In the 1960s, long before Pinterest and Instagram, Americans turned to magazines for inspiration on how to decorate, organize, and elevate their homes. These monthly arrivals weren’t just publications—they were cultural guides that shaped what living beautifully looked like. From practical homemaking advice to bold color trends and DIY projects, these magazines influenced everything from kitchen curtains to lawn care. For many families, flipping through these pages became a cherished ritual that brought style, creativity, and aspiration into everyday life.

1. McCall’s

McCall’s was more than a fashion and sewing magazine—it was a hub for creative home living. In the 1960s, it regularly featured decorating ideas, how-to projects, and DIY matching textiles for curtains, bedding, and upholstery. With a readership in the millions, it inspired women to express personal style through hand-crafted home décor, making elegance accessible through fabric and thread.

2. American Girl

Published by the Girl Scouts, American Girl magazine introduced a generation of girls to the joy of decorating, crafting, and creative expression. While aimed at teens, it often encouraged readers to beautify their bedrooms, organize their spaces, and explore design through a personal lens. It planted early seeds of taste and individuality that carried into adult homemaking.

3. Better Homes and Gardens

A staple in American homes, Better Homes and Gardens offered readers a rich blend of interior design, gardening, and family-friendly living. In the 1960s, the magazine introduced ideas like one-level modern house plans, fresh color palettes, and coordinated rooms that emphasized both comfort and function. It was aspirational yet attainable—guiding readers to beautify their homes with a practical eye and personal touch.

4. Good Housekeeping

Known for its gold-standard Seal of Approval, Good Housekeeping held serious influence in ’60s households. The magazine combined product testing with practical advice, offering dependable guidance on everything from furniture to kitchen appliances. Alongside decorating tips and family recipes, it gave readers the confidence to create homes that felt stylish, functional, and thoroughly modern.

5. Ladies’ Home Journal

One of the most influential women’s magazines of its time, Ladies’ Home Journal embraced the changes of the 1960s while honoring tradition. It featured well-appointed kitchens, family-centric room designs, and lifestyle features that encouraged efficient, modern homemaking. Its pages helped shape the visual identity of mid-century suburban life—polished, organized, and unmistakably American.

6. Family Circle

With its warm, inviting tone, Family Circle catered to homemakers seeking inspiration on a budget. In the 1960s, it was filled with seasonal décor ideas, home management tips, and family-friendly crafts. The magazine focused on livable spaces—rooms that reflected love, practicality, and evolving family needs—making it a cherished part of the weekly grocery-store checkout routine.

7. Workbasket

For the thrifty and crafty, Workbasket was a creative goldmine. It featured crochet, knitting, embroidery, and small sewing projects that brought charm and texture to home décor. In the ’60s, it empowered homemakers to personalize their spaces with handmade items—pillows, curtains, and even rugs—infusing every room with warmth and handiwork.

8. Hot Rod

Though not a traditional home magazine, Hot Rod had an outsized influence on American garages and workshops. In the 1960s, its pages were filled with tools, layouts, and DIY advice for car lovers building their own custom spaces. It shaped a masculine design language—chrome, bold graphics, workbenches—that bled into utility rooms and hobby spaces across the country.

9. Pack-O-Fun

Marketed as “the only scrapcraft magazine,” Pack-O-Fun celebrated thrifty creativity. It offered seasonal projects made from household odds and ends—think tin can lanterns, magazine paper wreaths, or clothespin dolls. In the 1960s, it became a go-to resource for families who loved crafting together, inspiring both kids and parents to turn everyday materials into cheerful home decorations.

10. TIME Magazine

While not a home-focused publication, TIME frequently featured modern homes, design trends, and cultural shifts that influenced domestic life. Its coverage of space-age architecture, interior design movements, and suburban growth helped shape how readers viewed style and progress. A copy of TIME on the coffee table signaled not only a well-informed household—but a stylish one, too.