintage phone or lamp. Fill a small bowl with vintage toys or games such as Rubiks Cubes.