Thanks to the popularity of the television series "Mad Men," more people now have an interest in mid-century modern and vintage designs than ever before. While these pieces lost popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, its sudden resurgence led to high price tags online, at furniture stores and in antique stores. If you're a smart shopper, you can still find bargains online and in your neighborhood. Before you go overboard and make your house look like a time capsule, find out how you can show your love of the vintage style in four simple ways.
Chrome and Formica Table
A chrome and Formica table is one of those classic pieces that any vintage lover needs. Though the tables date back to the 1940s, it wasn't until the 1950s that the designs really gained a cult following. Most designs feature chrome legs and accents around the edges of the table with a Formica tabletop. Matching chairs usually have chrome legs and accents with a matching vinyl covering. You can find these tables in hundreds of colors and patterns. If you have problems finding the real deal, you can easily find a replica table that looks like one of the originals.
Herman Miller Chair
Herman Miller is one of the classic designers associated with the mid-century modern era of decorating. Thanks to Herman Miller chairs from Living Edge, you can now get the design that you want without rooting around in antique stores and worrying about who sat in your chair first. One of the more classic designs features a bent wood back and seat with leather upholstery on top and a matching footstool. While black was the most popular color, you can now pick a chair with upholstery in a color that better matches your home. You'll also find amazing shell chairs, rocking chairs and even desk chairs made to recreate the look of the originals.
Pyrex Baking Dishes
Pyrex started back in the 1920s, and while the company is still in existence today, you won't find the bright colors and funky designs of past years. The company now manufacturers baking dishes in clear glass, but it's easy to find some of the more popular older vintage designs online and offline. The two most popular colors are turquoise and pink, but many people also love the look of the bright orange and green designs. Even if you don't cook very much at home, you can use one of the larger bowls to display fruit or to create a centerpiece in the middle of your table.
Vintage Decorations
Vintage decorations are incredibly hot right now, but you want to pick one or two statement pieces to give your house a vintage look without making it look like a thrift store or a rummage sale. Gravel art from the 1960s and 1970s, which feature small pieces of gravel used to create a design, are one idea, but you may want to use a traditional paint by numbers piece in lieu of gravel art. You'll also find a number of fun ways to decorate during the holidays. Try pairing an aluminum tree with a vintage color wheel, or displaying a collection of elf on the shelf dolls on your mantle.
Finding vintage pieces for your home can easily cost you a few thousand dollars, but while there are dealers scouring estate sales, flea markets and thrift stores, you can still find some deals for yourself. If the idea of using vintage items makes you worry a little, check out the designs making replica chrome and Formica tables and matching chairs, Herman Miller chairs and other items.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and was authored by Living Edge.
I'm a former 7th grade Science teacher turned stay-at-home mom that lives in Houston, Texas. I am married to my college sweetheart and have a beautiful daughter named Riley, who definitely keeps me on my toes! I am also involved in starting a small business which would both manufacture and sell an invention that I've patented, called Toothpaste 2 Go. I love interacting with my readers and hope to learn as much about you as you learn about me!
Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley!
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