Remember Kurt Cobain and chain wallets, Game Boys and flannel shirts, and Doc Martens and Discmans? These were the epitome of cool and trendy in the '90s. But it wasn't just fashion and technology that defined the decade. Home décor also played a significant role in capturing the essence of the era. From garish canopy beds to uncomfortable inflatable chairs, let's take a trip down memory lane with some iconic staples of 1990s home décor.
Neon Signs: The Bold Wall Accents
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
Neon wasn't limited to clothing in the 1990s; it also found its way onto our walls. Signs that read "bar" in bright neon letters adorned many living room walls, serving as a trendy and regrettable decorative accent.
Animal Prints: A Wild Touch
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
Inspired by fashion designers like Versace and Cavalli, animal prints roared into our homes. Zebra accents, cheetah-print couches, leopard lamps, and tiger textiles became omnipresent, bringing a touch of the wild side indoors.
Light Wood: Embracing the Brightness
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
In contrast to the darker wood flooring and cabinetry of previous decades, the '90s embraced light wood. The almost orange-hued wood, finished with high-gloss lacquer, brought a bright and modern touch to homes.
Plant Prints: Inviting the Outdoors In
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
Plant prints were a common sight in '90s homes, often adorning walls. Perhaps influenced by the botanical trends of the previous decades, these prints added a touch of nature and a splash of color to interiors.
Track Lighting: Illuminating with Style
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
Track lighting gained popularity in the '90s as a sleek and modern way to illuminate rooms. While some designers criticized it as bulky and clunky, many homeowners embraced this trend as a stylish alternative to traditional lamps.
Jewel Tones: Deep Colors and Dramatic Vibes
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
Deep jewel tones, like hunter green, dominated '90s home décor. From furniture to walls, these rich colors created a dramatic and opulent atmosphere. Burgundy often accompanied these hues, adding an extra touch of sophistication.
Sponging Paint Technique: DIY Artistry
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
The '90s introduced a fun and forgiving DIY technique to add visual interest to walls. Using sponges, people would create free-form designs, providing an alternative to plain painted walls and adding a touch of creativity.
Furniture Skirts: Victorian Revival
Image source: Alamy
The '90s saw the return of the furniture skirt reminiscent of the Victorian era. Beds, side tables, and more were adorned with full-length and often ruffled skirts, adding a touch of elegance and nostalgia to every room.
Zen Minimalism: Embracing Simplicity
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
In the latter half of the '90s, zen minimalism became a prevailing trend. Inspired by Chinese and Japanese furniture, homeowners sought a clean and non-ornamental look. Neutral colors, natural materials, and Asian accents created a serene and uncluttered living space.
Folding Screens: Versatile and Stylish
Image source: Warner Bros. Television
Folding screens served various purposes in '90s homes, from room dividers to decorative accents. Adorned with chinoiserie prints, these screens added a touch of elegance and versatility to interiors, as seen in the iconic TV series Friends.
Arched Windows: A Charm of the '90s
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
Arched windows became synonymous with '90s architecture, gracing many homes during the decade. These unique windows added character and a touch of charm to living spaces, perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic.
Inflatable Furniture: Fun and Functional
Image source: Camera Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Inflatable furniture made a big comeback in the '90s, becoming a favorite among teens and tweens. From chairs to couches, these fun and functional pieces came in various shapes and sizes, adding a playful touch to any room.
Damask Wallpapers: Adding Character
Image source: 20th Century Fox
Plain walls were a thing of the past in the '90s. Heavy damask wallpapers, often featuring intricate patterns, became a popular choice to add character and depth to rooms. Home Alone's iconic entryway is a testament to this trend.
Wicker Furniture: Bringing the Outdoors In
Image source: Stephen Barnes/Homes and Interiors / Alamy Stock Photo
Wicker furniture, traditionally reserved for outdoor spaces, made its way indoors in the '90s. Despite its fragility, ripped fabric, and imprints, wicker became a ubiquitous feature, giving homes a touch of natural charm and a relaxed vibe.
Canopy Beds: Dreamlike Elegance
Image source: mediacolor's / Alamy Stock Photo
Canopy beds were a must-have in the '90s, enchanting both children and adults alike. With heavy drapes or delicate frills, these customizable beds turned bedrooms into royal chambers, adding a dreamlike elegance to any space.
Plastic Plants: Low-Maintenance Greenery
Image source: Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo
Fake plants were everywhere in the '90s, adorning homes in place of their living counterparts. Plastic greenery provided low-maintenance aesthetics and a touch of nature, evoking memories of Radiohead's Thom Yorke and his endless encounters with plastic plants.
Southwestern Vibes: A Taste of New Mexico
Image source: Richard Smith / Alamy Stock Photo
New Mexico-inspired décor found its way into many '90s homes, even if the residents had never set foot in the state. Rooms decorated with adobe-type motifs captured the essence of a roadside motel in Taos, bringing a taste of the southwest indoors.
Glow-in-the-Dark Ceiling: Nighttime Magic
Image source: FotoHelin / Alamy Stock Photo
For '90s kids caught between wanting a nightlight and feeling too old for one, sticker stars came to the rescue. Their green glow provided a magical nighttime ambiance, creating a sky-like ceiling and soothing fears of the dark.
Transparent Phones: Futuristic Communication
Image source: Big Dog Films
Clear phones that lit up on incoming calls epitomized the futuristic '90s style. These transparent communication devices, alongside other see-through items like Game Boys and computers, showcased the era's obsession with modernity.
Fake Fruit: Permanent Freshness
Image source: Theera Disayarat / Alamy Stock Photo
Fake fruit became a staple in '90s dining rooms and kitchens, adding a touch of perfection to the "perfect home" look. Homeowners sought a continuous visual appeal, even when real fruit was not in season.
From neon signs to inflatable furniture, the 1990s brought us a whirlwind of memorable home décor. Although some trends may make us cringe in retrospect, they unquestionably define an era of unique style and nostalgia. Whether you lived through the '90s or are simply drawn to its charm, these photos are sure to transport you back to a time of flannel shirts, Game Boys, and unforgettable home décor.
