12 Furniture Trends That Were in Every ’80s Living Room
These iconic ’80s furniture styles defined the decade and made every living room look straight out of a vintage catalog.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1980s saw the introduction of bold colors, large things, and persistent patterns into American living rooms. Making a statement was the primary purpose of 1980s furniture, which ranged from lacquered coffee tables to floral sofas. These 12 famous models formerly dominated every family room in the country.
1. Overstuffed Sectionals
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These massive sofas dominated entire living rooms, offering seating for the whole neighborhood. With rounded edges and pillowy arms, comfort took precedence over space.
2. Glass Coffee Tables with Brass Frames
Sridhar Rao on Wikimedia Commons
Modern and flashy, these tables were centerpieces in many ’80s homes. The combo of transparent surfaces and metallic shine screamed upscale glam. Smudges were constant, but they looked sharp with a few magazines and a faux plant.
3. Rattan Accent Chairs
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Borrowed from tropical vibes, rattan chairs brought a breezy, laid-back look. Often paired with bold cushions, they added a touch of vacation to any suburban living room.
4. Mirrored Furniture
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From end tables to entertainment centers, mirrored surfaces were the ultimate in ’80s flash. They made rooms feel bigger and added a reflective, high-gloss feel.
5. Mauve Everything
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This muted purple-pink hue covered sofas, rugs, curtains, and more. It was subtle, soft, and strangely everywhere. Mauve was the color of comfort, paired with creams and greys to create the perfect pastel palette.
6. Entertainment Centers with Wood Paneling
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Bulky wooden units housed boxy TVs, VHS players, and stereo systems in one massive frame. These were command centers of home entertainment. Usually oak or walnut veneer, they came with built-in shelves and cabinet doors.
7. Floral Upholstery
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Oversized roses, peonies, and vines crawled across sofas, chairs, and even ottomans. The louder, the better — clashing with wallpaper and curtains was part of the charm.
8. Lucite Chairs and Tables
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Clear, edgy, and modern — Lucite furniture looked like it belonged on a movie set. These ghost-like pieces made rooms look bigger and trendier. Popular in high-end design magazines, they were more style than substance.
9. Faux Marble Tops
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Dining and coffee tables with glossy, fake marble tops were all about luxury on a budget. They gave the illusion of high-end stone without the weight or cost. Paired with gold trim, they screamed 1980s opulence.
10. Track Lighting
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Though not furniture, track lighting was as much a design element as the sofa. It added an artsy, gallery-like vibe to living rooms. With adjustable heads, it let you highlight that mirrored wall or potted plant just right.
11. Recliners in Every Corner
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Comfort was king, and no chair showed that better than the recliner. Chunky, cloth-covered loungers in brown, burgundy, or green were a fixture near the TV.
12. Faux Leather Everything
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From beanbags to loveseats, faux leather brought sleekness without the price tag. It was glossy, easy to wipe, and often a bit squeaky. Found mostly in black or deep brown, it tried to look modern and tough.