If you’re hosting an 80s murder mystery, the decorations play a huge role in setting the tone for the night. You want the space to feel unmistakably 80s, with just enough neon and metallic shine to support the drama without taking over. When the setting clicks, guests are far more likely to step into character and have fun with the mystery!
Below is the decoration approach I recommend for hosting an 80s-themed murder mystery. Throughout the guide, I’ve also highlighted how real hosts have applied these ideas in their own spaces, showing how flexible the setup can be across living rooms, kitchens and outdoor areas.
The core elements of an 80s party setup
When I’m decorating for an 80s murder mystery, I focus on a few strong elements rather than filling every surface. The goal is to make the space feel intentional and immersive, not cluttered.
What makes the biggest difference is getting the following pieces right:
- One clear visual anchor that sets the scene
- A small number of statement decorations placed around the space
- A few interactive details guests can pick up or play with during the night
This same approach works across different retro themes too. If you’ve hosted before or are planning another party, you’ll notice it mirrors how we think about 70s decorations as well - focus on a few high-impact elements rather than trying to decorate everything.
Everything else is optional, and you’ll see each of these elements broken down in more detail below.
Create a photo corner, not just a backdrop
Rather than a flat photo wall, I recommend building a photo corner around something guests already gravitate toward, such as a fireplace or a main wall. This gives photos depth and helps the setup feel like part of the room instead of something temporary.
One host, Stacy, did this by using her fireplace as the anchor for the night. She hung a bold 80s banner across the opening and styled the mantle with a small number of throwback props. A couple of disco balls on either side helped frame the space and immediately set the tone.
If you want to extend this further, do it outward rather than layering more behind the banner. Adding a single reflective element to one side wall is often enough to catch light and elevate photos, while keeping the banner as the clear focal point.
Use lighting to bring everything to life
Lighting is what takes an 80s setup from decorative to immersive. Metallic and holographic materials need light hitting them at an angle, otherwise they tend to fade into the background.
In her setup, another host, Tasha, focused on lighting the entire space rather than just one area. She used coloured party lights aimed upward and across the ceiling, which filled the room with colour and reflected off outfits, props and surfaces throughout the night.
This approach works especially well if your party spreads across one main area. Even one or two lights can change the atmosphere completely. Once the lighting is on, the space feels more dramatic and ready for the mystery to unfold.
Spread the theme through the space
To make the party feel cohesive, it helps to carry the theme beyond a single setup and into the areas where guests spend time.
One host, Jan, did this by styling an outdoor area with a simple statement sign that read “Follow the Call of the Disco Ball.” Paired with a few disco ball balloons, it clearly signalled the theme without needing a full backdrop or layered décor.
This approach works well for open or shared spaces. A small number of bold pieces can define an area and keep the theme consistent, without feeling overdone.
Lean into the theatrical side of the night
One of my favourite additions to an 80s murder mystery is turning part of the evening into a short awards moment. Printed awards like Best Dressed or Best Detective fit the era perfectly and give guests something fun to play toward.
I also recommend creating natural pauses in the night for laughs, reactions and photos, which works beautifully alongside the structure of our mysteries.
Finish with practical props
Rather than placing props at the door, I recommend keeping them close to where the game is happening. This makes them easy to grab as the night unfolds. In one setup, accessories and themed items were placed directly on the kitchen counter, right where clues were being read. Guests could pick things up naturally as scenes progressed.
Simple pieces like neon necklaces, sunglasses or small handheld props help guests ease into their roles and make group photos feel more relaxed, especially during announcements or reveals.
Final thoughts
With a strong visual anchor, thoughtful lighting and a few interactive details, your space will feel ready for an 80s murder mystery without needing to redecorate your entire home. The best setups focus on a few clear ideas, then let the energy of the night do the rest.
