The 1950s was a time of iconic design, and when it came to furniture styles, there were some clear favorites. Mid-century modern designs were especially popular in the 1950s and featured sleek lines, plain surfaces and organic curves that created a timeless look.
Bold colors and geometric patterns were often used to add a splash of vibrant style, while upholstered sofas, armchairs and ottomans made homeowners comfortable. Many of these designs remain popular today, often updated with contemporary fabrics and metal accents.
The 1950s also saw the rise of more traditional furniture, often made of hardwood like cherry, mahogany and oak. Parlor furniture with detailed carvings, tufted sofas and recliners with over-stuffed cushions and accents like claw-foot tables gave the rooms a more traditional look.
Reproductions of 17th and 18th century chairs and tables, sometimes painted in colors like yellow and green, were also popular in many homes.
One of the most distinctive furniture styles from the 1950s was Danish modern. Embracing minimalist Scandinavian design principles, pieces featured clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, often made of teak wood.
Bold colors, tapered legs and curved arms completed the look, helping to create one of the most popular styles of the decade.
What is 1950s decorating style called?
The 1950s decorating style is commonly referred to as “Mid-Century Modern”. This aesthetic incorporates a range of decor, including furniture, textiles, and artwork. It often features organic, clean shapes, simple designs, and natural organic materials like wood and stone.
Mid-century modern pieces tend to have a timeless charm and are often quite iconic. Common features of the style include tall slim legs on furniture, volume-based shapes, smooth edges and silhouettes, geometric and linear patterns, neutral colors, varied textures, and layered forms.
These pieces are often built to last and can remain stylish and functional for decades to come.
What are different styles of furniture called?
There are many different styles of furniture that have been designed over the centuries. Some of the most popular are:
1. Traditional: Traditional furniture typically features carved wood, cabriole legs, rounded arms and cornices, and other flourishes. Examples of traditional furniture include wingback chairs, dining room sets, living room sets and cabinets.
2. Contemporary: Contemporary furniture combines a mixture of traditional and modern styles. Often featuring simpler lines and shapes, this type of furniture often includes sleek metal legs and bare wood surfaces.
Examples of contemporary furniture include coffee tables, armchairs, media consoles and bookshelves.
3. Mid-Century Modern: Taking design cues from modern art and architecture, mid-century modern furniture features prominent curves, flat planes, and natural materials. Examples of mid-century modern furniture include angular sofas, low-slung chairs, and slender bookcases.
4. Industrial: Industrial furniture takes its cues from warehouse structures and uses materials that have been used in factories and workshops. Examples include factory carts, metal stools and work benches, and shelving units made with rustic wood and metal frames.
5. Scandinavian: Scandinavian furniture is often characterized by light and airy woods, natural shapes, pale colors, and clean lines. Examples of Scandinavian furniture include low-slung loungers, poufs, tables and bookcases with simple lines and decorations.
What era is retro furniture?
Retro furniture is usually associated with the late 1950s through the 1960s, although some people may place it a little earlier or later depending on their personal definitions. Retro style furniture pieces often include bold, bright colors and fun patterns.
Many retro furniture pieces have curved lines and soft edges, rather than the square edges and straight lines which are minimalistic and modern. Examples of retro furniture pieces include slipper chairs, egg chairs, lounge chairs, sofa beds and sectionals, credenzas, dining tables & chairs, and record consoles.
Pieces from this era are known for taking a unique approach to colors, lines, and texture, often times making them distinct pieces.
Retro furniture still remains a popular choice today, as many people are drawn to its bold colors, fresh designs, and distinctive shape. Those looking to add a bit of retro charm to their space often find that investing in furniture pieces from this era brings a classic, timeless appeal to any room.
What is the design style of the 1960s?
The design style of the 1960s was characterized by a focus on modernity, bold colors, geometric shapes and futuristic lines. Popular elements included bright, saturated colors, geometric and mod shapes, bold patterns and abstract motifs catering to a carefree, positive and vibrant feel.
Influenced by Space Age design, the materials and décor during this period were often plastic, chrome, aluminum and glass, often with a metallic sheen. Designers used lighter woods and utilized new production techniques to combine sleek curves with sharp angles.
There was also an eclectic mix of elements that showcased cultural influences from Bohemian, Oriental and Folk motifs. This style was influential in home décor, transportation design, furniture and product design.
How were houses decorated in the 60s?
Houses in the 1960s were typically decorated with bright and bold colors and patterns, which is known as the Mid-Century Modern style. This style is characterized by its clean lines, geometric shapes, and exuberant use of color.
Walls were often painted in primary colors, such as bright red, blue, and yellow, and combined with large-scale geometric prints and spread throughout the home. Furniture also followed the same Mid-Century Modern style, which often included pieces of plywood, metal and thin-legged chairs, futon-style sofas, ottomans, and modular shelving.
Home furnishings were also frequently patterned with florals, abstract shapes, and geometric designs. To complete the look, bright accessories, such as glassware, sculptures, wall hangings, and Art Deco-style lamps were added to the home.
All of these bright and often contrasting elements were typical of the 1960s decorating style.
What is space age design?
Space age design is a style of graphic design and interior decoration that was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s. The design aesthetic was heavily inspired by the themes of space exploration and the Space Race.
It typically incorporates curved lines, bright colors, futuristic and technological motifs, and the use of materials such as plastics, acrylics, and Lucite. Space Age design was also notable for its exploration of new materials and technologies, including the use of industrial plastics, brushed aluminum and Lucite.
The look often featured organically shaped furniture and futuristic accessories, such as Sputnik light fixtures, atomic clocks, lava lamps, space-inspired sculptures and tapestries, and metallic wall treatments.
Additionally, many forms of abstract art were used to reflect the abstract nature of the cosmos and to conjure the space age mood. Space Age design also popularized futuristic colors, such as celeste blue, starburst yellow, and Apollo silver.
Astronaut motifs, star patterns, and space-related graphics were also highlighted in many Space Age designs. Many aspects of the design aesthetic remain relevant today and have influenced the aesthetics of many modern products and design trends.
Is 20 years ago considered vintage?
The concept of ‘vintage’ is one that is typically subjective; some people will argue that vintage begins at a certain point whereas others will have a different opinion. In general, items that are typically considered vintage are those that are at least 20 or more years old.
Therefore, 20 years ago can generally be considered vintage, depending on the item in question. For instance, a shirt or dress that is 20 years old may be considered vintage, but computer components from that same time period would not.
In this case, it is important to consider the item and its age in comparison to other pieces that are similar in order to determine whether the item is ‘vintage’.
How can you tell if furniture is vintage?
First and foremost, it’s important to look at the age of the piece. If the furniture was made before 1950, it would generally be considered vintage. You can also look for certain traditional features and designs in the piece, such as curved legs, dovetail joints, and decorative details.
Additionally, look at the materials used for the piece. Vintage furniture is often made from solid wood, unlike newer pieces that often use less expensive materials such as plastic, vinyl, and particle board.
When examining the fabrics used, look for patterns that were popular in the period such as paisleys, plaids, and large florals. Take a look at the hardware too, as older pieces may have brass, iron, or porcelain fittings.
Lastly, when assessing if a piece is vintage, look for a maker’s mark or stamp. These marks can help you determine the date, maker, and even the origin of the piece.
How old is vintage and antique?
The term “vintage” is used to denote a product of a certain age or era, usually ranging from 20-100 years old. As a general rule of thumb, vintage items should be at least 20 years old to be considered “vintage”.
Antiques, on the other hand, are much older than vintage items. Generally, the term “antique” is applied to items that are more than 100 years old. While this could change depending on the item, as a general rule of thumb, most antiques are intended to be over 100 years old.
How do you know if something is vintage?
Vintage items can generally be identified by looking at a combination of the item’s age, condition, quality, and style. The definition of ‘vintage’ is open to interpretation, however most people consider items over 20 years old to be vintage.
Vintage items also tend to have a certain style or aesthetic that sets them apart from more modern items. When determining if something is vintage, look for elements that suggest its age such as a branded label, the type of material used to make the item, the hardware (such as buckles or buttons), and the pattern or style of the item.
Additionally, examine the item carefully to look for signs of wear or other signs of age, such as fading or discoloration. Vintage items tend to be of higher quality and may be heavier than modern items.
Overall, the condition of the item should reflect its age, and a vintage item should not be easily confused with a brand-new one of the same type.
How old is considered classic?
The age at which something is considered ‘classic’ is subjective and can vary depending on the context. In terms of fashion, something may be considered classic if it has stood the test of time and is still worn today, or if it had a strong impact on the fashion world at the time of its production.
Items from the 1950s, 60s and 70s are commonly regarded as classic fashion pieces, as well as certain styles from the 1980s. In the world of music, something is typically considered classic if it has endured the test of time and is still a popular choice for listening today.
Music from the 1950s and 1960s, for example, is often still played on radio stations and is highly regarded as classic. In the context of literature, something may be considered a classic if it is acclaimed or has become widely popular, usually from the 19th century onwards.
How do you know the era of furniture?
Furniture can often provide clues about its era. Most of the time, a piece of furniture can be dated within a few decades or even a century or two. Some of the most common ways of determining a piece of furniture’s key points in time include examining the construction techniques, looking for maker’s marks, and noticing distinctive design elements that are associated with specific periods of furniture making.
Construction techniques can be a helpful clue for determining the era in which a piece of furniture was created. Established furniture-making techniques, such as dovetailing, were typically associated with a certain time period or style.
Maker’s marks can reveal an individual or company’s identity and provide an insight into a piece’s origins. They can be stamped, printed, painted, or engraved directly on the furniture, or an accompanying label.
Looking for design elements can also help you identify the general period of a piece’s origin. Popular motifs, colors, and silhouettes typically typify certain eras. For instance, Victorian furniture was heavily carved and ornate, while mid-century pieces featured more lines and less detail.
Spotting clues and researching the various features that indicate the age of furniture can help you identify the era it comes from.
