Sculpt a Retro Kitchen with 1960s Table and Chairs

Midcentury modern style makes a comeback in many contemporary homes. With its clean lines, organic shapes, and space age flair, the iconic look of the 1960s injects vintage character into modern rooms. Setting the scene in the kitchen, a Formica table edged in slim tapered legs channels the Atomic era, while a pair of rounded corner benches offers a cozy diner vibe. The right selection of 1960s furniture can transform your cooking space into a nostalgic, inviting place to gather.

If you love the aesthetic of the "Mad Men" days, a dash of 1960s panache can lend your kitchen flair and function. Read on to discover why furniture from this vibrant decade is worth seeking out and how to weave retro pieces into a tasteful, timeless room.

Why Choose 1960s Style for Your Kitchen?

Midcentury gems feel fresh and current while recalling the heyday of diners and sputnik. Here are some top reasons to embrace the look.

Nostalgia and Vintage Appeal

Midcentury modern furniture and decor have trended for years, as many appreciate the sleek retro-futuristic vibe. Those drawn to the architecture and graphic design of the era find fitting 1960s accessories a natural choice. With their era-appropriate round edges and tapered legs, vintage kitchen pieces capture the energy and spirit of the age.

Bits of well-kept history add character and patina. A gleaming chrome table passed down or discovered at a garage sale provides an authentic talking point. Quality vintage finds tell a story and bring tangible nostalgia into a space.

Space Age Influences

The 1960s witnessed major leaps forward in space exploration and technology. Events like the first moon landing influenced design and culture. Furnishings embraced geometric shapes, high gloss finishes, and bold colors reminiscent of planets and solar systems.

In the kitchen, sputnik-style lighting fixtures or starburst clocks nod to sci-fi style. A tabletop in a mod geometric laminate or pod-shaped swivel chairs furthers the futuristic vibe. The unique, forward-looking look helps create an innovative environment.

Warm, Inviting Atmosphere

While 1960s pieces make a statement, many also give off an inherently welcoming vibe. Rounded corners on tables and fluid lines of molded chairs create an organic, approachable look. Polished chrome legs lend a subtle gleam without starkness.

Scooping bench seats tucked in a corner nook envelop you in retro comfort. Cushioned chairs invite guests to stay a while. The curving forms and uncluttered profiles help the kitchen feel laidback and livable.

Practicality and Durability

Beyond their nostalgic style, 1960s kitchen furnishings tend to offer lasting function. Laminate surfaces resist heat, stains, and scratches while wiping clean easily. Chrome legs remain unfazed by minor bumps or everyday use.

Molded plastic chairs stack neatly and rebound from kid and pet traffic. For active households, the durable materials hold up well compared to more delicate pieces. Form and utility combine in retro designs built to handle real life.

Key Design Elements of 1960s Kitchen Furniture

From tables to seating, certain looks define midcentury furnishings. Here are key features that lend distinctive retro flavor.

Tables

Chrome Legs

Silvery metal legs are a calling card of 1960s style. Tapered legs or slim poles often have an angled stance. The shiny material contrasts with darker tabletops. Together the elements create a lightweight, airy appearance.

Thicker cylinder pedestal legs provide sturdy support. In sets of three or four, the sleek legs allow easy seating access. Their high reflective sheen and slim shape embody the modern aesthetic.

Laminate Tabletops

Durable plastic laminates like Formica revolutionized surface possibilities in the post-war period. With bold graphic prints or faux woodgrain textures, these low-maintenance materials cover tabletops and diner counters alike.

Vintage and reproduction Formica tables come in fun retro color palettes. Stain and water resistance makes them ideal for messy kitchen tasks. Easy to wipe down and family-friendly, laminates offer style plus practicality.

Tulip Base

Eero Saarinen's iconic 1956 tulip table features a sleek pedestal base flaring up and outward like a tulip in bloom. This futuristic shape allows unimpeded leg room for seating all sides and leaves the chair legs free of crossbars.

Small bistro versions or custom builds apply the flower-inspired pedestal concept to kitchen settings. The open base contributes to a light, floaty aesthetic.

Chairs

Diner Style

For the cozy corner booth effect without major renovation, retro banquette seating fits the bill. Rounded bench cushions trimmed in bright vinyl recreate the diner vibe. Built-in seating makes efficient use of space in a kitchen nook or breakfast area.

Free-standing benches or curved chairs provide the look too. Tufted or button details on corner seating nod to 1960s style. A set tucked into a sunny corner creates an enticing spot for morning coffee.

Plastic Shell Chairs

Charles and Ray Eames brought molded plywood and plastic chairs into the mainstream. Their midcentury design endures today in authentic and imitation Eames chairs. The one-piece plastic seat with metal wire or wood legs exemplifies modern minimalism.

Light stacking models work well in compact kitchens. Vibrant shell chair colors like poppy red or sunny yellow make a lively complement to tables. Textured fiberglass versions add tactile appeal.

Chrome Frame

Matching slim metal chair legs creates a unified table set. Angled fronts or sled legs provide a crisp, linear look. Woven cane, mesh, or fabric sling seats keep the overall vibe light. Upholstered cushion options offer comfort.

The sleek polished chrome frame conveys midcentury style. The open construction doesn’t trap crumbs like solid seats. Overall, the chairs give an airier presence suited to small kitchens.

How to Add 1960s Style to a Modern Kitchen

Wondering how to work Atomic age touches into your contemporary cooking space? These strategies help strike the right balance.

Paint and Lighting

A fresh coat of paint does wonders to shift a room’s look. Tangerine, apple green, or aqua blue on the walls or cabinets gives a punch of 1960s personality. Retro wallpaper patterns such as checkerboard or atomic starbursts enhance the effect.

Sputnik-style chandeliers with spiky arms or a colorful dome pendant instantly infuse futuristic flair. A sunburst clock over the sink or stove contributes era-appropriate flair.

Accessories

It’s easy to mix in playful retro accents. Kitschy 60s kitchen magnets liven up the fridge. Period milkshake machine and toaster give countertop displays retro charm. Reissued melamine dishware in atomic prints ups the fun factor.

Nod to the era with canister sets sporting Googie font labels. Set out ceramic planters with maple leaf or starburst shapes. Even tea towels and potholders come in groovy graphic prints to tie in.

Furniture Finds

An iconic table set anchors the space. Seek out quality vintage or custom designs. Otherwise, stylish reproduction tables and seating relay the look at various price points.

Mix in other contemporary furnishings and décor to keep the room feeling fresh and current. The juxtaposition showcases the retro pieces while avoiding a rigid period room effect.

Where to Buy 1960s Kitchen Furniture

Here are some top options for finding flattering furniture from the fabulous decade.

Online Sites

eBay and Etsy offer broad selections of vintage and handmade midcentury wares. Specialty vintage sites like Chairish are treasure troves to uncover sought-after designers or custom builds.

Mass retailers like Wayfair and Amazon provide well-priced reproductions to suit any budget. Look closely at materials and construction for authenticity.

Local Stores

Brick and mortar shops reward hands-on treasure hunting. Antique malls typically have a midcentury section. Estate sales and flea markets deal in the second-hand. Check discount retailers for vintage reproductions.

If you have a favorite local vintage shop, ask them to keep an eye out for 1960s kitchen finds. Give them your wish list details like color, laminate patterns, or chair styles.

Consider Custom Building

For a tailored fit, work with a local carpenter or woodworker to create built-ins or a signature table. Refinishing and retrofitting existing pieces is another avenue. Custom work allows you to match your decor and space perfectly.

Building from scratch or mending flea market finds takes more effort but yields special one-of-a-kind results. Share inspiration images so your vision shines through.

Caring for Your Midcentury Finds

Proper care keeps vintage furniture looking its best for years beyond its original heyday. Follow these tips to keep pieces in top shape.

Wipe laminate tabletops using a mild soap and water solution to lift away grime without dulling the finish. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth on chrome legs to maintain shine.

Spot clean vinyl or fabric upholstery pieces as needed. Use gentle cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the vintage materials. Vacuum bench cushions regularly to prevent buildup.

Condition wood elements every few months with polish to nourish the finish. Dust chrome frames with a soft dry cloth to prevent oxidation. Take chairs out of direct sun when not in use to avoid fading.

Achieving the Overall 1960s Look

It takes more than just the table and chairs to craft a well-rounded retro kitchen. Keep these strategies in mind for the full effect.

Look at the room as a whole. Do wall colors, window treatments, and floor materials support the vintage vision? Paint, lighting, and accents all play a part in perfecting the aesthetic.

The furniture should not stand alone. Incorporate other 1960s or midcentury décor like signage, art, rugs, and appliances. Vary textures and materials for visual interest.

Avoid going overboard into theme park territory. Blend in some contemporary conveniences and accessories for livability. Keep lines simple and clutter minimal for a clean, authentic look.

Most importantly, display your new pieces to highlight their unique retro designs. Let their sputnik lines, tapered legs, and molded forms shine.

With its emphasis on clean geometry, new materials, and space age styling, 1960s design made a defining impact on midcentury looks. While paying homage to the era’s indelible influence, thoughtful vintage selections and replicas allow the incorporation of this significant style in contemporary, livable kitchens.

More than a passing fad, these atomic age furnishings resonate across generations with their embodiment of the dreams and spirit of the times. Their retro-futuristic look echoes the true roots of midcentury sensibilities. With their blend of nostalgia, warmth, and practical durability, pieces from this pivotal decade promise to remain timelessly iconic and right at home in the heart of the house.