Everyone Had One In The '60s: The Thrift Store Gem We Crave For Our Living Rooms

When you think of 1960s thrift store finds, you might imagine old, out-of-style clothing or knick-knacks you'd find at grandma's house. But one trend from that decade is making a comeback, and it's one you might want to keep an eye out for on your next thrifting trip: couches in statement colors. Retro furniture is back in a big way, and if you're looking to add some vintage flair to your home, a '60s-styled couch is a fun and functional piece that can completely transform your living room.

A defining aspect of mid-century furniture is color, reflecting the optimism, freedom, and confidence of the post-war period. This was also the era of the color TV revolution, so it's no wonder why people were so obsessed with bold, eye-catching shades in the '60s. And with recent design trends leaning heavily into oatmeal beige and sage green, many of us are craving color for our living rooms. If you're in that camp and you're looking to brighten up your lounging setup, a '60s-style couch is the perfect way to do it.

When it comes to finding the perfect retro couch, among the first things to look at is the color. Orange, yellow, green, and teal were some of the most popular colors to decorate with in the '60s. The defining characteristic of these pieces is that, while they were vibrant and eye-catching, the tones were also rich. In addition to adding color to the space, this helps cultivate a cozy, inviting environment for family and guests. Keep an eye out for shades like burnt orange, avocado green, turquoise, and golden yellow. Textured upholstery, such as velvet and corduroy, is also common on vintage sofas.

Secondly, unlike the sleek mid-century modern designs from earlier decades, many chairs and couches from the '60s feature more human-friendly shapes. If you've ever plopped down onto a stiff, square-shaped mid-century sofa that looks stylish but isn't something you want to sit on for more than 30 minutes, then you know what we're talking about. By contrast, the seating trend from the '60s often features heavier padding, low profiles, and curved angles that are ideal for lounging on during your latest Netflix binge. Not only do '60s-style sofas tend to look great, but they're actually comfortable.

If you want to simply add an orange or teal sofa to your living room and call it a day, you certainly can. A '60s-style couch (perhaps with a matching chair) makes the perfect accent piece to spruce up any space. Furthermore, vivid, warm colors like burnt orange and olive green perfectly complement the earth tones that are common in modern homes. A mustard yellow couch should look great with your beige curtains and off-white carpet. The key here is to stick with warmer, slightly muted tones.

On the other hand, if you want to lean more heavily into the retro vibe, there are many options available. Consider pairing your sofa with other home decor accents that every boomer remembers, such as patterned wallpaper, wood paneling, geometric patterns, pastel colors, and mid-century wooden furniture. You'll have a living room that would make grandma jealous and one you'll enjoy spending time in.