Iconic Items Everyone Had in Their Home During the ’80s

Iconic Items Everyone Had in Their Home During the ’80s

The ’80s was a decade of bold fashion, unforgettable music, and unique home décor. Whether you grew up during that time or just love retro vibes, here are 15 iconic items practically mandatory in every ’80s household. Let’s see how many you remember!

1. The Very Large, Very impractical Zenith Console TV

 

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No flat screens here… The Zenith console TV was a massive wooden box that dominated the living room. Complete with chunky knobs and built-in speakers, this was the ultimate centerpiece for family movie nights. It took at least two people to move, and remote controls were a luxury not everyone had.

2. The Lucite Glass Coffee Table

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This sleek, sometimes sharp-edged glass table was a fixture in ’80s living rooms. Supported by lucite or chrome legs, it screamed: “modern.” And while it looked great, it often came with the risk of bumping into those unforgiving edges (ouch).

3. The Wicker Papasan Chair

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Comfort met boho chic in the form of the iconic wicker papasan chair. This chair was perfect for lounging with its wide, bowl-like seat and soft cushion. It looked light, but you knew trying to move it was a test of balance and strength.

4. The Sony Betamax VCR

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Before VHS reigned supreme, Betamax VCRs were the must-have for recording your favorite shows. While it may have lost the tape format war, Betamax was the peak of home video technology for a brief moment. If your family had one, you were ahead of the curve (until you weren’t).

5. The Harvest Gold Kitchen Appliances

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Harvest gold wasn’t just a color; it was a lifestyle. From refrigerators to stovetops, if your kitchen appliances weren’t this iconic mustardy-yellow hue, you were missing out. Bonus points if you also had a matching phone mounted on the wall.

6. The La-Z-Boy Recliner

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The La-Z-Boy was the ultimate ’80s dad chair. Complete with a lever on the side that lets you lean back and put your feet up; this faux leather or fabric recliner was the throne of every household. It was built for comfort, not style, but it ruled the living room.

7. The Macramé Plant Hanger

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Were you even trying if your plants weren’t hanging in an intricate macramé holder? These woven plant hangers were everywhere in the ’80s, holding everything from ferns to ivy. They brought a minor nature indoors with an undeniable crafty touch.

8. The Classic Rubik’s Cube

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No ’80s home was complete without a Rubik’s Cube somewhere in the mix. Whether proudly displayed on the coffee table or hidden in frustration after countless failed attempts to solve it, this puzzle toy was an icon of the decade. Solving it meant instant genius status.

9. The Ridiculously Uncomfortable Waterbed

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For a while, waterbeds were the ultimate symbol of luxury and coolness. Sloshing around as you tried to sleep was all part of the experience. If you had a waterbed in your room, you were living the ’80s dream—even if it wasn’t the most practical bedding option.

10. The Iconic Rotary Phone

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Cordless phones hadn’t taken over yet, and the rotary telephone reigned supreme. With its dial that took what felt like ages to complete, it was a time-consuming but essential part of the home. Extra points if you had the wall-mounted version in your kitchen, often with a super long, tangled cord.

11. The Atari 2600

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Video game consoles were still a new phenomenon in the ’80s, and the Atari 2600 was at the forefront of the revolution. Its joystick and pixelated games like Pong and Space Invaders brought arcade fun to your living room.

12. The Nagel Prints

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Patrick Nagel’s iconic art prints of bold, angular women with slick hair and cool sunglasses could be found in homes nationwide. Whether it was hanging above the couch or framed on a bedroom wall, these prints embodied ’80s style in all its glamorous glory.

13. The Revere Ware Copper Bottom Pots

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These pots were the workhorse of every ’80s kitchen. The copper-bottomed cookware was durable, reliable, and often passed down from generation to generation. Whether making spaghetti or heating soup, chances are you had at least one Revere Ware pot in your cupboard.

14. The Frosted Glass Light Fixtures

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Every ’80s house had at least one frosted glass light fixture, usually in the form of ceiling lights or sconces. Their soft, diffuse glow added ambiance, while their textured look made them feel slightly more sophisticated than your average lightbulb.

15. The Toilet Seat Cover and Matching Bath Mat Set

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Your bathroom wasn’t in the ’80s without a plush, pastel toilet seat cover and matching bath mat. Baby blue, peach, or pink were the go-to colors, and these fuzzy accessories made the bathroom feel a little cozier… though maybe not more hygienic.