When it comes to large numbers of gorgeous retro design photos, Tumblr is where it’s at! When I started this blog 8 years ago, there were very few ’80s design images online. I would’ve given anything for the treasure trove of beautiful scans and screen shots we have at our fingertips today! That’s why this post is dedicated to highlighting 10 of my favorite Tumblrs for retro design inspiration.
Note: it’s Tumblr, folks. Some of the Tumblrs mentioned below may have images that are NSFW (not safe for work) if you click through. Just sayin’. Last but not least, let’s keep this conversation going! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your Tumblr picks so we can build on this list. There are many I haven’t mentioned, and I’d love to hear about your faves. [photo above from tumblr JPEGFANTASY]
Zonkout
The best in PoMo photos can be found here. Get ready for some serious colorful geometry, thanks to a collection of carefully curated images, many of them scans from unbelievably amazing ’80s design books!
Manila Automat
While this tumblr features everything from art to furnishings, some of the most stunning images involve commercial spaces (including office spaces) from 1980-2000. A feast for the eyes.
Popular Sizes
Artwork, design photos, cover art, and fashion are a few of the juicy tidbits you’ll find on this tumblr that takes a creative approach to cataloging the best of the recent retro.
Chrome and Lightning
’80s tech at its best. Among the retro greatness you’ll find original scans of movie posters, ads, retro artwork and more, all of which shine the spotlight on the sleek visuals and graphic design of the ’80s and ’90s.
80s Deco
Curated by Meg Gustafson, 80s Deco highlights many timeless elements of the 1980s, from the vibrant geometry of the past to the way many retro features reappear in today’s design (including in Gustafson’s own amazing dwelling)!
JPEGFANTASY
This tumblr has so many beautiful scans of ’80s and ’90s design book images, it’s hard not to appreciate the level of work that goes into curating and expanding it. JPEGFANTASY will introduce you to retro design styles you didn’t know existed.
Art Not Found in The Restaurant
Retro art with a sci-fi vibe is what originally drew me to this tumblr, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A distinct and cohesive visual style is one of many reasons to regularly visit Art Not Found in The Restaurant/Behind the Walk-in.
Astralzoo
Love, love, LOVE the way this amazing tumblr takes key elements of the ’80s aesthetic and combines them with interesting finds and truly unique modern art creations. That’s because artist Ryan Lauderdale knows how to seamlessly tie everything together…
Palm & Laser
The gold standard of ’80s design Tumblrs. Always abundant with original scans that combine art, graphic design, interior design and much more, this is one of the longest-running and most popular sources of retro design inspiration. Thank you, Palm & Laser!
80s Movies Interiors
Because as much as we’d all like to spend our days capturing screen shots from our favorite ’80s movies, luckily we don’t have to. 80s Movies Interiors is on the case, and although they make it look easy, don’t forget what a labor of love it is to capture the best design moments from your favorite retro films.
Now what did I miss? Share your favorite retro Tumblr destinations in the comments section below!
Awesome advice as always, Kate! I now have my desktop set on “change every minute”!
Great picks! I also recommend mypastelparadise and 80sretroelectro