With its vintage vibe, 60s style furniture has made a major design comeback. Learn to spot these fab pieces like a pro with the help of our expert tips.
Modern 60s style furniture is all about simple lines and a sparse, uncluttered aesthetic. The decade saw a plethora of interesting and unique materials used to create the pieces, too. For instance, one popular upholstery material was Naugahyde — a type of woven vinyl that looks and feels like leather but is much more durable and affordable. Another trend that can be easily spotted is the era’s use of geometric shapes and patterns on wall art, furniture, lamps, and even wallpaper.
The era’s most recognizable piece, the Eames chair, is still coveted today for its elegant design and comfort. Husband-and-wife team Charles and Ray Eames’ iconic chairs feature frames that are crafted of molded plastic, wood or fiberglass. The Eames chairs are incredibly versatile and can be paired with ottomans that complement the shape of the seat for a complete look.
The sleek Platner chair by Warren Platner is also easily recognizable with its dazzling metal frame and sumptuous upholstered cushions. This swoon-worthy piece of furniture fuses elements from far-flung trends in the ’60s such as Atomic design and Brutalism. The resulting effect is nothing short of magical.
Adrian Pearsall’s gondola sofa is another classic from the 1960s that still feels as current as ever. The v-shaped walnut legs of the sofa jut out at either end, creating an asymmetrical silhouette that’s both graceful and elegant. While the gondola sofa is obviously inspired by the antenna-like forms of Atomic design, its graceful curves and elegant silhouette are a far cry from the utilitarian feel of this era’s most iconic furniture.
Another furniture style that can be easily spotted in modern homes is the G Plan Tola and New Tola line. Originally designed in the ’60s, this range of wood-based storage furniture is distinguished by its simple, clean lines and its use of Tola wood (also known as African mahogany). Tola was a lighter alternative to other popular woods at the time such as oak or walnut. G Plan’s Tola and New Tola pieces also featured a minimalist aesthetic, with a lack of drawer knobs and handles that kept the clean lines of the furniture.
Avocado green was the color of choice in the ’60s, and it continued to be in fashion on everything from wall art to furniture until well into the 1970s. The bright, warm shade of green was a great alternative to the more traditional beige and brown options that had previously been in vogue.
While shag rugs have been in and out of fashion for centuries, they reached their height of popularity in the ’60s. The textured furniture staple is easy to identify with its rich, boucle fabric and its swanky, retro vibe. These days, the high-pile rug is a favorite for its comfort and warmth, but it’s usually a muted gray or neutral instead of a bold color.