The 1960s brought bold colors, new ideas, and household trends that stood out from anything that came before. Many of the items that filled homes back then were bought to be used every day, and plenty of them were built to last.
Today, those same pieces are finding their way back into living rooms, kitchens, and collecting circles. Some people love them for the memories they bring back. Others appreciate the craftsmanship and style that still feels fresh decades later.
From eye-catching decor to practical household staples, these are the once-trendy items from the ’60s that have earned a second life as retro favorites.
Lava Lamps
Lava lamps were originally a product of the swinging ’60s and are an iconic symbol of that era. Their mesmerizing blobs have made a comeback, adding a groovy touch to contemporary spaces.
On TikTok, you’ll spot lava lamps in videos from big lifestyle influencers to regular folks with just a hundred followers.
Rotary Phones
Once a staple in every household, rotary phones are now cherished for their quaint charm and craftsmanship. They serve as both functional art pieces and conversation starters.
Vintage rotary phones have gained value and popularity, almost like gold. Rare models can sell for anywhere between $200 and $ 2,000.
Formica Countertops
Bright and colorful Formica was the go-to material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Its durability and ease of cleaning make it a practical yet stylish choice even today.
But, just as many past trends have, Formica is making a comeback. Architectural Digest even featured a story on its resurgence. However, today’s Formica isn’t the shiny mid-century design you might recall.
Sunburst Clocks
Starburst clocks, also known as sunburst clocks, gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. These wall clocks feature circular faces encircled by wood or metal spokes resembling sun rays.
These clocks were a futuristic nod at the time, and their bold, expressive designs have found a place in modern homes looking to add a dash of mid-century cool.
Shag Rugs
Shag rugs brought texture and comfort to the 60s home. Today, they offer a cozy, inviting feel to any space, blending perfectly with vintage and contemporary decor.
Shag carpets have come a long way since the 60s and 70s! Evolving to match the modern home’s aesthetic, they’re making a solid comeback.
Avocado Green and Harvest Gold Appliances
These color palettes defined kitchen aesthetics in the 60s. Now, they add a whimsical, retro vibe to kitchens, celebrating the era’s love for color.
Lately, cozy, vibrant shades with a fun 1960s feel—picture turquoise, gold, avocado, or mossy green—have been staging a trendy comeback!
Danish Modern Furniture
Danish modern furniture is characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. It is highly sought after for its timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
Danish Modern is the most famous furniture era in Danish design! The classic, timeless furniture pieces, crafted with top-notch quality, are still a hit in corporate offices, public spaces, and homes across Scandinavia and the world.
Fondue Sets
Fondue sets were social dining at its finest and were the entertainment centerpiece of many 1960s gatherings. They are making a comeback as a fun, vintage way to enjoy meals with friends and family.
Sputnik Chandeliers
Inspired by the Space Age, these chandeliers add a dramatic, sculptural element to interiors, proving that good design is timeless.
While the Sputnik light fixture is a mid-century creation, it blends various design styles beautifully. Feel free to incorporate it into your modern, contemporary, or any other interior decor style as long as it complements the overall aesthetics.
Record Players and Vinyl Records
The warm, rich sound of vinyl records and the ritual of playing them on turntables have regained popularity, celebrating the tangible experience of music.
The vinyl revival, also known as the vinyl resurgence, is the incredible comeback and growing sales of vinyl records, or gramophone records, that have been happening in the music industry.
Psychedelic Posters
Bold, colorful, and often trippy, psychedelic posters captured the spirit of the 60s. Today, they add a vibrant splash of history and art to any wall.
The influences of Art Nouveau and psychedelic posters still resonate in today’s art and design scene. You can catch glimpses of these styles in current graphic design, album covers, and even fashion!
Pop Art Decor
Pop Art challenged traditional fine art by incorporating popular and mass culture imagery. Its use in home decor brings a playful, thought-provoking edge to spaces.
Some designers add pop art-inspired elements to classic designs, while others craft fresh, innovative designs rooted in pop art. This resurgence in the style has sparked a plethora of new designs and products that embrace pop art’s striking, eye-catching aesthetic!
Macrame Wall Hangings
Macrame brought texture and warmth to ’60s homes, and its intricate, handcrafted appeal makes it a popular choice for adding character to modern interiors.
Macrame is still on trend and can be incorporated into a stylish interior in many ways. Plus, it’s art! Art is always in style, even if the details change a bit.
Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo, with its speckled appearance, was a flooring favorite. Its durability and unique beauty have led to a revival in flooring and accent pieces.
Terrazzo-made tiles are a classic choice that always stays in style. Nowadays, it’s a trend making a big comeback, thanks to the endless possibilities of colors and patterns.
Rattan Furniture
Rattan furniture, which was lightweight, durable, and stylish, was everywhere in the 1960s. It fits perfectly with the current trend for natural materials and sustainable living.
Indoor rattan furniture follows almost all of the latest popular trends. Nowadays, homeowners are drawn to sustainable, handmade products that bring a natural touch to the room’s decor more than ever.
Op Art
Optical Art creates a sensation of movement through precise patterns and color contrasts. Optical art pieces serve as striking focal points in contemporary homes.
Even though the movement fell out of favor by 1968, artists and architects still gravitate towards the fascinating world of systematic optical effects in visual art and architecture.
Tiki Bars
Tiki culture was about escapism, and Tiki bars in homes offered a slice of exotic paradise. Today, they capture the fun and whimsy of home entertaining.
With a renewed love for craft cocktails in recent years (and a significant rum boom), tiki bars are making a big comeback. While many tiki bars in the past were just mixed cultures, many are more thoughtful and intentional nowadays.
