14 Popular Furniture Styles from the ’80s That Would Make People Cringe Today

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The 80s were a time of fashion and design extravagance, the era’s furniture styles were no different; from neon colors to geometric prints. These looks were back then nothing short of iconic; bright colors, big shapes, and adventurous patterns were the order of the day. It was meant to dazzle, often more than the people occupying it. While these styles were a ton of fun at the time, it’s safe to say that many haven’t aged very well.

Nostalgia can be a good thing; it can cause us to feel sentimental about some trends, but it also makes us scratch our heads and wonder how some trends were ever so popular. Picture your living room with chrome accents, glass top tables, and enough floral prints to keep a botanist busy. Here are the most memorable (and cringe worthy) styles from that unforgettable decade.

Floral Upholstery

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In the ’80s, there was so much floral print to go around that it was slapped on everything from shirts to purses. Every room was covered in busy flower motifs on the couches, armchairs, and the curtains, making it feel like a greenhouse explosion. It was anything but subtle, this was the decade’s answer to a touch of “class”.

Rattan Furniture

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Rattan is making a little comeback now, but the wicker-heavy ’80s look was often too much. Imagine an entire living room filled with rattan chairs, tables and ottomans. It was supposed to be breezy and vacationy back then, but today it often looks like someone went wild in a beach hut.

Glass-Topped Tables

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In the 1980s, glass topped tables were everywhere, often with chunky bases of plaster, metal or stone. They were sleek and futuristic, people loved them. The truth was, these tables were a nightmare to keep clean, and any fingerprint or scratch showed up in them. Those bulky bases weren’t always easy on the eyes, not to mention.

Pastel Color Schemes

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The pastels were huge, mint green, peach, powder blue. Wall paint and furniture upholstery were all these colors, giving rooms a soft, ‘Miami Vice’ vibe. Today, those washed out hues can make spaces look tired and faded when they should be looking fresh and fashionable.

Leather Sectionals Overstuffed

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The ’80s were all about sectionals, with oversized, heavily padded leather sofas in living rooms all over the country. They took up a lot of space, and had a shiny, almost plastic like finish. Today, their sheer size and material can make them look more appropriate to an office waiting room than a contemporary home.

Brass Accents Galore

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In the 1980s brass was everywhere — lamps, drawer handles, mirrors, picture frames. This high shine metal was meant to be elegant, but it just looked too much. As a little brass goes a long way these days, the full on shiny overload feels like it’s an artifact of a bygone era.

Waterbeds

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In 1980s, waterbeds were the ultimate luxury, it was something of a status symbol for those looking for relaxation and style. However, waterbeds were far from practical. They were heavy and hard to move, and they leaked. Today most would rather leave the waves to the ocean.

Mauve Everything

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Mauve was the one colour that screamed 1980s. Walls, furniture, bedding were all covered with this dusty pink-purple, unintentionally giving many homes a monochromatic effect. Mauve is still loved by some, but modern use of it feels like a leap back to the past rather than a design statement.

Shiny Lacquered Surfaces

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In the ’80s, glossy lacquered finishes were the height of high style. All of these bedroom sets, side tables, and entertainment centers were given the ultra glossy treatment, which made them reflective and eye catching. But the glare from the shiny surfaces was too much and these pieces could be too gaudy instead of glamorous.

Mirrored Walls and Mirrored Furniture

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’80s decor featured lots of mirrors, either covering an entire wall, or as a surface on dressers and coffee tables. The idea was to use the mirrors to make the spaces look bigger and more luxurious. Today, however, wall to wall mirrors can become outdated and even disorienting, and mirrored furniture can be a pain to keep smudge free.

Southwestern Prints

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Southwestern patterns were everywhere from upholstery to wall hangings. It was especially popular in suburban homes, because this style used earthy tones with geometric designs. These prints are still in use today, but the ’80s version went too far, all over soft surfaces and sometimes even clashed with the room’s overall aesthetic.

Pop Art-Inspired Furniture

Much of ’80s furniture was influenced by pop art in bright colors and bold designs, rendered to look like modern art. The pieces had the look of coming straight out of a comic book, with oversized patterns, neon accents, cartoonish shapes. Although fun, this style is not practical for those who don’t want their home to look like an art installation.

Lucite and Clear Acrylic

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In the ’80s, Lucite furniture was futuristic, but also impractical. Trendy clear chairs, tables, and shelves were easy to show dust and scratches. Today it can be used sparingly, but an entire room full of acrylic furniture can feel cold and uncomfortable.

Country Kitschy Decor

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Country style furniture was huge; lots of distressed wood, gingham patterns and rooster motifs. The aim was to introduce a farmhouse feel into the home, but it often ended up too cute. Today, this style is long gone, replaced by more modern rustic design takes.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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