The Retro Outdoor Decor That Is Making A Major Comeback This Spring

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When the weather gets warmer and days get longer, it's hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia for retro styles. Springtime has a way of bringing out those vibrant colors and patterns that remind us of the fun and funky decades past. Whether you're a fan of vintage decor or just want to enjoy the outdoors with a playful, retro vibe, there's plenty of ways to embrace the good old days. We're not just talking about drive-in movies and vintage roller skates (although, that does sound like the start of a fun summer bucket list). Instead, we're focusing on the old-school decor trend you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home, as retro patio umbrellas are making a huge comeback this spring.

It's no surprise that the patio umbrella market is a billion dollar industry — they're a must-have item for every outdoor space, from exclusive pool clubs and restaurants to your own backyard. But if you're looking to bring a little more liveliness to your patio, there are plenty of retro styles to experiment with this year. With the right decor and the perfect patio umbrella, you can transform your outdoor space into a picturesque scene straight out of your favorite retro magazine.

Many associate retro-chic patio umbrellas with the iconic photographer Slim Aarons, whose famous archives from the '60s and '70s often featured high-society gatherings and poolside parties at exclusive resorts everywhere from Palm Springs to Acapulco. In his collection, as well as other vintage photography files, outdoor umbrellas often served as stylish, colorful focal points. Now, retro design trends are making a comeback, and these photo-worthy umbrellas are on the rise with plenty of looks for every patio.

For more colorful outdoor spaces, designs with thick stripes or candy stripes are the perfect way to honor retro style. These striped patterns often pair bright white with a primary colors like blue, yellow, or red, but many modern variations feature neutral hues to complement more minimalist styles. If stripes feel too circusy for your taste, solid colored styles with contrasting white edge details can be a better alternative. The Business & Pleasure Co. Holiday Umbrella on Amazon comes in a variety of different prints to get the perfect look for your patio.

Aside from color choice, retro umbrellas come in many shapes and silhouettes. There's more structured umbrellas like the Double Decker collection from Santa Barbara Designs, which are reminiscent of Slim Aaron's '70s poolside party photos. For a curvier look, Pagoda-style or parasol patio umbrellas provide stunning, soft curves and ample shade. If you want to ramp up the retro feel, look for styles with vintage details like contrast welting, as well as scalloped, fringe or pom-pom trim.

While retro umbrellas are a great way to add style to your patio, the right decor really allows them to shine. To pick the right patio umbrella size and shade, consider your outdoor space — round designs often complement small spaces, while square silhouettes offer a modern look for larger areas. It's also important to keep your color palette consistent by choosing patio furniture that complements the hues in your umbrella. If you have a bold color like blue on your patio umbrella, pairing with white decor creates a serene Mediterranean vibe. With striped designs, you can choose to highlight the neutral side in your patio furniture, or amp up the vibrance with coordinated, colorful pieces.

Even if you love the vintage-style umbrellas, you may prefer to keep your patio decor on the modern side. In this case, furniture and decor with clean lines can keep the design feeling sleek and current. On the other hand, to make your patio to feel like a retro beach paradise, striped patterns and tropical plants create the perfect getaway. If your style veers toward minimalism, neutral colored umbrellas with vintage details can add a trendy flair that won't disrupt your current design. Overall, patio umbrellas give you a great focal point, so when picking your style, you can either use your umbrella as a guide for the rest of your decor, or opt for a design that can easily align with your current patio styles.