What's chrome, geometric, and futuristic all over? No, not C-3PO, but rather these iconic space-age gadgets.
With shiny paints, bold metallics, and uniquely shaped features, Space Age items came to define the '60s and '70s, not only peppering our grandparents' home with pops of Jetsons-esque tech, but inspiring designers for decades to come.
From radios to high-tech computing devices, here are 12 '60s and '70s Space Age gadgets we need today.
1
The Zenith Space Command Remote Control
Decked out in chrome, this gadget embodied the space-age look, making even flipping through the channels an out-of-this-world experience.
2
Fairchild’s Spacey Watch
Boasting a shiny gold exterior, geometric motifs, and a notable thin band, the Fairchild watch was an example of a must-have accessory, one seemingly designed to shine even 50 years in the future.
3
Frigidaire’s ‘Space Age’ Refrigerator
With then-revolutionary features like an ice maker and an automatic door opener, this gadget would be perfect for any futuristic household.
4
Panasonic’s ‘Crazy Color Portables’
These radios' geometric-inspired designs and shiny colors made them as futuristic as they were chic.
5
This Blue Vintage Television
Whether watching ‘I Love Lucy’ re-runs or Neil Armstrong take one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind, this icy blue TV’s shiny details and rounded screen made it a space-age staple.
6
Weltron Electronics
From radios to record players, Weltron's signature circular styles resembled astronaut helmets, helping folks feel as though they were aboard an Apollo mission while rocking out on Earth.
7
The Videosphere TV
Decked out in bright orange, this reflective, circular TV would be right at home on ‘The Jetsons’ … or in your grandmother’s kitchen.
8
This Green Kitchen Gadget
Appearing in a book on mid-century modern styles, this fixture was not only useful — it appears to have a cutting board, stove, sink, radio and microwave — but was also reminiscent of the era’s space-age kitchens.
9
These Italian Lamps
Geometric shapes. A chrome finish. You can’t name a more space-age gadget than these futuristic lamps.
10
This Futuristic Sled
With rocket-red paint, chrome detailing, and lines reminiscent of a space shuttle, this is the perfect sled for a snow day on Mars.
11
The Honeywell Thermostat
That’s no UFO: This thermostat’s alien imagery and silver details were all too common in space-age gadgets. We can almost hear our grandpa yelling at us to keep it at 70 degrees flat …
12
This Math Gadget
Described as “the first transistor-based differential equation analyzer” by Flickr user Marcin Wichary, form follows function when it comes to this space-age device.
