The 1960s was an era of revolutionary change, and that extended to the world of interior design. As a style, 1960s interior design was focused on creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere, utilizing bright colors and bold patterns to make a statement in the home. Color was king, with loud, saturated hues such as lime green, hot pink, and orange finding their way into living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Furniture was often streamlined, with curves and geometric shapes providing visual interest. Wood paneling, brick walls, and terrazzo floors were popular elements, and lighting fixtures and accessories were often made of new materials like Plexiglas and Lucite. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most iconic design elements of the 1960s and how you can incorporate them into your own home.
Furniture was a major part of 1960s interior design. Mid-century modern pieces, with their clean lines and simple shapes, were very popular. Sofas, chairs, and tables often featured tapered legs and smooth surfaces, with padded seating for extra comfort. Many pieces were made with teak, walnut, or rosewood, and were often upholstered with bold, patterned fabrics. Some of the most iconic furniture designs of this era included the egg-shaped chair by Arne Jacobsen, the iconic Eames Lounge Chair, and the Barcelona chair by Mies van der Rohe.
Color was a major part of 1960s design, with bright, saturated hues being used to bring life to any room. Red, blue, yellow, and green were popular choices, and often used in combination with each other. Accent walls, cushions, rugs, and curtains could all be used to inject a splash of color into a space. Black and white were also frequently used, either to provide a contrast to the other colors or to create a neutral base that would allow the other colors to really stand out.
Textiles were also used to great effect in 1960s interior design. Bold, geometric patterns were popular, and were used for everything from curtains to carpets. Paisley, polka dots, and stripes were all common motifs, and fabrics were often made from synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon. Wallpaper was also used, often with bright colors and bold patterns.
Lighting was an important element of 1960s interior design. Many homes featured bold, sculptural fixtures, often made from plastic or metal. Pendant lights were popular, as were adjustable wall lamps that could be used to direct light to specific areas. Table lamps with circular bases and conical shades were also common, as were floor lamps with long, thin stems and colorful shades.
1960s interior design was all about creating a lively and exciting atmosphere, with bright colors and bold patterns being used to create a statement. Mid-century modern furniture, bright colors, bold patterns, and sculptural lighting fixtures were all key elements of the style. By incorporating some of these elements into your own home, you can create a space that will transport you back to the era of the swinging sixties.
