The 1980s were a time of bold choices, vibrant colors, and experimental design. As we look back, it’s hard not to cringe at some of the interior design trends that we thought were chic and sophisticated at the time. While some elements of 80s decor have made a comeback, many have aged poorly. Here are 13 home decor mistakes from the 80s that we’ve all made—and that are best left in the past.
1. Excessive Use of Pastels
In the 80s, pastels dominated interior design—walls, furniture, and even kitchen appliances were all decked out in pale pinks, baby blues, mint greens, and lavender. While pastels can be soothing in moderation, excessive use made rooms feel more like a candy store than a cozy home. These soft shades often left interiors feeling washed-out and dated, lacking vibrancy and personality. Over time, this overuse of pastels resulted in spaces that felt bland and less dynamic.
2. Overly Matching Furniture Sets
In the 80s, coordinated furniture sets were all the rage, with matching couches, coffee tables, and end tables sold as complete packages. While this created uniformity, it lacked individuality and personality. Today, we embrace mixing and matching different furniture pieces to add character and interest to a room. The overly perfect, matchy-matchy style of the 80s now feels rigid and lifeless, as we now value a more eclectic approach that allows each piece to shine and reflect personal style.
3. Heav Ornate Furniture
The 80s favored heavy, ornate furniture, with carved wooden pieces like oversized armchairs and dark mahogany cabinets dominating living rooms. While these items may have felt luxurious at the time, they often created a heavy, outdated atmosphere. Today’s design trends lean towards minimalist furniture with clean lines and lighter materials that promote openness and comfort. The shift away from ornate, bulky pieces reflects a move toward creating airy, inviting spaces that feel more modern and functional.
4. Mirrored Furniture and Accents
Mirrored furniture and decor were popular in the 80s, with mirrored coffee tables, console tables, and even entire walls. These shiny surfaces were meant to reflect light and add glamour but often ended up feeling gaudy and outdated. Additionally, their reflective nature made them prone to fingerprints, making maintenance difficult. Today, mirrored furniture is used more subtly as an accent rather than a dominant feature, allowing for a touch of glamour without overwhelming a space or feeling too flashy.
5. Wallpaper Borders Everywhere
In the 80s, wallpaper borders were popular for adding flair, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. These borders often featured florals, geometric shapes, or kitschy patterns. While they were an easy and affordable way to style a space, they quickly became outdated and made rooms feel cluttered. Today, we prefer clean, simple walls and use art and decor to add character. This shift creates a more modern, spacious feel, allowing individual pieces to stand out without overwhelming the space.
6. Neon Accents
Neon colors were iconic in the 80s, often appearing in home decor through neon pinks, greens, and yellows in accessories, rugs, and light fixtures. While these bold hues brought energy and fun, they didn’t age well and can feel overwhelming. Neon accents now often make a room seem more like a nightclub than a home. Today, we favor more subtle, neutral tones with occasional pops of color in decor, creating a modern, balanced aesthetic that feels fresh without being too intense.
7. The Overuse of Brass
Brass was everywhere in the 80s, from light fixtures to cabinet hardware and faucets. Though once seen as luxurious, overusing brass now creates a dated, heavy feel. Its shiny, yellowish hue can make a space feel less fresh and more oppressive. Today, more subtle finishes like matte black, chrome, and brushed nickel are favored for a cleaner, more timeless look. These modern alternatives offer sophistication without the heaviness, helping to create spaces that feel more open and contemporary.
8. Excessive Floral Prints
Floral prints were a dominant trend in the 80s, appearing on everything from upholstery to curtains and wallpaper. While florals can add charm, the excessive use of large, bold patterns made interiors feel cluttered and overwhelming. The floral craze of the 80s now feels more like a nostalgic nod to grandma’s house than a modern home. Today, design trends favor simpler, minimalist styles, with subtle patterns and clean lines, creating more balanced and contemporary spaces.
9. Too Much Tufted Furniture
Tufted furniture, especially sofas and chairs, was a staple in the 80s. While tufting can add texture and elegance, excessive use created a heavy, outdated look. Large, bulky tufted pieces often made rooms feel closed in, especially when paired with other ornate details. Today, design trends lean towards sleeker, more comfortable furniture with clean lines, offering a more open, airy feel. This shift creates spaces that feel modern, welcoming, and less crowded, focusing on both style and functionality.
10. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting was the go-to flooring choice in the 80s, with plush, shag-like textures filling living rooms and bedrooms. While cozy, it quickly became difficult to maintain, as it stained easily and trapped dust. Over time, carpet fell out of favor and was replaced by hardwood floors, tile, and other more durable, easy-to-clean options. These alternatives not only provide a more contemporary look but also offer better longevity and ease of care, creating spaces that are both stylish and practical.
11. Fake Plants Everywhere
The 80s were filled with fake plants, from large leafy trees to artificial vines hanging in every corner. While low-maintenance, they made spaces feel unnatural and stiff. In contrast, real plants have become a popular choice today, thanks to their air-purifying benefits and ability to bring life and vibrancy to a room. Fresh greenery creates a more organic, inviting atmosphere, adding natural beauty that plastic plants simply can’t replicate. This shift has made interiors feel livelier and more connected to nature.
12. Sculptural Lighting Fixtures
In the 80s, lighting fixtures were often sculptural and ornate, with angular or abstract designs. While eye-catching, these lights often clashed with the overall room aesthetic, drawing attention away from other elements. Today, we prefer more streamlined, functional lighting that integrates smoothly into the space. Modern fixtures enhance the room’s design without overpowering it, offering a cleaner, more balanced look that complements the overall decor while providing necessary illumination.
13. Excessive Use of Dark Heavy Wood
In the 80s, dark, heavy wood was the preferred choice for furniture, paneling, and cabinetry, often associated with luxury. However, it tended to make spaces feel smaller, darker, and more enclosed. Today, lighter woods and modern finishes are favored for their ability to create a more open and airy atmosphere. While dark wood is still used occasionally, it’s no longer the dominant material for warmth and richness. Lighter tones now offer a more contemporary and spacious feel to modern interiors.
This article was created with the assistance of AI but thoroughly edited by a human being.