It Was On Every '80s Table –– The Vintage Table Décor With A Modern Feel

The styles and aesthetics of the 1980s were unmatched. It was all about having fun with bold colors and playful shapes. In interior design, furniture trends from the '80s, like oversized seating, acrylic tables, and neon-colored textiles, were some of the popular picks, and newer generations are finding all sorts of ways to incorporate them into more modern-looking or eclectically styled homes. Another décor piece being rediscovered (or should we say re-revived?) are '80s art deco revival vases.

The look of these vases actually pay homage to the art deco aesthetic of the '20s, only reimagined with the brighter colors and bolder forms that defined the era. These '80s-era deco vases have pretty distinct designs, with popular styles involving either curvy silhouettes with flattened dimensions, or ones with curved geometrical lines and patterns that slightly deviate from the sharper ones seen in 1920s art deco pieces.

Moreover, these decorative pieces aren't necessarily associated with one maker, but some notable design studios like Royal Haeger and Bay Keramiek created vases that were directly inspired by this aesthetic. Many collectors today recall these vases being owned by older family members, often displaying an arrangement of flowers or tall stems like cattails or eucalyptus. 

Adding fresh flowers or dried greenery into a vase will never feel cliché, but what matters is you choosing arrangements that can give this piece of '80s home décor a modern upgrade. Many thrifters and interior design enthusiasts recommend tall, stick-like plants because they emphasize the vase's geometric silhouette.

Adding dried grasses, gray willows, eucalyptus, or slender bamboo stems can create simple yet stylish arrangements that align the focal direction from the plant to the vase. If you prefer something bolder, you can lean into the playful spirit of the 1980s with statement blooms like proteas or calla lilies. When arranging your florals or plants, don't be afraid to experiment with different stem heights or angles that can bring out the vase's flair even more.

When it comes to styling vases in your home, consider which vase style works best, depending on the surface. For example, Bay Keramiek's art deco revival vases would look great as a centerpiece on dining tables and coffee tables. Meanwhile, a Royal Haeger's Hollywood Regency vase can provide layering and add dimension to end tables or even hanging shelves. Or, if you've managed to thrift more than one, and started to build a collection of your own, you can display them together on a bookshelf or inside a glass cabinet.