Let’s Rewind Time – 1940s Decor

This is a collaborative post.

We all have different styles and interior preferences when it comes to our homes. However, have you ever wondered what you might have chosen for your home decor if you were decorating in a different decade?

I think back to my 90s childhood bedroom. It was floral and so far from anything I would choose now. Yet it was a product of the time. The prints were high fashion and loved by many for room designs in the 90s.

Going back further, we see unique and loved designs for which particular decades are remembered. For instance, the art deco love of the 1920s, the mid-century modern of the 50s, and the bright colours with lots of mustard of the 70s.

Each decade we pass through has a unique spin on everything from home to fashion.

Back to the 1940s

The 1940s took a lot of inspiration and ideas for home design from the 1930s. After all, World War II meant that less really was more for them. Many 1940s homes still showed the tell-tale signs of the war even in the latter half of the decade, once the war was over.

Traditional styles seemed to make a comeback after the war, perhaps as people wanted to form a more secure feeling around them. The 1940s interior designs saw floral patterns and traditional dark wood furnishings coming back in place of the more grandiose prints and patterns of the past few decades, especially in the master bedroom.

Another one of the key elements of the time was changes to the flooring. Carpets and linoleum flooring were becoming more popular, perhaps as they were cosier and more cost-effective than hardwood floors.

The 1940s seemed to hold a transitionary phase in the 20th century. Partly stuck in prior decades due to the war, yet still opening the door for the years ahead, offering change and progression at a fast pace.

What If – 1940s Edition?

What if your favourite TV show had been made or set in the 1940s? What would those rooms look like?

Age Co have taken three quintessentially British programmes and reimagined a room from each one as they might have been designed and decorated in the 1940s.

Kicking it off is Gavin and Stacy’s living room getting a makeover. Moving back to the 1940s, living areas may have included things such as a wireless, an open coal fire and even a mannequin! This was a nod towards the clothing shortages of the time and the fact that material was often repurposed.

As you might have guessed from the photo above, the Great British Bake Off is one of the TV programmes. Of course, it is the famous tent that has been reimagined. In the 40s, you might have seen less bright colours and more black and white or monochrome in the colour scheme. After all, functionality came before style in the 40s. It was uncommon for homes to have fridges, so meat safes were necessary. Pantries stored other foods.

Lastly, a trip to Emmerdale takes us to look at a dining room. This was the area where most of the family gathered together each night to eat a meal. Less thought was put into comfort in the decor styles of the 40s. Both food and fuel were rationed during this time, so it, of course, made sense for everyone to come together.

If you want to see what these three rooms look like, head to the link above and check them out. It is pretty eye-opening to see the differences between then and now.

What Decade Would I Choose?

I have to admit this is a question I’ve pondered before. What decade would I choose to live in if I could? Yet the answer always remains the same: I don’t have an answer.

I am one of those people who likes random things. I have a mix of old with new in my house, and that’s how I like it. My home is full of things I like, rather than being aesthetically together and pleasing.

However, what about you? Do you have a decade you would like to design your home around? 

Pin it!