1960s decor delights with round shapes and bright colors

The 1960s represent open-mindedness and rebelliousness as the interior of the era combines bold colors, wild patterns, and experimental materials. We picked eight 60s-spirited design treasures from our selection. Travel in time and add a touch of retro to the contemporary decor!

Fine fringe

The pale pink Fringe table lamp is a charming treasure from the 1960s. Designed by the Swedish Hans-Agne Jakobson, the luminaire was for a long time only obtainable at auctions, until the Danish Warm Nordic decided to relaunch it. The playful fringe of the lamp filters the light softly and spreads a vintage-inspired atmosphere on the bedside table or windowsill.

• Warm Nordic's Fringe table lamp >
• All table lamps >

A piece of paradise

Repetitive, bold prints began to gain popularity in the 60s: patterns and colors were freely celebrated in textiles and dishware. Designed by Birger Kaipiainen in 1969, the Paratiisi-series is one of Arabia's most beloved tableware classics. The pattern dresses porcelain with the summer shades accompanied by violets, fruits, and black currants and brightens up the table setting as a companion to more simple dishes.

•  Arabia's Paratiisi bowl >
•  All plates >

Hop on a carousel ride

In 1965, the Karuselli chair was introduced in Cologne – today it is one of the most internationally known lounge chairs. Yrjö Kukkapuro was developing the model for several years, sculpting its soft shapes with the help of his own body. As a result, Karuselli chair combined ergonomics, new types of materials, production methods, and artistry in a revolutionary way.

• Artek's Karuselli chair >
• All armchairs >

An updated favorite

The style of the 50s and 60s was characterized by simple teak furniture and homes were decorated with warm-toned sideboards and side tables. The French Harto Gabin sideboard is a contemporary interpretation of 1960s sideboards: its walnut veneered frame is completed with metal sliding doors that give the sideboard a modern, fresh look.

• Harto's Gabin sideboard >
• All sideboards & dressers >

Memories of childhood homes

The beloved rocking chair invites you to relax, read your favorite book, or drink a cup of coffee. Nanna Ditzel designed the rattan Nanny rocking chair in 1969. Nanny is the first rocking chair without separate legs and it stands on its curved bent rattan frame. The light and airy rocking chair is an ambient eye-catcher in the living room or creates an ideal reading corner nearby the fireplace.

• Sika-Design's Nanny rocking chair >
• All rocking chairs >

A pioneer of floral prints

‘No floral patterns’ announced the founder of Marimekko Armi Ratia. In protest, Maija Isola designed the iconic Unikko in 1964 – such an irresistible and fresh floral pattern that even Ratia could no longer refuse. Today, Unikko is one of Marimekko’s best-known patterns around the world and it brightens up home through the tableware and textiles.

• Marimekko's Oiva Unikko mug >
• All cups & mugs >

Eero Aarnio's classics

The 60s design turned the focus away from pure practicality and strict rules. The playful furniture designed by Eero Aarnio began to arouse admiration: materials like fiberglass and acrylic felt appealing. The bright colors, new materials, and round, futuristic shapes perfectly capsulize the style of the time. Still today, the Pastil Chair, Ball Chair, and Bubble Chair continue to bring joy to homes around the world.

• Bubble Chair by Eero Aarnio Originals >
• Pastil Chair by Eero Aarnio Originals >

Peace and love

&Tradition's Flowerpot table lamp was inspired by the freedom, tolerance, peace, and love of the 60's Flower Power era. Designed by Verner Panton, the joyful luminaire became a design icon already after its launch. The adorable lamp is available in several colors, creating cheerful energy in every room. No wonder, that the Flowerpot lamp has managed to retain its place among the all-time design favorites over time.

• &Tradition's Flowerpot VP9 table lamp >
• All table lamps >

See also:

• All furniture at Finnish Design Shop >

Text: Sarianna Määttänen Images: Manifacturers