10 Home Trends From The '80s Every Gen X Kid Will Remember

From shamelessly gaudy colors to Lucite everywhere to brass and palms - lots of palms!

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• August 28, 2022

The eighties were a decade of legwarmers, crimped hair, oversized earrings, and shoulder pads. We were watching Full House, Married With Children, and Roseanne, and we were listening to Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Cyndi Lauper.

It was a monumental decade and one of the most fashion-focused of our time. But it wasn't just the outrageous clothing and makeup trends; there were also the interior design crazes.

From shamelessly gaudy colors to Lucite everywhere to brass and palms - lots of palms! The home trends of the eighties were something to behold.

Who could forget the wallpaper in Blanche's room on The Golden Girls? The bright green banana leaves were like a smack in the face - oh, and don't forget the matching bedspread!

People took inspiration from television shows such as Miami Vice and Dallas. And, although bold and neon colors were in, so were pastels and fine lines.

The things a person chose to decorate their home with were just as important as the clothing they chose to wear on their body. It was all about being on trend.

We thought it would be fun to take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the eighties' most popular interior design trends. Keep scrolling to take a look at ten home trends from the '80s that every Gen X kid will remember.

1. Wood. Wood Everywhere.

There was nothing more uncomfortable than one of those carved wooden dining chairs. But you were sweet if you had a cushion (usually floral) tied to the seat.

2. It's All About The Ruffles

If your side table wasn't dressed with a floor-length ruffle skirt, was it even a real side table? Oh, and don't forget the glass topper either.

3. I Can See Clearly Now

If your parents had one of these clear glass dining tables, you were totally cool. You also weren't playing footsies with your boyfriend at family dinners.

4. The Miami Vice Effect

Think Miami Vice. Beige backgrounds with accents of pink and teal.

5. Phone Envy

You were no one if you didn't have one of these translucent slimline phones in your bedroom as a teen. Oh, unless you had a hamburger phone - then you were even cooler!

6. All About That Bass

The eighties were a time when stereos were the size of amusement parks and about as easy to navigate. But boy, did they sound good!

7. Hanging Around

Plants were essential to an eighties household. But not just any plants - hanging plants were the epitome of style and sophistication.

8. Darlin' Leave A Light On For Me

There was no such thing as a subtle glow in the eighties. A halogen lamp was the only way to go for a trendy workspace.

9. Nice Rack

When records went out and CDs came in, we all had to go out and buy one of these. Not only was it the perfect way to store all your precious CDs in one place, but you could also have them on display for all your friends to admire.

10. All The Drapes

In the eighties, having the most state-of-the-art Venetian blinds on your windows wasn't enough. Oh no, if you didn't hang hideous drapes over the top of them, you may as well have not had them at all.

So, there you have it. Ten home trends from the eighties that every Gen X kid will remember.

Did you have any of these in your home during the '80s? Or perhaps you've never seen some of these trends before, depending on your age.

Either way, we would love to know what you think of them. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Stephanie