The 1960's were a time of great change and progress in society, and this was reflected in the design and decor of middle class homes. The living room, in particular, was a space where families gathered to relax, entertain, and showcase their personal style. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the top 10 elements that defined the 1960's living room for the middle class.1960's Living Room: A Look Back at Middle Class Home Decor
The middle class was a growing demographic in the 1960's, made up of families who had steady jobs and a comfortable income. This group was able to afford more luxuries than their working-class counterparts and had a strong desire to showcase their success through their homes. The living room was often the first room guests would see, making it the perfect place to make a statement.Middle Class Lifestyle in the 1960's
The 1960's saw a shift towards more modern and functional furniture. However, many middle class families still held onto traditional pieces, creating a unique blend of styles in their living rooms. Mid-century modern and Scandinavian designs were popular choices for sofas, chairs, and coffee tables, while antique and Victorian pieces added a touch of sophistication.1960's Furniture: A Blend of Modern and Traditional
The 1960's were all about embracing bold and vibrant colors and patterns in home decor. The living room was no exception, with geometric and abstract patterns adorning walls, curtains, and upholstery. Popular colors included orange, yellow, and avocado green, adding a pop of energy to the space.1960's Decor: Bright Colors and Bold Patterns
The 1960's saw a rise in social gatherings and entertaining at home. This meant that the living room needed to be functional and inviting for guests. Bar carts and cocktail cabinets were a common sight, along with conversation pits and sunken living rooms. Families also invested in stereo systems and TV sets to keep their guests entertained.1960's Home: A Space for Entertaining
As society became more open and progressive, so did interior design. The 1960's saw a shift towards open floor plans and minimalistic design. This meant that the living room was often connected to the dining room and kitchen, creating a seamless flow between spaces. Furniture was also arranged in a way that encouraged conversation and interaction.1960's Interior Design: A Focus on Open Spaces
The 1960's was a decade of great technological advancement, and this was reflected in the household items found in the living room. Families invested in color TVs, hi-fi systems, and cordless phones, making their homes more modern and convenient. These items also served as status symbols, showing that the family was keeping up with the times.1960's Household: A Reflection of Technology
The 1960's saw a rise in the popularity of mass-produced and affordable home decor items. This allowed middle class families to decorate their living rooms with a mix of high-end and budget-friendly pieces. Plastic and laminate furniture were popular choices, as they were durable and easy to clean.1960's Style: A Mix of High and Low
In the 1960's, there was a growing concern for the environment, and this was reflected in home decor. Families brought nature indoors by incorporating houseplants and natural materials into their living rooms. Wooden furniture and bamboo accents were popular choices, adding a touch of warmth and eco-friendliness to the space.1960's Home Decor: Embracing Nature
The 1960's was a time of great optimism and progress, and this was reflected in the living rooms of middle class families. The space was not only a reflection of their personal style and success but also a representation of the modern and open-minded society they were a part of. The 1960's living room truly encapsulated the spirit of the time.1960's Middle Class: A Time of Optimism and Progress
The Evolution of Middle Class Living Room Design in the 1960s

The Rise of Modern Design

Bringing the Outdoors In

Functionality Meets Comfort
The Impact of Technology
