1980s interiors: top tips from the decade of synth

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We wouldn’t be surprised if you were to turn your nose up at the thought of 1980s interior design styles. This loud and proud decade, associated with clashing neon colours and dynamic prints, is anything but coy. 

Whether you like it or not, the ‘80s are back in fashion. Don’t believe us? Just ask the kids. From the return of the gaudy ‘Mob Wife’ look that’s been doing the rounds with Gen Zs, to Netflix’s bingeworthy Stranger Things capturing the world’s attention, it’s clear that 1980s style is cool again.  

But what about home decor? In this blog, we’ll look at our favourite trends and key influences of the time that fed into 1980s interior design styles and explore how to bring some retro nostalgia into your modern bedroom. 

• Neon hues and colour clashing: The ‘80s vibe was energetic, loud and unapologetically excessive. Homeowners dared to experiment with vivid colours and exuberant prints. Palettes would often centre around neon pinks, electric blues and sunny yellows, and it wouldn’t be uncommon to colour clash in the home, too. We love the iconic pink and green combo that could be seen on many floors, walls and furniture.  
• Man-made materials: Unlike the ‘60s and ‘70s, interior enthusiasts no longer sought natural materials in the home in the ‘80s. Instead, they yearned for a more artificial aesthetic. Think glass furniture, leather and metal, for a (then) futuristic look. 
• Lights, camera, action: Lighting was an important tool for setting the scene. From hanging pendants to neon tube lights, there are plenty of ways to illuminate a room in a fun and interesting manner, just as they did in the eighties.  

Whilst there’s no denying that this excessive interior design style is not for the faint-hearted, it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. In the right hands, a touch of ‘80s nostalgia can create an ultra-cool aesthetic that’s sure to stay in style for years to come. Here are our top tips on introducing a 1980s feel in your bedroom… 

Colour blocking

Bright clashing colours were a hallmark of ‘80s interior design. But you can easily dial down this trend – after all, the bedroom still needs to be a place of calm.  

Instead, give colour blocking a try. Simply choose two key hues that you like, for example, the period’s signature pink and green combo (hello Miami Vice!), and stick only to these two shades. We love a pink bedspread with green scatter cushions. Totally rad.  

Add a pop of red

Another way to subtly introduce pigment into your bedroom decor is through accent colours. Adding a pop of red has been a super popular trend this year and looks fab in interior design.  

To nail the look, start with a neutral base. Paint your walls in a crisp white and choose a light-coloured carpet, like cream (or grey if you’re concerned about stains). Now for the fun part: adding your pops of red! Introduce colour with small accessories around the room, like photo frames, blankets, cushions, and ornaments. Or, why not invest in a retro record player and display your favourite ‘80s vinyls? We heard that The Talking Heads Remain in Light album cover has a pop of red too… 

Wanna jump on the colour pop trend? Check out our ultimate guide on how to introduce the colour red in the bedroom.  

Lean into the glam rock era

It wouldn’t be the 1980s without a little glam rock. Embrace the look in your bedroom design with a statement headboard. Our Dream Team Levisham Headboard features a chrome stud border, a great way to give a nod to the edgy eighties. Or why not channel your inner Madonna with the leopard print TheraPur® Laurel Headboard? Animal print is having a real moment right now and is sure to be a talking point in any bedroom. By choosing a headboard instead of a bed frame, it’s easy to switch up this look when you decide it’s time for a change.  

The secret to making this trend current is by combining one eccentric element (such as a bold headboard) with neutral colours and patterns in the rest of the room. A touch of ‘80s + minimalism = a match made in heaven.  

Take inspiration from platform beds 

Platform beds were all the rage in the ‘80s. Though very aesthetic, a platform bed is not the most practical. Instead, consider a low-rise bed to achieve the same look and feel, with far less back ache. 

Our Jakarta Faux Leather Low Rise Bed Frame could be the perfect alternative, with its low foot end and faux leather finish, a favourite material of the ‘80s. Plus, it comes with sprung slats which offer cushioned support, meaning you can have the best of both worlds: the cool 80s look, with a comfortable night’s sleep. Win-win.  

Hang a neon sign

Feeling bold? Hanging a neon sign is an ideal way to embody the expressive eighties vibe. Experiment with a coloured bulb like pink, yellow, or blue, or opt for a classic white glow, depending on your taste. When it comes to shapes, there’s plenty of fun to be had; from edgy tubes that line your ceiling, to funky pink flamingos that light up your chest of drawers. You could even order a bespoke fitting in the shape of your name to hang above your bed. Get creative with it! 

Or, if you’re looking for more of a wild card, consider investing in a gaming bed with built-in lighting like our X Rocker Nebula Ottoman TV Bed Frame. Featuring a 4K 43″ SMART TV and surround sound system, you can fully immerse yourself in next-gen gaming. Pac-Man and Super Mario Bros just got a serious upgrade!

And just look at those LED lights – if this doesn’t scream ‘80s, we don’t know what does… 

Make use of man-made materials 

Whilst the ‘70s were all about reflecting the natural world in home decor, the ‘80s took a futuristic turn. Furniture was fabricated from man-made materials, to give off a more “modern” look. From metal beds to leather armchairs, glass tables to plastic accessories; man-made furniture was sturdier, more affordable and offered versatile designs compared to traditional materials.  

Remember those glass block walls, too? There are rumours in the design world that this outdated design feature is soon to make a comeback. But, we’d recommend thinking twice before knocking down a wall in place of a glass block – it’s quite a big commitment! 

Add a touch of Club Tropicana 

Just like in the ‘60s and ‘70s, indoor plants continued to have a home in the bedroom. But the main point of difference was that in the ‘80s, indoor plants got a tropical upgrade. Yep, that’s right, we switched our calming peace lilies for exotic palms, vibrant birds of paradise, and of course, the iconic Swiss cheese plant, which is just as popular now as it was back then.  

Don’t forget about presentation! There are tonnes of beautiful plant pots on the market, and you don’t need to stick to muted colours. Why not go for a traditionally ‘80s golden plant pot or a bright colour that matches your palette? Not only are indoor tropical plants great for breathing some life into a room, but they also add some drama.  

Money, money, money 

The 1980s were a period of ‘radical change and political giants’, which heavily impacted the way we lived our lives. Here in the UK, Thatcher brought in new policies that aimed to boost the economy, and for the first time, there was an expectation amongst the public that we could make more money. We also saw a significant rise in “career girls”, as women started to enjoy more freedom in the workplace. Naturally, this shook up household dynamics, with less women in the kitchen and more in the office. Enter the era of shoulder pads and power suits! 

An electronic sound

Just like years gone by, music played a crucial role in shaping society. But instead of static vinyl records, we were playing our tunes on the move with cutting-edge cassette tapes and Walkmans. The ‘80s also saw the birth of MTV and music videos, and exciting new genres like new wave punk-rock, synth, hip-hop and pop music exploded onto the scene. Everything was energetic, loud and full of life – and this was reflected in how we presented ourselves and our homes. 

Celebrity culture

Pop culture was the name of the game. You may think that influencer culture is big now, but we’ve been taking inspiration from celebrities for decades. In the ‘80s, we looked to icons like the eternally graceful Princess Diana, music legends such as Kate Bush and George Michael, and film stars like Tom Cruise, Molly Ringwald and Michael J. Fox. We aspired to talk like them, walk like them and be them.  

• Use vivid, neon colours like electric blues, neon pinks and bright, sunshine yellows for a maximalist heaven. 
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour clashing and colour blocking. Green and pink are a dynamic duo.  
• Say goodbye to natural textures and hello to artificial materials like metal, leather and glass.  
• Lean into the expressive ‘80s vibe and choose patterns like leopard print and fun geometric patterns like squiggly zigzags and stripes.  
• If you’re introducing houseplants into your bedroom, make sure they’re tropical – think glossy palms and monstera.  
• The overall vibe of the 1980s was confident, daring and experimental, so have some fun with your interior design and make it bold.