Blue Carpet in the 1980s: A Trend in Interior Design

Blue carpet was quite popular in the 1980s, reflecting the era's penchant for bold colors and unique styles in home decor. During this decade, vibrant and dynamic color schemes dominated the design landscape, with various shades of blue, including navy and teal, commonly adorning carpets. This trend was a mirror of the overall aesthetic of the time, which emphasized vibrant hues and unconventional patterns.

Introduction to Decor Trends of the 1980s

The popularity of blue carpets in the 1980s did not occur in isolation. Between the late 1970s and the early 1980s, decorators and their clients made fascinating choices that bridged the gap between the waning hippie influences and the onset of a more conservative era. These choices were influenced by the cheerful autumnal palette of the early 1970s and the dark, cool Christmas-like palette of the middle to late 1980s.

Earth Tones and Neutral Colors in Late 1970s

As the 1970s progressed, there was a growing preference for brown and other neutral colors. Decor in the early 1970s featured saturated, warm colors such as pumpkin, avocado green, and harvest yellow. This palette was in stark contrast to the cool, pastel tones of the 1950s and 1960s, which were inspired by ice-cream pastels. The 1970s were characterized by a warm, nature-inspired aesthetic, often reflecting an interest in conservation and ecology. Consequently, rooms featured a monochromatic interplay of browns, tans, umbers, and creams combined with glass chrome and natural woods.

High-Color Countertrend and Bright Saturated Blues

Many decorators challenged the trend towards brown. With the increasing range of mass-produced items, the opportunity to decorate in bold synthetic colors became more accessible. Late-1970s households often featured carpets in fully saturated hues, such as red, blue, orange, and green. Additionally, a large selection of brightly colored acrylic furniture and accessories, such as footprint-shaped rugs and beanbag chairs, was available.

Blue Carpet and Southwest Decor in the 1980s

In the 1980s, the Southwest color scheme experienced an interesting variation. This palette, which typically featured orange-brown and turquoise, was naturally compatible with a range of woods and earthenware. An unexpected addition to the palette during this decade was the color mauve. Many 1980s households featured drapery and upholstery with Southwestern motifs in turquoise and mauve, frequently paired with oak furniture.

Mauve and Blue-Gray: The 1980s Palette

The 1980s continued to favor trends like mauve, just as the 1970s had preferred brown. Designer Laura Ashley heavily utilized mauve in her popular 1980s wallpaper and drapery designs. These designs featured ultra-feminine patterns with tiny flowers or clusters of flowers, completely reversing the warm colors and neutrals of the 1970s. Blue-gray and mauve, along with teal, formed the primary palette of the 1980s. Carpets often featured these colors, and highly traditional furniture with a dark finish provided tonal contrast.

Burgundy and Hunter Green in Mid-1980s

By the mid-1980s, burgundy had become the preferred cool red. It was paired with hunter green, a dark rich hue, and showcased in wallpaper patterns and rugs. The shiny mahogany finish of Queen Anne-style furniture also represented this trend. Ceiling fans, plumbing fixtures, cabinet and door hardware, and curtain rods often featured a bright yellow-gold tone, a trend that increased throughout the 1980s.