The 1950s were an era of vibrant and eye-catching home decor that left a lasting impact on interior design history. Just like the iconic styles of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, 1950s home decor was impossible to ignore. Let's take a journey back in time and explore the distinctiveness of this decade's interior design.
Vintage home decor paint colors for 1955
1950s Decor in the Living Room
Shall we begin with the living room? Imagine neatly tailored furniture in exciting and inviting shades, often featuring vibrant patterns. From floral prints to geometric shapes, these designs reflected the optimism of the post-war era.
Colorful 1950s mid-century living room decor
The 1950s embraced a playful mix of textures and colors. Floors boasted wall-to-wall carpeting or linoleum in bold and striking contemporary patterns. Wallpaper was a popular choice for adding visual interest, featuring whimsical designs and bright hues. Florals and patterns took center stage, available in a variety of colors and styles.
1950s woman with wallpaper styles
1950s Decor in the Kitchen
The kitchen was the heart of 1950s homes, and its interior decor showcased it. Chrome dinette sets, checkered floors, and metal-rimmed tables made these spaces look like they were straight out of an episode of "I Love Lucy."
Vintage 1950s chrome dinette set
Appliances also took on a new colorful persona during this decade. Refrigerators and stoves came in shades like robin's egg blue, dusky pink, seafoam green, or sunny yellow.
Seafoam green stove (1955)
Speaking of colors, 1950s paint colors reflected the buoyant spirit of the times. Soft pastels like pink, baby blue, mint green, and lilac purple reigned supreme. Bold primary hues also gained popularity, adding a vibrant contrast to the previously somber tones of the war years.
Vintage cherry kitchen wallpaper from 1953
Eat-in kitchens with Formica-topped tables were as ubiquitous in the 1950s as smartphones are today.
Retro red, white, and green 1950s kitchen decorating
1950s Decor in the Bathroom
Stepping into a 1950s bathroom feels like entering a time capsule of style. Pink bathrooms became popular, thanks to First Lady Mamie Eisenhower's love for this rosy hue. Pastel-colored sinks, bathtubs, and toilets in shades of pink, blue, and green were all the rage. And guess what? They're making a comeback!
Bright yellow and blue bathroom decor from the 50s
Ceramic tiles played a significant role in bathroom decor, often in contrasting or complementary shades. The iconic checkered tiles adorned both the floors and walls, making these small spaces burst with personality. Even the fixtures offered an opportunity to dazzle, with shiny chrome taps and towel racks creating a sleek contrast to the vibrant ceramics. Bathrooms in the 1950s were truly an expression of the decade's spirited design ethos.
Throughout the Home
In the world of 1950s decor, there were few neutral corners. Every surface was an opportunity to make a statement. Curtains, cushions, and lampshades all exuded the era's unapologetic maximalism. And let's not forget the famous minimalist sunburst clocks and Sputnik chandeliers, clear nods to the burgeoning Space Age.
1950s modernist clocks - Howard Miller and other sunburst clocks
The most memorable 1950s home decor was a clear reflection of the times. Vibrant colors, bold patterns, and adventurous designs encapsulated the optimism and buoyancy of the post-war era. The influence of 1950s decor continues to inspire today, proving that good design never goes out of style.
Take a look through this collection of colorful vintage 1950s home decor photos, and get inspired by 16 authentic retro Home & Garden magazine color schemes from 1959.
