15 Classroom Decorations That Screamed ’80s Style
Here's a nostalgic journey through 15 iconic '80s classroom decorations that defined a vibrant educational era.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Step back into the colorful corridors of the 1980s, where classrooms were adorned with neon hues, cassette tapes, and boomboxes. This listicle revisits 15 quintessential decorations that brought energy and flair to educational spaces.
1. Neon Bulletin Boards
Jakub Zerdzicki on Pexels
Bright neon bulletin boards were a staple in ’80s classrooms. They captured students’ attention with their vivid colors and dynamic designs. These boards often featured geometric patterns and motivational slogans that energized the learning environment.
2. Cassette Tape Cutouts
Marta Nogueira on Pexels
Cassette tapes weren’t just for music; they became decorative elements symbolizing the era’s pop culture. Teachers used colorful cutouts to label areas or highlight student achievements.
3. Boom Box Corners
Imageuploader2614 on Wikimedia Commons
The boombox, an iconic symbol of the ’80s, found its way into classrooms as oversized decorations or thematic props, adding a musical vibe to the learning space.
4. Rubik’s Cube Inspirations
Booyabazooka (original) JCRules (color modifications) on Wikimedia Commons
The Rubik’s Cube craze influenced classroom art, with students creating colorful cube-inspired designs that showcased problem-solving and creativity.
5. Trapper Keeper Showcases
Yortizsoto16 on Wikimedia Commons
Trapper Keepers, with their bold graphics, were not only functional but also decorative. Teachers often displayed them to encourage organization and personal expression.
6. Lisa Frank Fantasies
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Lisa Frank’s vibrant and whimsical designs brought a touch of fantasy to classrooms, inspiring imagination and joy among students.
7. Chalkboard Masterpieces
Alex P on Pexels
Teachers transformed chalkboards into dynamic canvases, illustrating lessons with colorful chalk art that reflected the era’s aesthetic.
8. 80s-Inspired Alphabet Strips
Polina on Pexels
Alphabet strips in bold, block letters were a key feature of classrooms in the 1980s. These strips, often featuring bright primary colors and large fonts, added an educational yet playful touch to the room’s atmosphere.
9. Retro Wall Clocks
Shovy Rahman on Wikimedia Commons
Clocks from the ’80s often had bold, graphic designs with geometric shapes and neon accents. These functional pieces weren’t just about telling time but also about contributing to the room’s vibrant atmosphere.
10. Colorful Desk Supplies
Tim Gouw on Pexels
Desk supplies like pencils, erasers, and folders in neon hues and fun patterns were essential to every ’80s classroom. They helped inject a playful, energetic vibe into the school day, making organization feel like a creative activity.
11. Starry Ceiling Decor
Thiago Matos on Pexels
Classrooms often featured starry skies, with glittering stars and moons hanging from the ceiling. These celestial decorations were designed to inspire curiosity and create a sense of wonder in the classroom.
12. Vintage Maps
cottonbro studio on Pexels
World maps, often in muted tones with retro design elements, decorated many classrooms in the ’80s. These maps not only served educational purposes but also added a touch of old-world charm to the space.
13. Interactive Bulletin Boards
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Bulletin boards in ’80s classrooms weren’t just for displaying static information; they were interactive. Teachers often used them to encourage student participation, with pockets for notes, quizzes, and fun challenges.
14. Pop Culture Posters
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Posters of ’80s pop culture icons such as musicians, athletes, and movie stars filled classroom walls. These images added a cool factor and kept students engaged by reflecting the cultural landscape of the time.
15. Neon Light Signs
Lisha Dunlap on Pexels
Neon signs became a popular feature in classrooms during the ’80s, offering a fun, modern touch. These glowing lights, often spelling out welcoming words or motivational phrases, brightened the classroom and added a sense of excitement to the learning environment.