The swinging 60s brought an explosion of style and innovation, yet not all of it was as groovy as we might like to remember.
Some design trends from this era are so cringe-worthy, we’ve collectively tried to erase them from our memories.
Here, we revisit 9 such trends that were once the height of fashion but now seem like relics of questionable taste.
1. Furry Toilet Seat Covers
Fuzzy, furry, and undeniably cringe-worthy, these toilet seat covers were once a staple in every stylish 60s home.
Imagine the hygiene nightmare as these covers trapped everything from dust to, well, more unpleasant things.
Despite the discomfort and potential health risks, they were loved for adding a ‘soft touch’ to the bathroom.
Today, we’ve moved towards minimalist designs, but back then, the fuzzier, the better. Still, no one misses their impracticality and the constant need for washing.
Perhaps it was a product of colder climates, but this is one trend we’re glad to leave in the past.
2. Taxidermy
While not unique to the 60s, taxidermy found a peculiar resurgence in home decor during this decade. Every room seemed to sport a deer head or some exotic beast.
The 60s were all about bringing nature inside, but this trend took it a bit too far, creating a macabre atmosphere.
Today, ethical considerations and changing tastes have made such decor less appealing. Still, for those who lived through it, the sight of a glass-eyed stag might bring back a flood of memories—and not necessarily pleasant ones.
3. Avocado Bathrooms
The avocado bathroom suite is the perfect example of a trend everyone wishes to forget. These green hues were meant to evoke nature, but instead, they created a drab and dated look.
Despite their unappealing color, they were a symbol of modernity and forward-thinking design at the time.
Nowadays, sleek whites and greys dominate, but back then, green was apparently the new black. Owning an avocado bathroom was a status symbol, though today it’s more of a relic of questionable taste gone by.
4. Floral ‘Chintz’ Furniture
Chintz made a splash in the 60s with its bright floral patterns, adorning everything from sofas to curtains. These designs were seen as cheerful, yet they quickly overwhelmed spaces.
The busy patterns clashed with the minimalist styles we prefer today, making rooms feel cluttered and chaotic.
While a touch of floral can still charm, the all-encompassing chintz look is best left in the past. It serves as a reminder that less is often more when it comes to interior design. Thank goodness for modern simplicity!
5. Waterbeds
The waterbed was the epitome of ’60s innovation, promising unique comfort and a touch of luxury. However, the reality was a wobbly and often impractical sleeping experience.
Moving the bed was a logistical nightmare, and leaks were a common issue.
Despite their novelty, waterbeds never quite lived up to the hype. While they still have niche appeal, most prefer the stability of a traditional mattress.
Today, the waterbed is a quirky reminder of an era that valued experimentation over practicality.
6. Beaded Curtains
Beaded curtains were synonymous with the free-spirited vibe of the 60s, adding a touch of whimsy to any room. Yet, they were more decorative than functional, often prone to tangling and breaking.
These curtains seemed to scream ‘bohemian’, but they also collected dust and created noise.
While they have made sporadic comebacks, most prefer solid doors or modern draperies. The beaded curtain remains a nostalgic symbol of a time when style often trumped substance.
7. Popcorn Ceilings
The popcorn ceiling, with its bumpy texture, was all the rage in the 60s. It was beloved for its ability to hide imperfections and add visual interest.
However, cleaning was a nightmare, and over time, it became a dated look.
Nowadays, smooth ceilings are the norm, and popcorn ceilings are often removed during renovations. This design trend is a testament to how tastes evolve, as what was once ‘in’ can quickly become an eyesore.
8. Round Beds
Round beds were a chic departure from traditional rectangular ones, symbolizing luxury and avant-garde style in the 60s. However, their impracticality soon became apparent.
Custom linens were a must, and arranging bedroom furniture around them was a puzzle.
While they looked futuristic, they rarely fit comfortably in standard rooms. Today, round beds are more of a novelty, reminding us that not all innovations are improvements. Yet, their quirky charm remains a nod to a daring design era.
9. Ugly Linoleum
Linoleum was a go-to choice for 60s flooring, loved for its durability and wide range of patterns. However, many of those patterns were garish and clashed with other decor.
Despite its resilience, linoleum eventually showed wear, leaving homes with tired and outdated looks.
Today, more refined flooring options are available, but linoleum still finds use in certain settings. It’s a reminder of an era where function sometimes outpaced form, leading to questionable aesthetic choices that we occasionally look back on with bemusement.