Look around your living room for a second. Is it whispering “Roaring Twenties,” humming a ’70s disco soundtrack, or quietly streaming early-2000s minimalism?
Whether you realize it or not, your decorating style is probably time-traveling to a specific decade of design history.
This fun decorating style quiz is designed to help you figure out which decade best matches your home decor personality.
We’ll walk through your favorite colors, shapes, patterns, and furniture, then translate your answers into an era-inspired style
from Art Deco glam to midcentury modern, 1970s boho, 1980s maximalist, or the calm, neutral 1990s–2000s vibe.
How This Decorating Decade Quiz Works
Below you’ll find a series of questions with five answer choices (A–E). Choose the one that feels closest to your taste, not what you think you should like.
At the end, we’ll tally which letter you picked most often and reveal the decade that captures your decorating style.
- Mostly A’s: 1920s–1930s Art Deco Glam
- Mostly B’s: 1950s–1960s Midcentury Modern
- Mostly C’s: 1970s Boho & Earthy
- Mostly D’s: 1980s Bold & Maximalist
- Mostly E’s: 1990s–2000s Cozy & Minimal
If your answers are evenly mixed, congratulationsyou’re a modern, eclectic decorator who borrows the best from every decade and makes it your own.
The Quiz: Which Decade Captures Your Decorating Style?
Question 1: What color palette do you love most?
- A. Jewel tones and metallics: emerald, sapphire, black, gold, and champagne.
- B. Soft pastels and warm neutrals: mint, blush, butter yellow, light woods.
- C. Earthy, nature-inspired hues: avocado green, rust, terracotta, mustard, deep browns.
- D. Loud and proud: hot pink, turquoise, purple, black-and-white, neon accents.
- E. Calm and quiet: beige, greige, soft white, sage, stone, and wood tones.
Question 2: Pick a pattern you’d happily live with.
- A. Geometric fans, sunbursts, chevrons, and sharp, angular motifs.
- B. Simple stripes, atomic starbursts, or small-scale graphic prints.
- C. Paisley, ethnic prints, kilims, florals, and anything that looks handmade.
- D. Big bold geometrics, abstract squiggles, glossy patternsgo big or go home.
- E. Very subtle texture, tone-on-tone patterns, or almost no pattern at all.
Question 3: Choose your dream sofa.
- A. A structured, velvet sofa with curved arms and polished metal or carved wood legs.
- B. A low-profile, tapered-leg sofa in a warm neutral or soft color, very midcentury.
- C. A deep, sink-into-me sofa layered with throw blankets, pillows, and maybe fringe.
- D. A dramatic, oversized statement sofamaybe in bold color or glossy fabric.
- E. A super-comfy sectional in a neutral fabric that works with everything.
Question 4: What kind of lighting makes you happiest?
- A. Glam chandeliers, sculptural sconces, and fixtures with glass, brass, or chrome.
- B. Tripod floor lamps, saucer pendants, and clean-lined fixtures.
- C. Rattan pendants, lantern-style fixtures, and warm, cozy lamp light.
- D. Track lighting, glossy pendants, or anything that screams “statement.”
- E. Recessed lighting plus a few simple lampsnothing too flashy.
Question 5: How do you feel about clutter?
- A. I want it edited, but every accessory should look intentional and a little luxe.
- B. I like clean surfaces with a few well-chosen decor pieces.
- C. “Curated chaos” is my favorite phraseplants, books, textiles, bring it on.
- D. More is more. If it fits on the shelf, it’s invited to the party.
- E. I breathe easier when things are streamlined and minimal.
Question 6: Which wall treatment would you pick?
- A. High-contrast geometric wallpaper or glossy lacquered paint.
- B. A simple painted wall in a soft hue, maybe with one accent wall.
- C. Textured wallpaper, paneling, or walls filled with art, macramé, and woven pieces.
- D. Bold wallpaper, maybe metallic or graphic, with art stacked on top.
- E. Smooth, neutral walls that act as a calm backdrop for a few key pieces.
Question 7: What’s your ideal flooring?
- A. Dark wood or patterned tile with a glamorous area rug.
- B. Warm wood, maybe with a simple rug in a geometric or stripe.
- C. Wood or tile layered with shag, kilim, or jute rugs.
- D. Wall-to-wall carpet in a bold tone or a glossy tile moment.
- E. Neutral wood or carpet that lets your furniture and art stand out.
Question 8: What’s your ideal overall mood at home?
- A. Sophisticated cocktail loungeelegant, dramatic, and polished.
- B. Friendly and relaxed, but still stylish and put-together.
- C. Cozy, creative, collectedlike a vintage store and a plant shop had a baby.
- D. High-energy, glamorous, and ready for a party at a moment’s notice.
- E. Calm, soothing, and practicaleasy to maintain and easy on the eyes.
Your Results: What Your Answers Say About Your Decorating Decade
Now, count up your A, B, C, D, and E answers. Which letter shows up most often?
Mostly A’s: 1920s–1930s Art Deco Glam
You’re drawn to drama, symmetry, and the kind of glamour that makes every evening feel like a special occasion.
Your style channels the Art Deco and early modern eras: bold geometric patterns, gleaming metallics, lacquered finishes,
and luxurious materials like velvet and marble. Rooms from this period often mixed deep, saturated colors with black and gold accents,
sculptural lighting, and statement-making mirrors.
To bring this decade home today, think: a rich jewel-tone sofa, a brass bar cart, graphic black-and-white tile, and a chandelier that refuses to be ignored.
Even a small studio can handle a little Deco glamstart with a geometric rug and a single showpiece light fixture.
Mostly B’s: 1950s–1960s Midcentury Modern Cool
You love simple silhouettes, warm wood, and a “less but better” philosophy.
The 1950s and 1960s gave us midcentury modern design: low-slung sofas, tapered legs, organic curves, and functional pieces that still feel artistic.
Colors ranged from optimistic pastels in the ’50s to bolder hues in the ’60s, paired with sleek surfaces and minimal ornamentation.
For a midcentury-inspired space, look for furniture with clean lines, walnut or teak finishes, and streamlined upholstery.
Add a starburst clock, a tripod lamp, or a saucer pendant light. You don’t need a full-on time capsulemixing midcentury pieces with modern storage
and tech keeps your home feeling current, not like a movie set.
Mostly C’s: 1970s Boho & Earthy
Your heart belongs to the cozy, collected, and slightly groovy side of design. The 1970s embraced earthy tonesolive, rust, brown, mustardalong with
natural woods, rattan, and loads of texture. Houseplants, woven wall hangings, macramé, and DIY touches thrived during this decade,
and they’ve made a major comeback in today’s boho-chic interiors.
To channel the ’70s, layer a shag or flokati rug over wood or tile, use rattan or cane furniture for warmth,
and add terracotta planters overflowing with greenery. Mix in global-inspired textiles, like kilim pillows or Moroccan-style rugs.
Your space should feel relaxed, a little imperfect, and full of personality.
Mostly D’s: 1980s Bold & Maximalist
You love a statementsometimes several statements in the same room. The 1980s leaned into color, gloss, and pattern: think bright hues,
abstract prints, chunky furniture, glass and chrome, and plenty of shine. Decor from this decade wasn’t shy; it wanted to be noticed.
To recreate this energy without overwhelming your space, pick a few bold moves: maybe a graphic rug, glossy lacquer furniture,
or a gallery wall of bright art. Add sculptural lamps, metallic accents, or a pop of neon in small doses. Your space should feel exciting and fun,
like it’s always five minutes away from hosting a cocktail party.
Mostly E’s: 1990s–2000s Cozy & Minimal
Comfort, practicality, and soft neutrals are your love language. The 1990s and early 2000s leaned into beige and greige, simple forms,
and family-friendly layouts. Interiors often emphasized cozy sofas, natural wood, and open-concept spaces that could handle real lifekids, pets,
takeout nights, and movie marathons.
To honor this era with a modern touch, build your rooms around a comfortable sofa, neutral walls, and versatile storage.
Layer in subtle pattern with throw pillows or a textured rug, and let greenery or a single piece of large art do the “statement” work.
Your home should feel easy, peaceful, and lived-inin the best way.
Even Mix of Letters: Eclectic 2010s–2020s Blend
If your answers are all over the map, that doesn’t mean you lack styleit probably means your look is right now.
Contemporary homes often mix decades: an Art Deco mirror above a midcentury console, a ’70s-inspired rug under a minimalist sofa,
and modern lighting tying it all together.
Instead of forcing yourself into a single era, treat your quiz results as a palette.
Pull your favorite elementsmaybe midcentury shapes, ’70s textures, and 2020s sustainabilityand build a layered space that tells your unique story.
How to Bring Your Signature Decade Home (Without Time-Travel)
If You’re an Art Deco 1920s–1930s Soul
- Choose a bold geometric rug or wallpaper as your starting point.
- Add metallic accents: brass side tables, mirrored trays, or chrome lamps.
- Use one or two deep jewel tonesemerald, sapphire, plumso the room feels rich, not busy.
If You’re a 1950s–1960s Midcentury Fan
- Invest in one iconic piece, like a tapered-leg sofa or lounge chair.
- Keep accessories simple: a ceramic table lamp, a few graphic prints, a classic clock.
- Balance vintage shapes with modern conveniences like hidden storage and smart lighting.
If You’re a 1970s Boho Enthusiast
- Layer natural materials: jute rugs, rattan chairs, wooden side tables, woven baskets.
- Adopt a “more textures, fewer logos” rulehandmade and vintage over mass-produced lookalikes.
- Turn plants into decor by using hanging planters, plant stands, and groupings of greenery.
If You’re an 1980s Maximalist at Heart
- Pick a hero color and let it repeat in art, pillows, and decor so the room feels cohesive.
- Mix glossy and matte finisheslacquer, metal, glass, and plush fabric.
- Use large-scale art or a mural to ground the room and give your “more is more” approach a focal point.
If You’re a 1990s–2000s Comfort Lover
- Start with a soft, neutral base: walls, large furniture, and floors.
- Add depth with texturebouclé, knit throws, wool rugs, linen curtains.
- Use a limited accent palette (like soft blue and sage) so everything feels calm and coordinated.
Real-Life Experiences: How a “Decorating Decade” Quiz Can Change Your Space
It might sound dramatic to say a simple quiz can change how you feel at home, but seeing your style through the lens of a decade can be surprisingly clarifying.
Instead of thinking, “I like a little bit of everything,” you suddenly realize, “Oh, my place is basically a 1970s boho hangout with a side of midcentury.”
Imagine Emma, who rents a small city apartment. She kept buying random pieces she likedan arched brass mirror, a velvet pillow, a black-and-gold side table
and felt like nothing really fit together. After taking a decade-style quiz and landing in the 1920s–1930s Art Deco category, she finally had a filter.
She started searching specifically for geometric patterns, rich jewel tones, and sculptural lighting. Within a weekend, simply swapping out a too-rustic rug,
adding a bolder lamp, and rearranging accessories turned her place from “nice” into “wow, this feels like a chic little cocktail lounge.”
Then there’s Luis, who thought his home had “no style.” He had hand-me-down furniture, a lot of plants, and a deep love of thrift stores.
The quiz placed him solidly in the 1970s boho decade. Suddenly, his mismatched seating, woven baskets, and gallery wall of vintage art all made sense.
Instead of fighting his love of cozy clutter, he leaned into itadding a warm-toned rug, more terracotta planters, and a rattan pendant light.
Friends started saying his living room felt like a laid-back café, and he went from apologizing for his decor to proudly owning it.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Maya was convinced she needed to chase ultra-minimal Pinterest trends to be “in style,”
even though she secretly loved bold color and shiny finishes. Her quiz answers came back very 1980s: high contrast, big art, and lots of personality.
Once she gave herself permission to embrace that decade, she painted a single accent wall a deep teal, layered in a graphic rug,
and chose oversized art for above the sofa. Her space didn’t feel chaotic; it felt intentionallike a grown-up version of the neon Lisa Frank binder she adored in middle school.
The real power of a decade-style quiz isn’t about locking you into one era forever. It’s about understanding why you love what you love.
If midcentury shapes make you happy, you might stop buying bulky oversized furniture that doesn’t suit your taste. If you’re a 1990s–2000s comfort lover,
you don’t have to feel guilty for choosing a plush sectional over a sculptural, Instagram-perfect sofa. And if you’re an eclectic mix of decades,
you get to be the curator of your own mini museum of design history.
As you experiment, think of your quiz decade as a home base. You can always come back to it when a decorating decision feels confusing.
Ask yourself: “Would this fit in my decade?” If the answer is yes, it’s probably a good match. If it’s a no, it might still work as a standout accent
but you’ll bring it in with more intention. Over time, you’ll build a space that feels cohesive, personal, and deeply you,
whether it’s pure 1950s, unapologetically 1980s, or a wonderfully messy blend of all of the above.
Conclusion: Ready to Time-Travel Through Your Decor?
Your home doesn’t have to be a museum of any one era, but knowing which decade captures your decorating style gives you a powerful starting point.
Once you understand the colors, shapes, and textures that resonate with you, shopping, editing, and styling your space gets much easierand more fun.
So, tally your answers, meet your decorating decade, and then steal its best ideas. Mix them with your real-life needs, your current budget,
and your favorite modern conveniences. The goal isn’t historical accuracyit’s creating a home that feels like your favorite version of you,
no matter what year the calendar says.
