Furnish Your Kitchen With 50's Era Retro Tables and Chairs

Midcentury modern style is back in vogue, with its clean lines, funky patterns, and emphasis on functionality. For those looking to add some retro flair to their kitchen, 50's style tables and chairs are a perfect way to achieve that nostalgic look.

We'll also share tips on how to incorporate retro tables and chairs into your modern kitchen. Read on for insights on sizing, placement, styling, and maintenance to help you recreate the 1950s diner or sitcom kitchen you've always dreamed of.

History of 50's Retro Furniture Design

The sleek silhouettes and vibrant colors of 1950s furniture were born out of the postwar economic boom. New mass production methods made furnishing homes with stylish yet affordable pieces possible for the average consumer. The period also gave rise to midcentury modern style, with its focus on organic shapes, clean lines, and bringing the outdoors in.

Retro 1950s furniture encapsulates the optimism and atmosphere of this iconic era. Designs were influenced by the newfound fascination with outer space, the Space Age, and futuristic forms. Chairs with tapered metal legs seemed to defy gravity, while circular tables with lazy Susan turntables added a whimsical element. These playful, experimental pieces marked a clear departure from the stuffy Victorian-inspired styles that preceded them.

Common Styles and Shapes

When it comes to 50's retro tables, common shapes include round, oval, kidney bean, and boomerang silhouettes. Watch for pedestal bases, often with slim tapered legs made of gleaming chrome or aluminum. Distinctive leg shapes like tapered cylinders or an s-curve are also frequently seen. Iconic table leg designs from the era include the Tulip, Wishbone, and Cascade styles.

For chairs, molded plastic seats atop metal legs were ubiquitous. Chrome frames with vinyl or leatherette upholstery allowed for colorful, comfortable seating options. Details like metal trim along edges added shine and dimension. Backrest styles might be bucket-shaped, have an exposed metal grid design, or simple vertical slats.

Popular Retro Table Shapes:

• Round pedestal
• Oval
• Kidney bean
• Boomerang

Distinctive Chair Features:

• Molded plastic seat
• Chrome or aluminum legs
• Vinyl/leatherette upholstery
• Metal trim accents

Vibrant and Bold Color Palette

When you picture a retro 50's kitchen, you likely imagine an aqua dining set paired with cherry red appliances. These vibrant, saturated hues were hugely popular in the postwar era. Bright blues, yellows, turquoises, pinks, oranges, and reds gave an upbeat, fun vibe. Black and white colorblocking also added bold contrast.

Retro table and chair sets frequently incorporated playful novelty prints featuring abstract shapes, space age motifs, or floral patterns. These prints might be seen on upholstery or tablecloths paired with the table and chairs. The overall look captures 50's optimism and whimsy.

Materials and Finishes

Vinyl and leatherette upholstery withstands heavy use and makes clean-up easy, which is why these materials were so commonly used on retro dining chairs. For tabletops, durable laminate developing during this era allowed tables with chip-resistant surfaces perfect for everyday dining and entertaining.

Chrome accents add shine and dimension to table bases and chair legs. Other metals like aluminum offered affordable options. While many retro tables and chairs utilize hardwearing conventional materials, some designs also incorporate sustainable options like bamboo or recycled plastics for eco-friendly durability.

Sizing Options For Every Kitchen

Retro tables and chairs come in a range of sizes to complement different kitchen spaces.

For intimate breakfast nooks, a 2-person oval or round pedestal table allows you to keep the area light and airy. In moderately sized kitchens and dining spaces, a 4-seater round table is ideal.

Those with larger families or who frequently host dinner parties may prefer a spacious 6 to 8-seat midcentury dining set. Here a rectangular table can comfortably fit guests while retaining that iconic retro silhouette.

Remember to measure your existing kitchen and dining areas carefully to ensure enough space around the table for seating and traffic flow. Keeping sight lines open creates a seamless look.

Sizing for Small Spaces:

2-seat oval or round pedestal table

Mid-Size and Family Kitchens:

4-6 seat round or oval table

Large Spaces and Frequent Entertaining:

6-8 seat rectangular table

Additional Features and Innovations

While midcentury modern style remains at their core, retro tables and chairs now incorporate modern innovations for added convenience.

Height-adjustable stools and table legs allow you to customize the furnishings to your room's dimensions. They also enable standing-height dining when you feel like a change.

Some retro kitchen tables now feature built-in storage like racks or compartments for handy access to essentials like napkins and cutlery. Wireless phone charging and USB ports seamlessly integrate tech needs into these vintage designs.

Under-table lighting casts a retro glow for mood and illuminates the dining surface when needed. So in addition to style, today's retro tables deliver smart functionality.

Contemporary Additions:

• Height adjustable legs
• Built-in storage
• Charging ports
• Under-table lighting

Tips for Styling Your Retro Table and Chairs

A few simple styling strategies help your vintage furniture feel cohesive in your modern kitchen.

Mixing retro with some contemporary elements creates an eclectic style. Pair sleek stainless appliances and pendant lighting with your kitschy table. Modern artwork, cushions, and centerpieces also blend nicely.

Proper placement and adequate walking space give your setup an inviting flow. Measure and adjust table and chair positions as needed. Try angles that open sightlines and avoid a cramped feel.

Tie colors and patterns from your table and chairs into adjacent kitchen decor. Bring in cherry red with a toaster or canister set, or display turquoise ceramic cookware nearby.

Design Tips

• Blend with modern appliances
• Mind placement and traffic flow
• Coordinate colors and patterns

Maintaining Your Retro Furniture

The laminates and vinyls used on retro tables and chairs make upkeep simple. But be sure to follow some basic care guidelines to keep your midcentury furniture looking its best.

Use coasters under glasses and placemats during meals to protect the table surface from hot plates or spills. A gentle cleaner safe for laminate removes smudges or dirt buildup. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.

Chrome edges and legs stay shiny with occasional polishing using a microfiber cloth. Check vinyl or leatherette chair seats for scuffs or cracks and spot clean as needed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

By attending to surfaces and finishes with regular gentle cleaning, your atomic age antiques will keep their retro charm and last for years of fashionable function.

Care Tips

• Use coasters and placemats
• Clean laminate with mild cleaner
• Polish chrome accents
• Spot clean upholstery

With its bright colors, space age silhouettes, and sputnik starbursts, the retro style brilliantly captures midcentury optimism and space age fantasies. By furnishing your kitchen with 50's era tables and chairs, you can recreate the flashy, lively ambience of a diner or sitcom kitchen.

Beyond the whimsical style, retro tables and chairs deliver durability for everyday use. Their kitschy charm injects a lively spirit into your space. So complete your modern kitchen with these atomic age antiques. With some simple styling, you'll love entertaining family and friends in your fresh blast from the past.