Popular '60s Decor You Can Find At The Thrift Store For Your Vintage, Chic Home

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The 1960s were an iconic, momentous time. It was the age of flower power and Beatlemania. The hippie era was in full effect. Simultaneously, the United States was in the midst of radical change, reckoning with the fight for Civil Rights and the Vietnam War. Despite all the turmoil in the 1960s, it was still an age remembered for its unwavering optimism and vibrant aesthetic, so it's no wonder the decor of the era is still popular all these decades later. Luckily, there are plenty of items you can find at the thrift store that speak to this unique style, such as lava lamps, abstract wall art, and starburst clocks.

Home decor from this era is characterized by bold colors, organic forms, and, of course, mid-century modern design. With the backdrop of the Space Race and the popularization of relatively new materials such as plastic, interior decor took on a futuristic edge, featuring plenty of reflective surfaces and innovative furniture styles. Yellow, green, orange, and purple are all colors used to decorate for a '60s aesthetic. Whether you're aiming to cultivate a 1960s retro living room design or a groovy bedroom, these 10 pieces you can score at the thrift shop can help you achieve that goal.

Mirrors have been in use for eons. These pieces are not only useful for grooming, but they also aid in reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space in a room. In the 1960s, mirrors remained a staple of interior design. These pieces reflected a wide array of popular styles at the time, from bohemian rattan to elegant mid-century modern. Thanks to their popularity, both then and now, you can easily find these pieces at your local thrift or antique shop.

While the role of television in society was growing in prominence during the 1960s, radio was still an important mainstay. In fact, with an electric, burgeoning music scene and the recent invention of portable radios, this technology was very much in its heyday. There are a diverse array of cordless radios from the era you can still track down at the thrift store. Be on the lookout for brands such as Bakelite, Catalin, Toshiba, and Regency TR-1. You can confirm that your radio is authentic by looking for its model number on the device.

The '60s brought about a revolutionary medium that expanded artists' creative capabilities: acrylic paint. This plastic-based paint offered a new range of colors and opened up a world of innovation. Screen printing, monolithic pop culture, and mass production also impacted the art world. Emerging styles like pop art, psychedelic art, and minimalism pressed against the conventions of high art and exemplify the era. Many unique pieces from the '60s are hiding on the shelves at your local secondhand shops, poised to grace your walls. Look out for artist signatures and paint strokes to authenticate a piece.

If you're ready to bring a retro, biophilic touch to your home, be on the lookout for cabbageware at your local thrift shop. These pieces are exactly as they sound — cabbage-shaped plates, bowls, pitchers, and more. While this leafy decor finds its roots in 18th century Europe, this decades-old cabbageware trend was also particularly prevalent in the '60s. Artist Dodie Thayer's take on this ceramic style played a huge role in popularizing it. Pop culture icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis also put a spotlight on these pieces. This kitschy kitchenware can certainly aid in cultivating an authentic, vintage aesthetic.

Interior design in the 1940s to 1960s was heavily impacted by the Space Race and Atomic Age. Decor took on a futuristic, geometric aesthetic. Interior designer George Nelson first introduced the starburst clock in 1949. They were inspired by the atomic motif of the era, featuring a central nucleus and a radius of spikes and other geometric embellishments. If you want a statement piece that really drives home that classic '60s vibe, look for starburst clocks at the thrift shop. They're one of those elements that can completely shift the feel of your space. 

The 1960s brought about an abundance of unique, funky lighting fixtures that would look right at home in a modern design. With both futuristic and organic motifs coming into play throughout the '60s, the lighting at the time took on an experimental, unconventional appearance. These pieces served as statement decor, drawing the eye to their unique, psychedelic forms. Whether you're on the hunt for a pendant light or a funky table lamp, you can find a treasure trove of '60s lighting to add vintage flavor to your home at the thrift store.

Crystal has been a staple in home decor for centuries, but it truly took off when Daniel Swarovski stepped into the picture in 1895. He forged the iconic crystal company Swarovski, which went on to serve as a gold standard for precision-cut, decorative glass. As we entered the 1960s, crystal was still a popular commodity. From dishes to light fixtures to figurines, there were a variety of crystal decor pieces in production unique to the era. Identify authentic crystal at the thrift by checking for prisms, seeing if it rings, and confirming that it's heavier than normal glass.

Crewel work is a form of worsted wool yarn embroidery with roots in 17th century England. It made a major return in the 1960s and 1970s, popping up on pillows, framed art pieces, and more. These whimsical pieces of decor often featured earth tones and nature-inspired imagery, fitting in perfectly with the hippie aesthetic of the time. Crewel embroidery is making its way back into vogue today, resurfacing as a fun DIY craft, but you can still find original pieces from the '60s at the thrift shop.

Kitchen decor in the 1960s was bold, futuristic, and heavily patterned. This distinct style fostered a variety of fabulous retro canister sets to display on counters. Used to store kitchen staples like flour and sugar, these pieces were not only eye-catching but also useful. From funky mid-century modern containers to floral Toni Raymond Homeware ceramics, there are plenty of unique designs to explore. These matching sets scream 1960s, and you can often find them hidden on the shelves of thrift shops and antique stores. Bring them home to incorporate a little '60s flair to your kitchen.

We would be remiss to share a list of '60s decor you can incorporate into your home without mentioning the iconic lava lamp. Invented by Edward Craven Walker in 1963, this emblematic decor was originally called the Astro Lamp. The youth of the '60s could spend ages watching the groovy blobs rise and fall in the glowing chamber. With some digging, you can find original lava lamps at the thrift store. They are a great way to add a playful, nostalgic element to your modern home — just be sure it's still functioning before you buy one.