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

The eighties were loud, colorful, and impossible to ignore, and that went for the home decor too. From brass accents to neon touches and plenty of palms, the decade had a very specific look.

TV shows like Miami Vice, Dallas, and The Golden Girls helped shape what people wanted in their living rooms and bedrooms. Bold colors, glossy finishes, and dramatic details were everywhere, and no one seemed interested in playing it safe.

These ten home trends are pure Gen X nostalgia, and they still bring back instant memories. Read on for a walk through some of the most unforgettable interiors of the '80s.

1. Wood. Wood Everywhere.

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

Architectual Digest

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.

Horst P. Horst

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.

Vintage Goodness

That glossy, over-the-top look was everywhere back then.

4. The Miami Vice Effect

Think Miami Vice: beige backgrounds with accents of pink and teal.

Pinterest/palmandlaser

5. Phone Envy

You were nobody 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!

Etsy

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!

Facebook/The Old School Page

Some of these trends were stylish, and some were just pure '80s excess.

Also, this brings to mind parents whose salon dreams turned into domestic disaster after disaster.

7. Hanging Around

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

Sunset Books

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.

Etsy

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.

Jonathan Gelber

It all felt bigger, brighter, and a little more dramatic than anything that came after.

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 might as well have not had them at all.

Pinterest

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.

Some trends never really leave the room.

Want more “good old days” chaos from the family album, check out these grandparents who lived like safety was optional.