The 1960s were a golden era for television, not just for the programming but also for the stunning designs of TV sets themselves. Unlike today’s uniform flat screens, retro TV sets from this decade were bold, stylish, and packed with personality. They were more than just entertainment devices—they were furniture, fashion statements, and a reflection of the futuristic dreams of the time.

Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to explore some of the most striking TV set designs from 1960s America that are now hard to find but impossible to forget.

The 1960s: When TVs Were the Heart of the Living Room

Back in the ’60s, owning a television wasn’t just about watching your favorite shows—it was a symbol of status and innovation. TV sets were often built into luxurious wooden cabinets, doubling as home décor. Many of them featured knobs, dials, and even built-in radios and record players, making them the ultimate all-in-one entertainment centers.

But what really made them special? Their designs. Some had sleek, space-age aesthetics inspired by the Space Race, while others retained a classic mid-century modern look that blended seamlessly with stylish homes of the time.

Video: 1960’s black white TV

Philco Predicta: The TV That Looked Straight Out of the Future

One of the most iconic designs of the 1960s was the Philco Predicta. With its ultra-thin, swiveling picture tube, it looked like something from a sci-fi movie. The screen was separated from the main console, which was revolutionary at the time. It came in various models, including tabletop and console versions, giving homeowners an elegant yet futuristic way to watch television.

The Predicta’s innovative design was ahead of its time, but its technology wasn’t as reliable as its competitors. However, that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the most sought-after collector’s items today.

Zenith Space Command: The Remote-Control Revolution

Zenith was a household name in American television manufacturing, and in the 1960s, they introduced something groundbreaking: the first wireless remote-controlled TV. The Zenith Space Command was not just a sleek television set—it was a technological marvel.

Unlike earlier TVs, which required you to turn knobs manually, the Space Command allowed viewers to change channels and adjust volume from their seats. The TV itself had a beautiful wooden cabinet with a large picture tube, often surrounded by gold or brass trim, giving it an elegant and sophisticated look.

RCA Color TV Consoles: The Birth of Color Entertainment

Before the 1960s, most televisions were black and white, but RCA changed the game with their Color TV Consoles. These large, wooden TVs brought color into American homes, making shows like The Wonderful World of Disney and Bonanza even more magical.

These sets were often housed in mid-century modern cabinets, featuring tapered legs, sleek lines, and sophisticated detailing. RCA televisions became a centerpiece of living rooms, where families would gather to experience the excitement of color programming for the first time.

The Kuba Komet: A Luxury TV That Looked Like a Spaceship

If you wanted the most extravagant TV set in the 1960s, the Kuba Komet was it. This German-made television set, which was imported into select American homes, was a massive, futuristic entertainment center.

Its sail-like design featured a rotating upper section, which housed a 23-inch TV screen that could be adjusted for the best viewing angle. The lower section included a radio, phonograph, and speakers, making it one of the most advanced entertainment units of its time. Today, the Kuba Komet is an extremely rare collector’s piece, selling for tens of thousands of dollars.

Portable TVs: The Birth of Television on the Go

While most 1960s TV sets were large and built into furniture, the decade also saw the rise of portable TVs. These compact televisions were designed for easy transport, allowing Americans to watch their favorite programs in different rooms or even outdoors.

One of the most famous portable TVs was the Sony Micro TV. It had a small screen, a handle for carrying, and a futuristic design that made it a must-have gadget. Although black and white, these TVs symbolized the beginning of modern television mobility.

The Admiral Tele-Bar: When TV Met Cocktails

For those who loved to entertain, the Admiral Tele-Bar was a dream come true. This 1961 TV was built into a cabinet that doubled as a home bar. When closed, it looked like a sophisticated liquor cabinet. But with the push of a button, the top lifted to reveal a 21-inch black-and-white TV, along with a fully stocked bar, complete with glass holders and compartments for liquor bottles.

It was the perfect centerpiece for cocktail parties, allowing guests to enjoy drinks while watching the latest TV programs. While rare today, the Admiral Tele-Bar remains one of the most unique TV designs of the 1960s.

Why 1960s TV Designs Are Still Loved Today

So, why are these retro TV sets still so fascinating? Unlike today’s mass-produced flat screens, 1960s televisions were works of art. They combined form and function in ways that modern designs rarely do. Many of them were built with real wood, metal accents, and intricate details, making them feel like a part of the home rather than just an electronic device.

Collectors and vintage enthusiasts continue to seek out these iconic designs, restoring and even modifying them to work with modern technology. Some people install flat-screen panels inside old wooden TV cabinets, blending retro aesthetics with modern performance.

Conclusion: The Timeless Charm of 1960s Television Sets

The 1960s were a decade of bold innovation, and television designs reflected that spirit. Whether it was the futuristic Philco Predicta, the luxurious Kuba Komet, or the iconic RCA Color TV consoles, these retro TVs were more than just electronics—they were symbols of a changing world.

Today, these vintage television sets are rare collectibles, cherished for their unique designs and historical significance. While technology has advanced far beyond the bulky, wooden consoles of the past, the nostalgia for mid-century TV design remains strong. After all, who wouldn’t love a television that doubles as a bar or looks like it belongs on a spaceship?

The golden age of television may have passed, but the stunning retro TV set designs of the 1960s will always have a place in history—and in the hearts of collectors and design enthusiasts alike.