The 1960s were among the most transformative and defining years in Britain's history. The decade was marked by cultural revolutions, artistic innovation, and a rebellious departure from tradition.
It was a period that saw homes become canvases for bold expression, with interiors reflecting the optimism and creativity of the time.
Explore the influences behind 1960s interior design, the defining features of the decade, and discover ways to incorporate a touch of 60s inspiration into your home.
What Influenced 1960s Interior Design?
The swinging sixties were defined by a spirit of experimentation and freedom. Several factors contributed to the unique style of the era.
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Pop Culture and Music: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and the global reach of British pop culture encouraged playful and unconventional design.
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Space Age Inspiration: The Space Race captured imaginations, influencing sleek, futuristic designs and materials like plastic and metal.
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Post-War Optimism: After the austerity of the 1950s, families embraced vibrant colours and daring patterns as a reflection of newfound optimism.
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Global Influences: Exposure to international styles, especially Scandinavian modernism and Eastern motifs, introduced simplicity and functionality alongside playful experimentation.
Key Features of 1960s Interior Design
The design ethos of the 1960s can be summarised in one word: bold. Here are the defining features of the decade:
Vivid Colours
Bright oranges, yellows, greens, and purples dominated the interior landscape of the 1960s, often used in combination for a striking effect.
Innovative Materials
Plastic, laminate, and moulded furniture reflected a futuristic aesthetic that started to emerge in the 60s, largely due to the ongoing Space Race, technological advancements and the rising influence of science fiction in pop culture.
Furniture with Curves
The era favoured organic forms, with furniture featuring rounded edges and fluid shapes.
Statement Lighting
Lava lamps, Sputnik chandeliers, and bold floor lamps became focal points in living spaces.
The Role of Rugs in 1960s Design
Rugs in the 1960s played a pivotal role in bringing warmth and texture to bold interiors. Key characteristics included:
Shaggy Textures
Shag pile rugs were an iconic choice for 60s interiors, adding a touch of comfort to sleek furniture.
Read our Shaggy Rug Style Guide to learn more about these stylish rugs that were made famous during the swinging 60s and 70s and remaining popular ever since.
Bright Colours and Patterns
Rugs mirrored the era’s love of bold, graphic designs, often serving as statement pieces in the room.
Orla Kiely Rugs and their iconic retro floral patterns, are heavily inspired by the style of the sixties.
Circular Shapes
Breaking from traditional rectangular forms, circular and oval rugs were popular, complementing the curved furniture of the time.
Discover our collection of Round Rugs, a timeless shape that echoes the flowing curves and organic forms celebrated in 1960s design.
How To Bring the 60s Into Your Home Today
If you love the retro vibe of 1960s interior design and the free-spirited ideals it represents, here are some ideas to bring that style into a contemporary setting:
Start Small with Accessories
Introduce geometric cushions or retro-style vases to create accents that nod to the era.
These Orla Kiely cushions gives of effortless 60s style.
Choose One Bold Feature
Use a statement piece, like a bright orange armchair or a psychedelic patterned rug, to anchor your design.
This i2K Retro Purple Green Rug is a quintessential psychedelic design with its swirling, bold patterns in deep purples and greens.
Invest in Lighting
Recreate the playful lighting of the 60s with a modernised Sputnik chandelier or a lava lamp like the Mathmos one pictured below.
Lava lamps were invented by the founder of Mathmos, Edward Craven Walker, in 1963. They have been making the original lava lamps in Britain ever since.
Add a Shag Rug
Incorporate a shag pile rug for both texture and a nostalgic nod to 1960s design, blending comfort with bold style.
Explore our collection of Shaggy Rugs and bring one of the most iconic style choices of the 60s into your home.
Revive the Energy of the 1960s
The 1960s was a decade of groovy vibes, bold creativity, and unconventional style, leaving behind a legacy that still turns heads today.
Whether you’re vibing with psychedelic patterns, rocking out with retro lighting, or kicking back on a shag rug, there are countless ways to embody the energy of the 1960s.
Ready to bring the bold charm of the 60s into your home? Explore our collection of Retro Rugs and let the timeless style of the era inspire your space.
