Tired of neutral colors? Or look for fun ways to bring a pop of color into your home styling? Then welcome to Funhaus styling. A decor style that’s all about personality, playfulness, and fun charm. There are lots of ways to do Funhaus, but vintage circus is actually one of the easiest and, surprisingly, the least overwhelming. Instead of bright and in your face props, think classy circus aesthetic. Like dramatic silhouettes, rich textures, some strips, and a bit of whimsy. It’s bold, lots of fun, and charming without turning your space into a circus.
What Is Funhaus Decor & How Does It Embrace The Circus Aesthetic
Funhaus is like the rebellious, joyful relative of more serious decor styles, and the circus aesthetic fits perfectly. It is full of maximalist joys, personality driven spaces and a “more is more” attitude when it comes to home styling, think things that spark joy but level it up.
The base of Funhause mixes vintage inspiration, like glamorous vintage circus decor, with modern styles, focusing on bold colors and patterns and quirky statement pieces. The goal isn’t perfection but a home that is energetic, creative, and uniquely yours.
Bring in a circus aesthetic doesn’t have to be all or nothing; it looks just as good with pops of bold vintage circus decor. Like bold stripes, fun lights and whimsical statement pieces.
What Home Styles Does A Circus Aesthetic Pair Best?
- Grandmillennial
- The patterned fabrics and pieces collected over time are a great match to a circus aesthetic. Placing them alongside spripped accents, walls, and jewel toned velet piece wiht vintage toys and vintage circus posters for a stunning display of circus home decor.
- Modern Eclectic
- They work together perfectly because both styles celebrate bold color contrasts and playfulness with a curated but chaotic feel. The circus and modern eclectic aesthetic are both “structured” in color, shapes and repetition that keeps the space feeling intnetion not cluttered.
- Dark Academia
- The rich, moody palette of dark acadamia with its deep burgundy, navy and gold goes perfectly with vintage circus drama. Mix leather-bound books and antique gold accessories and curiosities with striped patterns and theatrical lighting of the circus aesthetic for a mysterious feel.
- Boho
- Boho style is the perfect vehicle for the playfulness of a circus aesthetic. The natural textures and vintage accessories work perfectly with a couple of tasseled pillows and bold textures and patterned rugs. Mix in some Funhaus vintage decor for a relaxed but wonder-filled take on an old timey circus caravan.
- Industrial
- The raw edges of exposed brick, metal fixtures and concreate breates a fun urban take on circus home decor. Add marque lighting, vintage posters and rich fabrics to soften an edgy aesthetic, like a show in a converted warehouse.
Where To Find Vintage Circus Elements
- Circus Specific Etsy Shops
- Theatrical Supply Stores / Theater Closing Down Sale
- Reclamation Stores
- Vintage / Thrift Shops
- Flea Markets & Garage Sales
- Speciality Stores
- Online Retailers
Top 10 Elements For A Funhaus Vintage Circus Aesthetic
1. Bold Circus Color Palette
The foundation of any great home decor styling is a dramatic yet balanced color palette. The circus aesthetic isn’t any different.
Start with deep red, cream, navy, and gold, using complementary colors and black for a sharp contrast.
Keep areas neutral like walls or large furniture, then splash those bright, bold colors in through pillows, armchairs, a feature wall or art. This keeps the look lively and fun without taking over the space, perfect for everyday home styling.
2. Stunning Stripes
Nothing says fun and bold like stripes. Paint vertical or diagonal stripes on a feature wall, to a headboard or add a stipeed armchair.
For a softer take, try striped cushions, a rug or a canopy over a bed. Add simple decor pieces with stripes, like coasters or lamps.
Its the ultimate of classy circus aesthetic.
3. Marquee & String Lights
Create a showtime glow with lighting. Bulb boarded mirrors, neon signs, or simple round bulbs add instant magic.
Stick to warm white bulbs and use dimmers to keep the armosphere cozzy and warm.
This is key to the Funhaus: lighting that sets the mood.
4. Vintage Posters & Typography
Hang reproduction vintage curcus posters, framed ticket stubs or art with bold retro fonts. One large stunning main attraction poster is often enough to anchor an entire room aesthetic or go for a collection of little vintge style wall decor.
It’s an easy win for creating a subtle but fun circus aesthetic.
5. Whimsical Focus Pieces
Choose a piece of fun furniture to be the star of the room: a drum coffee table or side table, painted furniture with a whimsical motif, or simple, bold pieces.
Keep the rest of the furnishings simple but still in your style to let this quirky piece pop.
This balance is the key to keeping home styling feeling intentional, not chaotic.
6. Theatrical Fabrics
Channel the glamour of an old school circus tent and stage curtains with luxurious textiles.
Think velvet cushions, heavy drapes witha rope tie back, or fringed throws and cushions. *
Mix these dramatic accents with simpler linen or cotton to stop the room from feeling too heavy.
7. Nostalgic Props & Curiosities
Less is more. A few well-placed curiosities and props or a grouped collection visually look better and less like clutter.
Look for small carousel horses, antique toys, old brass instraments or vintage style props.
Cluster them on a shelf or a coffee table for a curated cabinet of curiosities vibe.
8. Add Patterns To The Floor
Being the eye down with a patterned floor. A checkered, funky pattern or striped rug or flooring is a subtle but statement nod to a classic circus aesthetic.
For renters, this is easily achieved by a rug or vinyl tiles.
It’s a bold foundation that elevates a funhaus aesthetic.
9. Plyafully Shaped Mirrors
Mirrors in playful shapes act like functional art. Round, scalloped, or sunburst styles mimic shapes and accessories found in a vintage circus.
Pair them with an arched doorway, painted striped accents, scalloped accessories and bold colors. To create theatical spot throughout the home.
10. Interactive Details
The final touch? Use all your senses. A popcorn maker, a puppet theater, or simply striped jars. Little things add subtle fun sensory cues.
Have Fun Creating A Circus Aesthetic
Adding aspects of the vintage circus aesthetic is about creating a space that makes you smile every day. It’s bold, nostalgic and completely unique. A wonderful expression of the playful Funhaus style.
So pick your favorite elements, mix them with confidence and let the show begin.