The decade that gave us neon lights, bold geometric patterns, and those unforgettable pastels that turned every living room into a wild, colorful wonderland.
While some trends are best left in the past, others are making a major comeback in today’s homes.
From funky furniture to eye-catching accents, I’m diving into some totally tubular 80s decor elements that are making their way back, plus a few updated versions that take these nostalgic styles to a whole new level.
Trust me, you’ll want to bring these vibes into your space!
1. Memphis Design Patterns
Bold geometric shapes in clashing colors once dominated the 80s Memphis Design movement. Think squiggly lines, confetti-like dots, and zigzags that would make your eyes dance across the room!
Modern designers have embraced this playful aesthetic again, though now it’s used as statement pieces rather than entire room schemes.
A Memphis-inspired throw pillow or wall art can inject personality without overwhelming your space.
2. Glass Block Walls
Glass blocks were the epitome of 80s sophistication, letting light filter through while maintaining privacy. Those translucent cubes created dividers in bathrooms and entryways that felt both futuristic and fancy.
Today’s versions come in varied sizes and textures, perfect for shower enclosures or room dividers. Some modern blocks even incorporate LED lights that change colors, giving this retro element a high-tech upgrade worthy of your contemporary home.
3. Brass Everything
Brass fixtures and accents were everywhere in the 80s! From doorknobs to light fixtures, this warm metallic finish added a touch of glam to homes across America.
Unlike the often gaudy brass of yesteryear, today’s brass elements feature matte or brushed finishes that feel contemporary and refined.
A few well-placed brass accents, picture frames, lamps, or cabinet hardware, can warm up a room without screaming “time capsule.”
4. Conversation Pits
Sunken living rooms created the ultimate hangout zones in 80s homes. Friends and family would gather in these cozy, below-floor-level seating areas for hours of chitchat and relaxation.
Contemporary versions maintain the communal vibe but with updated comfort and style. Plush sectionals arranged in U-shapes achieve a similar effect without requiring major construction.
Some brave homeowners are even bringing back true sunken spaces with built-in seating and modern upholstery.
5. Lucite And Acrylic Furniture
Transparent furniture pieces made from lucite and acrylic created that floating, space-age look 80s designers couldn’t get enough of. Coffee tables, chairs, and shelving that seemed to disappear into the room were all the rage.
Modern clear furniture keeps the visual lightness but pairs with warmer elements for balance. A lucite console table or ghost chair works wonderfully in small spaces where bulky furniture would feel cramped, adding function without visual weight.
6. Pastel Color Schemes
Soft mint greens, peachy pinks, and baby blues painted the walls of stylish 80s homes. Miami Vice-inspired color schemes were everywhere, often paired with white furniture for that fresh, airy feel.
Today’s pastels have grown up a bit, appearing in more sophisticated shades with gray undertones. Rather than covering entire rooms, try incorporating these hues through accent pieces or a single statement wall.
Pairing pastels with natural materials like wood and rattan prevents that too-sweet effect.
7. Vertical Blinds
Long, thin slats that swished with dramatic flair covered practically every sliding glass door in America during the 80s.
Vertical blinds offered privacy and light control with a distinctly corporate-cool vibe. Modern versions come in better materials and more interesting textures than their plastic ancestors.
Fabric vertical blinds, bamboo variations, or even panel track systems provide the same functionality with updated style. Some even incorporate motorized controls for tech-savvy homeowners.
8. Wallpaper Borders
Running along the tops of walls just below the ceiling, wallpaper borders added pattern and personality to 80s rooms. Floral prints, country motifs, and coordinating patterns framed spaces like picture frames.
Contemporary wallpaper borders take a more artistic approach with geometric patterns or watercolor designs.
Some designers use them to define architectural features or create visual interest midway up a wall rather than just at ceiling height.
9. Track Lighting
Those metal tracks with adjustable light fixtures pointed in all directions illuminated 80s homes with spot-on precision.
Galleries and high-end kitchens particularly embraced this flexible lighting solution. Updated track lighting systems feature sleeker profiles and LED technology for energy efficiency.
Modern versions come in matte black, brushed nickel, or even colorful options that make them design features rather than just functional elements.
10. Southwestern Motifs
Desert-inspired patterns featuring cacti, kokopelli figures, and earthy color schemes brought the American Southwest into homes nationwide during the 80s.
Those terracotta pots and tribal patterns created warmth and cultural flair. Today’s southwestern style incorporates more authentic artisanal pieces and natural materials.
Instead of mass-produced prints, look for handwoven textiles, pottery from indigenous artists, or desert-inspired artwork that honors these traditions while adding organic texture to modern spaces.
11. Wicker And Rattan
Woven furniture pieces brought natural texture to 80s spaces, often painted white or pastel colors to match the era’s aesthetic.
Peacock chairs, rattan headboards, and wicker coffee tables created that tropical vacation vibe at home. Natural-finish rattan has returned with a more sophisticated look.
Today’s woven pieces feature cleaner lines and are often paired with modern upholstery for comfort. A rattan accent chair or pendant light adds warmth without the full Golden Girls sunroom effect.
12. Mauve And Dusty Rose
Those muted pinkish-purple hues covered everything from sofas to bathroom tiles in stylish 80s homes. Paired with seafoam green or country blue, mauve created that quintessential 80s palette we all remember.
Modern interpretations use these colors as sophisticated accents rather than all-over schemes. A mauve velvet pillow or dusty rose ceramic vase adds a touch of retro warmth without overwhelming your space.
13. Etched Glass Mirrors
Mirrors featuring etched designs along the edges or corners reflected both light and 80s style sensibilities. Floral patterns, abstract designs, or geometric shapes added visual interest to these functional pieces.
Today’s etched mirrors feature more subtle, contemporary designs that complement modern spaces. An etched mirror in an entryway or bathroom adds character while maintaining the light-enhancing properties that make mirrors so practical.
14. Houseplants Galore
Ferns, spider plants, and ficus trees turned 80s living rooms into lush indoor jungles. Large floor plants in woven baskets or macramé hangers brought nature indoors in a big way.
Plant parenthood has experienced a major revival, with Instagram-worthy collections filling modern homes.
Today’s indoor gardens feature more variety and styling sophistication, with rare specimens and architectural plant stands becoming statement pieces in their own right.
15. Neon Signs
Glowing neon tubes bent into words, shapes, or abstract designs lit up trendy 80s spaces with electric color. Bars, recreation rooms, and even bedrooms featured these buzzing art pieces that screamed “cool.”
Today’s neon has evolved into LED versions that use less energy and last longer. Modern neon-style signs often feature motivational phrases, custom names, or artistic designs that add personality and ambient lighting to home offices, game rooms, or kitchen walls.
16. Smart Home Tech
Voice-controlled systems have completely revolutionized how we interact with our homes. Unlike clunky 80s remote controls that managed one device at a time, today’s smart speakers control everything from lights to temperature with simple commands.
Integrated systems connect seamlessly through smartphones, allowing you to check security cameras or preheat your oven while still at work.
Smart home tech delivers the futuristic convenience the 80s could only dream about in science fiction movies.
17. Sustainable Materials
Eco-friendly furnishings made from recycled or renewable resources represent a major improvement over 80s plastic-everything mentality.
Reclaimed wood tables, recycled glass countertops, and bamboo flooring bring sustainability to stylish spaces. Manufacturing processes have evolved to reduce harmful chemicals and emissions.
Zero-VOC paints, organic textiles, and biodegradable materials create healthier living environments while still delivering on style—something rarely considered in 80s decor choices.
18. Multifunctional Furniture
Clever pieces that serve multiple purposes solve problems for today’s smaller living spaces. Unlike bulky 80s furniture designed for single functions, modern convertible sofas transform into beds with one smooth motion rather than the back-breaking metal mechanisms of old sleeper sofas.
Storage ottomans, extendable dining tables, and murphy beds with integrated desks maximize every square inch. These smart solutions reflect our contemporary need for flexibility in ways 80s designers never imagined.
19. Global Influences
Authentic cultural elements from around the world create richly layered spaces that tell personal stories. Unlike the 80s trend of mass-produced “ethnic” decor, today’s global style incorporates handcrafted pieces from artisans whose work represents genuine traditions.
Modern global decor celebrates specific cultures rather than generic “exotic” looks. Moroccan wedding blankets, Japanese ceramics, or African mud cloth textiles add meaningful dimension to contemporary rooms while supporting global craftspeople.
20. Mixed Metals
Combining different metal finishes creates depth and interest in contemporary spaces. While 80s rooms typically stuck to one metal tone throughout, today’s designers confidently mix brushed nickel, copper, gold, and blackened steel for sophisticated contrast.
The key to successful metal mixing lies in intentional placement and balance. A brass light fixture, matte black hardware, and silver picture frames can coexist beautifully when distributed thoughtfully throughout a room—creating visual harmony the matchy-matchy 80s never achieved.