20 Things Every Teenager Had In Their Bedroom In The 80s
Ah, the 80s—a glorious decade drenched in neon colors, booming with synthesizer music, and overflowing with questionable yet iconic fashion choices.
If you were a teenager back then, your bedroom was so much more than just a place to sleep—it was your sanctuary, your personal concert hall, your private movie theater, and your teenage rebellion headquarters all rolled into one. It reflected your personality with flair, from wild posters on the walls to stacks of mixtapes by your boombox.
Every corner had a story, every item had a vibe—some cool, some cringe, all unforgettable. Whether you were dancing in front of a mirror to Madonna, solving the Rubik’s Cube for the 37th time, or journaling about your latest crush with a fluffy pen, your room was the epicenter of your 80s universe.
So crank up the volume, grab your cassette player, and join me on a nostalgic trip back in time!
1. A Boombox
First up, the mighty boombox—also known as the ghetto blaster. This quintessential piece of 80s technology was the lifeblood of any teenager’s room.
Its love for D batteries was insatiable, devouring them faster than you could say “mixtape.” Owning one was like having a personal DJ, ready to blast the latest hits and annoy your parents simultaneously.
Remember lugging it to the park, pretending you were in a music video? The volume dial seemed to have two settings: ‘off’ or ‘neighborhood announcement.’ It was more than just a music player; it was a statement. Whether perched on your shelf or resting near your bed, it was a beacon of coolness, daring anyone to question your impeccable taste in tunes. Sadly, it never came with a personal roadie to carry it around.
2. Posters of Their Favorite Rock Stars or Heartthrobs
Posters were the 80s version of Instagram, except they couldn’t be double-tapped. Adorning your walls with the faces of Bon Jovi, Madonna, or Prince was not just decoration; it was an emotional commitment. These stars watched over you, serenading you to sleep with their sultry, printed stares.
Remember Molly Ringwald’s smile or Rob Lowe’s intense gaze? They were the crushes that never had a chance to break our hearts. The walls acted as your visual playlist, each poster a track in your personal greatest hits album.
And yes, parents rarely understood the appeal, often mistaking the heartthrob gallery for a shrine. But, hey, who needed their approval when you had a room full of rock gods and screen idols keeping you company? That poster of Prince in his purple glory? Pure art!
3. Cassette Tape Collection
Ah, the cherished cassette tape collection! These little plastic rectangles were the building blocks of our musical libraries. Painstakingly recorded off the radio, they were a labor of love and a test of patience. The real challenge was capturing your favorite song without the DJ’s voice sneaking in to ruin the moment.
Tapes were fragile, often requiring surgical precision to extract and unwind a mangled mess, only to fix it with a pencil. And don’t forget the mixtapes! Crafted with heartfelt deliberation, each song was chosen to convey emotions that words couldn’t.
Those cassettes weren’t just music; they were memories. The battle between high-speed dubbing and the risk of tape melt was real. Yet, despite their flaws, they were our pride and joy, and the soundtrack to teenage life. Each tape, a chapter in the novel of our youth.
4. Glow-in-the-Dark Stars on the Ceiling
Who needed a spaceship when you had glow-in-the-dark stars on your ceiling? These tiny luminescent wonders transformed any bedroom into a personal planetarium. As night fell, they flickered into life, guiding dreams of cosmic adventures and infinite possibilities.
Every star was strategically placed with dreams and a touch of adhesive, sometimes resulting in an unexpected meteor shower when they lost their stick. But a room without them? Unthinkable!
These stars were more than decoration—they were a rite of passage. They whispered of galaxies far away and promised that the universe was just a sleep away. Parents might have seen them as a cleanup nightmare, but to us, they were portals to the stars. Even now, they hold a special place in our galaxy of memories.
5. A Telephone With a Cord That Could Stretch Across the House
Remember when privacy meant stretching your telephone cord across the entire house, much to everyone’s annoyance? That curly lifeline was the original social network, with calls that lasted until the cord tangled into a Gordian knot.
For the lucky ones, a clear plastic phone with rainbow-colored wires inside was the ultimate status symbol, turning conversations into vibrant displays. If you were sneaky enough, you’d retreat to your room, wrapping the cord around the door for some rare moments of privacy.
Phones back then may not have had emojis, but they had something better—a human connection. Conversations were real-time, and the excitement of a ring was unmatched. Cordless phones stole the spotlight later, but they’ll never replace the joy of a tangled mess and the satisfaction of finally untangling those coils. Ah, the good old days!
6. Trapper Keepers (Yes, Even in the Bedroom)
Trapper Keepers were the superheroes of school supplies, the guardians of our most treasured paperwork. They were too cool to leave at school, often finding a spot in our bedrooms, proudly displayed as organizational art.
Those vibrant covers, adorned with everything from kittens to race cars, were a statement of individuality. And the velcro? Oh, the sweet sound of opening and closing was pure music to our ears.
From doodles to secret notes, Trapper Keepers held the chronicles of our school life. They weren’t just binders; they were time capsules of our academic adventures. And while they promised organization, they often ended up as a free-for-all of handouts and homework. Yet, no matter the chaos inside, they were the pride of any 80s teenager’s room—symbolic of our attempt to keep it all together.
7. A Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube was the ultimate puzzle—a colorful enigma that teased our brains and tested our patience. It was the 80s equivalent of a smartphone game, minus the battery drain. After the initial excitement, it usually ended up collecting dust, unsolved and mocking us from the shelf.
Each twist was a step closer to victory or another frustrating dead end. For some, solving it was a triumph; for others, a mystery best left unsolved. Occasionally, the stickers would mysteriously rearrange themselves overnight—purely coincidental, of course.
The Rubik’s Cube wasn’t just a toy; it was a rite of passage—a symbol of intellectual challenge and creative thinking. It taught us resilience and patience, even if it ended up as a colorful paperweight. And while it often defeated us, it remains an iconic relic of 80s ingenuity.
8. Tiger Beat Magazines
Tiger Beat magazines were the teenage gossip grapevine, the ultimate source for quizzes, celebrity gossip, and pin-ups of the era’s dreamiest stars. With their glossy covers and endless supply of swoon-worthy content, they were a staple in any 80s teen’s bedroom.
Whether you were Team Ralph Macchio or Team Kirk Cameron, Tiger Beat had you covered. Those full-page posters? They decorated our walls, lockers, and every dream we dared to dream. Each issue was a treasure trove of youthful fantasies and pop culture trivia.
And the quizzes? They were a rite of passage, revealing which star was your soulmate or what your favorite hairstyle said about you. In a world before social media, Tiger Beat was the window into the glamorous lives of Hollywood’s brightest, making its pages a sacred teenage scroll.
9. A Lava Lamp
Lava lamps were the heartbeat of 80s chill vibes, a mesmerizing mix of science and art that captivated every teenager. Their hypnotic blobs danced slowly, creating a psychedelic symphony of colors and shapes that promised endless relaxation.
They were the original screensavers, casting hypnotic shadows across the room and setting the perfect mood for daydreaming or deep, philosophical conversations. Owning a lava lamp was like having your little slice of the 60s in your room, but without the time travel complications.
Parents might have questioned their practicality, but to us, they were essential—turning any space into a retro sanctuary. And while they never provided actual warmth, they exuded coolness in spades. A lava lamp wasn’t just decor; it was an experience, a glowing testament to the laid-back, groovy spirit of the 80s.
10. An Atari or NES Console Hooked Up to a Tiny TV
Before graphics reached the realism of today’s games, we had the pixelated wonders of the Atari and NES consoles. Hooked up to a tiny TV, they were the magical portals to worlds filled with adventure and endless fun.
Back then, blowing into cartridges was the universal fix-all, despite having no scientific backing. With games that challenged both reflexes and patience, these consoles were often the centerpiece of sibling rivalries and friendships.
From Pac-Man to Super Mario, every game was a saga of blocky heroes and epic quests. And while today’s controllers have dozens of buttons, we made do with just a few, proving that simplicity often led to the most joy. The thrill of conquering a high score was unparalleled, making every beep and bloop a cherished memory in the gaming hall of fame.
11. Leg Warmers Thrown Somewhere Random
Leg warmers were the fashion enigma of the 80s—a trend that defied logic yet captured the hearts of many. These vibrant tubes of fabric were thrown on almost randomly, adding a splash of color to any outfit.
Initially intended for dancers, they quickly became a fashion staple, often worn once and then forgotten in the depths of the closet. Yet, their mere presence suggested a willingness to embrace the era’s bold aesthetic.
Whether worn over jeans or with a skirt, they were an effortless way to channel one’s inner Flashdance. Even if they never saw much wear, spotting them on the floor was a reminder of the playful and sometimes baffling style choices of the decade. Leg warmers were more than just a trend; they were a statement—a nod to the vibrant spirit of the 80s.
12. A Diary With a Lock
A diary with a lock was every teenager’s confidant, the keeper of secrets and dreams. In a world before digital privacy, that flimsy lock was the ultimate guardian against prying eyes, especially those of pesky siblings.
Every entry was a snapshot of teenage life, filled with hopes, dreams, and the occasional melodramatic rant. The act of writing by hand was therapeutic, offering solace in the chaos of adolescence.
Though the locks weren’t exactly Fort Knox, the illusion of privacy was comforting. Every scribble was a step towards self-discovery, a conversation with oneself that captured the essence of growing up. Even now, flipping through those pages is a nostalgic journey back to those formative years, where each word was a piece of the puzzle that became “you.”
13. Smelly Stickers or Scratch-and-Sniff Collections
Smelly stickers were the olfactory wonders of the 80s—a collection of scents that ranged from delicious to downright bizarre. Scratch-and-sniff technology brought these stickers to life, making them the must-have collectible.
Whether it was the sweet smell of strawberries or the curiosity of pickles, each sticker was a sensory adventure. They adorned everything from notebooks to bedroom furniture, a testament to our dedication to scent-based exploration.
These stickers weren’t just about the smell; they were about status. Having the rarest or most coveted scents was a badge of honor. And, of course, they sparked the eternal debate—who thought a sticker that smelled like skunk was a good idea? Smelly stickers were more than just paper; they were fragrant memories, a reminder of the whimsical charm of childhood.
14. A Waterbed (If You Were Fancy)
A waterbed was the ultimate bedroom luxury—a status symbol that promised waves of comfort and a touch of the avant-garde. If you had one, you were the envy of friends, but with great luxury came great risk.
While the gentle sway was soothing, the ever-present threat of a leak turning your room into an indoor pool was all too real. Yet, the novelty of sleeping on a mattress filled with water was irresistible, like camping on the high seas without leaving your room.
Parents often eyed them with suspicion, but to us, they were the pinnacle of cool. A waterbed wasn’t just furniture; it was an experience, a lifestyle choice that said, “I live on the edge.” And while most have drifted into obscurity, they remain an iconic symbol of youthful indulgence and daring.
15. Pac-Man or Michael Jackson Bedsheets
Bedsheets weren’t just for sleeping; they were a canvas for our passions. Whether adorned with Pac-Man or Michael Jackson, they transformed our beds into personal tributes to pop culture.
Every night was a chance to moonwalk into dreamland or chomp down dots in ghostly mazes. These sheets were a statement—a declaration of love for icons that defined an era.
Parents might have rolled their eyes, but to us, they were essential—turning bedtime into an adventure. Even now, the memory of those vibrant patterns evokes a smile, a reminder of the fun and whimsy that colored our dreams. Sheets were more than fabric; they were a nightly reminder of the fantastical worlds we embraced, icons of an era where imagination reigned supreme.
16. A Stack of VHS Tapes
VHS tapes were the unsung heroes of home entertainment, the key to owning a piece of Hollywood magic in our living rooms. From bootleg copies of music videos to recorded TV specials, they were treasures of audiovisual delight.
Each tape was a journey, an event waiting to be replayed and relived. Recording over old tapes was a delicate dance, ensuring no precious memories were lost in the process.
Though bulky, they were cherished possessions, stacked neatly beside the VCR—the technological marvel that brought them to life. The sound of a tape being inserted was the prelude to countless hours of entertainment. Even as technology advanced, the nostalgic allure of VHS remains, reminding us of simpler, slower times filled with joy and anticipation.
17. A Garbage Pail Kids Collection
Garbage Pail Kids were the rebellious counterpoint to the wholesome Cabbage Patch craze—gross, irreverent, and fantastically collectible. These cards were a middle finger to parental sensibilities, making them an instant teen classic.
Each card featured bizarre characters with even stranger names, a testament to the delightful absurdity of 80s humor. Trading them was a rite of passage, a currency of the playground, where the grosser, the better.
Parents might have loathed them, but that only fueled our love. They were more than just cards—they were a cultural phenomenon, a cheeky nod to the rebellious spirit that defined our youth. Even now, their satirical humor resonates, a reminder of the playful anarchy that made growing up in the 80s unforgettable.
18. Plastic Milk Crates Turned Into Record Storage
Milk crates weren’t just for milk—they were the unsung heroes of record storage, a testament to 80s ingenuity. Their sturdy design was perfect for organizing a burgeoning vinyl collection, transforming any room into a music lover’s paradise.
Each crate was a treasure chest filled with musical memories, from rock anthems to pop classics. Before IKEA’s sleek designs, milk crates were the go-to solution for budget-friendly organization.
They were versatile, sometimes doubling as seats or makeshift tables, proving that necessity truly was the mother of invention. And while they may have lacked elegance, they more than compensated with charm and practicality. Milk crates were more than just storage; they were an essential part of the 80s experience, a symbol of creativity in the art of making do.
19. A Mini Fan or Box Fan That Was Always Too Loud
In the sweltering embrace of summer, a mini fan or box fan was the unsung hero of 80s bedrooms, valiantly attempting to cool down the room. Its incessant hum was the soundtrack of sticky nights, often doubling as a white noise machine.
Though not particularly effective, the illusion of a breeze was comforting, and the clunky design was part of its charm. Turning it on was a declaration of hope, a battle cry against the relentless heat.
Fans were more than appliances; they were companions, reliable in their noisy dedication to comfort. Even now, the sound of a fan whirring to life transports us back to those sleepy summer nights, a testament to the simple joys of staying cool in an analog world.
20. A Dream of Being on “Star Search” or in a John Hughes Movie
The 80s were a time of big dreams and even bigger hair. Every teenager harbored a secret ambition to be discovered on “Star Search” or cast in a John Hughes movie. These dreams were rehearsed in front of mirrors, complete with dramatic poses and heartfelt monologues.
It wasn’t just about fame; it was about believing in the magic of possibility and the allure of the spotlight. These fantasies were more than daydreams; they were a vital part of growing up in an era where anything seemed possible.
And while most of us never made it to the silver screen, those dreams fueled our imaginations, challenging us to dream bigger. They were aspirations that shaped our sense of self, echoing the vibrant optimism of a decade that dared to dream, even if just for a moment.