Textures are the heart of retro aesthetics — but only when used with restraint. A little grain, a soft vignette, or a subtle paper texture brings analog warmth to modern layouts. Too much texture, though, can make the design feel dated instead of retro-modern.

Add textures as light overlays or background layers. Think of them as atmosphere, not decoration. The goal is to evoke nostalgia without distracting from the content.

Retro-inspired interfaces often feel more human when texture is present. It breaks the perfection of digital surfaces, giving your components a handmade, almost tactile quality. Combined with glowing accents or geometric icons, textures bridge the gap between past and present.

Takeaway:
Use textures sparingly to add warmth, depth, and analog charm — without stealing focus from your layout.