25 Home Decor Ideas To Bring Back The ’50s

Known for crisp, clean lines and staid respectable interiors, 1950s era design is often considered the height of mid-century modern. Homeowners in the ’50s sought to fill their spaces with sleek appliances, décor, and furniture amid newfound prosperity and available materials following the end of WWII. The rise of the nuclear family, and nuclear energy, had a great impact on American society, with the average family of four enjoying their stylish ranch house amid suburban neighborhoods marked by cul-de-sacs and picket fences, according to Retro Renovation.

On the other hand, the 1950s could also be fun and a little funky, especially as it slid toward the raucous 1960s, bringing bright pops of color to the aesthetic along with unusual tropical patterns and wild atomic-inspired details. The decade was also marked by its love of innovation and technology, adds Retro Renovation. The popular mid-century style has re-emerged as a favorite in the last decade in 21st-century homes, suiting today’s minimalist and subdued interiors to a tee. There are, however, additional touches you can bring into your spaces to add a little retro flare, whatever your current design style.

Kitchens in the 1950s were far more colorful than in previous decades. Increased availability of affordable appliances and the financial boom at the end of WWII brought state-of-the-art kitchens within reach of the middle class. Cabinets and appliances came in colors like soft blues and pinks. Counters were often stocked with candy-colored pastel kitchen gadgets and cookware. 

Retro appliances can be found in thrift stores and estate sales. While they may not always be in perfect working order, they’re just the thing to bring a touch of the 1950s to your décor. You can also find a number of modern appliances, including clocks, radios, and record players, that are modeled on vintage designs. 

Dining chairs were often made of vinyl, offering a durable, washable fabric for potentially grubby children’s fingers. From diner-style chrome seats with sparkly red vinyl to more natural-looking faux leather finishes, these chairs often featured the signature 1950s tapered leg. 

While 1950s kitchens were often brightly colored, many mid-century homes opted for more staid neutrals in other common areas in keeping with the clean, spare aesthetic. If you love neutrals, consider mixing shades of cream, caramel, and khaki with matte black accessories.  

The 1950s were known for swanky barware and martinis-for-lunch office culture. A sleek bar cart is an excellent addition to any space that will offer both storage and display. Look for vintage carts on wheels or more modern renditions in gold and chrome. 

Denizens of 1950s homes adored their recreational activities, which often included bowling, billiards, backgammon, checkers, and board games. Consider creating your own recreation or rumpus room. Look for accents that evoke recreational and fun activities like stacks of vintage board games, dart boards, and game tables.

There’s more to analog than board games. A few more analog touches will make even modern rooms feel like they’re steeped in decades past. Here, an old typewriter and record albums elevate the vintage charm. Consider adding details like tattered books, vintage office chairs, or a sweet collection of old cameras.

Often considered part of the atomic craze, starbursts were a popular pattern on many mid-century designs, including snazzy clocks, mirrors, and light fixtures. Here, a starburst light fixture pairs well with other mid-century furnishings. Look also for starburst patterns on soft goods like wallpaper, draperies, and bedding.

The 1950s is considered the beginning of surf culture in America. With its California roots quickly spreading east, this loose, breezy style reached its nadir in the 1960s. According to 1st Dibs, surfer style is known for its crazy Hawaiian floral prints, tropical patterns, and surfboards-as-décor carefree attitude.

While widespread smoking culture went up in flames decades ago, lighting up in the 1950s, as evidenced by “Mad Men,” was seen as the height of glamor and sophistication. While the world is much less smoky today, according to Lancaster Online, collectors still seek out smoking memorabilia from the mid-20th century, including lighters, sleek cigarette cases, and ashtrays. 

While mid-century furniture was often more restrained, lighting options frequently featured globes, organic curves, and almost-neon splashes of color. Adding a fun lighting piece to a minimalist room makes a bold statement that immediately ups the interest and character.

Bulky wooden sideboards and buffets, which occupied a central space in the dining room of American homes, were used to store all those beautiful mid-century dishes. These days, when traditional full-set dining rooms are not as common, large mid-century pieces make excellent storage for other rooms. Here, a vintage buffet is used as both storage and side table.