It started out with a simple challenge: Find actual examples of good decor trends from the '80s. Three days of scouring the internet produced little more than a miniature obelisk (why were they so popular in the 1980s?) and a glass table. That was it. The only upside of this relatively fruitless search? These fantastic photos, found by the fabulous blog Vintage Goodness, that show the true side of the 1980s.
It was an ugly time...at least for decor. Looking at these photos, we strongly believe that it's impossible for any of these trends to make a full-on comeback. But then again, I had said the same about leggings and New Wave hairdos. What do you think?
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These Damn Overstuffed Couches
They're still easy to find -- just look in your parents' basement or search for couches on Craigslist.
Twee Floral Overload
Laura Ashley was the height of good taste. I believe they were going for an "English" look here.
Conference Room Chic
The 1980s were all about business, business, business. Bring on the shoulder pads and power suits! And glass tables that look like they're from the Marriott's business center. Note the suggestive banana in the foreground.
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Ferns
I was going to comment on side table draped in a tiered tablecloth AND topped with an acrylic protector, but then I noticed the menacing fern in the corner. These plants were the favorite of prop stylists.
Wallpaper Borders
These are some serious borders. Also, there's another fern. Can't even deal with that heavy wood furniture.
Dusty Pastels
The laminate desk wouldn't be so bad on its own. But surrounded by quilted furniture in that dusty light blue that never looks clean...terrible.
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Track Lights
The '80s were all about that overhead lighting system. Also, extra '80s points for that mirrored closet door. I bet the caption was something about how mirrors can really open up a space.
Busy Wallpaper
Specifically, the kind of wallpaper that looks like the patterns still found in a dentist office's couches.
Recliners
O.K. Recliners are like being cradled by a velveteen cloud. But they're still terribly ugly.
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White Laminate Cabinets
These are still a blight on rental apartments. See also: Vinyl flooring. (Though many have come to their senses regarding that option.)