8 home fads from the ’80s that should stay gone

The ’80s brought plenty of memorable design choices, but not all of them were good. Some fads felt trendy then but look downright odd now. Here are the ones best left in the past.

Pastel Bathrooms

Peach toilets, pink tubs, and mint sinks were everywhere.

Today, they’re a resale nightmare. Fixtures in bold colors lock you into one look, while white or neutral pieces are far easier to update.

Wall-to-Wall Mirrors

Giant mirrored walls made rooms feel bigger in theory.

But in reality, they showed every smudge and made spaces feel cold. A well-placed decorative mirror works better without overwhelming a room.

Glass Block Walls

These bulky dividers were once considered futuristic.

Now, they’re dated and hard to clean. Clear sight lines or open layouts accomplish the same effect in a much more modern way.

Balloon Valances

Fabric poufs above windows were everywhere in the ’80s.

They collected dust and made windows look heavy. Today’s cleaner lines in curtains and shades are much easier to live with.

Vertical Blinds

Meant to modernize sliding doors, vertical blinds rattled and broke constantly.

They were more hassle than help. Modern roller shades or wide-panel drapes do the job better without the noise or upkeep.

Lacquer Furniture

High-shine black or colored lacquer looked cutting-edge then.

Now it chips, scratches, and looks cheap. Wood, metal, or matte finishes hold up far better over time.

Popcorn Ceilings

This “easy fix” for flaws ended up one of the biggest regrets.

They trap dust, are hard to paint, and can contain asbestos in older homes. Smooth ceilings or subtle textures are the way forward.

Sunken Living Rooms

The idea was cozy conversation pits, but in practice they created trip hazards.

They’re awkward to furnish and impractical for families. Most homeowners fill them in during remodels, proving this trend has worn out its welcome.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.