Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane and throw an unforgettable 80s-themed party? The 1980s were an era of vibrant colors, bold fashion statements, and iconic pop culture. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, or a themed event, or want to add a nostalgic flair to your gathering, DIY 80s party decorations are the way to go. In this guide, we’ll dive into many ideas that will help you transform your space into a blast from the past. So, grab your scrunchies, put on your leg warmers, and let’s get creative!
Table of Contents
80s Decor Ideas
1. Totally Tubular Backdrops
Create a backdrop that screams the 80s by using vibrant and iconic elements of the era. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Rubik’s Cube Mosaic: Craft a giant Rubik’s Cube mural using colorful square paper or cardboard. Arrange them to mimic the classic puzzle and hang it as a focal point.
- Cassette Tape Wall: Cut out large cassette tape shapes from colored paper or poster board. Arrange them on a blank wall to mimic a giant mixtape.
- Arcade Game Wall: Print out images of classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders. Create a collage on a large board or directly on the wall for an authentic arcade vibe.
2. Neon Extravaganza
The ’80s were all about bright and neon colors. Incorporate these vibrant shades into your party decor:
- Glowing Balloons: Fill clear balloons with glow sticks and helium to create a mesmerizing effect. Scatter them around the party area or create stunning balloon bouquets.
- Neon Tablecloths: Cover tables with neon-colored tablecloths or bedazzled fabrics to set the tone for a rad 80s party.
- Fluorescent Signage: Craft neon signs using glow-in-the-dark paint or neon-colored markers. Display phrases like “Totally Awesome” or “Party Like It’s 1989” to enhance the ambiance.
3. Iconic Props and Symbols
Incorporate recognizable symbols and props from the ’80s to transport your guests back in time:
- Boombox Centerpieces: Use mini cardboard boomboxes as centerpieces. Add battery-operated tea lights or small flower arrangements to complete the look.
- Pac-Man Wall Decals: Stick Pac-Man and ghost-shaped wall decals on the walls. Create a fun and interactive experience by letting guests play a life-sized version of the game.
- Rubik’s Cube Seating: Use giant Rubik’s Cubes as ottomans or floor seats. Cover them with colorful fabric to provide both comfort and nostalgia.
4. DIY Disco Ball
No 80’s party is complete without a disco ball. Create your sparkling masterpiece with these steps:
- Materials Needed: A foam or plastic sphere, small mirror tiles, adhesive glue, string or fishing line, and a ceiling hook.
- Step 1: Glue the mirror tiles onto the foam or plastic sphere, covering it completely.
- Step 2: Attach a string or fishing line to the top of the disco ball for hanging.
- Step 3: Hang the disco ball from a ceiling hook and watch it shine as it reflects colorful lights around the room, creating a groovy disco atmosphere.
5. Cassette Tape Garland
Bring some nostalgia to your party with a DIY cassette tape garland. Here’s how to make it:
- Materials Needed: Cardstock in various colors, scissors, string or twine, glue or tape.
- Step 1: Cut out cassette tape shapes from the cardstock, ensuring they are all uniform in size.
- Step 2: Attach the cassette tape cutouts to the string or twine using glue or tape, leaving a small gap between each cassette.
- Step 3: Hang the cassette tape garland across doorways, windows, or walls to add retro charm.
6. Glow Stick Dance Floor
Create an electrifying dance floor with glow sticks. Here’s how:
- Materials Needed: Glow sticks, clear plastic sheeting, duct tape.
- Step 1: Lay the clear plastic sheeting to cover the desired dance floor area.
- Step 2: Activate the glow sticks and carefully bend them to create various shapes and designs.
- Step 3: Tape the activated glow sticks to the underside of the clear plastic sheeting, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Turn off the lights and watch as your dance floor illuminates with a pulsating glow, adding a touch of magic to the party atmosphere.
7. Pac-Man Pillows
Add a playful touch to your seating area with DIY Pac-Man pillows. Here’s how to create them:
- Materials Needed: Yellow fabric, black fabric or felt, pillow stuffing, scissors, sewing machine, or fabric glue.
- Step 1: Cut out two large circles from the yellow fabric to serve as the main body of the pillow.
- Step 2: Cut out a smaller circle from the black fabric or felt to represent Pac-Man’s mouth.
- Step 3: Attach the black circle to one of the yellow circles, aligning it to create Pac-Man’s iconic open mouth.
- Step 4: Place the two yellow circles together, with the black circle sandwiched in between, and sew or glue the edges, leaving a small opening for stuffing.
- Step 5: Stuff the pillow with pillow stuffing to your desired firmness.
- Step 6: Sew or glue the opening closed, ensuring all edges are secure.
- Step 7: Repeat the process to create multiple Pac-Man pillows and scatter them on couches or chairs for a nostalgic touch.
8. Cassette Tape Table Centerpieces
Transform your dining or buffet tables into a tribute to the 80s with cassette tape table centerpieces. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Materials Needed: Empty cassette tape cases, spray paint (in vibrant colors), small potted plants or flowers, adhesive glue or tape.
- Step 1: Gather empty cassette tape cases in various colors and remove the cassette tape itself.
- Step 2: Spray paints the cassette tape cases in vibrant neon colors like pink, green, and orange. Let them dry thoroughly.
- Step 3: Once dry, arrange the cassette tape cases in the center of each table, either in a linear pattern or a scattered arrangement.
- Step 4: Place small potted plants or vibrant flowers inside each cassette tape case.
- Step 5: Secure the plants or flowers with adhesive glue or tape, ensuring they stay in place throughout the party.
9. DIY Boombox Cooler
Keep your drinks cool in true 80’s style by transforming a cardboard box into a boombox cooler. Here’s how:
- Materials Needed: Large cardboard box, craft paper or colored wrapping paper, markers or paint, scissors, adhesive glue or tape, aluminum foil, ice packs, or frozen gel packs.
- Step 1: Cut off the top flaps from a large cardboard box. This will serve as the base of the cooler.
- Step 2: Cover the entire box with craft paper or colored wrapping paper. Use markers or paint to create a design resembling a classic boombox.
- Step 3: Cut out a rectangular opening in the front of the box to act as the cooler lid.
- Step 4: Line the inside of the box with aluminum foil to insulate it.
- Step 5: Place ice packs or frozen gel packs inside the box, ensuring they cover the bottom.
- Step 6: Fill the cooler with drinks and cover the opening with the cutout lid.
- Step 7: Your DIY boombox cooler is ready to keep your beverages chilled while adding a nostalgic touch to the party.
FAQs
Q: Can I incorporate 80’s music into my party decorations?
A: Absolutely! Consider creating vinyl record cutouts or posters featuring iconic album covers to pay homage to the musical aspect of the 80s.
Q: Where can I find 80s-themed props and decorations?
A: Check out local thrift stores, vintage shops, or online marketplaces for authentic 80’s memorabilia, such as neon signs, retro posters, or vintage toys.
Q: Are there other costume ideas to complement the 80s decor?
A: Absolutely! Encourage guests to dress up in 80’s attire, such as leg warmers, oversized sweatshirts, fanny packs, and scrunchies. It will further enhance the nostalgic ambiance.
Conclusion
Throwing an 80s-themed party is a fantastic way to celebrate the iconic decade and create unforgettable memories. By incorporating DIY 80’s party decorations, you can transport your guests back in time, surrounded by vibrant colors, bold patterns, and nostalgic symbols of the era. From totally tubular backdrops to neon extravaganzas and iconic props, there are endless possibilities to make your party a blast from the past. So, gather your friends, put on your best 80s outfit, and let the retro vibes take you on a fun, laughter, and groove journey. Let’s party like it’s 1989!
