Mid-century modern (MCM) is an interior design aesthetic that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for its clean lines, bold colors, and emphasis on functionality over frills, furniture and other products that fall under this label tend to be made of wood or stainless steel and incorporate fabrics like vinyl and polyester. Even though this style had its heyday more than 50 years ago, it has enjoyed a resurgence over the last decade thanks to period dramas like Mad Men, where MCM motifs factored heavily into the set design.
If you want to give your house a makeover in the new year, taking cues from MCM could be a great way to have fun with it and add more panache to your personal space. Here are seven retro home decor products inspired by MCM style that can help, especially if you’re feeling nostalgic for the era.
1. Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Record Player; From $50
Victrola started making record players back in 1906 and has continued doing it for more than 100 years. The brand’s vintage suitcase design will transport you back to when records were the primary way to listen to music, except with this device, you can also connect to Bluetooth and stream all your favorite albums via Spotify, YouTube, or iTunes.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Tablecraft Coca-Cola Glass Straw Dispenser; $32
Now that pasta straws are all the rage, you need a place to store them. Take a tip from the soda fountains of the ’50s and get yourself an old-fashioned glass straw dispenser like this one, which shows off the classic Coca-Cola logo.
Buy it: Amazon
3. Nostalgia Retro Large Countertop Microwave Oven; From $130
The Nostalgia store on Amazon mixes MCM with Googie style to create sleek home goods that look like they’re from another time. This 800-watt microwave is more than just a pretty appliance, however. It features a digital LED clock, program dial, and 12 pre-programmed settings that make it easy to reheat pizza, veggies, and other popular foods.
Buy it: Amazon
4. Almodovar 36.2-Inch Wide Lounge Chair; From $304
If you loved The Jetsons growing up, chances are you’ll appreciate this MCM-style chair that has a cool futuristic vibe. With its natural wood finish and faux leather upholstery, this tripod chair could be a statement-making piece to add to your living room.
Buy it: Wayfair
5. Kikkerland Retro Alarm Clock; From $16
Instead of waking up to the alarm you’ve set on your phone, try out an old-fashioned alarm clock instead. This battery-operated one features glow-in-the-dark hands and a shut-off button at the top. With a bold trim you can get in red, blue, or green, this alarm clock reminds us of Formica countertops, saddle shoes, and cat eyeglasses.
Buy it: Amazon
6. Smeg 2-Slice Toaster; $180
This Italian brand is known for making high-end appliances that have a retro ’50s look. The flagship product is the two-slice toaster, which combines MCM style with modern functionality. It features two extra-wide slots with self-centering racks built in, so you’ll get an even brown on both pieces of bread. As it offers six different heating levels, you can also control how crisp your toast gets, and the stainless steel tray underneath is great for catching crumbs and preventing kitchen messes.
Buy it: Amazon
7. Typewriter-Style Retro Keyboard with Tablet Stand; $169 with On-Page Coupon
Before the age of computers, the typewriter reigned supreme. Now you can combine both of these pieces of technology with this typewriter-style keyboard. It can connect with up to three devices simultaneously through Bluetooth and USB. The keys make that distinctive clicky-clacky sound just like an authentic typewriter, yet it also has a backlight, so you can type your future bestseller at night.
Buy it: Amazon
Sign Up Today: Get exclusive deals, product news, reviews, and more with the Mental Floss Smart Shopping newsletter!
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/648752/retro-mid-century-modern-home-decor-products
