Furniture Trends of the 1960s

Furniture Trends of the 1960s

Designers in the furnishing industry are currently often orienting themselves towards the furnishing style of the Mid Century – this is how the years from 1940 to 1960 are referred to. Style elements from the fifties and sixties are experiencing a real renaissance. Typical identifying features of the trend epoch can be found at furniture fairs, in interior design magazines and, of course, in furniture stores and online shops.

From the cocktail armchair and the classic kidney-shaped table to the stylish kitchen buffet to molded wood furniture or the colorful plastic chair: Many manufacturers are taking old design classics off the shelf and relaunching them on the occasion of the retro trend. However, it is not just about copying the furniture from the 1960s one-to-one: successful re-editions that combine classic mid-century design with new fabrics and contemporary design elements are particularly popular.

Can’t the designers come up with anything new?

Why is there a tendency to use the furnishing style of bygone eras and to fall back on stylistic elements of bygone times? Are furniture designers running out of ideas? Behind the design trend lies the secret desire to return to the tidy and structured “ideal world” of the post-war economic miracle. The characteristics of this style of living are well-known, evoke memories and radiate security – an oasis of relaxation, constancy and calm in a time of constant and rapid change.

When entering a room furnished in the style of the fifties or sixties, one feels a bit transported back in time – where solid craftsmanship and a touch of stuffiness were still part of the standards.

Living style of the 50s and 60s

But how exactly did you live around 60 years ago? Living space was usually only limited in post-war Germany, so furniture with which even small rooms could be furnished functionally but very comfortably was very popular. Colorful sofas, cocktail chairs, furniture in unusual shapes – such as B. the kidney table – and expressive graphic patterns provided a welcome change and gave expression to the new attitude towards life of the upswing. The invention of convertible furniture that could be used as a couch during the day and as a comfortable place to sleep at night, for example, revolutionized the furniture market.

The modern variant of the living style

The typical elements of 1950s furniture can be rediscovered in modern furniture in geometric to organic shapes. Graphic and floral patterns also inspire the textile designers to create new creations, but bright colors are used much more discreetly than at the time. They can be found as targeted accents on pillows, blankets, carpets or individual decorative objects. In this way, the pieces of furniture can unfold their full effect and the room appears quieter overall. On the whole, however, (almost) everything is allowed and your own design preferences can be lived out freely: From a mix of materials and styles to retro pastel tones and bright color accents, everything is possible. Italian and French influences also give the interior a modern look.

A trend towards decorative elements in orange, yellow, brown, pink and light blue is emerging in the accessories segment. Glasses and bowls made of crystal glass, enamel mugs, retro scales and nostalgic kitchen clocks are enjoying growing popularity. Filigree side tables offer storage space and are a relaxing eye-catcher at the same time.

Furniture Trends of the 1960s

What do you need for the consistent implementation of the retro living style at home?

  • Furniture made from local molded wood or dark teak, possibly with legs tapered downwards, has a unique character.
  • Colorful plastic seats bring the style of the 50s and 60s to life and add colorful accents.
  • Textiles(curtains, pillows, cozy blankets, carpets) and a wall of wallpaper with graphic patterns create an atmospheric environment for the rest of the interior.
  • Mix of materials:brass, leather, chrome, stone, wood, crystal glass, etc. Combined with one another, these materials create a colorful and varied furnishing concept.
  • Indoor plants:The classic rubber tree should not be missing under any circumstances. It symbolizes this era, has a stimulating effect and creates a feeling of security.

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