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Ah, the 1980s - a decade of big hair, neon colors, and unforgettable Christmas memories! If you're ready to take a tubular trip down memory lane this holiday season, grab your leg warmers and let’s dive into some totally rad 1980s Christmas interior ideas that'll have your home looking like it jumped straight out of a John Hughes movie!

Why Go Retro This Christmas?

Before we jingle all the way back in time, let's chat about why retro Christmas decor is making such a comeback. It's not just about looking cool (though that's definitely a perk). Vintage decorations tap into our collective nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times, family traditions, and those classic holiday movies we all love. Plus, it's a great way to be sustainable by reusing vintage items or getting crafty with DIY projects. Win-win! Read on to find how to go big in a 1980’s style….

1980s: When Christmas Went Neon

The '80s were loud, proud, and very, very bright. Here's how to bring that radical energy to your holiday decor:

Neon Lights: The brighter, the better. Bonus points for shapes like palm trees or flamingos.
Plastic Fantastic: Blow-mold decorations were all the rage. Think light-up snowmen and Santas for your lawn.
Glitter Overload: If it doesn't sparkle, it's not '80s enough!

Warning: Decorating '80s style may cause spontaneous outbreaks of moonwalking.

Tinsel, Tinsel Everywhere!

The 80s were all about excess, and nothing says "more is more" quite like tinsel! Drape it over your tree, wrap it around banisters, and hey, why not wear it as a scarf? Opt for silver or gold tinsel for that shimmering effect. For an extra touch of nostalgia, consider using metallic garland as well. It’s not just about the tree; layer tinsel around picture frames or along the mantel for that quintessential festive sparkle. Remember that unevenly clumped tinsel? It adds charm and authenticity to your decor!

Colour Me Christmas

Forget subtle - we're talking jewel tones that pop! Think emerald green, royal blue, and deep purple, all jazzed up with metallic accents. Use these colours in your ornaments, wrapping paper, and even your table settings. The key is to mix bold hues with shiny finishes to create a vibrant atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and festive. Consider adding some pastel pinks and blues for a softer touch reminiscent of the softer side of 80s decor. This colour palette reflects the exuberance of the decade, which was characterized by boldness in fashion and design.

The Bigger the Bulb, the Brighter the Christmas

Those tiny LED lights? As if! We’re talking big, colorful glass bulbs that could probably be seen from space. Hang them on the tree or drape them around doorways and windows. For an authentic touch, look for vintage-style light strings that mimic the larger bulbs of yesteryear. And don’t forget those bubble lights—these whimsical decorations not only illuminate but also add movement and charm as they create mesmerizing bubbles when lit! A true hallmark of an '80s tree was its eclectic mix of lights that created a joyful ambiance

1980s Neon Christmas Living Room : Create a bold, neon-inspired living room decorated for Christmas, capturing the vibrant energy and color-block aesthetic of the 1980s. This room should feel fun, lively, and slightly retro, with neon holiday decorations that glow against a sleek, modern background. Color Palette: Electric blue, neon pink, lime green, and black.

Ceramic Christmas Village Extravaganza

No 80s Christmas was complete without a miniature village that took up half your living room. Light-up houses, tiny skating rinks, and itty-bitty carolers - it's like "Honey, I Shrunk the Christmas Town!" Arrange these pieces on a table or mantel, adding cotton batting to simulate snow. You can even use small mirrors to create a frozen pond effect for your skating rink display. This nostalgic setup not only serves as decor but also invites storytelling and imagination during family gatherings.

Plastic Fantastic

The 80s loved plastic, and Christmas was no exception. Deck your halls with plastic holly wreaths adorned with bright red berries and perhaps even a few oversized plastic ornaments hanging from your ceiling. A life-size plastic Santa or inflatable snowman in your yard can serve as a nostalgic nod to neighborhood holiday displays from decades past. These playful decorations capture the spirit of fun that defined holiday celebrations in this vibrant era

The Argos Wish Book Shrine

Remember flipping through the Argos Catalogue, circling everything you wanted? Display that bad boy on your coffee table for some serious nostalgia points! You can even create a scrapbook with pages from old catalogs featuring iconic toys like Cabbage Patch Kids or Transformers—perfect conversation starters for Christmas holiday gatherings. This tradition not only sparked excitement but also fostered family bonding as kids shared their wish lists.

TV Guide: The Christmas Bible

Create a cozy corner with your vintage TV Guide highlighting all the classic Christmas specials. Add some popcorn bowls filled with holiday treats as you prepare for family movie nights featuring classics like "The Snowman" or "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." You could even set up a projector for an outdoor movie night under the stars! Watching these specials together was an essential part of holiday traditions in the '80s

1980s Retro Christmas Family Room : Create a festive family room with a vibrant 1980s retro style, decorated playfully for Christmas. This room should feel lively and nostalgic, with bright colors, vintage decorations, and holiday touches that capture the joyful, bold energy of the 80s. The ambiance should be fun and family-friendly, ideal for a cheerful holiday gathering. Color Palette: Bright reds, electric blues, neon green, and hints of metallic gold.

Night Before Christmas Nightwear

Deck out your bedroom with some classic 80s nightshirts or flannel nightgowns featuring beloved characters from cartoons or sitcoms of the time. Consider hanging matching stockings on the bedpost filled with small nostalgic treats—think candy canes or mini toys reminiscent of childhood favorites. This cozy attire adds warmth to Christmas morning as families gather to open presents.

Jingle Bell Rock Your Boombox

Dust off that old boombox and load it up with some classic 80s Christmas tunes. Create a playlist featuring hits from Wham!, Mariah Carey (who made her debut in the late 80s), and Bruce Springsteen’s “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Set up a karaoke session for family gatherings—who doesn’t love belting out “Last Christmas” together? Music was an integral part of creating festive memories during this vibrant decade.

Window Wonderland

Transform your windows with mini-blinds adorned with garland and those beloved static-cling window decorations featuring snowflakes or Santa’s sleigh. Don’t forget the orange-bulbed plastic candles in each window—they’re essential for creating that warm glow that welcomes guests during chilly winter nights! This simple touch not only enhances curb appeal but also evokes feelings of nostalgia as families gather inside to enjoy their holiday festivities.

Countdown to Christmas

Hang a felt wall calendar to count down the days until Christmas! Each pocket can hold little surprises—tiny toys or sweet treats—that build excitement as you approach the big day [8]. You could also create an advent calendar featuring images of iconic toys from the decade to spark nostalgia.

1980s Art Deco Christmas Living Room : Create a luxurious Art Deco-inspired living room decorated for Christmas, bringing the glamour of the 80s into a festive setting. This room should feel lavish and sophisticated, with gold accents, rich colors, and holiday decor that captures the 80s take on Art Deco elegance. Color Palette: Gold, deep emerald green, black, and cream.

Table Setting Time Machine

Break out the plastic holly-patterned tablecloth (with clear vinyl protector, of course) and centre it all with a light-up ceramic tree surrounded by festive candles in colourful holders. Use mismatched dinnerware from thrift shops to capture that eclectic feel of family gatherings in the 80s—don’t forget paper placemats featuring seasonal artwork! The dining experience was often marked by communal feasts where everyone contributed their favourite dishes.

DIY Decoration Station

Get crafty with some 80s-inspired ornaments! Styrofoam balls covered in sequins make perfect DIY projects for kids (and adults!). Fill clear glass balls with tinsel or beads for a fun twist on traditional ornaments. Cross-stitch decorations featuring holiday motifs can also add a personal touch to your decor

1980s Plaid and Wood Christmas Den : Create a cozy, wood-paneled den decorated for Christmas with rich plaid patterns and rustic holiday decor. This space should feel warm and nostalgic, capturing the rugged, cabin-like style popular in 1980s family rooms. Color Palette: Deep red, forest green, brown, and cream.

Scent-sational Christmas

Fill the air with scents reminiscent of classic holiday gatherings: potpourri in brass containers, scented pinecones nestled in decorative bowls, and maybe even some homemade cookies baking in the oven! Create a hot chocolate station complete with marshmallows and peppermint sticks for guests to enjoy while reminiscing about their favorite childhood memories.

Polaroid Photo Finish

Round it all off with a display of past Christmas photos or take some new ones with a retro Polaroid camera—big hair, ugly sweaters, and all! Frame these pictures in colourful frames that match your decor scheme or create a photo wall collage that tells the story of your family’s holiday traditions over the years. This personal touch adds warmth and nostalgia to any space.

1980s Miami Christmas Kitchen : Create a bright, tropical 1980s Miami-inspired kitchen, decorated festively for Christmas with a vibrant, pastel color scheme. This space should feel fresh and energetic, blending beachy 80s vibes with unique holiday decorations. The ambiance should evoke a fun, breezy Christmas by the sea. Color Palette: Pastel pink, mint green, aqua blue, and hints of coral.

1980s Christmas Basement Hangout : Create a basement hangout space decorated for Christmas with 1980s inspired holiday decor. This space should feel edgy and relaxed, blending dark colors, vintage posters, and eclectic holiday touches that give it a unique, alternative Christmas vibe. Color Palette: Charcoal gray, burgundy, black, and forest green.

Embrace fun, colour, and sparkle!

The joy of decorating for an 1980s-inspired Christmas lies in its unabashed embrace of fun, colour, and sparkle! By following these guidelines, you'll create a space that captures the essence of this beloved era while maintaining functionality for modern living. So start collecting these pieces early in the season to ensure you have everything ready for a truly authentic retro holiday celebration!

1980s Glamour Christmas Dining Room : Create a glamorous 1980s-inspired dining room with festive, glitzy holiday decor. This space should feel sophisticated and vibrant, with metallic accents, mirrored surfaces, and bold colors that bring an air of elegance to the Christmas celebration. Color Palette: Silver, black, deep purple, and metallic gold.

Other Places to get inspired:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980s
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980s_in_music
https://www.lorddecor.com/blog/80s-interior-design
https://www.britannica.com/story/timeline-of-the-1980s
https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/1980-1989/
https://80skids.uk/80s-christmas-memories/
https://mirror80.com/2021/12/80s-christmas-tree-trends/
https://www.lovetoknow.com/celebrations/christmas/12-rad-ways-we-celebrated-christmas-80s

1980s Retro Arcade Christmas Basement : Create a lively, retro-inspired arcade-themed basement, decorated festively for Christmas with a vibrant 80s vibe. This room should feel fun and nostalgic, capturing the playful atmosphere of an 80s arcade with holiday lights and quirky decorations. Color Palette: Bright red, electric blue, neon green, and black.

15 Nostalgic 1980s Christmas Interior Ideas That Will Transform Your Home Into a Retro Holiday Paradise