10 Bold ’80s Furniture Trends That Oozed Luxury

A person sits on a vintage mustard-yellow sofa, petting a dog in a living room filled with eclectic art and ornate decor. The walls display various framed paintings, and the room features a large chandelier and a decorative lace runner on the table.
David Turnley/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

When it comes to making bold statements in fashion and decor, the 1980s tend to come to mind. From power suits with shoulder pads to interiors dripping with glossy lacquer and brass accents, everything was designed to catch the eye and scream tackiness (ahem, we mean, luxury). The ‘80s were also an era that embraced maximalism in furniture, with materials like suede, vibrant floral patterns, and bright jewel tones taking center stage. From shag carpeting and canopy beds to overstuffed suede couches, join us as we take a stroll down memory lane to visit some of the most eye-popping ’80s furniture pieces.

1. Canopy Beds and Floral Patterns

A cozy bedroom with a bright yellow theme features a canopy bed, floral patterned fabric, and a lit fireplace. An armchair and coffee table are nearby, adorned with flowers, candles, books, and a tray with a tea set. One painting hangs above the mantle.
Frederic Lewis/Getty Images
Frederic Lewis/Getty Images

Because nothings screams ’80s furniture quite like the “look, a garden threw up all over my room” aesthetic.

2. Pastel and Suede Tones

Luxurious hotel room with two twin beds, elegant drapery, and soft lighting. Features a seating area by a large window, ornate lamps, and a dresser topped with a plant. Light blue and beige tones create a classic, serene atmosphere.
Frederic Lewis/Getty Images
Frederic Lewis/Getty Images

When your bedroom’s vibe says “royal yacht club meets pastel dreams,” you’ve reached peak ’80s elegance.

3. Gold Accents and Low-Hanging Chandeliers

Vintage room with ornate wallpaper, mustard carpet, and a large decorative mirror. A black chandelier hangs from the ceiling. There's a tall upholstered chair and a small table on the right. A set of stairs leads to a darker area in the back.
Oscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images
Oscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images

A glimpse inside Elvis Presley’s suite at the International/Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas circa 1980. Featuring damask wallpaper, gold tones as far as the eye can see, and a wrought iron chandelier, this room defined the era’s thirst for maximalist decor.

4. Overstuffed Sofas and Eclectic Decor

A person reclines on a sofa, using a laptop. A yellow labrador sits on the floor nearby. The room has a fireplace, colorful curtains, and artwork on the walls. The scene is relaxed and homey.
Paul Harris/Getty Images
Paul Harris/Getty Images

Arnold Schwarzenegger chilling in his Santa Monica home in 1982. This is peak ’80s relaxation: overstuffed suede armchairs, striped curtains, and a Labrador that’s clearly the real boss of the house.

5. Yellow Countertops and Brick Planters

A kitchen with a bright yellow countertop features a stainless steel triple sink. Behind it, a raised brick planter holds a variety of plants and flowers. A cutting board with sliced bread is beside the sink, and kitchen utensils hang on the wall.
Frederic Lewis/Getty Images
Frederic Lewis/Getty Images

Nothing says “welcome to the ’80s” like a sunny yellow countertop and a built-in herb garden that doubles as your kitchen backsplash.

6. Cream Sofas, Glass Tables, and a Grand Piano

Spacious living room with a large beige sectional sofa, glass coffee table, two armchairs, and a grand piano. Warm lighting from floor lamps and ceiling lights, artwork on the walls, and a large potted plant in the corner.
Paul Harris/Getty Images
Paul Harris/Getty Images

When the ’80s decided that luxury meant cream sofas, glass tables, and a piano to tie it all together — even if you didn’t know how to play.

7. Floral Chairs Even Took Over the White House

Two women sit facing each other in a formal room with floral armchairs. One wears a black outfit; the other, a light gray suit. Behind them are lamps, potted plants, and paintings on a yellow wall. They appear engaged in conversation.
White House Press Office/PhotoQuest/Getty Images
White House Press Office/PhotoQuest/Getty Images

We weren’t kidding: Floral patterns were all the rage in the ’80s. Case in point: First Lady Nancy Reagan (left) being interviewed by Barbara Walters at the White House in Washington D.C. in 1988.

8. Shag Carpeting

Person with curly hair wearing a white top and ripped jeans sits casually on a fluffy couch in a room with arches and plants. The decor features warm tones and natural textures.
Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Anthony Barboza/Getty Images

Cher at her California home in 1987. Who needs a throw blanket when your whole couch doubles as one?

9. Gilded Picture Frames and Ornate Wallpaper

A lavishly decorated room with ornate wallpaper and framed paintings. Elegant furniture, including a round table with tea sets and a fireplace, are visible. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and sunlight streams in, casting a warm glow.
Bryn Colton/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Bryn Colton/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

This “formal room” at the Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, England, was oozing with “Victorian grandeur.” Also, is it just me, or does it look like the portraits are about to come to life, a lá Harry Potter?

10. Tall Ceilings, Chandeliers, and Marbled Floors

Opulent room with high ceilings, two large chandeliers, and tall windows covered with red drapes. Elegant furniture wrapped in plastic is arranged on a polished marble floor, and a grand doorway is situated on one side.
Patrick ROBERT/Sygma via Getty Images
Patrick ROBERT/Sygma via Getty Images

Sure, marbled floors were considered the epitome of luxury and prestige, but if you ask us, they just looked cold. (Note to self: don’t forget to pack slippers.)

Author
Alina Wang

From Queens, New York, Alina has a Bachelors degree in Corporate Communications from CUNY Baruch and enjoys writing and creating content on a variety of topics, including lifestyle, politics, and, of course, wealth trends. Find her on X @atlasseventeen