The 1960s were an era of transformation in the UK, where practicality from the post-war years met the excitement of new styles and technologies. For this reason, homes were filled with items that reflected the optimism of the time—so if you’re feeling nostalgic, you’re in for a treat with these 18 classic items.
Teasmade
Imagine waking up to the gentle bubbling of water and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea without even leaving your bed: that was the magic of the Teasmade, a clever combination of alarm clock and tea maker. These compact devices, often encased in futuristic plastic or sleek chrome, epitomised 1960s innovation, saving time in the morning.
G-Plan Furniture
Made predominantly from rich teak wood, G-Plan furniture blended practicality with beauty, offering storage solutions that looked effortlessly chic, and many families saved up to buy a single piece, such as a coffee table or dining set, which would often become the pride of their living space. It was furniture meant to last, both in quality and style.
Radiogram
A radiogram wasn’t just a gadget; it was the heart of the home’s entertainment system, and it combined a radio, record player, and speakers into one elegant wooden cabinet.
Families would gather around it in the evening to enjoy the latest hits, radio dramas, or news broadcasts, and its polished veneer and built-in technology made it a status symbol.
Flying Ducks Wall Decor
The iconic trio of ceramic flying ducks is one of the most enduring symbols of the 1960s UK household. Crafted by makers like Beswick, these decorative pieces were often arranged on walls in a V-shaped formation, giving the illusion of mid-flight, and far from being just kitschy, they added a whimsical charm to otherwise simple living spaces.
Formica Kitchen Tables
No kitchen was complete without a bright and cheerful Formica table, and these tables, with their smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces, were both practical and stylish, offering a modern upgrade from traditional wooden furniture.
Available in a variety of colours and patterns, they brightened up even the smallest of kitchens.
Utility China
Born out of the austerity of the post-war years, Utility china was plain, sturdy, and made to last, yet, despite its modest origins, it became a treasured part of daily life during this era. Plates, bowls, and cups in simple white or pastel shades were not only practical but also a subtle nod to the understated elegance of the time.
Soda Syphon
Whether perched on a sideboard or rolled out on a drinks trolley, the soda syphon was a must-have for hosting guests, and mixing a soda syphon’s fizzy water with cordial or spirits became a staple of home entertaining. It was a talking point, a piece of functional art that added a touch of cosmopolitan flair to cocktail parties and family gatherings.
Bakelite Telephones
The sturdy Bakelite telephone was an unmistakable part of 60s life, not like the sleek, handheld devices we know and love. The smooth, heavy surface and rotary dial gave it an air of permanence, as though it was built to withstand the ages, and it could most often be found in hallways or on occasional tables.
Lava Lamps
Something that perfectly encapsulated the psychedelic spirit of the decade was the lava lamp, an instant hit with the younger generation thanks to its mesmerising wax blobs. Illuminated in funky colours, they gave bedrooms and lounges a relaxed, groovy vibe and were commonly gifted to teens for the ideal present.
Chintz Curtains
Chintz curtains, with their bold floral patterns, brought warmth and character to homes in the UK back then; usually made from cotton or a cotton blend, these curtains hung heavily from poles or were paired with pelmets for a finished look.
Whether framing the windows of a living room or adding cosiness to a bedroom, chintz curtains were both decorative and practical.
Gas Fires
In the 1960s, gas fires became a modern alternative to the traditional coal hearth, offering warmth without the hassle of soot and ash. These units often had a sleek, compact design with glowing coals behind a glass front to mimic the appearance of a real fire and positioned as a more efficient way to heat a home.
Glass Milk Bottles
Delivered daily by the friendly neighbourhood milkman, glass milk bottles were a quintessential part of life in this country, and those reusable bottles were environmentally conscious as well as convenient.
They had colour-coded foil tops indicating the type of milk inside, while the familiar sight of the milk floating cruising down the street remains a cherished memory for some.
Patterned Linoleum Floors
What vintage kitchen would be complete without its colourful linoleum floor? It was a feature that brought personality to every household and came in a variety of eye-catching patterns, including bold geometric shapes and cheerful floral prints, a way to inject character into even the smallest spaces.
Singer Sewing Machines
Housed in beautiful wooden cabinets or carried in sturdy cases were the Singer sewing machines, and these machines were imperative for mending worn clothes or crafting new garments. It encouraged families to save money and embrace DIY culture, and for many households, it was the source of handmade curtains, cushion covers, and school uniforms.
Woollen Blankets
Thick, cozy woollen blankets were a must-have in 1960s homes. Offering warmth on chilly nights when central heating was still a luxury for many, and often woven in tartan or checked patterns, these blankets were draped over sofas or folded neatly at the foot of beds, ready to be pulled out when the temperature dropped.
Black-and-White Television
If you owned a television set in the 1960s, it was a proud milestone, and these black-and-white TVs were often the focal point of the living room. Programs like Blue Peter, The Avengers, and, of course, the groundbreaking broadcast of the moon landing brought the world into British homes like never before.
Coal Scuttle
Though gas heating was on the rise, many households still relied on traditional coal fires to keep warm, making the coal scuttle a practical necessity. These containers, often crafted from brass or steel, were both functional and decorative, sitting proudly next to the hearth while families would tend to their fire together.
Tupperware
Lastly, we couldn’t forget the trusty Tupperware—more than just a storage solution, it was a cultural phenomenon, with bright colors and a solution for keeping food fresh for longer. Tupperware revolutionised kitchens across the UK, and Tupperware parties were even a popular thing.