Anyone who grew up in the '80s can attest that it was a decade unlike any other. It was a time when Huey Lewis and the News ruled the airwaves, Members Only jackets were a fashion statement, and hairstyles reached new heights. But perhaps one of the most distinct differences between then and now lies in the interior design choices we made for our homes.
The '80s birthed countless home décor trends that have now become distant memories. From glass brick walls to floor-to-ceiling chintz, join us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore the home trends that will make anyone who lived through the '80s feel nostalgic.
The Glass Brick Delusion
YouTube/marybsb88
One of the most perplexing trends of the '80s was the popularity of glass bricks. These transparent blocks could be found everywhere, seemingly serving no purpose other than to confuse homeowners. Are they walls? Interior windows? Or just a plain bad idea? Nonetheless, they were a defining feature of '80s design.
Interestingly enough, glass bricks weren't a creation of the '80s. They originated much earlier, in the late 1880s, with the invention of the Falconnier Hollow Glass Brick by architect and engineer Gustave Falconnier. And yet, they became an iconic symbol of '80s aesthetics.
Vertical Blinds: A Window to the Past
Vertical blinds were another major trend in '80s home décor. These ultra-modern window coverings could be found in homes all over, although their practicality and durability left much to be desired. Today, they are mostly a thing of the past, seen mainly in motels.
Honey Oak Cabinets: A Timeless Icon
IMDB/Wolfkill Productions
If your home had honey oak cabinets in the '80s, you were not alone. This trend was so pervasive that it has become an emblem of the decade's style. HGTV star Tyler Wisler remarked, "Those orangey oak cabinets that were so overused in the '80s—they just reek of acid-washed jeans, big perms, and Sweatin' to the Oldies."
Memphis Design: The Italian Inspiration
The colorful geometric patterns that adorned '80s homes drew inspiration from a design movement called Memphis Design. Contrary to its name, Memphis Design originated in Italy. The group responsible for these bold and vibrant accents, known as Memphis Group, only worked collectively for seven years.
The Lucite Revival
Clear furniture made a comeback in the '80s, drawing inspiration from the Art Deco trends of the early 20th century. The rising popularity of Lucite, a transparent material, breathed new life into the clear furniture trend.
Frilly Bedding: Laura Ashley's Reign
IMDB/Weintraub Entertainment Group
While floral bedding was a hit in the '80s, Laura Ashley's frilly and girly collection reigned supreme. This stuffy aesthetic dominated the bedrooms of countless young women during the era. The floral bedspread even made an appearance in films like My Stepmother Is an Alien.
The Mauve Movement
"Just as America went avocado green in the '70s, it turned mauve in the '80s," state Leatrice Eiseman and Keith Recker in Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color. The popularity of mauve tones in '80s home décor can be attributed, in part, to the increased appreciation of artist Georgia O'Keeffe's work after her death in 1986.
The Heart-Shaped Hot Tub
Love was not just in the air but also inside our homes in the '80s, thanks to the heart-shaped hot tub. Invented in 1968 by Morris Wilkins, this romantic fixture found its way into hotels and homes, bringing a touch of luxury and intimacy.
Chintz: A Floral Explosion
IMDB/Universal Pictures
Chintz, or multicolored floral patterns, was a ubiquitous sight in '80s homes. From beds to lampshades, drapes to walls, it seemed like everything was covered in this whimsical design. The fabric gained popularity through the work of interior decorator Mario Buatta, also known as "The Prince of Chintz."
The Era of Heavy Curtains
IMDB/20th Century Fox
Taking inspiration from the French monarchy, '80s homes boasted heavy curtains that could almost crush a person. Two-panel sets were not enough; to be truly stylish, matching valances and ornate tiebacks were a must.
The Indoor Jungle
In the '80s, even those without green thumbs embraced indoor gardening. Ferns, ficuses, and hanging spider plants were as ubiquitous in living rooms as flat screens are today. The greenery added a touch of nature to indoor spaces.
Elaborate Metal Sculptures
United Archives GmbH/Alamy
In the '80s, two-dimensional art simply wouldn't do when it came to accentuating walls. Elaborate metal sculptures adorned many homes, depicting scenes such as birds flying over marshes and bouquets of flowers.
Teal Carpeting: The Color of the Decade
IMDB/Warner Bros.
Wall-to-wall carpeting was a must-have in '80s homes. And if you wanted to stay true to the era's trends, the color had to be teal, just like the Griswolds' carpet in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
The Allure of Lace Curtains
IMDB/Paramount Pictures
Lace curtains, although not the most practical, blended perfectly with the girly frills and florals of the '80s. They were a delicate addition to any room, adding a touch of elegance reminiscent of the early 1900s.
Lacquer Cabinetry: A Shiny Statement
IMDB/Warner Bros.
The '80s were all about lacquer, from cabinetry to countertops. The shinier, the better, as showcased in the kitchen from the 1986 movie Cobra. Lacquer finishes added a touch of glamour to kitchen spaces.
Tropical Prints: Bringing Paradise Home
IMDB/Touchstone Television
In the '80s, tropical prints were all the rage. Walls, curtains, and bedsheets were adorned with vibrant patterns reminiscent of paradise. The Golden Girls' Blanche Devereaux was a clear fan of this trend.
Pastel Paradise
IMDB/Weintraub Entertainment Group
The '80s witnessed the rise of pastel hues, from pinks and purples to soft blues and sea foam greens. Homeowners and interior designers alike embraced these subtle shades to bring color into their spaces.
The Reign of Brass
YouTube/sloapyslick
Brass was the metal of choice in '80s homes. From bathroom fixtures to kitchen cabinets, everything seemed to glitter with golden accents. However, the longevity of these brass fixtures left much to be desired.
Novelty Phones: Dialing with Personality
YouTube/Jan Schmelter
Before the era of smartphones, novelty phones took center stage in '80s bedrooms. From lip-shaped receivers to Snoopy and Mickey Mouse designs, these phones added a touch of fun and personality to phone calls.
Entertainment Centers: The Bigger, the Better
Alamy
In the '80s, entertainment centers were behemoths, dominating living spaces with their massive size. These centers, though accommodating smaller TVs than today's standards, were the focal point of home entertainment.
In Conclusion
The '80s were a decade of bold choices and unique trends that continue to evoke nostalgia. Whether it was glass bricks, honey oak cabinets, or heavy curtains, these home décor elements defined the era's style. While some trends have faded into oblivion, others still hold a place in our hearts. And for those who long for the '80s, these photos will surely overwhelm you with nostalgia.
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