It Was A Household Hosting Staple In The 60s — Now It's A Thrift Store Diamond In The Rough

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In the 1960s, being able to host a good dinner party or get-together was a crucial skill in certain social circles. In order to do that, many homes therefore relied on having a fashionable, well-stocked bar cart to fill up their guests' drinks and start conversations. While great for holding various bottles of liquor and mixers, hosts could also decorate a bar cart with all the accessories and tools used to make fancy beverages. And in the 1960s, one key element of a well-stocked cart was a Lucite ice bucket.

Lucite is a specific type of acrylic resin which was first created in the 1930s by DuPont. Though it was largely used by the military during World War II, it found a post-war home in furniture, fashion, and in the kitchen. This material was particularly popular in the 1950s and '60s because it was relatively easy to make and produced a clean, modern aesthetic. Today, a range of mid-century Lucite ice buckets can be found at thrift stores or online marketplaces. If you do stumble upon one in your browsing, it may just be your lucky day. This is because many of them come with charming designs and a unique sense of history, both of which are great for adding visual interest and extra authenticity to your space. In addition, some Lucite ice buckets can even fetch a high price — such as this 1960s Wilardy Lucite ice bucket, currently listed at $350. If you'd prefer to hold on to your lucky find, check out how 1960s Lucite ice buckets can be utilized and styled in modern homes.

The first step in styling a vintage Lucite ice bucket in your home is finding the right one. Since there are plenty of different styles currently available on various secondhand online marketplaces, that can be a good place to start. Make sure to keep in mind the existing color scheme and feel of the room you plan to place the ice bucket in. Is it a dark, moody room? Then you might want to keep an eye out for an ice bucket in an elegant brown and gold style that feels classically midcentury. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter, more whimsical feel to your space, you could keep your eyes peeled for a pastel blue ice bucket or one with a fun design on it. Once you have found one that you like and that is within your budget, you can then begin thinking about how to use and style it in your home.

The obvious choice is to place it on a bar cart or sideboard and use it for its intended purpose. Consider adding other vintage or thrifted items such as vintage depression glass to create a cohesive aesthetic throughout the cart and really make the whole area feel grounded and historic. If you don't drink or don't have a drink-making area, don't worry! A vintage ice bucket can be repurposed in plenty of other ways, too. For example, it could be filled with washcloths or hand towels and placed in the bathroom for the convenience of guests. Or, on the other hand, it could be used as a unique, thrifted floral vase to decorate a dining table or windowsill.