The ’80s were a wild time for fashion, music, and yes, home decorating. If you’ve ever flipped through an old magazine or watched a sitcom from that era, you probably noticed some pretty distinctive trends. Whether you lived through it or just love a good throwback, there’s something undeniably charming about the decor rules that defined the decade. So grab your favorite mug of coffee and let’s take a stroll down memory lane!
1. Bold Colors Were Everything
If there’s one thing that screams ’80s, it’s color—lots of it! Gone were the muted tones of the ’70s; this was the decade for vibrant hues that could light up a room. Think electric blues, hot pinks, and sunny yellows splashed across walls, furniture, and accessories. In fact, if your living room didn’t look like it was auditioning for a music video, were you even living in the ’80s?
Accent walls became all the rage, and the bolder the color, the better. You’d find people painting one wall a shocking shade of fuchsia while the others were a softer pastel. It was a delightful clash of color that somehow worked—most of the time! Sure, some combinations might make your eyes do a double-take today, but back then, it was all about self-expression, baby!
2. Matching Everything Was a Must
If you were a fan of coordinated decor, the ’80s had your back! The idea was to create a harmonious visual experience, and the best way to do that? Match everything! From the drapes to the sofa to the throw pillows, if it wasn’t a coordinated set, it just didn’t belong. The more you matched, the more sophisticated you looked—at least, that’s what the magazines told us.
We’re talking about that iconic floral print that adorned everything from the couch to the curtains. And let’s not forget those matching wallpaper borders that seemed to scream, “Look at my fabulous taste!” While modern trends lean more toward eclectic styles that celebrate individuality, there’s something to be said for that kind of commitment. Maybe it’s time to bring back the matching game—just don’t blame me if your living room starts to look like a time capsule!
3. The Power of Patterns
The ’80s were a playground for patterns, and if you thought minimalism was a thing, think again! Geometric prints, stripes, polka dots, and florals all found their way into homes, often at the same time. It was a visual buffet that made even the most mundane spaces feel a bit more exciting. You could say it was like a party for your walls, and everyone was invited!
Remember the infamous “Miami Vice” vibe? That’s right, tropical prints were everywhere, reminding us that we could vacation in our living rooms, too. One moment you’re lounging on your couch covered in palm leaves, and the next, you’re sipping a piña colada—okay, maybe not quite, but you get the picture! Mixing and matching patterns was the name of the game, and if you could pull it off, you were officially a design superstar.
4. Furniture with Flair
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about furniture. The ’80s were all about making bold statements with your pieces. Forget about minimalist designs; this was the era of oversized sofas, funky coffee tables, and, can’t forget, the infamous bean bag chair. Who didn’t want to plop down in a giant, colorful bean bag after a long day? They were the ultimate in comfort and style—at least, that’s what we told ourselves.
And let’s not overlook the iconic glass coffee tables that seemed to float in mid-air. They added a touch of elegance to even the most casual of living rooms. But beware: those tables were more about style than practicality. One errant elbow and you’re calling for backup! Still, it was all part of the charm, right? Each piece told a story, even if that story involved a few near misses and a lot of “careful, don’t bump the table!”
Bringing It Back—With a Twist
So, what can we learn from these ’80s decorating rules? While we might not want to dive headfirst back into everything that was popular then, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found. Bold colors? Why not! Matching patterns? Maybe just a touch! And furniture with flair? Absolutely, but perhaps with a modern
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