TVs in Bedrooms: The 1960s and Beyond
In the 1960s, the concept of having a television in the bedroom was rather uncommon, and for a good reason. At that time, bedrooms were primarily reserved for sleeping and any secluded reading or personal activities.
The Role of Bedrooms in the 1960s
Bedrooms in the 1960s were simple and functional. They served one primary purpose: providing a comfortable and private space for sleep and relaxation. The few channels available on the television, which typically aired at specific times, meant that watching TV usually occurred in communal living spaces like the living room.
The Realities of Early Television Ownership
TV ownership itself was quite rare during the early 1960s. Even into the early 1970s, purchasing a color television was a significant financial burden, often costing more than a month's wages. This made it highly uncommon for individuals to have a television in their bedrooms.
However, as the 1980s approached, the cost of television sets began to decrease, making them more accessible to families. For instance, in 1982, my family had a black and white television in the bedroom and the main television in the living room. This setup was typical for many families during this period.
The Rise of Portable TVs in the 1960s
Despite the common belief that no one had televisions in their bedrooms, there were exceptions. In fact, there were advertisements and even images from the late 1950s to the early 1970s that showed people using portable TVs in their bedrooms. One notable example can be found in a 1963 issue of the now-defunct 'Look' magazine, which featured portable TV advertisements from RCA and Emerson. The ads highlighted the convenience of having a portable television, even though the primary usage was still in the living room.
The images in the ads featured a picture of JFK and his son, John Jr., showcasing a portable TV. While this may seem unusual to modern audiences, it indicates that the idea of having a television in the bedroom was not completely foreign during the 1960s.
Exceptions to the Rule
The majority of the time, people did not have televisions in their bedrooms. The TV was usually located in the living room, where the family could gather and watch together. This was the norm, as televisions were still relatively expensive and limited in functionality. However, there were instances where parents would purchase a newer television for the living room and give an older model to their children for their rooms. My own experience aligns with this pattern. I had two friends who had TVs in their bedrooms due to their parents acquiring a new set for the living room. Similarly, my ex-wife grew up with a TV in her bedroom in the 1950s and 1960s.
It is important to note that while the idea of having a television in the bedroom was not unheard of, it was not the norm. Most families owned just one TV, which was placed in the living room to serve the entire family's entertainment needs.
In conclusion, the 1960s saw a world where televisions were a luxury in most homes and were primarily in the living room. While there were some exceptions, such as portable TVs or families giving older models to children, the general trend was for the TV to be concentrated in the living room for the family to enjoy together.