The most popular 1960s furniture styles were in many ways a reflection of the decade, a time of great change and growth in America. The economy was booming, people had more leisure time than ever before, and the population boomed too. Architects and designers responded to this by designing new styles of furniture that would suit all these changes. Here are some examples:
Mid Century Furniture
Inspired by Scandinavian design ideals as well as Art Deco aesthetics from the 1920s and 1930s, mid-century furniture was popular through the 1960s. Pieces are often clean and simple with a single color on metal frames.
One of the most iconic pieces from this style is the Eames Lounge Chair
This design has remained in production for over 60 years!
Foam Cushions
A trend that started in the 1960s and continues to be popular today is foam cushions – they are lightweight, easy to clean, often come with removable covers.
Knock-Off Pieces
Another common style from this decade was knock-off furniture. These look like original designs but are less expensive because they were created without the designer’s permission.
Veneer Furniture
One type of 1960s furniture style that still remains popular today is veneer. Pieces are usually made from plywood and then covered with a thin layer of wood or plastic to make them look more expensive than they really were.
This design has also been replicated by many knockoffs since the 1960s.
Modern Furniture
The 1960s also saw the rise of modern furniture, which is still popular today because it’s clean, simple and often affordable.
Examples include Herman Miller chairs designed by George Nelson as well as Danish designs like Arne Jacobsen’s “egg” chair that are now considered classics.
If you’re a fan of this style, you may be interested in the 1960s-inspired furniture by popular designers like Michael Powell that’s currently available at Restoration Hardware.
Retro Furniture
This furniture style is characterized by its use of bold colors and geometric shapes. Pieces are often made with rich materials like leather, velvet, or cotton
The most popular pieces from this era include the Eames Lounge chair (a 1960s design) as well as
the 1950s Bassett Mirror Company rocking chair – both recognizable for their bright colors!
Retro furniture is still popular today.
Hollywood Regency Furniture
This style is characterized by its use of rich materials like velvet, brocade, or silk. Pieces often have high backs and intricate detailing – think about the ornate beauty of a Victorian era dresser for example!
This furniture style is not all that popular today.
Minimalist Furniture
This furniture style is characterized by its use of clean lines and a sparse, uncluttered design. Pieces often have a wood or metal base with one flat side which can be used for shelving or storage.
Minimalist furniture has become more popular in recent years as people are looking to create homes that reflect their modern lifestyles.
Naugahyde Upholstery
This furniture style consists of a textured, non-woven material that is often coated with vinyl. Pieces are made out of this low cost and easily cleanable material because it can be quite versatile in terms of design – think about the sleek leather look or even more wild velvets!
Naugahyde upholstery took off in the 1960s because of its relatively low price, durability and versatility.
It is still a popular style now; furniture stores often carry modern looking Naugahyde sofas that are perfect for homes with pets or children – easy to clean!
Wall Art
Wall art from the 1960s often consisted of a vast variety of mixed materials – to this day, some artists like Andy Warhol are known for their large-scale wall pieces.
Sculptures and paintings were also popular in the decade; abstract expressionism was at its height during this time period due to Pop Art’s prominence and many artists looking to explore new techniques.
(Like 1960’s Furniture Styles. Then you might like our article on 1950s Furniture Styles, click here. Or 1970s Furniture Styles, click here. Or how about 1980s Furniture Styles, click here.)
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