The Popular Vintage '80s Wall Décor You Can Thrift That Deserves A Comeback

If you were a teenager or older in the 1980s, you might remember a trend that showed up on most girls' bedroom walls. In addition to heartthrob posters from Tiger Beat magazine, you'd often see colorful Venetian masks hanging as decorations. These masks sometimes made it to other rooms in the house as well, like the family room or kitchen. Some people still love them, while others think the painted faces are just plain creepy. Whichever side you fall on, there's no denying the masks are a quirky vintage décor item to look out for at the thrift store. They could even be something you're already hoping gets brought back as an interior trend so you have an excuse to hang them on your wall once again.

Venetian masks have been around for centuries and are a staple of the Carnival of Venice (also called the Venice Carnival) in Italy. They allowed hedonistic party guests to conceal their identities, ensuring a person's age, religion, and social class remained an alluring mystery. People traveled from around the world to attend the carnival in these vibrant masks. Once back at home, they might have been tempted to hang them on the wall so they could continue to admire their eye-catching features. Each one is, after all, uniquely painted and adorned with an array of decorations, from feathers, beads, and lace to ribbons and rhinestones.

Why Venetian masks became a whimsical décor trend that gave bedrooms a playful shift through the 1980s and 1990s isn't completely clear. The Venice Carnival was reintroduced in 1979 after a hiatus of nearly two centuries, which could have something to do with it. Rock music fans might remember Steven Tyler sporting a Venetian mask in Aerosmith's 1993 music video for "Cryin'." Perhaps that inspired admirers to purchase one?

Today, people might love the masks for the '80s nostalgia they exude or maybe they simply appreciate their craftsmanship. Each mask is different, with some being made to wear and others for souvenirs. Given this sentimentality, either for trips to Italy once taken or a bygone era, it's no wonder Venetian masks are a décor trend many people wouldn't mind reviving. Whatever way you look at it, they're undeniably a fun thrift store find that'll instantly upgrade your space — perfect if you want to add a vintage vibe, pop of color, or hint of Italian art history to your home. Frame them, upgrade them with lights, or hang them in clusters.

Even if Venetian masks aren't to your personal taste for home décor, they still might be worth picking up for resale if you spot one while thrifting. High quality pieces are listed for prices in the hundreds on second hand and auction sites like eBay. But, of course, it's also okay if you think they should stay in the attic with those now-dusty heartthrob posters.