The 11 Retro Finds Mississippi Experts Say Are Hot Again And 9 Timeless Favorites

Mississippi’s design scene is buzzing with excitement as retro pieces make a spectacular comeback alongside beloved classics that never went out of style.

Local interior designers, antique dealers, and home decor experts across the Magnolia State are noticing these vintage revivals in homes from Biloxi to Oxford.

Whether you’re redecorating or just curious about what’s trending in Southern interiors, these 20 items showcase the perfect blend of nostalgia and timeless appeal.

1. Rattan Furniture

Woven rattan pieces have swung back into Mississippi homes with incredible momentum. Once relegated to sunrooms and porches, these lightweight natural beauties now grace living rooms, bedrooms, and even dining areas throughout the state.

Mississippi designers love how rattan brings texture and a breezy coastal vibe to interiors without overwhelming other elements. The material’s natural honey tones warm up neutral spaces while providing visual interest.

For modern Mississippi homes, rattan headboards, accent chairs, and statement light fixtures offer that perfect touch of relaxed sophistication. Many homeowners are mixing vintage rattan finds from local antique shops with new pieces for an eclectic, collected-over-time feel that’s quintessentially Southern.

2. Mid-Century Coffee Tables

Clean lines and organic shapes define these iconic tables that Mississippi decorators can’t get enough of lately. The mid-century modern revival has hit the Magnolia State in full force, with these functional art pieces serving as the perfect centerpiece in contemporary living spaces.

Local antique dealers report scouring estate sales across Jackson and Hattiesburg to meet growing demand. The beauty of these tables lies in their versatility whether paired with traditional Southern furnishings or contemporary pieces, they somehow manage to look perfectly at home.

Many Mississippi homeowners appreciate how these tables combine form and function with their practical storage solutions and distinctive silhouettes. Walnut, teak, and rosewood varieties with tapered legs and geometric shapes are particularly coveted for their authentic mid-century appeal.

3. Velvet Upholstery

Sumptuous velvet has made a triumphant return to Mississippi interiors, bringing luxurious texture and rich color to homes across the state. This plush fabric feels perfectly suited to Southern sensibilities, offering both comfort and a touch of glamour.

Mississippi designers particularly love jewel-toned velvet sofas and chairs that create instant focal points in living spaces. The fabric’s natural sheen catches light beautifully, especially in rooms with the state’s abundant natural sunlight.

Despite the hot and humid Mississippi climate, modern performance velvets have made this trend surprisingly practical. Homeowners are embracing velvet in unexpected places from dining chairs to headboards to ottoman covers. The tactile quality adds depth to neutral spaces while bold colors like emerald green and sapphire blue nod to the state’s lush natural landscape.

4. Brass Lighting Fixtures

Warm metallic glow has returned to Mississippi ceilings and walls as brass fixtures reclaim their spotlight in home design. After decades of chrome and brushed nickel dominance, this golden-hued metal brings warmth and character that feels right at home in Southern interiors.

Antique shops in Oxford and Natchez can barely keep vintage brass sconces, chandeliers, and table lamps in stock. Mississippi designers note that unlacquered brass, which develops a living patina over time, is especially sought after for its authentic aged appearance.

Many homeowners are mixing brass with other metals rather than matching everything a contemporary approach that feels collected rather than calculated. Whether it’s a statement chandelier in a foyer or a simple brass reading lamp, these fixtures add instant character to Mississippi homes while casting a flattering golden light that enhances the state’s famous hospitality.

5. Terrazzo Floors

Speckled, colorful terrazzo has bounced back into Mississippi homes with contemporary flair. This composite material, made from chips of marble, quartz, granite, and glass set in concrete, was once common in mid-century public buildings throughout the state.

Today’s Mississippi homeowners are embracing terrazzo in more personal spaces from statement bathroom floors to kitchen countertops. Local designers appreciate how terrazzo connects to Southern architectural history while feeling thoroughly modern.

The durability of terrazzo makes perfect sense in Mississippi’s family-friendly homes, standing up to kids, pets, and entertaining. While authentic terrazzo installation requires specialized skills, many homeowners are exploring terrazzo-inspired tiles and laminates to achieve the look. The material’s speckled pattern beautifully incorporates multiple colors, making it easy to coordinate with existing decor in both historic homes and new builds.

6. Retro Bar Carts

Rolling cocktail stations have become must-have accessories in Mississippi homes where entertaining is practically a cultural institution. These mobile mini-bars perfectly blend function and style while nodding to the mid-century era of sophisticated home entertaining.

Mississippi hosts love how these versatile pieces can move from living room to porch as gatherings evolve. Vintage brass and glass carts from the 1950s and 60s are particularly prized finds at estate sales throughout the state.

Local designers recommend styling bar carts with a mix of practical necessities and decorative elements – perhaps crystal decanters alongside fresh magnolias or camelias. Many Mississippi homeowners display local spirits like Cathead Vodka or Old South Winery muscadine wines alongside traditional bourbon and scotch. The bar cart revival connects perfectly with the state’s renowned hospitality traditions and love of socializing.

7. Patterned Tile Backsplashes

Bold geometric and floral tiles have transformed Mississippi kitchens from merely functional spaces into vibrant design statements. After years of subway tile dominance, homeowners across the state are embracing personality-filled patterns that tell a story.

Mississippi designers are particularly drawn to encaustic cement tiles with their rich colors and matte finish. These handcrafted tiles bring artisanal quality and old-world charm to new construction, helping newer homes achieve instant character.

Many homeowners are taking cues from the state’s diverse architectural influences from Spanish Colonial motifs in coastal areas to French-inspired patterns in homes near Natchez. The beauty of this trend lies in its versatility some opt for small pattern moments while others cover entire walls. Either way, these tiles create visual interest that elevates everyday spaces, turning even simple meal prep into an experience surrounded by beauty.

8. Macramé Wall Hangings

Knotted fiber art has swung back into Mississippi homes, bringing organic texture and bohemian flair to walls throughout the Magnolia State. These handcrafted pieces offer dimension and warmth that mass-produced decor simply can’t match.

Mississippi artists have embraced this revival, teaching workshops in Jackson and along the Gulf Coast where participants learn traditional knotting techniques. Many creators incorporate local elements like Mississippi-grown cotton or native plant dyes for pieces that truly reflect their Southern roots.

Homeowners appreciate how these textural elements soften spaces with lots of hard surfaces. Whether displayed above beds, in entryways, or as part of gallery walls, macramé adds an artisanal quality that complements both contemporary and traditional Southern interiors. The handmade nature of these pieces connects perfectly with Mississippi’s rich craft heritage and growing appreciation for authentic, artisan-created home goods.

9. Colored Glassware

Vibrant jewel-toned glasses and decanters have reappeared on Mississippi tables and shelves, bringing playful pops of color to home entertaining. This revival celebrates the joy of everyday objects that are both beautiful and functional.

Antique shops in Ocean Springs and Oxford report that vintage colored glassware sells almost immediately. Mississippi hosts mix and match these colorful pieces rather than sticking with matching sets – cobalt blue water glasses might appear alongside amber tumblers and emerald green wine glasses for a collected, eclectic table.

Many Mississippi families are rediscovering heirloom colored glass pieces that had been tucked away in cabinets for decades. Whether it’s Depression glass in soft pastels or bold Mid-century pieces in saturated hues, these treasures are finding new life in contemporary settings. The trend reflects the state’s appreciation for heritage items with stories and the colorful, vibrant culture of Mississippi itself.

10. Vintage Wallpaper Prints

Bold patterns have made a spectacular comeback on Mississippi walls, with homeowners embracing statement prints that their grandmothers might have loved. This revival celebrates pattern and color in a way that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh.

Mississippi designers note that today’s wallpapers offer improved technology many are peel-and-stick for easier application and removal. Floral patterns remain especially popular, perhaps reflecting the state’s abundant natural beauty and gardening traditions.

Rather than covering entire homes as in decades past, most Mississippi homeowners use vintage-inspired wallpaper strategically – perhaps in powder rooms, dining rooms, or as accent walls. These pattern moments create instant personality and warmth. Many are drawn to papers that reference Southern motifs – magnolias, birds, and botanical prints that connect to the region’s natural landscape while adding visual interest to otherwise neutral spaces.

11. Bold Geometric Rugs

Striking patterns underfoot have energized Mississippi interiors with their graphic impact and visual interest. These statement floor coverings work surprisingly well in traditional Southern homes, adding contemporary energy while respecting architectural heritage.

Mississippi designers often use these bold rugs to bridge different design elements perhaps connecting a traditional sofa with more modern accent pieces. The geometric patterns provide structure and rhythm in a room while also hiding practical concerns like spills or pet hair.

Many homeowners are drawn to designs that reference traditional Southern quilting patterns or indigenous textile motifs, creating meaningful connections to regional craft traditions. Others choose bold black and white designs for maximum visual impact. Either way, these rugs serve as functional art pieces that transform spaces with relatively modest investment, allowing Mississippi homeowners to experiment with pattern and color without committing to permanent changes.

12. Solid Wood Dining Tables

Gathering spots crafted from substantial timber have never lost their appeal in Mississippi homes where family meals and hospitality remain central to daily life. These enduring pieces often become the heart of Southern households, witnessing generations of conversations and celebrations.

Mississippi woodworkers continue the tradition of crafting tables from local species like oak, pine, and pecan. Many families treasure tables that have been passed down through generations, each scratch and patina telling stories of Thanksgiving dinners and everyday moments.

The beauty of solid wood tables lies in their ability to age gracefully while adapting to changing styles around them. Whether paired with contemporary chairs or traditional settings, these substantial pieces provide a sense of permanence and connection to the land. For Mississippi families who value both practicality and heritage, a well-made wood table represents an investment in future memories rather than just a furniture purchase.

13. Antique Dressers

Storied storage pieces with history carved into their drawers remain cherished fixtures in Mississippi bedrooms and beyond. These character-filled furnishings offer practical storage while connecting homes to the region’s rich past.

Mississippi antique dealers note that quality dressers from the 19th and early 20th centuries remain consistently sought-after. Many families treasure pieces that traveled with ancestors who settled in the state, each drawer and dovetail joint representing craftsmanship rarely found in contemporary furniture.

The versatility of these pieces extends beyond bedrooms antique dressers serve as dining room sideboards, entryway consoles, and bathroom vanities throughout Mississippi homes. Local designers appreciate how these pieces bring instant character and warmth to new construction. Even with changing interior trends, these substantial wood pieces with their patina and provenance continue to ground Mississippi interiors with a sense of history and permanence.

14. Leather Club Chairs

Comfortable seats wrapped in rich, aging leather have maintained their honored position in Mississippi living rooms and studies through every design trend. These substantial chairs develop character over time, their patina deepening with each year of use.

Mississippi homeowners appreciate how these chairs somehow manage to be both masculine and inviting – perfect for a state that values both strength and comfort. The deep seats and low arms create ideal spots for everything from reading Southern literature to watching Ole Miss football games.

Many families pass these chairs through generations, repairing rather than replacing them as needed. Local upholsterers report steady business refurbishing these beloved pieces. While color preferences may shift slightly – from traditional tobacco brown to richer cognac or even navy the silhouette remains consistent. These chairs partner equally well with antiques or contemporary pieces, making them versatile anchors in Mississippi interiors.

15. Crystal Chandeliers

Sparkling overhead fixtures have illuminated Mississippi dining rooms and entryways for generations, their timeless elegance transcending passing trends. These statement pieces cast beautiful light patterns across walls and ceilings, creating ambiance that can’t be replicated by simpler fixtures.

Mississippi designers note that crystal chandeliers appear in homes across all price points from historic mansions in Natchez to new construction in growing suburbs. Many families treasure vintage fixtures that have been rewired and carefully maintained over decades.

The versatility of these pieces surprises many homeowners while traditionally associated with formal spaces, crystal chandeliers now appear in unexpected locations like bathrooms and walk-in closets. Contemporary Mississippi interiors often feature crystal fixtures alongside more casual elements, creating pleasing tension between formality and comfort. These luminous pieces connect modern homes to the state’s architectural heritage while literally bringing sparkle to everyday life.

16. Handwoven Wool Rugs

Artisanal floor coverings crafted from natural wool have grounded Mississippi interiors for centuries with their durability and subtle beauty. These investment pieces often become family heirlooms, improving with age as their colors gently soften.

Mississippi homeowners appreciate how these rugs perform in the state’s varied climate wool naturally regulates temperature and resists moisture, perfect for humid summers and occasionally chilly winters. The material’s natural stain resistance makes these rugs practical choices for family homes.

Many Mississippi designers source vintage Oriental rugs whose muted palettes complement both traditional and contemporary interiors. Others commission custom pieces from Southern weavers who incorporate regional motifs and colors. Either way, these textiles bring warmth underfoot while connecting spaces to global craft traditions. Their subtle patterns hide everyday wear while adding sophisticated texture that mass-produced alternatives simply can’t match.

17. Cast Iron Cookware

Heavy black pans have sizzled on Mississippi stoves for generations, their seasoned surfaces telling stories of family recipes and Southern culinary traditions. These virtually indestructible kitchen workhorses represent both practicality and heritage in homes across the state.

Mississippi cooks treasure skillets, dutch ovens, and griddles passed down through families, often with specific pieces dedicated to signature dishes like cornbread or fried chicken. The material’s excellent heat retention and natural non-stick properties (when properly seasoned) make it ideal for traditional Southern cooking techniques.

Local antique shops report that vintage cast iron pieces from foundries like Griswold and Wagner are consistently sought-after. Many Mississippi families display these utilitarian treasures openly rather than hiding them in cabinets, celebrating their connection to regional foodways. Even as kitchen technology evolves, these simple, durable tools maintain their essential place in Mississippi cooking, linking contemporary home cooks to centuries of shared culinary wisdom.

18. Marble Fireplace Mantels

Elegant stone surrounds have framed Mississippi hearths for centuries, their cool surfaces contrasting beautifully with dancing flames. These architectural elements serve as natural focal points in rooms where families gather during the state’s mild but definite winter season.

Historic homes throughout Natchez, Vicksburg, and other river towns showcase exquisite carved marble mantels that have witnessed generations of Mississippi history. Many were imported from Italy or carved by skilled craftsmen who traveled the Mississippi River during the 19th century.

Even in new construction, Mississippi homeowners often invest in quality marble surrounds that reference historical designs. Local designers appreciate how these elements bring instant architectural gravitas to contemporary spaces. The material’s subtle veining and natural variations ensure each piece is unique, while the substantial presence anchors rooms with a sense of permanence and connection to building traditions that predate modern design trends.

19. Mahogany Bookcases

Rich reddish-brown shelving units have housed Mississippi family libraries through generations, their substantial presence bringing warmth and sophistication to living spaces and studies. These enduring pieces celebrate the state’s literary traditions and love of learning.

Mississippi homeowners treasure both antique bookcases with glass-fronted doors and custom-built units that showcase collections of Southern literature, family photos, and treasured objects. The wood’s natural depth and beautiful grain pattern develop character over decades.

Many families commission local craftsmen to create built-in mahogany shelving that transforms ordinary rooms into distinguished spaces. Whether housing first editions of Faulkner or contemporary fiction, these shelves represent more than storage – they display a household’s intellectual interests and values. Even in an increasingly digital world, Mississippi homes continue to feature these substantial pieces that ground interiors with their presence while providing beautiful frameworks for displaying the books and objects that tell family stories.

20. Classic Wingback Chairs

High-backed seating with distinctive side wings has maintained its stately presence in Mississippi living rooms and bedrooms regardless of passing trends. These chairs offer both physical comfort and visual impact with their structured silhouettes and substantial proportions.

Mississippi upholsterers report steady demand for both vintage frame restoration and custom-built versions tailored to contemporary proportions. Many homeowners choose traditional patterns like toile or damask for these pieces, though solid performance fabrics in navy, forest green, or cranberry are increasingly popular for their practicality.

The beauty of wingbacks lies in their versatility they work equally well flanking fireplaces in formal living rooms or tucked into bedroom corners as reading retreats. Their protective wings, originally designed to shield sitters from drafts, create natural cocoons that feel particularly inviting during Mississippi’s occasional chilly evenings. These chairs somehow manage to be both dignified and comfortable, reflecting the balanced approach to living that characterizes the best of Mississippi home life.