9 Décor Staples That Instantly Feel Like The 1980s
Think back to a living room with mirrored walls, neon accents, and bold geometric prints, sound familiar? The 1980s were a decade of big style, and home décor was no exception. Whether you loved it or love to cringe at it, there’s no denying these looks made an unforgettable impact.
I’ll introduce you to these décor staples that instantly scream ‘80s, from chrome finishes to colorful patterns. Note, design trends are subject to personal taste and may vary in appeal depending on context and application.
1. Glass Block Walls
Did you ever walk into a bathroom and feel like you were inside a giant ice cube tray? Glass blocks were architectural royalty in the ’80s, letting light through while maintaining privacy.
These chunky translucent squares created that unmistakable ’80s bathroom vibe. Glass block walls transformed ordinary shower stalls into what designers thought were futuristic spa experiences, but really just collected soap scum in hard-to-reach crevices.
They made appearances in entryways and room dividers too, because nothing said “I’m modern” like a wall you could sort of see through but not really.
2. Neon Accents And Signage
When subtlety wasn’t in the dictionary! Neon lights curved and buzzed their way into homes during the ’80s, turning living rooms into mini-versions of Miami nightclubs.
The electric glow of a hot pink flamingo or blue martini glass on the wall announced to visitors that you were seriously hip. Many homeowners proudly displayed custom neon signs with their family name or favorite phrase, because nothing says “welcome to our home” like the constant hum of ionized gas.
These glowing art pieces were the ultimate conversation starters, mostly conversations about electric bills.
3. Lacquered Furniture Finishes
How shiny could furniture possibly be? The ’80s answered that question with surfaces so reflective you could check your eyeshadow in your coffee table.
Lacquered furniture dominated the decade with its mirror-like finish that showed every fingerprint and dust particle. Black was the color of choice for the truly fashionable, though white and primary colors made bold statements too. The glossier the surface, the more sophisticated it was considered.
Entire dining sets gleamed under chandelier light, creating what we thought was elegance but was really just a cleaning nightmare.
4. Track Lighting
Where one light fixture would do, the ’80s demanded six! Track lighting snaked across ceilings everywhere, pointing spotlights at random corners and occasionally directly into guests’ eyes.
These adjustable light systems were the height of sophistication. Every homeowner became an amateur lighting director, angling spots to highlight their prized possessions, usually a fern or an abstract painting with lots of teal and magenta.
The more complicated and industrial the track system looked, the more design points you earned in this decade of excess illumination.
5. Brass Accents
Brass accents were a hallmark of 1980s interior design, known for adding a touch of opulence and sophistication to any space. Items like lamps, frames, and vases often featured this metallic finish.
The reflective quality of brass brought light and warmth into rooms, complementing the radiant colors and patterns of the era. It was a favorite for those looking to add a luxurious feel without overwhelming the overall design.
Today, brass accents are experiencing a resurgence, as designers blend the classic 1980s aesthetic with modern minimalism,
6. Vertical Blinds
If you’ve ever been hypnotized by the gentle clacking of plastic slats, you’ve experienced the meditative quality of vertical blinds. These window coverings were absolutely everywhere in the 1980s.
Vertical blinds offered the perfect solution for sliding glass doors and picture windows, swinging dramatically whenever someone walked by. Available in an impressive range of whites, off-whites, and sometimes mauve, these window treatments collected dust with remarkable efficiency.
The constant maintenance and inevitable broken slats were small prices to pay for such contemporary window fashion.
7. Wall-To-Wall Mirrors
Who needs wallpaper when you can have endless reflections of yourself? Wall-to-wall mirrors transformed ordinary rooms into visual infinity pools during the glamorous ’80s.
Mirrored walls made tiny spaces appear larger while doubling the visual impact of your brass figurine collection. Dining rooms became particularly popular spots for this treatment, allowing hosts to admire their permed hair from every angle during dinner parties.
Bonus points were awarded if the mirrors featured beveled edges or smoked glass sections, adding that extra touch of sophistication that screamed “I’ve arrived!”
8. Black Lacquer And Chrome Details
When one shiny material wasn’t enough, the ’80s gave us the dynamic duo of black lacquer and chrome. This high-contrast combination appeared on everything from coffee tables to entertainment centers.
Chrome accents highlighted the glossy darkness of lacquered surfaces, creating furniture that looked like it belonged in a nightclub. These pieces weren’t just furniture, they were statements of prosperity and style.
The fingerprint situation was catastrophic, but that was a small sacrifice for keeping up with the Joneses and their equally reflective living room set.
9. Overstuffed Leather Furniture
If your sofa didn’t require at least three people to move it, was it even from the ’80s? Overstuffed leather furniture dominated living rooms with its imposing presence and squeaky embrace.
These massive pieces featured rounded arms and backs that seemed to be inflated beyond reasonable proportions. Black and burgundy were the sophisticated color choices, though the truly daring opted for white leather that showed every denim transfer and pen mark.
The matching ottoman was non-negotiable, creating an obstacle course in living rooms across America while providing the perfect spot for TV dinners.
