Home walls often told the story of the people who lived there. From framed family portraits to wooden plaques, wall decorations in the 1960s reflected a mix of postwar optimism and the changing tastes of a new generation.
Some of these decorations were chosen to match the latest trends, while others had been passed down through generations or collected during family vacations. As midcentury modern design gained popularity and American culture embraced new colors, materials, and styles, home decor began to evolve. Many of the items that once were ordinary in the 60s have since become nostalgic reminders of different times. Here are 15 things that hung on the walls of American homes during this decade.
1. Family Portraits
Family portraits were common decorations in 1960s American homes, often displayed in living rooms, hallways, and stairways. Photographs of parents, children, grandparents, and wedding couples were placed in elaborate gold-colored or dark wooden frames, turning walls into displays of cherished memories.
2. Ceramic Plates
Decorative ceramic plates added color to kitchens and dining rooms. Featuring floral patterns, landscapes, or holiday designs, these plates were often placed on walls using special hangers and served as decorative accents and reminders of meaningful gifts or family travels.
3. Landscape Prints
Pictures of mountains, lakes, forests, and country cottages brought a peaceful atmosphere to American homes. Many families chose affordable prints rather than original paintings, displaying them in wooden frames to complement traditional furniture and create a charming environment.
4. Sunburst Clocks
Sunburst clocks were popular midcentury decorations that combined timekeeping with eye-catching design. They were often made from metal or wood and displayed above sofas, fireplaces, or console tables.
5. Religious Crosses
Religious decorations were important in many American houses during the 1960s. Wooden crosses, framed Bible verses, and pictures of Jesus were commonly displayed in living rooms and bedrooms, reflecting family beliefs and the importance of faith in everyday life.
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6. Mirrors
Decorative mirrors served both practical and aesthetic purposes, helping rooms appear brighter and more spacious. They varied from rectangular, oval, to beveled designs, often with wooden or elaborate frames, and were placed in entryways, living rooms, and dining areas.
7. Woven Wall Hangings & Macramé
Woven wall hangings and textile decorations added texture and warmth to interiors. Macramé and other handmade pieces became very associated with bohemian design toward the end of the decade.
8. Wooden Plaques With Inspirational Quotes
Wooden plaques with family mottos, inspirational sayings, and humorous messages were familiar decorations in many traditional homes. Often adorned with painted flowers or carved lettering, they appeared in kitchens and family rooms.
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9. Geometric Art
Abstract geometric prints offered a modern alternative to traditional landscape paintings and floral pictures. Featuring circles, squares, and contrasting colors, these artworks complemented the clean shapes and color palettes associated with midcentury modern interiors.
10. Travel Souvenirs
Travel souvenirs helped families preserve memories of vacations and special destinations. Decorative plates, framed maps, and other collectibles from national parks, coastal resorts, and attractions were displayed throughout the house, reflecting the growing popularity of family road trips and leisure travel.
11. Mounted Antlers
Mounted antlers, deer heads, and other hunting trophies appeared in some American homes, particularly in dens, cabins, and recreation rooms. They reflected family hunting traditions, outdoor interests, and regional customs, serving as reminders of trips and personal achievements.
12. Framed Embroidery & Needlework
Framed embroidery and floral needlework added handmade charm to kitchens, bedrooms, and hallways. Often created by family members or received as gifts, these decorations showed traditional crafting skills.
13. Metal Wall Sculptures
Metal wall sculptures brought depth and a modern touch to 1960s interiors. Made from materials such as brass-colored metal or iron, they often featured shapes, leaves, and sun-inspired designs.
14. Framed Botanical Prints
Botanical prints and floral pictures remained popular choices for decorating American homes. Illustrations of roses, wildflowers, and other plants brightened kitchens, bedrooms, and dining rooms, often complementing wallpaper, curtains, and furniture.
15. Ceramic or Wooden Wall Hangings from abroad
Ceramic tiles, carved wooden masks, and other objects inspired by international travel added distinctive touches to some American homes. Collected during overseas trips or purchased from specialty shops, these pieces reflected personal interests and a growing appreciation for objects from different cultures.
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Check out 18 Pictures Showing What It Was Like to Be a Kid in the 1960s, a nostalgic look back at childhoods before helmets and fences got involved. Then step into the garage and kitchen with 16 Household Items From the 1960s Built to Last. Last but not least, 14 Everyday Inventions We Didn’t Know Came From the 1960s traces the ATM, the computer mouse, and Kevlar back to a decade better known for moon landings.
