Step back in time and embrace the vibrant energy of the 80s with a dining room that’s both retro and fresh. This era was all about bold colors, geometric patterns, and a touch of glam. Whether you’re aiming for a full-blown 80s revival or a more modern take on the decade’s signature style, there’s a plethora of design ideas to inspire your dining space. From neon hues to metallic accents, let’s explore some of the most exciting ways to bring the 80s back to life in your dining room.
Purple and Gold Glam
Channel the extravagance of the 80s with a purple and gold color scheme. Rich, deep purple walls create a dramatic backdrop, while gold accents add a touch of luxury. Consider a velvet dining set in a deep plum shade, complemented by gold-toned chairs or a shimmering chandelier. Embrace the geometric trend with patterned wallpaper featuring abstract shapes or a bold floral motif in shades of purple and gold. Add pops of color with accessories like teal or fuchsia vases, or a vibrant abstract painting. This combination exudes a sense of sophistication and makes a statement that’s both bold and timeless.
Neon Pop Art
Embrace the bold and playful spirit of the 80s with a pop art-inspired dining room. Bright neon colors like pink, yellow, and blue create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Consider a bold, geometric wallpaper featuring a mix of these colors, or paint the walls in a single neon shade for a vibrant backdrop. A sleek, modern dining set in white or black provides a neutral base for the colorful decor. Add pops of playful personality with neon-colored chairs, colorful artwork featuring iconic 80s imagery, or abstract sculptures. Complete the look with funky light fixtures, like oversized neon signs or globe-shaped lamps in bright colors. The goal is to create a space that’s both whimsical and full of personality.
Geometric Patterns and Textures
Geometric patterns were a defining feature of 80s design, and they can add a touch of retro flair to your dining room. Consider incorporating them through wallpaper, rugs, or even upholstery. A bold, geometric wallpaper featuring triangles, squares, or circles in contrasting colors can create a dynamic focal point. Pair it with a dining set in a solid color like black, white, or gray for a balanced look. Add pops of color and texture with a geometric patterned rug or throw pillows featuring contrasting hues and bold designs. The key is to balance the boldness of the patterns with neutral elements to create a cohesive and stylish space.
Tropical Paradise
Escape to a tropical paradise with an 80s-inspired dining room. The 80s saw a resurgence of tropical prints and colors, and this theme can bring a vibrant and refreshing feel to your dining space. Use a warm color palette like terracotta, ochre, and emerald green to create a sun-kissed atmosphere. Consider a bold tropical wallpaper featuring lush foliage, vibrant flowers, or exotic birds. A rattan or wicker dining set adds a natural touch and complements the tropical theme. Accessorize with vibrant tropical plants, such as monstera deliciosa or palm trees, and add a touch of glam with gold or brass accents. The goal is to create a space that evokes a sense of escape and relaxation.
Mid-Century Modern with a Twist
Combine the clean lines and functionality of mid-century modern design with the vibrant colors and playful elements of the 80s. A mid-century modern dining set in a warm wood tone provides a timeless foundation. Add pops of color with bright throw pillows or an eye-catching abstract painting in a bold color like turquoise or orange. Embrace geometric shapes with a patterned rug or wall art featuring abstract geometric designs. A statement light fixture, such as a globe-shaped pendant lamp or a sculptural floor lamp, complements the mid-century aesthetic while adding a touch of 80s flair. The key is to blend the minimalist forms of mid-century modern with the playful spirit of the 80s for a unique and modern dining room.
Black and White with a Pop of Color
A classic black and white color scheme creates a timeless backdrop for 80s-inspired accents. Black and white walls offer a sophisticated and versatile base, while a bold pop of color adds a touch of 80s energy. Consider a black and white patterned rug with a geometric design, or a black and white striped tablecloth for a touch of retro flair. Add a pop of color with vibrant chairs in a bright shade like fuchsia or teal. A statement piece of artwork featuring a bold abstract design in a contrasting color can also add a focal point. Accessorize with bright vases, candlesticks, or throw pillows in a single vibrant hue for a touch of personality.
Aqua and Coral Glamour
Embrace the playful and luxurious side of the 80s with a dining room that combines aqua and coral. These colors were popular during the 80s, and they create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Use aqua as the base color, whether on the walls or a statement piece of furniture like a sideboard. Add pops of coral with colorful chairs, throw pillows, or artwork. Consider incorporating metallic accents like gold or brass for a touch of glam. A vintage-inspired rug with a bold geometric pattern in aqua and coral completes the look. This combination creates a space that’s both elegant and energetic.
Terracotta and Teal Retro
Embrace the earthy tones and bold patterns of 80s decor with a terracotta and teal color scheme. Use terracotta as the base color, whether on the walls or the dining table. Teal accents, such as chairs, throw pillows, or artwork, add a vibrant contrast. Consider incorporating natural elements like wood or rattan into the furniture or decor for a touch of warmth. A patterned rug with a geometric design featuring terracotta and teal hues adds a retro touch. This combination creates a space that’s both earthy and sophisticated, with a touch of retro flair.
Metallic Accents
Add a touch of glam and 80s-inspired luxury with metallic accents. Gold, silver, or brass can be incorporated through lighting fixtures, furniture accents, or decorative elements. Consider a gold-toned chandelier for a dramatic focal point. A set of gold-trimmed chairs adds a touch of opulence to a simple dining table. Or, embrace the trend with metallic vases, bowls, or even a mirrored wall for a dazzling effect. Metallic accents add a touch of luxury and sparkle to any dining room, creating a space that’s both elegant and inviting.
Vintage Lighting
Lighting is a crucial element in setting the tone of any dining room, and the 80s were a decade of bold and statement-making designs. Consider vintage lighting fixtures for a touch of retro flair. A geometric chandelier with a metal frame and frosted glass shades is a classic 80s design that can add a touch of vintage charm. Or, consider a pendant lamp with a colorful glass shade or a retro-inspired table lamp. The goal is to choose lighting that reflects the bold and expressive spirit of the 80s while still complementing the overall style of your dining room.
Bold Artwork
The 80s were a time of artistic expression and innovation, and incorporating bold artwork into your dining room is a great way to embrace the era’s artistic spirit. Consider an abstract painting with bright, vibrant colors, or a pop art-inspired print featuring iconic 80s imagery. Geometric prints, bold abstract shapes, and vibrant color combinations are all key elements of 80s art that can bring a touch of retro flair to your dining room. Artwork is a great way to add a personal touch and express your own unique style.
Velvet Upholstery
Embrace the luxurious textures of the 80s with velvet upholstery. Velvet adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any dining room. Consider a dining set with velvet chairs or a velvet bench for a comfortable and stylish seating option. Choose a bold color like emerald green, burgundy, or even a vibrant fuchsia to add a pop of color and a touch of 80s flair. Velvet’s plush texture adds warmth and richness to the space, while its vibrant colors bring a touch of energy and personality.
Geometric Rugs
Geometric patterns were a defining feature of 80s design, and they can add a touch of retro flair to your dining room. Consider incorporating geometric rugs in a bold, contrasting color scheme. Choose a rug with a large, bold geometric pattern, such as triangles, squares, or circles. A rug in a bright color combination, like black and white with a pop of red or turquoise, can add a dramatic focal point to the space. Geometric rugs not only add a touch of retro charm but also ground the space and create a cohesive look.
Statement Furniture
The 80s were all about making a statement, and the same principle applies to furniture. Consider incorporating a statement piece, such as a bold sideboard or a unique dining table with a geometric base or a colorful lacquer finish. A statement piece adds a touch of personality and visual interest to the dining room, drawing the eye and adding a touch of retro flair.
Decorative Accents
Add a touch of 80s personality with decorative accents. Consider incorporating elements like vintage figurines, ceramic vases, or even a retro-inspired wall clock. These small details can add a touch of whimsy and personality, reflecting the bold and playful spirit of the 80s. The goal is to create a space that feels authentic and reflects your own personal style.
Statement Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to create a bold and eye-catching focal point in your dining room. Embrace the 80s with bold geometric patterns, vibrant colors, or even a tropical print. Geometric wallpaper featuring triangles, squares, or circles in contrasting colors can create a dynamic and eye-catching backdrop. Or, consider a tropical-inspired wallpaper with lush foliage and vibrant flowers for a touch of exotic charm. Wallpaper is a great way to inject personality and create a unique look in your dining room.
Color Blocking
Embrace the bold and graphic nature of 80s design with color blocking. Divide the walls into different sections, each painted in a different color. Use contrasting colors like turquoise and fuchsia, or even a mix of bright neon shades. Color blocking creates a dynamic and visually stimulating space that reflects the bold and expressive spirit of the 80s.
