How to Decorate for the 1980s

Place lacquer tables in the kitchen and living room. Lacquer is shiny, plastic-looking material that was popular and considered contemporary in the 1980s. Use black or white lacquer coffee tables, kitchen tables and bedroom sets. Tables had glass or lacquer tops with lacquer legs.

Infuse pastels into your decor if you don't care for the lacquer look. This softer look, using pastel colors, is referred to as the "Miami Vice" or Southwestern look. Salmon pink, teal, grey and hunter greens were colors found on furniture and in comforter sets, according to the DIYLife website.

Place light fixtures that contain shiny gold or brass finishes in the room, DIYLife suggests. These fixtures go well with the lacquer furniture.

Position bright, angular art and fixtures throughout the room. This style was part of the contemporary look.

Place large wooden spoons on the wall. This "earthy" look, however, doesn't work well with lacquer or the pastel looks.