The 1980s were loud, bold, and unapologetically flashy, and in 2025, they’re making a comeback. From squiggly Memphis patterns to neon lights and high-gloss finishes, vintage trends that were once considered tacky are now being reimagined with a modern twist.
Many designers are now embracing the charm of color-blocked walls, Lucite furniture, and even wall-to-wall carpets, balancing retro nostalgia with contemporary style. Whether it’s in tech, interiors, or decor, these old trends bring personality and playfulness to today’s more muted style. Let’s take a look at nine iconic 1980s design trends that are making a stylish return.
1. Memphis Design – The Art of Patterned Chaos
Once seen as loud and over-the-top, Memphis Design has made a stylish comeback. With its bold zigzags, playful squiggles, vivid colors, and clashing patterns, what was once considered tacky is now becoming super trendy again.
Today, designers are using it in small doses, like patterned tables or abstract tiles, to keep things fresh without going overboard. It was once mocked in the world of decor, but now, it is embraced as a bold, expressive style that stands out.
2. Glossy Lacquered Furniture – Glare Is the New Matte
Glossy finishes and saturated colors haven’t looked this good since your mom’s dining set in 1987. What is not to love about cobalt blue sideboards or cherry-red coffee tables, with lacquered surfaces that gleam like glass?
In a world dominated by matte and muted tones, these shiny pieces stand out with their rebellious and energetic charm. Whether you’re a fan or not, lacquer is back in style!
3. Neon Lights – From Roadside Kitsch to Luxe Art
Neon has moved far beyond retro diners and flashy Vegas signs. Today, custom neon lights are popping up in modern bedrooms, trendy cafes, and even influencer studios.
These lights are playful, nostalgic, and they look surprisingly tasteful when paired with muted interiors. In a world filled with digital screens, neon offers a warm, colorful glow that shows no signs of fading out.
4. Brutalist Tech – Tactile Nostalgia with a Purpose
The chunky electronics of the 1980s weren’t just stylistic; they were tactile experiences. Today, designers are reviving brutalist elements, including sharp corners, large switches, and visible hardware, to bring a bit of character to tech design.
As today’s devices become sleeker and feel increasingly sterile, this retro-inspired approach adds depth and character. This nostalgic aesthetic returns substance to style, making gadgets feel sturdy, nostalgic, and weirdly comforting in today’s world.
5. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting – Soft Comeback, Dusty Downside
As long as you forget about the allergens, wall-to-wall carpeting is cozy and luxurious. Despite this style’s reputation for trapping dust and pet dander, it’s now making a comeback in high-end interiors and boutique hotels.
Modern carpets are designed to be more hypoallergenic and eco-friendly, but concerns still linger. However, the appeal of cozy, cushioned flooring is strong enough that some homeowners are tearing out their hardwood floors in favor of soft, plush carpeting.
6. Boombox Decor – Audio Icons as Eye Candy
Nothing screams ’80s like a portable boombox, and today, it’s not just for playing your old favorite tracks. Boomboxes are now becoming ironic home decor, and are often being repurposed as shelves, planters, or just cool centerpieces.
Whether it still works doesn’t really matter, it’s a visual throwback that looks super cool in today’s homes.
7. Glass Brick Walls – Design Faux Pas or Modern Brutalism?
Glass bricks were once considered a design disaster, but they are now getting a modern reframe. These bricks are now appearing in new builds, trendy bathrooms, and Instagram backgrounds.
When they are used sparingly, especially with updated materials and cleaner shapes, they can make any room look super stylish.
8. Lucite and Acrylic Everything – Invisible Chic
Invisible furniture is making a comeback. Lucite and acrylic dominated ’80s decor, from chairs to side tables, and now, these “invisible” pieces are outpacing glass for lightweight modernity.
Designers love them in small spaces where transparency creates the illusion of openness.
9. Color-Blocked Walls – Bold, Blunt, and Back
Forget about colors like gray and beige. The color-blocking trend from the ’80s is back, with teal meeting coral, or red slammed against black. This look is now bolder than ever before.
Designers are using this trend to create mood, depth, and drama, with whole rooms now drenched in deliberate clashes or geometric color zones.