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?
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I love a blend of old and modern styles, but I also prefer a minimalist and comfy look.
Much like yourself, I don’t think I could choose a specific era!
I love the grandeur of the Georgian era, everything just looked fancy.
Victorian era totally floats my boat too.
I love the 40’s and 50’s era style.
60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s… well they can probably stay where they are haha.
I’ll never forget the garish patterns and clashing colours of my grandparents’ houses but that’s a style i’m not in a hurry to recreate haha.
It is so hard isn’t it – definitely nice to take some inspiration from different eras.
I’d love to decorate around a 1950s or 1880s theme but he who should probably be ignored has vetoed the idea. However, he can’t stop me decorating my doll houses in my favourite eras! I have a Victorian house, a 40’s bakers, a 50’s house (this one actually comes from the 50s!) and my newest one will be a haunted house from this era.
Oh I bet that is lovely – what an amazing thing to do to be able to do your dollhouses as you like so creativity.
Really interesting times, amazing how far we’ve come in 70 – 80 years
It is crazy how quickly things have progressed really when we think back on it.
I have a real fondness for 40s style, it’s really interesting to see the differences in the rooms
It is amazing how things have changed isn’t it, but you can in some ways still see some influences.
What an interesting time. Technology was just starting to come to the people.
It is so strange as it wasn’t that long ago all things considered but a completely different time.
I love the 1940s decor! Everything has a way of looking so well put together but still quirky. No doubt it’ll all come back into fashion soon.
It is really interesting to see how things come around again when it comes to fashion and decor, isn’t it?
I’ve read a lot about the 40s and I must say that time was full of aesthetics!
It’s a really interesting time isn’t it – so much going on.
As soon as I was let loose to choose my own bedroom style I went all out on Pierrot. The wallpaper, the bedding, lampshades and far too many of the dolls. Couldn’t sleep half the night as the largest one was perched in a chair looking at me. What was I thinking?
Haha I’m so glad I’m not the only one wondering what they were thinking when they choose their own rooms.
I have a mad mix of furniture and decorations from all over the eras. I do love 1040s advertising prints though.
They have some amazing adverts don’t they – you wonder quite what they were thinking at times.
I love the 50’s as they used lots of pastel shades. Love modern technology though so could not lose them
I was amazed by how much pastel was used in the 50s not sure why though.
I love vintage pieces to decorate, they are so classy and great looking, plus bring some memories back
I often wonder what vintage pieces would say if they could talk about all the things they have seen.
I love most things vintage! However, I also like things to be comfortable and functional. Our furniture is mostly stuff we inherited or picked up at thrift shops along the way. However, I just ordered a pair of new chairs that have a mid-century feel to them. 10 years ago I was not into the mid-century furniture look, but it has obviously grown on me. (I never really watched Madmen, but I do like the sets.) We have several dining tables in storage and just decided last night to switch back to the one from the 1940s.
I think there are some amazing bits you can get second hand, when I came out of the refuge I think the only thing I got new was a bed, everything else was second hand, I still have at least 1 piece now all these years later, while a couple went back to the same charity to help someone else when I didn’t have room for them and was moving.
I love a mixed style of an old and new versions at home but I also preferred of having a minimalist and comfortable style on it.
It sounds like you know what you like, I wish sometimes I could be more minimalist.
I love random things too. I don’t have a certain style but I like certain things in a certain moment.
It’s strange isn’t it – I like having such a mix though!
I like the look of the style, but I wouldn’t have wanted to live back then. It would be fun maybe for like a short time if I had a Tardis, but in general, I’m glad for the time I live.
Yeah I wouldn’t have wanted to be alive during the war, perhaps the after mouth, but it must have been a very strange time all around.
Both decors are great, but I love the modern one,since it’s more minimalist.
It is interesting to see them against each other isn’t it?
I love the modern version when it comes to my kitchen.
I am always fascinated by the old style of decor. I know that I love a rustic design but I would also love a 1940’s style kitchen. Such a cool way to decorate.
It would be so interesting wouldn’t it? I love seeing how different trends come and go and how we often recycle them.
I love the re-winded decor. I live in a old Victorian style home so it really goes along with it over the modern styles.
I would love to like in an old home, though I am sure I probably complain about heating it, but I just love the idea of it.
I am not super familiar with 40’s style but I do like the simple yet elegant look.
It’s one of those times where there is a change going on, so a lot of traditional with new.
I’m a mix of old and new. I have a Victorian Bedroom set and a contemporary living room set. 🙂
Ohh I bet your bedroom set is gorgeous, I have to admit I love antique wooden furniture, beds, dressers, drawers, anything love it!
I do like the retro look but personally I like my home to be cosy and comfortable with things that make me feel homely regardless of what era they are from. I have a mix of all looks like you.
I don’t think I could stick to one theme, I’m a bit all over the place like my mind lol.
I love the 40’s old school vibe. It’s a nice change from some of the stuff I see lately.
I love these looks! I am all about retro, so I’ve always been a fan. I mix old and new as well.
They are so fun aren’t they – I love how they have taken popular shows and made them.
I grew up in the 70’s and am NOT a fan of that. BUT, I love the look of the 40’s decor. Simple and to the point. And I also love the Britsh Baking Show.
I’m the same I wouldn’t like my 90s decor back at all – what was I thinking?!