Step back in time and embrace the groovy vibes of the 1960s with a living room that exudes vintage charm and modern sophistication. This era was a melting pot of styles, from the sleek lines of mid-century modern to the bold patterns and vibrant colors of pop art. Whether you’re aiming for a retro-inspired space or a subtle nod to the era, there’s a world of design inspiration waiting to be unleashed. Here are 47 ideas to help you create a living room that captures the essence of the 1960s:
Velvet Upholstery
Embrace the luxurious feel of the 1960s with velvet upholstery. Choose rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red for a dramatic statement. Or opt for softer pastels like blush pink or lavender for a more subtle touch. Velvet adds a touch of glamour and sophistication, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Consider a velvet sofa, armchairs, or even ottomans for a pop of texture and color. In the US and EU, velvet is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly in deep, jewel tones. Look for velvet furniture with clean lines and simple silhouettes to keep the look from feeling too dated.
Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns were a hallmark of 1960s design, and they’re still incredibly stylish today. Incorporate geometric patterns into your living room through textiles, wallpaper, or even artwork. Think bold, graphic designs like checkerboards, zigzags, or triangles. Choose a color palette that complements your overall aesthetic, whether it’s a neutral backdrop with pops of color or a vibrant mix of hues. Geometric patterns add visual interest and dynamism to a space, creating a sense of movement and energy.
Pops of Orange
Orange was a key color in the 1960s, symbolizing optimism and energy. Incorporate pops of orange into your living room through throw pillows, artwork, or even a statement rug. Pair orange with other vibrant hues like green, blue, or yellow for a bold and playful look. Or keep things more subdued by pairing it with neutrals like gray, white, or black. Orange adds warmth and vibrancy to a space, creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Mid-century modern furniture, with its clean lines, simple forms, and use of natural materials, was a defining style of the 1960s. Incorporate iconic pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair, the Barcelona Chair, or the Saarinen Tulip Table into your living room for a touch of vintage elegance. Look for furniture with tapered legs, rounded edges, and a focus on functionality. Mid-century modern pieces are timeless and versatile, easily blending with other styles for a cohesive and stylish look.
Groovy Wallpaper
Bring the retro vibes to life with groovy wallpaper. Choose patterns that capture the spirit of the 1960s, such as psychedelic swirls, abstract shapes, or geometric designs. Consider using wallpaper as a statement wall, focusing on a single wall to create a focal point. Or use it to accent a specific area, like behind a sofa or bookshelf. In the US and EU, wallpaper with vintage-inspired patterns is experiencing a comeback, allowing homeowners to inject a dose of personality and history into their spaces.
Hanging Plants
Indoor plants were a popular element in 1960s homes, and they’re still a stylish way to add life and greenery to a living room. Hang plants from the ceiling, place them on shelves, or use macrame plant hangers for a touch of boho chic. Consider plants like ferns, pothos, or spider plants for a lush and tropical feel. Plants not only add beauty but also purify the air, creating a healthy and refreshing environment.
Macrame
Macrame, the art of knotting cords, was a popular craft in the 1960s, and it’s making a comeback today. Incorporate macrame into your living room through wall hangings, plant hangers, or even a macrame chair. Choose natural fibers like cotton or hemp for a bohemian vibe. Macrame adds a touch of texture and whimsy to a space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Statement Lighting
Lighting is an important element in creating the right mood and atmosphere in a living room. Choose statement lighting that captures the spirit of the 1960s. Consider a vintage-inspired chandelier, a sculptural floor lamp, or even a set of pendant lights with geometric shapes. Look for lighting that adds visual interest and creates a warm and inviting glow.
Bold Color Combinations
The 1960s were all about bold and vibrant color combinations. Embrace this spirit by using contrasting colors to create a dynamic and energetic space. Think pairings like orange and green, yellow and blue, or red and purple. These combinations add visual excitement and create a sense of energy and optimism.
Textured Rugs
Textured rugs were a popular choice in the 1960s, and they’re still a stylish way to add warmth and comfort to a living room. Choose rugs with high pile, woven patterns, or even shag for a luxurious and tactile experience. Consider a rug with a geometric design or a bold color to create a focal point in the space.
Retro-Inspired Artwork
Decorate your living room with art that captures the spirit of the 1960s. Look for prints of iconic artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, or Peter Max. Or choose vintage posters, photographs, or even framed magazine covers. Artwork adds personality and visual interest to a space, reflecting your unique style and taste.
Terracotta Pots
Terracotta pots were a common sight in 1960s homes, and they’re still a stylish choice today. Use terracotta pots to display your plants, adding a touch of rustic charm to your living room. Choose pots in different sizes and shapes to create visual interest and balance.
Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Reclaimed wood furniture, with its rustic charm and unique character, is a popular choice for creating a vintage-inspired look. Incorporate reclaimed wood pieces into your living room, such as a coffee table, a side table, or even a bookshelf. Reclaimed wood adds a touch of history and authenticity to a space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Geometric Mirrors
Geometric mirrors were a popular design element in the 1960s, and they’re still a stylish way to add visual interest and reflect light in a living room. Choose a mirror with a geometric frame or a mirror with a geometric design etched into the glass. Geometric mirrors add a touch of modern sophistication to a space, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
Woven Baskets
Woven baskets, with their natural textures and earthy tones, were a popular storage solution in the 1960s. Incorporate woven baskets into your living room to organize blankets, throws, or other essentials. Choose baskets made from natural materials like wicker, rattan, or seagrass for a bohemian vibe. Woven baskets add a touch of warmth and texture to a space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Graphic Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are a great way to add pops of color and pattern to a living room. Choose pillows with graphic designs that capture the spirit of the 1960s, such as geometric patterns, psychedelic swirls, or abstract shapes. Pair pillows with different colors and textures to create a dynamic and interesting look.
Vintage Record Player
A vintage record player is a must-have for any 1960s-inspired living room. Choose a record player with a retro design, such as a turntable with a wood cabinet or a portable record player with a sleek metal exterior. Playing vinyl records adds a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the space, transporting you back to the golden age of music.
Shag Carpets
Shag carpets were all the rage in the 1960s, and they’re making a comeback today. Choose a shag carpet in a bold color or a neutral tone to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Shag carpets add a touch of texture and warmth to a space, creating a luxurious and comfortable feel.
Checkerboard Patterns
Checkerboard patterns were a popular design element in the 1960s, adding a touch of retro charm and visual interest to spaces. Incorporate checkerboard patterns into your living room through textiles, wallpaper, or even artwork. Choose a color palette that complements your overall aesthetic, whether it’s a classic black and white combination or a vibrant mix of hues.
Round Coffee Tables
Round coffee tables were a popular choice in the 1960s, adding a touch of mid-century modern style and functionality to living rooms. Choose a round coffee table with a simple silhouette and a natural wood finish or a sleek metal base for a contemporary touch.
Psychedelic Artwork
Psychedelic art was a defining characteristic of the 1960s, reflecting the era’s fascination with mind-altering experiences and vibrant colors. Incorporate psychedelic artwork into your living room through prints, posters, or even paintings. Choose pieces that feature swirling patterns, bright colors, and abstract forms.
Statement Lamps
Statement lamps are a great way to add a touch of personality and style to a living room. Choose lamps with retro designs, such as lamps with geometric bases, colorful shades, or vintage-inspired bulbs.
Abstract Wall Art
Abstract wall art was a popular choice in the 1960s, reflecting the era’s fascination with non-representational art and bold colors. Incorporate abstract wall art into your living room through prints, posters, or even original paintings. Choose pieces that feature abstract forms, bold colors, and dynamic compositions.
Eclectic Furniture
Eclectic furniture was a popular choice in the 1960s, reflecting the era’s diverse cultural influences and eclectic tastes. Incorporate eclectic furniture into your living room by mixing and matching different styles and eras. Choose pieces that feature unique designs, bold colors, and interesting textures.
Statement Seating
Statement seating was a popular choice in the 1960s, reflecting the era’s focus on comfort and style. Incorporate statement seating into your living room by choosing furniture with unique designs, bold colors, or luxurious textures.
Geometric Pillows
Geometric pillows were a popular choice in the 1960s, adding a touch of retro charm and visual interest to living rooms. Choose geometric pillows with bold colors, contrasting patterns, or simple designs.
Natural Materials
Natural materials were a popular choice in the 1960s, reflecting the era’s appreciation for simplicity and sustainability. Incorporate natural materials into your living room through furniture, textiles, or decor. Choose materials like wood, leather, cotton, or wool for a warm and inviting feel.
Vintage Lighting
Vintage lighting was a popular choice in the 1960s, adding a touch of retro charm and functionality to living rooms. Choose vintage lighting with unique designs, bold colors, or interesting shapes.
Retro Clocks
Retro clocks were a popular choice in the 1960s, adding a touch of nostalgia and functionality to living rooms. Choose retro clocks with unique designs, bold colors, or interesting shapes.
Patterned Textiles
Patterned textiles were a popular choice in the 1960s, adding a touch of color and personality to living rooms. Choose patterned textiles with bold designs, geometric patterns, or abstract motifs.
Statement Rugs
Statement rugs were a popular choice in the 1960s, adding a touch of color and personality to living rooms. Choose statement rugs with bold designs, vibrant colors, or unique textures.
Vintage Bookshelves
Vintage bookshelves were a popular choice in the 1960s, adding a touch of retro charm and functionality to living rooms. Choose vintage bookshelves with unique designs, bold colors, or interesting shapes.
