Kitchen Advertising from the 1950s

Who doesn’t feel a nostalgic pang of adoration when thinking about the classic 1950s kitchen? From the era’s vibrant checkered floor tiling, to the iconic white kitchen appliances (or pink!), these spaces were designed to appeal as well as be efficient for our busy 1950s housewife.

In this blog post we’ll explore thru vintage advertising what those kitchens looked like during that era. Maybe it will inspire you to update your modern day kitchen to a retro one?

Note: This is an extension of a blog post I did in 2021 showcasing ‘Vintage Photos of People in the Kitchen‘.

Let’s begin!

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

1950s Vintage Kitchen Advertising

1950 ad for ‘Hotpoint All-Electric Kitchen’. “Saves Time-Saves Steps-Saves Work”

Source: Etsy- PlentifulPages

“To tranform that old, ugly work-trap kitchen into a modern, step-saving AMERICAN KITCHEN!”. 1951 Ad.

Source: Etsy – KristensVintagePaper

“World’s Newest Kitchen Ideas – priced right for you!” 1951 Youngstown Kitchens advertisement featuring cabinet ideas, fun colourful countertops and more!

Source: eBay

“Make your kitchen look new with these practical walls from Armstrong’s Monowall (maker’s of Armstrong’s Linoleum). 1951 ad.

Further Reading: The Beautiful World of 1940s Linoleum Flooring

Source: Etsy – KristensVintagePaper

“See the latest advances in modern living”. 1952 vintage kitchen design ideas from Youngstown Kitchens.

Source: eBay

1953 THOR Built-In Electric Range advertisement. Perfect kitchen appliance for that modern kitchen and housewife.

Source: Etsy – KristensVintagePaper

Geneva Personalized Kitchens – 1954 Ad. “Let your GENEVA Kitchen be gay…in one of six delightful colors – or white if you prefer”

Source: Etsy – KristensVintagePaper

“Take a good look and see why…Republic Steel Kitchens give you the most for your money!” 1954 ad.

Source: Etsy – KristensVintagePaper

1950s magazine cover featuring a Mid-Century tropical patio indoor / outdoor living arrangement, including a cute outdoor kitchen.

I LOVE THIS!

Source: Etsy- PlentifulPages

“This is Living – Foodarama Living by Kelvinator”.

1959 Kelvinator appliances advertisement including a pink fridge and big kitchen windows (love those windows).

Source: Etsy- PlentifulPages

Mid-Century Kitchen: “Our goal was a kitchen as inviting as a sitting room. Kitchen has a deep sense of dimension to and fro. Handsomely designed cabinets fit under counter. At far end are more counter and tray space, and under colorful storage panels the laundry. An entertaining use of fabric and handcraft makes for interest on every hand.”

Source: Etsy- PlentifulPages

Question: Are you a fan of the classic 1950s kitchen? Tell me what your favorite elements of the design are and how you would mix it with modern updates? OR just tell me anything you wish to talk about around this topic.

Further Reading:

• Vintage Home Decor 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)
• Vintage Photo Tuesday: In The Kitchen
• Vintage Formica Advertising 1940s-1960s
• Vintage Refrigerator Advertisements 1920’s – 1950’s
• Decor ideas from the homes of the 1950’s

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz