Step back in time and embrace the vibrant energy of the 1960s with a living room that exudes retro charm. This era was a melting pot of artistic expression, with bold colors, geometric patterns, and a touch of psychedelic influence shaping the design landscape. As we revisit this iconic decade, we’ll explore 20 design ideas that capture the essence of 60s style while incorporating modern twists for a fresh and contemporary look.
Velvet Upholstery
Embrace the luxurious feel of the 60s with velvet upholstery. Choose rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red for a dramatic statement. Alternatively, opt for a lighter shade like dusty rose or teal for a softer touch. Pair velvet furniture with sleek, modern lines to create a balanced aesthetic. Incorporate metallic accents like brass or chrome to add a touch of glamour. This timeless fabric complements both mid-century modern and bohemian styles, lending a touch of sophistication to any living room.
Velvet Upholstery
Embrace the luxurious feel of the 60s with velvet upholstery. Choose rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red for a dramatic statement. Alternatively, opt for a lighter shade like dusty rose or teal for a softer touch. Pair velvet furniture with sleek, modern lines to create a balanced aesthetic. Incorporate metallic accents like brass or chrome to add a touch of glamour. This timeless fabric complements both mid-century modern and bohemian styles, lending a touch of sophistication to any living room.
Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns were a defining feature of 60s design, adding a playful and dynamic element to interiors. Embrace bold prints like checkerboards, stripes, and abstract designs. Utilize these patterns on throw pillows, rugs, and even wallpaper to create a visually stimulating backdrop. Experiment with contrasting colors like black and white or bold hues like orange and green for a vibrant aesthetic. Consider incorporating geometric shapes in your furniture, such as a circular coffee table or a triangular side table, to further amplify the theme.
Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns were a defining feature of 60s design, adding a playful and dynamic element to interiors. Embrace bold prints like checkerboards, stripes, and abstract designs. Utilize these patterns on throw pillows, rugs, and even wallpaper to create a visually stimulating backdrop. Experiment with contrasting colors like black and white or bold hues like orange and green for a vibrant aesthetic. Consider incorporating geometric shapes in your furniture, such as a circular coffee table or a triangular side table, to further amplify the theme.
Color Blocking
Bring the vibrant palette of the 60s to life with bold color blocking. Choose a primary color, like mustard yellow, turquoise blue, or fiery orange, and use it generously on walls, furniture, or accent pieces. Complement the main color with contrasting shades, like deep teal with mustard yellow or burnt orange with emerald green, to create a dynamic visual appeal. This technique allows for flexibility in expressing your individual style, whether you prefer a more subdued or energetic aesthetic.
Color Blocking
Bring the vibrant palette of the 60s to life with bold color blocking. Choose a primary color, like mustard yellow, turquoise blue, or fiery orange, and use it generously on walls, furniture, or accent pieces. Complement the main color with contrasting shades, like deep teal with mustard yellow or burnt orange with emerald green, to create a dynamic visual appeal. This technique allows for flexibility in expressing your individual style, whether you prefer a more subdued or energetic aesthetic.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Mid-century modern furniture is synonymous with the 60s, boasting clean lines, sculptural forms, and a focus on functionality. Invest in iconic pieces like Eames chairs, Saarinen tables, or Noguchi lamps. These timeless classics seamlessly blend with both modern and traditional decor, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any living room. Choose furniture in natural materials like wood, leather, or rattan for a warm and inviting ambiance.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Mid-century modern furniture is synonymous with the 60s, boasting clean lines, sculptural forms, and a focus on functionality. Invest in iconic pieces like Eames chairs, Saarinen tables, or Noguchi lamps. These timeless classics seamlessly blend with both modern and traditional decor, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any living room. Choose furniture in natural materials like wood, leather, or rattan for a warm and inviting ambiance.
Macrame Wall Hangings
Add a touch of bohemian flair to your living room with macrame wall hangings. These handcrafted pieces, made using knotted cords, were popular in the 60s and are experiencing a resurgence in popularity today. Choose designs with geometric patterns, abstract shapes, or flowing fringes. Hang them above a sofa, fireplace, or even a large window for an eye-catching focal point. Combine macrame with other 60s elements, such as wicker furniture or woven baskets, to create a cohesive and welcoming space.
Macrame Wall Hangings
Add a touch of bohemian flair to your living room with macrame wall hangings. These handcrafted pieces, made using knotted cords, were popular in the 60s and are experiencing a resurgence in popularity today. Choose designs with geometric patterns, abstract shapes, or flowing fringes. Hang them above a sofa, fireplace, or even a large window for an eye-catching focal point. Combine macrame with other 60s elements, such as wicker furniture or woven baskets, to create a cohesive and welcoming space.
Vintage Record Players
Music played a central role in the 60s, and a vintage record player is a perfect way to pay homage to this era. Choose a classic turntable with a sleek design and warm wood accents. Add a stack of vinyl records to showcase your music collection and create a nostalgic atmosphere. Pair the record player with a comfortable armchair or a cozy corner to create a dedicated listening space. The gentle crackle of vinyl adds a unique charm that transports you back to the golden age of music.
Vintage Record Players
Music played a central role in the 60s, and a vintage record player is a perfect way to pay homage to this era. Choose a classic turntable with a sleek design and warm wood accents. Add a stack of vinyl records to showcase your music collection and create a nostalgic atmosphere. Pair the record player with a comfortable armchair or a cozy corner to create a dedicated listening space. The gentle crackle of vinyl adds a unique charm that transports you back to the golden age of music.
Gallery Walls
Showcase your artistic side with a gallery wall featuring artwork from the 60s. Look for bold prints, abstract paintings, and graphic designs that capture the spirit of the era. Choose a mix of framed and unframed artwork for a dynamic visual effect. Create a cohesive look by using frames in consistent colors or materials, or play with a variety of sizes and shapes for a more eclectic feel.
Gallery Walls
Showcase your artistic side with a gallery wall featuring artwork from the 60s. Look for bold prints, abstract paintings, and graphic designs that capture the spirit of the era. Choose a mix of framed and unframed artwork for a dynamic visual effect. Create a cohesive look by using frames in consistent colors or materials, or play with a variety of sizes and shapes for a more eclectic feel.
Groovy Lighting
Create a vibrant and captivating atmosphere with 60s-inspired lighting. Look for geometric shapes like spheres, cubes, or cones in bold colors like orange, yellow, or green. Incorporate pendant lights, floor lamps, or even table lamps with unique designs to add a touch of retro glamour. Consider incorporating string lights or fairy lights for a whimsical and playful touch.
Groovy Lighting
Create a vibrant and captivating atmosphere with 60s-inspired lighting. Look for geometric shapes like spheres, cubes, or cones in bold colors like orange, yellow, or green. Incorporate pendant lights, floor lamps, or even table lamps with unique designs to add a touch of retro glamour. Consider incorporating string lights or fairy lights for a whimsical and playful touch.
Terracotta Pots
Embrace the earthy tones of the 60s with terracotta pots. These versatile planters, known for their warm and rustic charm, add a touch of nature to any interior. Fill them with vibrant plants like succulents, ferns, or leafy greens to create a lively and refreshing atmosphere. Choose pots in different sizes and shapes to create a visually interesting display.
Terracotta Pots
Embrace the earthy tones of the 60s with terracotta pots. These versatile planters, known for their warm and rustic charm, add a touch of nature to any interior. Fill them with vibrant plants like succulents, ferns, or leafy greens to create a lively and refreshing atmosphere. Choose pots in different sizes and shapes to create a visually interesting display.
Psychedelic Patterns
Embrace the psychedelic influence of the 60s with patterns inspired by mind-bending designs. Incorporate swirling shapes, vibrant colors, and trippy imagery onto throw pillows, rugs, or even wallpaper. Use these patterns sparingly to create a focal point without overwhelming the space. Combine them with other 60s elements, such as geometric patterns or vintage furniture, for a balanced and eclectic look.
Psychedelic Patterns
Embrace the psychedelic influence of the 60s with patterns inspired by mind-bending designs. Incorporate swirling shapes, vibrant colors, and trippy imagery onto throw pillows, rugs, or even wallpaper. Use these patterns sparingly to create a focal point without overwhelming the space. Combine them with other 60s elements, such as geometric patterns or vintage furniture, for a balanced and eclectic look.
Pops of Orange
Orange was a popular color in the 60s, representing energy, optimism, and creativity. Introduce pops of orange through throw pillows, cushions, or even a statement armchair. Combine orange with complementary colors like blue, green, or brown for a balanced and sophisticated look. This vibrant hue injects a playful and energetic vibe into the living room, reminiscent of the optimistic spirit of the era.
Pops of Orange
Orange was a popular color in the 60s, representing energy, optimism, and creativity. Introduce pops of orange through throw pillows, cushions, or even a statement armchair. Combine orange with complementary colors like blue, green, or brown for a balanced and sophisticated look. This vibrant hue injects a playful and energetic vibe into the living room, reminiscent of the optimistic spirit of the era.
Abstract Art
The 60s were a golden age for abstract art, with artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Incorporate abstract paintings or prints into your living room to add a touch of sophistication and artistic flair. Choose pieces in bold colors, geometric shapes, or flowing lines to create a statement piece. The abstract nature of these works complements the geometric patterns and vibrant colors typically found in 60s decor.
Abstract Art
The 60s were a golden age for abstract art, with artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Incorporate abstract paintings or prints into your living room to add a touch of sophistication and artistic flair. Choose pieces in bold colors, geometric shapes, or flowing lines to create a statement piece. The abstract nature of these works complements the geometric patterns and vibrant colors typically found in 60s decor.
Woven Baskets
Woven baskets, crafted from natural materials like rattan or wicker, were popular in the 60s and continue to be a timeless design element. Use them to store blankets, magazines, or other accessories, adding a touch of rustic charm to your living room. Combine them with other 60s elements, such as macrame wall hangings or vintage furniture, for a cohesive and inviting look. Choose baskets in different sizes and shapes to create a visually interesting display.
Woven Baskets
Woven baskets, crafted from natural materials like rattan or wicker, were popular in the 60s and continue to be a timeless design element. Use them to store blankets, magazines, or other accessories, adding a touch of rustic charm to your living room. Combine them with other 60s elements, such as macrame wall hangings or vintage furniture, for a cohesive and inviting look. Choose baskets in different sizes and shapes to create a visually interesting display.
Brass Accents
Brass accents were a popular design element in the 60s, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to interiors. Incorporate brass lamps, side tables, or even decorative bowls to create a statement piece. Combine brass with other metallic accents, like chrome or copper, for a layered and contemporary look. The warm tones of brass complement the vibrant colors and geometric patterns often found in 60s decor.
Brass Accents
Brass accents were a popular design element in the 60s, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to interiors. Incorporate brass lamps, side tables, or even decorative bowls to create a statement piece. Combine brass with other metallic accents, like chrome or copper, for a layered and contemporary look. The warm tones of brass complement the vibrant colors and geometric patterns often found in 60s decor.
Vintage Posters
Add a touch of nostalgia with vintage posters from the 60s. Choose posters featuring iconic music bands, film stars, or cultural events. Frame them with simple black or white frames to create a cohesive look. Hang them on a gallery wall or strategically place them above furniture for a vintage touch. These posters are a unique way to add a pop of color and personality to your living room while reflecting the spirit of the era.
Vintage Posters
Add a touch of nostalgia with vintage posters from the 60s. Choose posters featuring iconic music bands, film stars, or cultural events. Frame them with simple black or white frames to create a cohesive look. Hang them on a gallery wall or strategically place them above furniture for a vintage touch. These posters are a unique way to add a pop of color and personality to your living room while reflecting the spirit of the era.
Statement Mirrors
Add depth and dimension to your living room with a statement mirror. Choose a mirror with a unique shape, such as a rounded rectangle, a starburst design, or a sunburst shape. Frame it with a sleek metal frame in brass, chrome, or copper to enhance the 60s aesthetic. Place the mirror above the fireplace, behind the sofa, or in a hallway for a dramatic focal point.
Statement Mirrors
Add depth and dimension to your living room with a statement mirror. Choose a mirror with a unique shape, such as a rounded rectangle, a starburst design, or a sunburst shape. Frame it with a sleek metal frame in brass, chrome, or copper to enhance the 60s aesthetic. Place the mirror above the fireplace, behind the sofa, or in a hallway for a dramatic focal point.
Exposed Brick Walls
Embrace the industrial chic of the 60s with exposed brick walls. This design element adds a touch of raw and authentic character to any living room. Leave the bricks in their natural state for a rustic look, or paint them in a neutral shade to create a more modern aesthetic. Combine exposed brick with other 60s elements, such as vintage furniture or geometric patterns, for a balanced and eclectic look.
Exposed Brick Walls
Embrace the industrial chic of the 60s with exposed brick walls. This design element adds a touch of raw and authentic character to any living room. Leave the bricks in their natural state for a rustic look, or paint them in a neutral shade to create a more modern aesthetic. Combine exposed brick with other 60s elements, such as vintage furniture or geometric patterns, for a balanced and eclectic look.
Bohemian Touches
The 60s embraced a bohemian spirit, characterized by a free-flowing and eclectic style. Incorporate bohemian touches into your living room with colorful textiles, woven tapestries, and natural textures. Choose vibrant throw pillows, layered rugs, or even a macrame hammock for a relaxed and inviting ambiance. This blend of bohemian flair with 60s design creates a unique and personal touch.
Bohemian Touches
The 60s embraced a bohemian spirit, characterized by a free-flowing and eclectic style. Incorporate bohemian touches into your living room with colorful textiles, woven tapestries, and natural textures. Choose vibrant throw pillows, layered rugs, or even a macrame hammock for a relaxed and inviting ambiance. This blend of bohemian flair with 60s design creates a unique and personal touch.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves, popularized in the mid-century modern movement, are a versatile and functional design element. Use them to display books, plants, or decorative objects, creating a sense of openness and airiness in the living room. Choose shelves in wood, metal, or acrylic to complement the style of your furniture. Place them strategically on the wall to create a focal point or to accentuate a specific area.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves, popularized in the mid-century modern movement, are a versatile and functional design element. Use them to display books, plants, or decorative objects, creating a sense of openness and airiness in the living room. Choose shelves in wood, metal, or acrylic to complement the style of your furniture. Place them strategically on the wall to create a focal point or to accentuate a specific area.