The 80s living room creates a bold, rustic green vibe that grabs your attention. It’s an amazing mix of bright colors and funky patterns that manages to be expressive without feeling outdated. What’s cool is how people are mixing classic 80s themes with modern touch, creating spaces that look fresh with a nostalgic hint.
It’s great how those contrasting colors from the 80s era POP against each other, it’s what makes the rooms special. Add the unique textures, wild patterns, and materials like chrome and glass, and it displays something that feels familiar and exciting.
It’s no wonder that homeowners are bringing back this style because it lets you show off your personality in ways that minimal designs can’t match.
Let’s check out what made the 80s living room special and how you can recreate that magic in the space. I’ll walk you through 15 design ideas that capture that retro feel while working perfectly with the modern style.
What is the 80s decor style called?
The 80s decor style goes by different names depending on which specific look you’re talking about. Many designers call the overall style “Memphis Design” or “Postmodern” – named after the Memphis Group, this Italian design collective that defined the decade with the geometric shapes and wild color combos.
You also hear terms like “80s Glam” for the luxurious side with all that brass and glass, or “80s Pastels” for the soft Miami Vice vibes with the luxury pinks and teals and remember the “Art Deco Revival” which brought back the gorgeous curved shapes and bold symmetrical patterns. The decor of 80s style was ALL about making a statement in the space.
15 Design of 80s Living Room: A Retro Space
Each of these design ideas captures something special about 80s living rooms. Some focus on the materials that were everywhere, while others highlight the colors and patterns that made the era distinctive.
You can use one or two of these ideas for a subtle nod to the 80s, or go in with all elements for that full retro experience. The best part is many of these ideas can work with your existing furniture.
So, let’s dig into the ideas and find out the best one according to your liking.
Opt for wicker and rattan furniture
Wicker and rattan were the main point in 80s living rooms. These natural materials brought warmth and texture to spaces that were filled with synthetic fabrics and shiny surfaces. What’s amazing about these pieces is how they manage to feel both casual and sophisticated creating that laid-back 80s vibe.
To get this look right, try a rattan armchair with a comfy cushion in a bold 80s color like teal or mauve. Peacock-style rattan chairs were popular back then. Pair them with modern pieces to keep things from looking outdated.
I think the trick with wicker and rattan is to not overdo it. One or two statement pieces will give you an 80s feel without turning your living room into a jungle. These pieces work best when they’re allowed to stand out as focal points.
Create wood panel walls
Wood paneling was everywhere in 80s living rooms, it’s the backdrop of every family from the decade. There’s something cozy and warm about the paneled walls that takes you back in time.
You don’t need to panel every wall to get this look. Try creating one accent wall with vertical wood panels, or go with a half-wall application. For an updated look, paint the paneling in a light color like white or a soft pastel, this was common in high-end 80s homes and keeps the texture without the darkness.
What I love about wood paneling is how it adds character to any room. It creates this perfect backdrop for hanging art or mounting a TV. If you’re worried about it feeling heavy, mix it with sections of painted drywall or mirror panels. The contrast makes elements look intentional.
Pair glass and chrome together
Glass and chrome are the two iconic 80s duo. This combination was everywhere at that time, from coffee tables to shelving units to lighting fixtures. The sleek, reflective surfaces created this futuristic vibe.
I think what makes this combo work well is the way light plays off both materials. They bounce light around the room, making spaces feel big and bright. That’s why they were popular in apartments and small homes in the 80s. Make sure to not to overdo it because too much glass and chrome can start feeling cold. Balance these elements with soft textiles and wood pieces for warmth.
Embrace the space with chintzy florals
Nothing says 80s quite like an oversized floral print sofa or set of curtains. These bold, busy patterns were EVERYWHERE and it in rich colors like burgundy, navy, and forest green. While they fell out of favor for years, they’re making a comeback now with a fresh twist.
To incorporate this trend, start with one statement piece like a floral armchair or a set of curtains. The key to making it look current is pairing these busy patterns with solid colors and streamlined furniture. Avoid matching everything; this is the look that makes chintz outdated. Pull one color from the floral pattern and use it as an accent.
I think florals work best when they’re balanced with contrasting elements. Try pairing chintzy florals with unexpected geometric patterns or industrial pieces that creates tension that makes a room feel curated.
Go-for an accent wall with bold wallpaper
The 80s were NOT subtle when it’s about wallpaper. Big, bold patterns covered walls from floor to ceiling. Geometric shapes, tropical prints, and abstract designs in bright colors were everywhere. Creating one accent wall with a statement 80s-inspired wallpaper is an easy way to capture a retro feel.
When choosing wallpaper for an 80s-inspired accent wall, look for designs with geometric shapes, tropical motifs, or abstract patterns in 80s colors like teal, magenta, or mustard yellow.
My favorite thing about using wallpaper this way is it adds personality to a room with minimal effort. It’s like hanging a piece of art that sets the tone for the entire space.
Enhance it with greenery
Plants are a big part of 80s decor. Those big, leafy indoor plants like ficus trees, palms, and ferns were must-haves in stylish 80s living rooms. They added an organic element that softened all the hard edges and synthetic materials.
What I like about incorporating plants is how they make a space feel alive and lived-in. They add color, texture, and life to your room. Plus, they improve air quality, something we’re more conscious of now than we were in the 80s. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are amazing faux indoor plants that give you that lush look without the maintenance.
Add vintage accessories
The accessories made 80s living rooms special. From ceramic figurines to lucite sculptures to brass decorative objects, these touches added personality and a touch of humor to living spaces. Hunting down genuine vintage 80s accessories gives your space authentic character that new items can’t match.
Look for brass animal figurines, geometric ceramic vases in pastel colors, lucite magazine racks, and glass paperweights. Also, books and magazines from the era make nice coffee table displays. Group small accessories in odd numbers for the visual impact.
I think what makes vintage accessories so special is the story and history they bring to your space. Each piece has lived a life before coming to you, and that adds a depth you just can’t get from mass-produced new items. Don’t worry about finding “valuable” pieces – focus on things that make you smile or bring back memories. That personal connection is what will make your space feel authentic rather than like a stage set.
Poster gallery wall for personal touch
Gallery walls were starting to become a thing in the 80s, with the boom of movie and music posters. People loved showing off their personalities through their favorite bands, movies, and art. Creating a gallery wall of 80s-inspired posters or artwork gives the living room that personal, lived-in feel.
For an authentic look, mix framed movie posters from 80s classics with concert posters and art prints. Black frames were popular then, but you could also use chrome or brass for an 80s touch. Make sure to include some personal photos too, in those frames that are everywhere.
The thing I love about a gallery wall is how it turns your interests into decor. It’s a conversation starter and a way to express yourself without saying a word. For an updated take that honors the 80s vibe, try framing album covers from your favorite 80s bands or vintage advertisements from the era.
Incorporate mirrored wardrobe
Mirrors were EVERYWHERE in 80s interiors. Mirrored walls, furniture with mirrored panels, and huge mirrored wardrobes were popular. They reflected light, made spaces look big, and added a touch of glamour to the ordinary rooms.
I think mirrored furniture works best when it’s not competing with other statement pieces. Let it be a focal point and keep surrounding elements subdued. Also, be strategic about placement, you want the mirrors to reflect attractiveness, not the mess on the other side of the room. A mirrored piece reflecting a beautiful light fixture or artwork doubles the visual impact.
Go for retro electronics
Nothing says 80s living room like those chunky electronics that were considered cutting-edge. Record players, boxy TVs, and big stereo systems weren’t functional items but they were status symbols.
You don’t need to sacrifice modern technology to get this look. Try displaying a vintage record player that works or place your modern TV on a retro-inspired media console.
What I appreciate about incorporating retro electronics is how they add this perfect touch of nostalgia. There’s something satisfying about the physical interaction with these devices, turning knobs, flipping switches, placing a record on a turntable. These tactile experiences connect us to our spaces.
Use neon lighting as statement
Neon was THE lighting trend of the 80s. From Miami Vice to arcade games, that distinctive glow defined the decade’s aesthetic. While neon signs can be in many living rooms, there are many ways to incorporate that iconic glow.
LED strip lighting has made the neon look accessible and affordable. Try placing LED strips behind your TV or shelving for that backlit glow effect. Neon-style LED signs with fun phrases or shapes make great wall art. For a subtle approach, look for table lamps with colored glass bases.
I think lighting is the overlooked element in room design, but it makes a difference in how a space feels. What’s great about the neon trend is how it creates these pockets of colored light that add depth and mood to a room.
Layer a plush geometric rug
Those geometric rugs were a MAJOR statement piece in 80s living rooms. Bold patterns in contrasting colors anchored seating areas and added visual interest to floors. The best part is they were plush and comfortable underfoot.
Classic 80s color combos include black and white with a pop of bright color, or pastel combinations like pink and teal. Size matters here, go for a rug large that at least the front legs of all furniture sit on it.
I believe a rug can transform a room faster than anything else. If you’re nervous about a bold pattern, try starting with a subtle geometric in neutral colors, then add 80s pops of color in small accessories or go the opposite, make the rug a statement piece and keep everything else subdued.
Add Open shelving TV stand
Wall units and entertainment centers were the centerpiece of 80s living rooms. Those massive wood or laminate structures held the TV, stereo components, books, and the decorative objects.
Look for open shelving units with a mix of closed storage and open shelves for display. Materials that feel 80s-inspired include brass frames, glass shelves, and in bold colors or wood tones.
What works well about open shelving is how it gives you this perfect canvas to express yourself through your collections and treasures. Leave some breathing room around objects and group similar items together for the impact.
Hang abstract print wall art
Abstract art was a big part in 80s interiors. Those bold splashes of color and geometric shapes were the perfect complement to the decade’s design aesthetic. Large-scale canvas prints added personality and tied together color schemes.
The great thing about abstract art is how personal it can be. This makes it perfect for living rooms where you want a specific mood or feeling. Some simple geometric shapes in 80s colors on a large canvas can look professional.
Choose bold Color Scheme
The 80s were ALL about color. Those bold, saturated hues defined the decade like teal, magenta, purple, yellow, all used together in one space. Choosing an 80s-inspired color scheme is the easiest way to capture that retro feeling.
Start with a neutral base then add in 80s colors through furniture and accessories. Good combinations include teal and magenta, black and white with yellow accents, or pastels like mint green and peach. Don’t be afraid of black, it was used as a grounding color in 80s interiors, with Memphis Design influences.
I think color is a powerful tool in creating a feeling in a space. The vibrant colors of the 80s create energy and playfulness, perfect for living rooms. If you’re color-shy, start small with accessories in bold hues.
Conclusion
There’s something special about 80s living rooms, they were bold, personal spaces that stated the personality of the people. Unlike today’s too-perfect interiors, 80s rooms were made to be LIVED in.
You don’t need to go all-out with every 80s idea to capture that retro magic. Even one or two elements like a geometric rug and brass accessories, or a bold wallpaper accent wall can give your space that 80s-inspired feel while feeling current and livable. The best spaces always mix elements from different eras anyway!
The 80s were all about self-expression and not taking things seriously. Your home should make you happy every time you sit in it and colorful, personality-filled 80s design ideas are there to bring a smile.
By incorporating these design elements into your own space, you’ll create a living room that has that same welcoming, expressive quality. These are the ways that’ll guide you to make a room that feels retro with a hint of modernity.
