‘60s Interior Design: Reviving the Retro Charm

Step back in time and rediscover the timeless appeal of 1960s interior design. The ’60s were a groundbreaking era in interior décor, known for bold styles, vibrant colors, and sleek, futuristic shapes. Whether you’re drawn to the minimalist beauty of mid-century modern, the bold patterns of pop art, or the luxurious textures that defined the era, there’s a ‘60s-inspired design to fit every modern home. In this article, we explore the key elements that bring the spirit of the ‘60s into contemporary living spaces.

1. Living Room Retro Vibes

The living room is where retro vibes can truly shine. Think statement furniture like a low-profile sofa in bold colors or geometric patterns on fabric. Add iconic pieces like egg chairs or a wooden coffee table with clean lines to channel mid-century modern influence. Complement with accessories in rich hues like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and olive green.

Retro 1960s living room with colorful curtains, vintage furniture, and a cozy seating area. — Source: @NurseToBeMartin via Shutterstock

1960s living room with a retro vibe, featuring warm tones, vintage furniture, and eclectic decor. — Source: @retrohauls via Instagram

1960s retro living room with floral armchair, vibrant decor, vintage lighting, and houseplants. — Source: @retrohauls via Instagram

2. Bedroom Elegance

For a ‘60s-inspired bedroom, go for clean lines in furniture — such as a platform bed with simple headboards and nightstands. Upholstered chairs with wooden frames bring warmth and style to the space. Add luxurious touches like velvet or satin bed linens and small vintage lamps to create ambiance. Bold prints and soft, muted colors on the walls will complement the room’s understated sophistication.

1960s-inspired bedroom with floral patterns, canopy bed, vintage furniture, and a colorful striped rug. — Source: @vintage__interiors via Instagram

1960s pink bedroom with a canopy bed, vintage vanity, red carpet, and retro wicker furniture. — Source: @lizlorre via Instagram

3. Mid-Century Modern Timeless Appeal

The mid-century modern style remains one of the most timeless interior design trends. Its angular furniture and pieces highlight simplicity and functionality. Think of wooden furniture with tapered legs, neutral tones mixed with earthy hues, and the occasional splash of vibrant color. Iconic shapes — like the butterfly chair or Eames lounge chair — will transport the room back to the ‘60s while maintaining contemporary relevance.

1960s mid-century modern living room with wood paneling, sleek furniture, and retro lighting. — Source: @midcenturymidterrace via Instagram

1960s bedroom with retro decor, bold patterns, vintage furniture, and mid-century modern accents. — Source: @kristisnarsky via Instagram

1960s retro living room with vintage furniture, bold colors, eclectic decor, and a cozy vibe. — Source: @atomic_bouffant via Instagram

4. Futuristic Designs

The ‘60s were a time of imagining the future, and this is reflected in the design elements of the decade. Furniture with clean, curved lines combined with metallic finishes reflects the space age’s bold and optimistic aesthetic. For the walls, use bold contrasts in color and geometric patterns. Accessories like sculptural lamps and space-inspired objects can add an interesting touch.

1960s futuristic living room with bold colors, round windows, retro furniture, and space-age design. — Source: @abe_onkst via Instagram

5. Elegant Spaces with a Retro Twist

Elegance meets retro style in spaces that balance mid-century modern furniture with refined décor. Think vintage lamps in brass, a velvet chaise lounge, or a walnut sideboard. Pair muted tones like blush pink, sea green, or gold with simple, clean-lined furniture to maintain sophistication. While retro furniture is a key feature, ensure that the room feels fresh and modern with minimalist touches to keep it elegant.

1960s elegant living room with warm tones, vintage furniture, and retro decor accents. — Source: @retrorenovation.com via Pinterest

1960s-inspired dining room with yellow chairs, a glass table, modern lighting, and retro patterns. — Source: @sarahrdesign via Pinterest

6. Contemporary Takes

While classic elements like a retro armchair or a shag rug can be used, they should be juxtaposed with modern finishes. For example, mix a retro-inspired coffee table with a minimalist modern sofa. Add contemporary art pieces or metallic lighting fixtures for a touch of modernity without losing the ‘60s vibe.

1960s contemporary living room with tufted sofas, wooden tables, and retro-inspired decor. — Source: @floydesigns via Instagram

7. Scandinavian Simplicity

Scandinavian design’s minimalist principles complement the clean lines and practicality of the ‘60s style. Stick with wooden furniture pieces with light finishes and a neutral color palette with pops of color. Focus on functionality with well-curated pieces, such as simple wooden shelving or a modernist lounge chair. To tie the look together, include natural textiles like linen or wool in soft hues.

1960s Scandinavian living room with vintage furniture, colorful curtains, and mid-century decor. — Source: @flickr via Pinterest

8. Reviving Glam in the Dining Room

To recreate ‘60s glamour in the dining room, mix luxurious materials like marble or glass with angular lines. Install a dramatic chandelier or pendant light above the table. Pairing a glass table with chrome chairs or classic upholstered dining chairs adds an elegant touch. For the walls, choose rich colors like emerald green or gold accents to reflect the era’s opulence.

1960s Scandinavian living room with retro furniture, bold curtains, and vintage decor accents. — Source: @homedit via Pinterest

1960s Scandinavian dining room with mid-century modern furniture, wood accents, and retro lighting. — Source: @kat2lee via Pinterest

1960s Scandinavian dining room with minimalist furniture, bold lighting, and lush indoor plants. — Source: @fdspins via Pinterest

9. Minimalist Trends Rooted in the ‘60s

Minimalism, as we know it today, finds its roots in the 1960s, when less was more. Focus on clean lines, simplicity, and functionality with furniture that has a no-frills design. A neutral palette accented by bold geometric prints creates the perfect backdrop. Key elements like simple wooden shelving or streamlined lighting can bring focus to the essentials in your space.

1960s minimalist living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek furniture, and a cozy shag rug. — Source: @Houzz via Pinterest

10. Glamorous Touches in Lounge Areas

A mix of textures will create a luxurious atmosphere in a ‘60s-inspired lounge area. A velvet sofa in a deep color like royal blue or emerald green can anchor the space. Pair it with metallic side tables or a mirrored console. For lighting, go for sculptural lamps or retro floor lamps with geometric designs. Finally, add some bold wall art or prints.

1960s retro lounge set with black and white curved seating, vintage decor, and mid-century modern style. — Source: @supertrash_vintage via Instagram

1960s glamorous living room with bold blue seating, geometric patterns, and retro-inspired decor. — Source: @_studio_trio via Instagram

11. Vintage Furniture for a Nostalgic Home

Vintage furniture can bring an unmistakable sense of nostalgia and authenticity to your home. Look for iconic ‘60s pieces such as a teak credenza, retro bar cart, or iconic Eames lounge chair. Don’t shy away from showing off the craftsmanship with wood finishes that highlight natural grains or vintage upholstery.

1960s vintage living room with bold colors, floral patterns, and retro mid-century modern furniture. — Source: @wordpressdotcom via Pinterest

1960s sunroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, bold orange decor, and a retro sectional sofa. — Source: @oysters_and_wine via Instagram

12. Inspired by the Space Age Aesthetic

Space-age aesthetics from the ‘60s are all about futuristic shapes and metallic finishes. Curved, glossy furniture pieces evoke the aerodynamic designs of spacecraft. When it comes to lighting, sculptural, geometric shapes or pieces with chrome finishes will complement this aesthetic beautifully. The use of white, silver, and black tones can simulate the space-age theme, with bold pops of neon or primary colors offering contrast. Accessories like globes or moon-like sculptures complete the look.

1960s space-age living room with futuristic furniture, sleek design, and a circular skylight. — Source: @kooloomodern via Instagram

1960s space-age room with bold orange lighting, futuristic egg chair, and retro modern decor. — Source: @wordpressdotcom via Pinterest

13. Home Decor Essentials

The essentials of ‘60s home décor often revolve around clean lines, functional furniture, and iconic design pieces. Focus on key elements such as vintage lighting (arc lamps or pendant lights) and furniture with wooden frames and neutral upholstery. Integrate color in statement accessories, like cushions, throws, and wall art. For wall decor, pick abstract art or graphic prints, as well as iconic posters.

1960s-inspired living room with modern lounge chairs, abstract artwork, and a chic retro aesthetic. — Source: @frampton_co via Instagram

14. Pieces That Define the Era

Modern pieces from the 1960s, like the Eames lounge chair, the Noguchi table, and other minimalist furniture, are essential to defining the style of the era. Look for furniture that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. Pieces with clean, geometric forms and muted colors maintain that mid-century modern feel. Combining them with industrial or contemporary accents allows these vintage items to blend seamlessly into today’s spaces.

1960s retro living room with bold colors, vintage furniture, and nostalgic decor accents. — Source: @prettyinkitsch via Instagram

15. Pop Colors and Patterns for a Retro Look

Pop colors are a standout feature of the ‘60s design, with bright hues like tangerine, lime green, mustard yellow, and turquoise creating bold focal points. To achieve this look, start with larger pieces like sofas or rugs in these vibrant colors and balance them with neutral walls or simple wooden furniture. Patterns like chevrons, stripes, and floral prints, especially on textiles or wallpapers, add visual intrigue to the room.

1960s-inspired living room with mid-century modern furniture, bold colors, and retro artwork. — Source: @burlingtondesigngallery via Instagram

1960s living room with warm tones, vintage furniture, built-in bookshelves, and a retro sunken seating area. — Source: @vintageeveryday via Pinterest

1960s retro living room with vintage furniture, patterned wallpaper, and a classic tube television. — Source: @makemyblinds via Pinterest

16. Textures

Textures were central to defining the ‘60s interiors. Think shag carpets underfoot, velvet and suede upholstery on chairs, and glossy lacquer finishes on furniture. Wood paneling, often in warm tones, was commonly used on walls, providing a contrast to the smoother textures of fiberglass or metal used in furniture. Leather, especially in seating, was another key texture to make a space feel more luxurious and sleek.

1960s-inspired living room with bold wallpaper, a mustard velvet sofa, and retro decor accents. — Source: @erika.kikola via Instagram

17. Statement Rugs and Textiles

To bring that ‘60s charm into your space, focus on statement rugs and textiles with bold patterns. Geometric designs, chevrons, and even psychedelic prints bring visual interest to the floor. Rich textures like shag and velvet contribute to the era’s signature tactile feel. Layering textiles such as throws and cushions in complementary colors adds depth to the space.

1960s bedroom with bold colors, statement rugs, vintage furniture, and mid-century modern decor. — Source: @vintageeveryday via Pinterest

18. Geometric Patterns for Retro Charm

Geometric patterns were a staple of the ‘60s design, often used in everything from wallpaper to fabrics. Strong shapes like circles, squares, and diamonds add a modern yet retro vibe to the space. Add these patterns through textiles such as rugs, cushions, or curtains.

1960s-inspired living room with bold geometric wallpaper, dark green walls, and retro decor. — Source: @yipsheffield via Instagram