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Retro Kitchen Tables - Why Retro Works Today
There are several reason retro is popular today - one reason is that many of these classic designs are
relatively inexpensively to purchase today. In the 1950’s manufactures were trying to design and create furniture
that was relatively inexpensive and easy to clean – just like today mom’s back then didn’t want to spend too much
time cleaning house either.
Some of the early retro pieces were designed in the early 40’s when manufacturers were forced to use alternative
materials like formica, plastic and wood because of a shortage of metal, which was being used in the war effort. As
a result many of these designs can be relatively inexpensive - a good thing in today's environment.
Retro kitchen table – what images come to mind when you hear those words? A classic favorite of many people is a
diner theme, which offers a variety of retro kitchen table choices for families and kitchens of all sizes. Online
you can find a two-seater diner set or booths that are large enough to accommodate a large family. A retro theme
is an easy way to add a little fun to your kitchen and create a warm cozy atmosphere kitchen where friends and
family will love to come together food, fun, and conversation.
Retro Kitchen Tables - Color Options
Red, white and black – that’s the color scheme that many people first think of when they hear the word retro and
these are certainly classic retro colors, but don’t limit yourself. First you need to think about the other colors
throughout your home – black and white just may not work for you. Today there is a great selection of tables
available – you can find a retro kitchen table in blue, pink, aqua, yellow, red, turquoise, and mint green along with
black and white. Later retro looks from the 70's also feature avocado green, orange, reds and browns. So
don’t limit yourself, check out a number of different options online to see what is available.
Retro Kitchen Tables – Shapes and Finishes
You will find a retro table available in almost any shape you might need - whether its round, oval, square, a
rectangle or something else you can probably find what you’re looking for. You can find tables that feature chrome
edging and laminated tops. You will see everything from unique one of a kind patterned laminate tops to simple
one color laminates. How about a checkerboard pattern or some of the classic Cola themes? Not into shiny – retro
isn’t all about chrome and plastic.
You can also find a more traditional looking wooden table, add a little paint and some printed curtains, hang
some vintage wallpaper and some new pastel paint on the wall or even a vintage picture. Retro isn’t just about
flashy chrome and diners with bowling alley designs. Retro furniture was and is also about a recreating a feeling.
We use vintage designs help to recreate the cozy comforts we knew growing up as we sat around the kitchen table for
breakfast.
Or maybe you want the look but just don’t have the budget right now for a flashy new retro table. You can also
find simple wooden tables that you can cover with a vintage tablecloth to create a retro look. If you aren’t afraid
of tackling a DIY project you can also think about resurfacing an old wooden table with a formica top.
Everyone likes to add their own sense of style to a home renovation project. But sometimes it
helps to get a few ideas to start the creative juices flowing. A great place to start is online where you can
normally find copies of magazines from the 1950’s and 1960’s. If you can’t find what you’re looking for online you
can also try your local library, many still carry copies of magazines like Life and Good
Housekeeping that date back to the retro era. One advantage of researching old magazines is that you have the
opportunity to see an actual retro kitchen table, not just someone’s idea of what it retro should be.
Retro Kitchen Tables – How Much Space
When shopping for a kitchen table you are going to have the deal with the practical issue of how much space you
have available – particularly if you have a small kitchen or dining area. So before you begin shopping for a
kitchen table, make sure you take a few measurements and remember to allow sufficient space to comfortably navigate
around the table as well. You might want to think about making a scale drawing of you area, it helps to visualize
how the table you have in mind might fit in your kitchen or dining room.
Retro Kitchen Table – Accessories
Once you have decided on the retro table you want it is easy to follow through with accessories and colors that
will complement your theme. You can also find a variety of retro reproductions that will help bring the look
together.
Have you thought about repainting the kitchen walls – it’s one of the least expensive options you have
available. You can use the color scheme from the colors in your diner set or table as the focus of your room. The
main color should be your main accent color and if you combine that with two other complementing accent colors then
you will have the base for adding accent pieces and to select wall colors from.
Or maybe if your budget is a little larger – think about adding some vintage look wallpaper. And don’t forget
about hanging a few 50’s prints on the walls to complete the look - think Marilyn Monroe.
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