When deciding what to write about next for my readers I sometimes look at past posts and how they have done (I review the stats). One of those popular posts has ended up being on ‘The beautiful world of 1940s Linoleum Flooring“. It has top billing in my stats every single day! Which made me think that clearly I need to do another version of Vintage Design Ideas (or close too) for the modern home.

In the past I have written about “Vintage Formica Tables” but I have never done a post on just vintage advertising for Formica from the 1940s, 1950s & 1960s! I think it’s time I do!

Let’s begin spining the seach engine wheel to see what we find (be prepared for some stunning mid century designs!)!

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from  eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.

Source: eBay

Formica-For the Vintage Styled Home

First up..WHAT IS FORMICA? It’s LAMINATE!

Formica Laminate is a laminated composite material invented at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the United States in 1912. Originally used to replace mica in electrical applications, it has since been manufactured for a variety of applications. Today, the product is produced by New Zealand–based Formica Group, and has been since 2007.

The word Formica refers to the company’s classic product: a heat-resistant, wipe clean laminate of paper or textile with melamine resin (Source).

For today’s post we are going to focus on ‘Decorative Laminate/Formica’. Decorative laminates have greater aesthetic appeal in terms of finishes and patterns. Decorative laminates can be used for doing ornamental overlays on furniture (Source).

Vintage 1950s Formica table top salesman sample pieces, set of 8 Mid Century designs.

I want the design on the right!

Source: eBay

Vintage Advertising for Formica 1940s-1960s

1948 Vintage Ad-“Formica is friends with the family.

A poem…

“What makes some homes such friendly places

Where smiles abound on happy faces?

Do colours clean and cheerful bright

Make coming home a real delight?

But daily use is the final test,

True beauty’s active….not at rest.

So have a home your proud to show,

Yet spare the kids that sharp “no, no!”

Formica’s beauty is in useful living,

In the abuse it takes…and the joy it’s giving.

Source: eBay

1941 Formica kitchen dinette breakfast table print ad.

Source: eBay

“Hundreds of Pictures of Formica Furniture to Live with“. Vintage advertising print ad from 1956 for a Formica Furniture Shopper Guide. LOVE the 1950s purple skirt and top on our model and of course the Mid Century Designs! 

Source: eBay

1956 ad showcasing another housewife in her mid century kitchen.

Ebay

“Formica, that’s the ticket!”. 1952 vintage ad featuring two 1950s housewives with signs supporting the purchase of Formica for their homes.

Source: eBay

Make sure you buy Genuine Formica! Don’t get fooled by the imitators! 1950s ad featuring a Formica dining table and another 1950s housewife setting the table.

Source: eBay

1954 Ad featuring a blue Formica Kitchen counter tops and bubble gum pink chairs.

Source: eBay

1961 Formica ad. “Always check for the Formica Label”!

Source: eBay

Formica is not just for the kitchen, you also can add it to your bathroom/washroom as seen in this 1966 ad.

Yikes carpet in the bathroom..NOPE!

Source: eBay

Add Formica to your walls, doors, counters and furniture for the perfect 1960s classroom as seen in this 1966 ad.

Source: eBay

Formica for stylish 1950s side cupboards. 1957 ad.

Source: eBay

Lastly I wanted to share the competitions advertising from a 1957 vintage ad for General Electric Textolite (laminate surfacing) countertops. Look at those stunning patterns for your kitchen counters?!! Yooza!

Pinterest

Thanks for stopping by friends!

Question Time! Are you a fan of Formica? Do you have any in your home right now? What ads did you like the best? Share your comments below, I love to hear from my readers.

FURTHER READING: Check out my archive of ‘Vintage Home Decor’ Posts HERE.

Liz