How to Identify Vintage 60s Furniture

Seating

• Herman Miller introduced the famous Soft Pad lounge chair by Charles Eames in the 1960s, while Knoll International offered nickel-plated wire furniture designed by Warren Platner. At the other end of the scale, there were bean bags, foam seating and inflatable items such as Zanotta's Blow chair.

Tables

• Tables became smaller and lower to the ground in the 1960s. Nesting tables and coffee tables (often with tops made of smoked glass or patterned tiles) were both strong 1960s trends, as was the combination of teak with chrome.

Storage

• Flexible, modular storage was a key element of 1960s design. Working in colorful ABS plastic, Italian designers such as Joe Colombo produced magazine racks, stacking modules and trolleys.

Lighting

• The 1960s saw an explosion in the variety and styles of lighting available for the home. Bold pop art colors and sparkling chrome added zest to science fiction-influenced table lamps, down lights and ceiling shades.

Is it Vintage?

• Many great pieces of 1960s furniture were unmarked. To be sure the item is vintage, look for wear in the feet or base, and hints of discoloration on plastic.