These days, kitchen decor comes in all colors, sizes, and eras. A fun way to decorate your kitchen is with a bit of 1940s nostalgia. Painted cabinets, glass knobs, and vintage bedding combined with new appliances that have a retro look can give you a unique and functional kitchen.

You can get a great 1940s look without spending a ton and still be able to fill your kitchen with some nice collectibles. Here are some ideas on how you can get a 1940’s look in your kitchen.

colors

Some popular colors from this era include jadeite and a red and white theme. You can find plenty of vintage accents to fill your kitchen with any of these color schemes. Why not start a jadeite collection that you can display in open cabinets and use for dinnerware? You can enliven the place with antique wooden-handled gadgets that are painted jade and cream. If you go for the red and white theme, there are plenty of vintage red kitchenware and vintage bedding can really liven the place up. Another advantage of the red and white theme is that you can also add a fruit theme on top, like apples or strawberries.

I would leave the walls in a neutral color – white or off-white so that it does not detract from everything
your great accessories. Linoleum flooring in a checkerboard pattern would be perfect.
Some color coordinated rugs can add a bit of color to the floor and bring it all together.

Turning on

Simple lighting is better. You can buy vintage ceiling lamps and wall sconces if you want a
really authentic look. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have enough homework
lighting, so some modern lighting will have to be worked on. I suggest you make them as subtle as possible so they don’t look out of place.

window treatments

Use vintage curtains for your windows. You can buy them with complementary colors and great patterns.
If you can’t find curtains, make some out of old kitchen towels or tablecloths. You can buy tablecloths that have stains in 1 area quite cheaply and then use the good area for curtains! If you’re going for a 1940s red and white kitchen decor theme, you may want to choose cherries or apples as a secondary theme and look for curtains with those fruits in the motif.

Furniture

Glass knobs will enhance your furniture and cabinets and give it an authentic vintage look. If you have white or cream painted cabinets, try green glass knobs. Your table and chairs should be an old style chrome dining room (you can buy these new and you can get old ones too) or an old style wooden table with an enamel top. If you can’t find any of these, you can buy any type of table and hide it with a vintage tablecloth.

Accessories

1940’s style kitchen fixtures can be found at antique malls and can also be purchased new.
Soften the room by hanging vintage tablecloths and dish towels. Chrome appliances go well with this look, as do the retro-style appliances you can buy new these days. And don’t forget vintage
bread box and canisters all kitchens had them on the counter and you can choose from chrome
or nail polish in cream and green, or red and white to complete your look.