10 Things in Every ’80s Living Room That You Never See Now
These quirky staples of the ’80s living room have vanished without a trace in today’s homes.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Back in the ’80s, living rooms had a very different look and feel. They were full of bold furniture, chunky electronics, and patterns everywhere. Many of those items have disappeared over time. This list shows what used to be in almost every ’80s living room but is rarely seen today.
1. Giant Tube TVs That Took Up Half the Room
Norfolk757man on Wikimedia Commons
These weren’t just TVs — they were furniture. Massive and boxy, these CRT monsters were heavy enough to require two people to move. Most sat inside wooden console cabinets and hummed loudly while warming up.
2. Shag Carpeting That Covered Every Inch
KoolShooters on Wikimedia Commons
The ’80s living rooms loved a thick shag carpet in bold shades like mustard or forest green. It added texture but trapped every crumb, toy, and sock imaginable. You could lose a remote in there for days.
3. Wood Paneling Walls That Felt Like a Basement
Basile Morin on Wikimedia Commons
Faux wood paneling was the go-to wall treatment of the decade. It made even sunny rooms feel like a den and gave everything a slightly darker tone. Today, it’s been replaced by bright paint and open walls.
4. Entertainment Centers Bigger Than Your Couch
Jan Hammershaug from Vestre Gausdal, Norway on Wikimedia Commons
These weren’t just TV stands — they housed VHS tapes, boomboxes, and way too many fake plants. Entire walls were taken up by these bulky wooden units. Now, a flat-screen and floating shelf do the trick.
5. Floral Sofas That Matched the Curtains
U3211603 on Wikimedia Commons
These couches had bold prints, ruffled skirts, and patterns that somehow matched everything and nothing. They weren’t just seats; they were statements. Most were stiff and loud whenever you moved.
6. Glass Coffee Tables with Brass Trim
Sridhar Rao on Wikimedia Commons
Every ’80s living room seemed to feature at least one glass table with shiny brass edges. They looked fancy but smudged instantly and made vacuuming terrifying. One wrong bump, and you were sweeping for hours.
7. Fake Plants That Collected Dust for Years
Totopoto on Wikimedia Commons
These leafy plastic arrangements added “life” to the room without needing care. Most sat in ceramic pots or wicker baskets near the window. They were rarely cleaned but somehow never thrown out.
8. Wall Clocks That Looked Like Sculptures
Tim Sheerman-Chase on Wikimedia Commons
These weren’t just for telling time; they were works of art, at least in theory. Think golden sunbursts, ornate Roman numerals, or overly modern chrome designs. Quiet? Never. They ticked loudly and proudly.
9. Magazine Racks Overflowing with TV Guides
NPS on Wikimedia Commons
Every living room had a little rack filled with Reader’s Digest, TV Guide, and recipe clippings. It was always next to the recliner, overflowing and dusty. Phones may rule now, but those racks were gold back then.
10. Beaded Curtains
Vittoriano Rastelli on Wikimedia Commons
Beaded curtains were a decorative choice no one questioned in the ’80s. They made noise, caught hair, and blocked zero light, but they felt stylish. You rarely see them now unless you’re in a retro bar.