Welcome to the grooviest decade in design history!
The 1960s interior design trends were heavily influenced by the hippie movement at the time, which meant that many homes embraced the free-spirited and psychedelic vibes. One of the most iconic trends from this decade is the beloved shag carpet, but I promise you that there is so much more to explore!
Let's dive right into the most popular interior design trends of the 1960s.
1960s Hippie-Inspired Interior Design
The 1960s were a time of love, peace, and self-expression, which was definitely reflected in the following design trends.
Neon Colors
From the cabinets to the walls and furniture, everything was splashed with neon colors. This was a time to be bold and make a statement with your decor, so a bright orange carpet with neon yellow cabinetry was not out of the question. When it came to color, the more vibrant, the better!
Bold Prints and Textured Fabrics
Floral prints, psychedelic patterns, and geometric shapes were all household staples in the 1960s. In fact, most couches, ottomans, and chairs were upholstered in some pretty wild textured fabrics to really make them pop. But it didn't end there! Wallpaper, rugs, and even curtains were often adorned with loud prints and patterns.
Lucite Furniture
Lucite became a popular material in the 1960s because it gave off a futuristic vibe. This clear plastic was often used to create coffee tables, lamps, and chairs. Since it was see-through, it helped make small spaces appear larger, which was ideal for many homes at the time. It wasn't unheard of to pair a neon lucite coffee table with a pair of comfortable armchairs covered in a loud print.
Wood-Paneled Walls
This was a popular design trend in the 1950s that continued into the 1960s. Wood-paneled walls were often found in dens, living rooms, and even bedrooms as they helped create a cozy and inviting space. And since many homes at the time had shag or wall-to-wall carpets, wood-paneled walls helped add a bit of contrast.
Eye-Catching Lamps and Accessories
From funky lamps to eye-catching wall art, the 1960s didn't hold back on the eclectic decor and accessories. Lamps came in all shapes and sizes, including paper lampshades in bright colors and patterns. Wall art was bold and often abstract in nature. Vases, ashtrays, and decor elements were frequently made from Lucite or other see-through materials.
How to Bring the Groovy 60s Style Into Your Home
You don't have to go overboard and fill your space with every single trend on this list (unless you want to, of course!), but there are a few easy ways to incorporate some vintage 60s style while keeping it surprisingly modern.
Clear lucite coffee tables are still trendy today and look incredible over boldly patterned rugs. You can also add some 60s-inspired artwork to your walls or get yourself a funky lamp to draw some interest to that side table that's just begging for a bit of attention. Don't shy away from shag rugs either; just be sure to pick a neutral color, like cream or white, so it doesn't overwhelm your space.
I hope you enjoyed that little taste of 1960s interior design trends. Embrace your inner hippie and have some fun with bold prints, bright colors, and interesting textures! Stay tuned, I'll be taking you on a tour of 1970s interior design in my next blog post.
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