60s room decor, a style that emerged during the 1960s, is characterized by its vibrant colors, bold patterns, and innovative furniture designs. It encapsulates the era’s spirit of optimism, experimentation, and change, reflecting the cultural and social shifts of the time. From psychedelic prints to geometric shapes, the 60s decor embraced a wide range of aesthetics, making it a diverse and visually striking style.
Space exploration, pop art, and the civil rights movement influenced the decor of the era. Living rooms featured colorful, abstract paintings by artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, while the “moon landing” inspired silver and metallic accents. The iconic Eames Lounge Chair, with its sleek design and comfortable curves, became a symbol of 60s style and is still popular today.
As we dive into the world of 60s room decor, let’s explore its key characteristics, iconic furniture, and some of the most memorable designs of the decade.
60s room decor embraced bold colors, geometric patterns, and innovative furniture designs.
- Psychedelic prints
- Geometric shapes
- Space age motifs
- Bright colors
- Eames Lounge Chair
- Bean bag chairs
- Mirrored surfaces
- Lava lamps
The iconic designs of the 60s continue to inspire contemporary interior design.
Psychedelic prints
Psychedelic prints, characterized by their vibrant colors, bold patterns, and swirling designs, were a defining feature of 60s room decor. Inspired by the art and music of the era, these prints reflected the counterculture’s rejection of traditional values and its embrace of experimentation and individuality.
Designers incorporated psychedelic prints into various elements of room decor, including wallpaper, curtains, furniture upholstery, and even bedspreads. The prints often featured geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, and zigzags, combined with organic forms, such as flowers, plants, and animals. The colors were typically bright and saturated, with contrasting hues and unexpected combinations.
One of the most iconic uses of psychedelic prints in 60s room decor was the “black light” poster. These posters, which featured fluorescent designs that glowed under black light, were popular in bedrooms and common areas. They often depicted scenes of nature, outer space, or abstract patterns.
Psychedelic prints were also used in fashion and accessories. Clothing, bags, and jewelry often featured bold patterns and bright colors, reflecting the overall aesthetic of the 60s counterculture.
Today, psychedelic prints continue to be used in interior design, fashion, and art, although they are often used in a more subtle and restrained way. The bold and colorful designs of the 60s continue to inspire contemporary trends, adding a touch of retro flair to modern spaces.
Geometric shapes
Geometric shapes were another defining feature of 60s room decor. Inspired by the Bauhaus movement and the rise of modernism, designers incorporated geometric shapes into various elements of room design, creating a clean, structured, and visually striking aesthetic.
- Bold patterns
Geometric shapes were often used to create bold and eye-catching patterns. These patterns could be found on wallpaper, curtains, rugs, and even furniture upholstery. Common geometric patterns included stripes, polka dots, and chevron. Designers also experimented with more complex geometric patterns, such as labyrinths and tessellations.
- Clean lines
Geometric shapes also contributed to the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic that was popular in 60s room decor. Furniture and other design elements often featured straight lines, sharp angles, and simple silhouettes. This emphasis on clean lines created a sense of order and sophistication.
- Space-saving designs
Geometric shapes were also used to create space-saving furniture and storage solutions. For example, modular furniture systems, which allowed for multiple configurations, were popular in small apartments and living spaces. Designers also incorporated geometric shapes into built-in furniture, such as shelving units and cabinets, to maximize storage space and create a cohesive look.
- Architectural details
Geometric shapes were not limited to furniture and decor. They were also incorporated into architectural details, such as room dividers, fireplaces, and even lighting fixtures. Geometric shapes added a touch of modernity and sophistication to these architectural elements, helping to create a cohesive and visually appealing space.
The use of geometric shapes in 60s room decor reflected the era’s fascination with technology, science, and the future. Geometric shapes were seen as a symbol of progress and innovation, and they helped to create a space that was both stylish and functional.
Space age motifs
The fascination with space exploration during the 1960s had a significant impact on room decor. Designers incorporated space age motifs into various elements of room design, creating a futuristic and optimistic aesthetic.
1. Furniture and lighting inspired by space travel:
Designers created furniture and lighting fixtures that resembled rockets, spaceships, and other space-related objects. These pieces often featured sleek lines, metallic finishes, and unusual shapes. For example, the “Sputnik” chandelier, inspired by the Soviet satellite, became a popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms.
2. Metallic accents and finishes:
Metallic accents, such as gold, silver, and chrome, were widely used in 60s room decor. These accents added a touch of glamour and sophistication to space-themed designs. Metallic finishes were often found on furniture legs, lamp bases, and other decorative objects.
3. Bold colors and geometric patterns:
Space age motifs often incorporated bold colors and geometric patterns. These colors and patterns were inspired by the bright hues and geometric shapes associated with space exploration. Common color combinations included orange and yellow, blue and green, and black and white. Geometric patterns, such as circles, squares, and stripes, were used to create a dynamic and visually striking look.
4. Space-themed artwork and accessories:
Space-themed artwork and accessories, such as posters of astronauts, planets, and rockets, were popular additions to 60s room decor. These items helped to create a cohesive and immersive space-age atmosphere. Designers also incorporated space-themed motifs into other decorative objects, such as throw pillows, clocks, and table lamps.
Space age motifs in 60s room decor reflected the era’s excitement and optimism about space exploration. These motifs added a touch of futurism and glamour to interior design, creating spaces that were both stylish and inspiring.
Bright colors
Bright colors were a defining characteristic of 60s room decor. Designers used bold and saturated hues to create spaces that were energetic, optimistic, and visually striking. The use of bright colors reflected the era’s cultural and social changes, as well as the growing popularity of pop art and psychedelic art.
- Primary and secondary colors:
Primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) and secondary colors (orange, green, and purple) were widely used in 60s room decor. These colors were often used in combination to create vibrant and eye-catching color schemes. For example, a living room might feature a bright orange sofa paired with a yellow armchair and a blue rug.
- Color blocking:
Color blocking was a popular technique used in 60s room decor. This technique involved using large blocks of solid color to create a bold and graphic look. Color blocking could be used on walls, furniture, and even accessories. For example, a bedroom might feature a bright green wall paired with white furniture and a red bedspread.
- Geometric patterns:
Bright colors were often used in combination with geometric patterns. Geometric patterns, such as stripes, polka dots, and chevrons, were popular in 60s room decor. These patterns added a touch of playfulness and energy to the space. For example, a kitchen might feature a bright yellow wallpaper with a white polka dot pattern.
- Accent colors:
Bright colors were also used as accent colors to add a pop of color to a space. Accent colors could be used on throw pillows, curtains, artwork, and other decorative objects. For example, a neutral-colored living room might feature bright orange throw pillows and a blue armchair.
The use of bright colors in 60s room decor reflected the era’s optimism and its embrace of change. Bright colors were seen as a way to break away from traditional design norms and create spaces that were both stylish and fun.
Eames Lounge Chair
Origins and Design
The Eames Lounge Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, is an iconic piece of furniture that epitomizes the style and spirit of 60s room decor. Inspired by 19th-century club chairs and traditional English lounge chairs, the Eames Lounge Chair was designed to provide both comfort and style.
The chair features a molded plywood shell with a separate leather or fabric upholstery, providing a comfortable and supportive seat. The chair’s shell is made of seven layers of thin plywood, which are glued and pressed together under high pressure. This construction method gives the chair its strength and durability, while also allowing for a sculpted and organic shape.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The Eames Lounge Chair is known for its meticulous attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. The chair’s shell is made from sustainably sourced veneer, and the upholstery is available in a variety of leathers and fabrics, allowing for customization to suit different tastes and styles.
The chair’s base is made of cast aluminum, which provides a sturdy and stable support for the chair. The base is also available in a variety of finishes, including black, white, and chrome, allowing it to blend seamlessly with different decor styles.
Comfort and Functionality
The Eames Lounge Chair is renowned for its exceptional comfort. The chair’s deep seat and high back provide ample support for the body, while the soft upholstery and padded armrests add to its comfort.
The chair is also highly functional. The chair’s swivel base allows for easy movement, while the reclining mechanism allows the user to adjust the chair to the desired position for reading, relaxing, or watching television.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Eames Lounge Chair has become an iconic symbol of mid-century modern design. Its unique design, exceptional comfort, and high-quality craftsmanship have made it a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
The chair has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and magazines, solidifying its status as a pop culture icon. It is also part of the permanent collections of many museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The Eames Lounge Chair is a timeless piece of furniture that continues to inspire and influence contemporary design. Its combination of comfort, style, and functionality make it a sought-after piece for any room.
Bean bag chairs
Bean bag chairs, also known as bean bags or simply bags, emerged as a popular seating option in the 1960s, becoming synonymous with the era’s laid-back and casual lifestyle.
- Origins and Design:
Bean bag chairs were invented in Italy in 1968 by two architects, Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini, and Franco Teodoro. Inspired by the playful and unconventional designs of the 1960s, they created a chair that was both comfortable and stylish. The chair consisted of a large, bean-shaped bag filled with polystyrene beads, providing a soft and moldable seat.
- Comfort and Functionality:
Bean bag chairs quickly gained popularity due to their exceptional comfort. The polystyrene beads conformed to the body, providing excellent support and pressure distribution. The chairs were also lightweight and portable, making them easy to move around and use in different spaces.
- Adaptability and Versatility:
Bean bag chairs were highly adaptable and versatile pieces of furniture. They could be used indoors and outdoors, in living rooms, bedrooms, children’s playrooms, and even in commercial spaces like offices and waiting areas. Their casual and playful nature made them suitable for various settings and age groups.
- Cultural Significance:
Bean bag chairs became a symbol of the counterculture and bohemian lifestyle of the 1960s. They represented a rejection of traditional furniture and a desire for more relaxed and informal living spaces. Bean bag chairs were often associated with creativity, experimentation, and a carefree attitude towards life.
Their unique design, exceptional comfort, and cultural significance made bean bag chairs an iconic piece of 60s room decor. They continue to be popular today, adding a touch of retro charm and laid-back style to contemporary spaces.
Mirrored surfaces
Mirrored surfaces were a prominent feature in 60s room decor, adding a touch of glamour, spaciousness, and reflectivity to interior spaces. Designers incorporated mirrors in various forms, from large wall mirrors to mirrored furniture and decorative objects.
1. Large Wall Mirrors:
Large wall mirrors, often floor-to-ceiling or covering entire walls, were a popular choice in 60s living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. These mirrors created the illusion of a larger and more spacious room, reflecting light and making the space feel brighter and airier. Additionally, large mirrors added a dramatic and sophisticated touch to the decor.
2. Mirrored Furniture:
Mirrored furniture pieces, such as coffee tables, side tables, and dressers, were another prevalent trend in 60s room decor. Mirrored furniture reflected light and added a touch of sparkle to the space. It also helped create a cohesive and sophisticated look when paired with other mirrored elements in the room.
3. Mirrored Decorative Objects:
Mirrored decorative objects, such as vases, bowls, and sculptures, were also popular additions to 60s room decor. These objects added a touch of glamour and reflectivity to shelves, tabletops, and mantelpieces. Mirrored decorative objects also helped to create a sense of visual interest and movement in the space.
4. Mirrored Room Dividers:
Mirrored room dividers were another innovative use of mirrored surfaces in 60s room decor. These dividers, made of large mirrored panels, were used to separate different areas of a room or to create a more private space. Mirrored room dividers added a touch of elegance and sophistication while also allowing light to flow through the space.
The use of mirrored surfaces in 60s room decor reflected the era’s fascination with light, space, and reflectivity. Mirrored surfaces helped to create brighter, more spacious, and visually dynamic interiors that embodied the optimistic and forward-looking spirit of the 1960s.
Lava lamps
Lava lamps, with their mesmerizing and ever-changing wax formations, became iconic symbols of 60s room decor. Their unique design and captivating visual appeal made them popular additions to living rooms, bedrooms, and even offices.
- Origins and Design:
Lava lamps were invented in 1963 by British entrepreneur Edward Craven-Walker. Inspired by a combination of a cocktail shaker and a math experiment involving a clear liquid and effervescent tablets, Craven-Walker created the first lava lamp prototype. The lamp consisted of a glass bottle filled with clear liquid, wax, and a light bulb at the bottom. When the lamp was turned on, the heat from the bulb caused the wax to rise and fall, creating a mesmerizing and dynamic effect.
- Popularity and Cultural Significance:
Lava lamps quickly gained popularity in the 1960s, becoming a symbol of the era’s counterculture and psychedelic art movement. Their unique and eye-catching design resonated with the free-spirited and experimental nature of the 60s. Lava lamps were often featured in movies, television shows, and music videos, further solidifying their status as cultural icons.
- Therapeutic and Soothing Effects:
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, lava lamps were also believed to have therapeutic and soothing effects. The slow and rhythmic movement of the wax was thought to be calming and hypnotic, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Lava lamps became popular additions to relaxation and sensory rooms, and were often used in conjunction with other sensory stimuli, such as music and aromatherapy.
- Design Variations and Styles:
Lava lamps were available in a wide range of designs, shapes, and sizes. The most common type of lava lamp was the classic rocket-shaped lamp, but there were also mushroom-shaped lamps, globe-shaped lamps, and even lamps shaped like animals and other objects. Lava lamps also came in a variety of colors, with some lamps featuring multiple colors that swirled and blended together when the lamp was turned on.
Lava lamps continue to be popular today, adding a touch of retro charm and nostalgia to contemporary spaces. Their unique design and mesmerizing visual effects make them captivating additions to any room, and their therapeutic and soothing properties make them ideal for relaxation and sensory environments.
