While many love The Golden Girls for its joyful, comedic plotlines, I've realized the show is iconic for other, slightly less obvious reasons. After nostalgically rewatching countless episodes, I have developed a newfound appreciation for the series's set design.
Falling somewhere between retro and grandmillennial, almost every episode dons a rather statement background. First debuting in 1985, the show's interiors are undeniably time capsules, filled with vintage prints, retro furnishings, and rather opulent fixtures, indicative of the kitschy luxury of the 1980s. While some might say they're a little dated, the set has a fundamental role in The Golden Girls' legendary status.
I admit that some of the designs are a little... bold, but there are plenty of ingenious ideas we can lift and blend into today's settings. From timeless furniture to color schemes that will forever revive, here's how to make your home feel warm, welcoming, and glamorous, in the spirit of everyone's favorite friendship group.
Shop the Look
The Golden Girls is iconic in many ways, but the set design has truly left its mark. Retro and nostalgic in the best possible way, it's surprisingly easy to recreate the look at home with vintage prints, antique lighting and slightly kitsch (but brilliant) decorative details.
With scalloped shades and gold hardware, this delicate wall sconce will give your walls a retro glamour just like The Golden Girls' homes.
Kitschy and playful, this skirted bedspread will give your bedroom a dose of opulence and nostalgia.
Pay homage to the past with this timeless accent chair designed by style icon Martha Stewart. Covered in heritage stripes, it'll give your home a nostalgic feel.
Oversized lighting will give your home a warm and welcoming feel. This tan glass table lamp is a good place to start for a familiar space that entices.
This rattan lounger feels retro yet contemporary, the perfect vessel for bringing the retro charm of The Golden Girls into your home.
For a dose of vintage charm, add this block-printed cushion to an armchair or sofa for a Golden Girls-inspired look without going overboard.
To create a truly Golden Girls-inspired home, there are a few key places to start. First, mix patterns on pattern, pairing bold prints like thick stripes or botanicals with finer styles such as ditsy florals or polka dots. Whether it's a statement wallpaper paired with a vintage bedspread, or a simple grandma-style armchair with a jacquard floral cushion at its center, long-loved patterns are the first step to achieving the retro, glamorous look.
Next up, an appropriately vibrant color scheme. Start with pops of pastels, like a salmon pink throw across a bed or a turquoise lamp, followed by richer tones, like darker teals or navy blues. Plenty of 1980s colors are making a comeback in 2025, so pay attention to these trending shades when pulling inspiration from The Golden Girls.
Vintage furniture is an important factor, too. Anything from a rattan lounge chair perfect for reading or chatting with your girlfriends, to a classically shaped sofa (a sweetheart back or flounced style is a real '80s choice) will give your home a lived-in, nostalgic feel that transports you back to the 'Golden' era.
Finish off the look with something decadent, like a really ornate gold sconce or an extravagant mirror for a subtle dose of luxury. Finer details like these will help create that old-world, glamorous feel that's key to The Golden Girls aesthetic.
The Golden Girls will forever be in my mind. It's taught me the importance of friendship, not to mention the power of an authentic home that is both welcoming and glamorous.
