Let’s Talk About 80s Interior Design. A Totally Tubular Trip Down Memory Lane.
So, I was thinking the other day about how wild the 80s were. Like, not that I was there or anything (I mean, clearly), but the more I dig into it, the more I’m obsessed with everything from that decade—especially the interior design. Seriously, 80s homes were on another level. So, buckle up because we’re about to take a rad journey back in time and dive deep into the bold, funky world of 80s interior design. Trust me, it’s gonna be gnarly.
The 80s Vibe: What’s the Deal?
Okay, so picture this: It’s the 1980s. Big hair, shoulder pads, and MTV are all the rage. People are hyped about technology because computers are becoming a thing. There’s this general sense of optimism, and everyone wants to show off their individuality. Naturally, all of that spills over into how people decorate their homes.
Homes in the 80s weren’t just places to live; they were like personal canvases where people could express themselves. Think vibrant colors, funky patterns, and a mix of textures that honestly might make your head spin—but in a good way. It was all about making a statement and not being afraid to be a little extra.
The wild, weird, and totally iconic era
Let’s talk about 80s interior design—because, honestly, it’s a total vibe. If you’re picturing neon lights, wild patterns, and rooms that look like they stepped out of Miami Vice, you’re not far off. But there’s so much more to it. The 80s were extra in the best way. Every corner of a home was a statement, and people were not shy about packing in the color, the shine, and the weirdness. I’m here for it.
1 Floor lamp – Flos – Arco floor lamp
2 Wall art – Anastasiia Novitskaya – Lost
3 Rug – CassiCon – Centimetre rug
4 Sofa – Tacchini – Julep Sofa
5 Table lamp – Martinelli Luce – Pipistrella Lamp
6 Lounge chair & ottoman – Vitra – Eames lounge chair
7 Table – Knoll – Saarinen Coffee Table
8 Stool – Herman Miller – Eames Turned Stool
9 – Chair – Knoll – Rattan MR Chair
1 Stool – Herman Miller – Eames Turned Stool
2 B&B Italia – Le Bambole Sofa
3 Wall art – Ruth Mulvie – Cactus Garden
4 Floor lamp –Venetia Studium – Studio 76 Fortuny Floor Lamp
5 Coat rack – Brass Saguaro Cactus Coat Rack
6 Coffee table – B&B Italia – Alanda 18 coffee table
7 Lounge chair – Cassina – LC4 Chaise Longue Chair
8 Rug – ClassiCon – Kilkenny Rug
9 Chair – Cassina – Zig-zag Chair
1 Floor lamp – Artemide – Tolomeo Mega Floor Lamp
2 de Sede – DS-600 Snake
3 Rug – Spinneybeck – Cowhide Rug
4 Table lamp – Martinelli Luce – Pipistrella Lamp
5 Chair – Castelli Italy – Black and Transparent Plia Chairs
6 Coffee table – FontanaArte – Tavolo con Ruote Coffee Table
7 Side table – CassiCon – Adjustable Table E 1027
8 Chair – Eerno Aarnio Originals – Pastil Chair
9 Vase – Iittala – Aalto vase
10 Lounge chair – Knoll – Wassily Chair
1 Floor lamp – Mid-Century Chrome Adjustable Pharmacy Floor lamp
2 Credenza – Pace Collection – 1970’s Leon Rosen Wood Stainless Steel Credenza
3 Vase – Serax – Ceramic cactus vase set
4 Rug – CassiCon – Castellar Rug
5 Sofa – Cassina – 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort
6 Table lamp – Flos – Taccia Table Lamp
7 Bench/Coffee table – Herman Miller – Nelson Platfr1 Floor lamp – Mid-Century Chrome Adjustable Pharmacy Floor lamp
2 Credenza – Pace Collection – 1970’s Leon Rosen Wood Stainless Steel Credenza
3 Vase – Serax – Ceramic cactus vase set
4 Rug – CassiCon – Castellar Rug
5 Sofa – Cassina – 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort
6 Table lamp – Flos – Taccia Table Lamp
7 Bench/Coffee table – Herman Miller – Nelson Platfrom Bench
8 Side table – Knoll – Laccio Table Small by Marcel Breuer
9 Lounge chair – Knoll – Bertoia Diamond Chair
Historical context of 80s interior design
So, let’s take a little trip back to the 80s because we need to set the scene to truly appreciate how epic 80s interior design was. Picture this: The economy is booming in many Western countries, and people are living. Like, they’re really indulging in all things luxurious. There’s this mix of optimism and, let’s be honest, a bit of hedonism going around. New music genres are popping up, blockbuster movies are everywhere, and TV shows are changing the game. It’s a cultural explosion!
Technology is also taking off. Personal computers are becoming a thing, video game consoles are all the rage, and electronics are getting more advanced by the day. This tech boom isn’t just about gadgets; it’s influencing how people think and design their spaces. There’s this buzz about the future and what tech can bring, and everyone wants a piece of that action.
Pop culture is huge. Icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince aren’t just dominating the music scene—they’re setting fashion trends left and right. Their bold styles are seeping into everything, including home decor. And let’s not forget TV shows like “Miami Vice” and “Dynasty” that are showcasing these insanely opulent lifestyles with luxurious interiors. People are watching and thinking, “I want that.” So, the desire for grandeur and extravagance in home design is off the charts.
Maximalism madness
First off, the 80s were all about maximalism. Minimalism who? Nowhere to be found. The more stuff you could cram into a room, the better. Think loud patterns on the walls, crazy bright colors, and textures that absolutely did not match but somehow made sense together. If you’ve ever thought, “Wow, this room could use a few more animal prints,” you’re basically channeling the 80s.
Patterns were everywhere. From geometric shapes to zebra stripes, people were like, “Let’s just mix it all together.” And it worked. People covered their walls with wallpaper that ranged from pastel florals to full-on tropical jungles. I’m talking flamingos, palm trees, you name it. It was chaotic but in the coolest way.
The 80s color palette
Soft vs loud
The colors of the 80s? Bold, in your face, and kinda amazing. You had two extremes: soft pastels or straight-up neon. If you were into the Miami vibe, you went for pastels—think baby pink, mint green, soft blues. The kind of colors that make you want to sip a piña colada by the pool.
But if you wanted to go bolder, neon was your best friend. Hot pink, electric blue, and neon green were splashed all over interiors. The louder, the better. Neon signs, neon accents, neon everything. You couldn’t just have one pop of color; it had to be everywhere. It was like living inside a music video, and I’m kind of obsessed with that energy.
And then there were the monochrome lovers. Black and white was also huge. Checkerboard floors were all over the place, and people paired that bold contrast with neon or metallics for that futuristic, chic feel. This leads us to one of the most iconic 80s features: mirrors.
Mirrors, mirrors, and more mirrors
The 80s had a full-on mirror obsession. We’re talking mirrored walls, mirrored furniture, and enough reflective surfaces to make you feel like you’re living inside a disco ball. Mirrored dressers, coffee tables, and even entire walls were a thing, and not just because people liked staring at themselves (though let’s be real, that didn’t hurt). Mirrors were used to make spaces feel bigger, brighter, and more glam.
Mirrors weren’t just practical—they were flashy. This was all about making your home feel like a luxurious, glitzy retreat. Pair that with shiny metallics—hello, chrome and brass finishes—and you’ve got an interior that screamed, “I’m fancy, and I know it.”
The Memphis Group
Making weird cool
Now, if there’s one design group that defined the 80s, it’s the Memphis Group. These guys were the rebels of interior design. Founded in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass (who has the coolest name ever, btw), the Memphis Group decided that furniture didn’t need to be boring or even super functional. They were like, “What if we made a bookcase that looks like a Tetris game?”
That’s basically what they did. One of their most famous pieces is the Carlton Bookcase. This thing is a whole explosion of shapes and colors. It’s kind of confusing at first glance but in the best way. Then there’s the Tahiti Lamp, which is shaped like a bird with a neon beak. Why? Because why not. It’s quirky, fun, and somehow manages to be functional.
Art Deco… But make it 80s
The 80s were also really into bringing back Art Deco. But of course, they made it more extra because that’s just what the 80s did. This wasn’t the sleek, elegant Art Deco of the 1920s—it was bigger, bolder, and shinier. Think glossy black finishes, geometric patterns, and a lot of gold and brass.
Furniture like the Togo Sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy in the 70s, became a staple in 80s homes. This squishy, low-to-the-ground sofa was perfect for lounging (and honestly, for watching VHS movies all day). It was comfy, soft, and fit right into that laid-back but still glam vibe that the 80s mastered.
The rise of tech
Enter the entertainment center
One thing that really shaped 80s interiors? Technology. TVs were getting bigger, VCRs were the future, and home stereo systems were, like, the thing to have. Enter the entertainment center. These massive, wall-sized units were designed to hold all your tech—your TV, your stereo, your stack of VHS tapes. Bonus points if it had glass doors to show off all your electronics.
These things were usually made of dark wood or black laminate, and they dominated living rooms. You didn’t just place your TV on a stand—no, you had an entire home theater setup. If you had one of these, you were living the 80s dream.
Glass blocks and Lucite
See-through style
If you’ve ever seen a house from the 80s, you’ve probably seen glass blocks. People loved using these semi-transparent blocks for walls, shower enclosures, and even room dividers. They let in light but still gave you privacy, which was perfect for creating that airy, futuristic feel the 80s were obsessed with.
Another major trend? Lucite furniture. This clear acrylic material was all over the place in the 80s—chairs, tables, lamps. It was sleek, modern, and felt like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. One of the most famous Lucite pieces from the era is the Z-chair—a transparent, sculptural chair that looks like a work of art but was still functional.
Houseplants, everywhere
The 80s weren’t all about shiny surfaces and tech—they also had a serious love for houseplants. Homes were basically jungles. People filled their spaces with ferns, ficus trees, and spider plants, often displayed in hanging planters or rattan plant stands.
Speaking of rattan, this material was a huge trend in the 80s. Rattan chairs, tables, and plant stands were perfect for those who wanted to bring a little tropical Miami energy into their homes. It added texture and warmth to spaces that might otherwise feel a little too glossy.
Where can you find 80s gems today?
So, now that you’re all in on the 80s aesthetic, you’re probably wondering where to get your hands on some of these iconic pieces. Don’t worry—there are tons of places to find 80s furniture, and the good news? It’s having a major comeback.
First off, try eBay and Etsy. Both sites are goldmines for vintage furniture, and you can easily search for 80s pieces like mirrored dressers, Lucite chairs, or those iconic Memphis Group designs. Just make sure to look for trusted sellers, and don’t be afraid to ask for more photos to check the condition.
You can also check out thrift stores and flea markets if you like the thrill of the hunt. It’s not uncommon to find original 80s pieces hidden away, and you can usually score them for a steal.
For high-end 80s furniture, websites like 1stdibs are where you’ll find the real designer stuff, but it’s pricey. If you want an authentic Memphis Group piece, be prepared to drop some serious cash.
And lastly, there’s modh.it, a site dedicated to vintage furniture that often has those quirky 80s pieces you’ve been dreaming about. It’s a great spot to find curated selections without spending forever searching.
And there you have it—80s interior design, wild and wonderful, just like the decade itself. It was a time when people took risks, made bold choices, and filled their homes with personality. Whether you’re ready to fully embrace the neon madness or just want to add a mirrored table or two, one thing’s for sure: the 80s are calling, and your space could use a little throwback flair.
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