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Category: Vintage Home


Feb
2023

Vintage Bathroom Advertising – Be Inspired!

categories: Vintage Advertising, Vintage Home

I know it’s not going to be many people’s favourite thing, but I love a cool Mid Century bathroom / washroom. Pink, blue, green sinks / tubs whatever colour there is I love it. I also think 1920’s & 1930’s bathrooms with their cool Art deco style are just the best. So fancy!

For today’s post we are going to look back on vintage ads from the 1920’s – 1950’s as a source of inspiration for maybe a bathroom reno or just enjoyment.

Let’s begin!

1920s vintage ad: Vintage 1920's Art Deco "Standard Plumbing Fixtures" Advertisement

Vintage 1920’s Art Deco “Standard Plumbing Fixtures” Advertisement – Source

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.

Note: If the item you clicked on is no longer available, just do a search for like items. There are loads of vintage items being added to Etsy and eBay daily!

Vintage Bathroom’s 1920’s – 1950’s

The Vintage Advertising:

“Start with a colour in the fixtures” 1928 ad for Kohler.

1927 – Capitalizing on a technological breakthrough, Kohler Co. offers cast-iron and vitreous china plumbing products in matching pastel colors (Source).

1920s Vintage Ad for Kohler featuring a Coloured tub, sink and toilet. Ad is from 1928. - Vintage Bathroom.

Source: Kohler

1954 American-Standard fixtures advertisement featuring a Pink, Blue or Yellow bathroom with Grey bathroom fixtures (coloured sink, tub & toilet).

“American-Standard bathrooms in color make it easy to change your color scheme as often as you like!” “All you have to do is change your bath accessories to match the grey fixtures”

1950s vintage bathroom advertisement featuring a pink blue and yellow bathrooms from American Standard. 1950s bathroom inspiration. ==> Vintage 1954 American-Standard Plumbing Fixures Print Ad

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

1924 ad for ‘Fairfacts Fixtures’. “Complete Satisfaction in bathroom luxury”. I’m a big fan of that black & white checkered flooring.

1920s Vintage Advertisement: 1924 ad for 'Fairfacts Fixtures'. "Complete Satisfaction in bathroom luxury". Vintage ad features a black & white checkered bathroom floor

Source: Pinterest

1930’s Crane Bathroom Fixtures original vintage advertisement. Fitted for today’s needs, are Crane valves, spouts, handles, and wastes that answer every modern tenet, charm and convenience.

Look at the floor! Fantastic!

1930 vintage ad: 1930 Crane Bathroom Fixtures Classic Vintage Print Ad. Fitted for today's needs, are Crane valves, spouts, handles, and wastes that answer every modern tenet, charm and convenience.

Source: Pinterest

1945 Sears Wish Book Catalog page featuring a 1940’s bathroom and the different Shower Curtain Sets you could purchase to tie your look all together.

I think I would go green or maybe the yellow? What would you chose?

1940s vintage catalog page from a 1945 Sears Wishbook featuring Shower Curtain Sets

Source: Wishbookweb.com

Not enough colour in your bathroom? Don’t worry! FACTO-TILE has you covered! 1955 Ad.

1950s vintage ad featuring a coloured 1950s bathroom using facto-tiles. 1955 Ad.

Source: Pinterest

“The background of your day..Your Bathroom”. 1929 ad for Wolff Plumbing.

I’m a big fan of the green tub in the middle of the room. Nice touch!

1920s vintage ad from 1929 for Wolff Plumbing fixtures featuring a 1920's bathroom / Art Decor bathroom in greens and reds.

Source: Pinterest

1931 Crane Bathroom Fixures ad. “How to plan a charming bathroom”. Charming indeed! And look at that Linoleum flooring? DROOL!

Further Reading: The Beautiful World of 1940s Linoleum Flooring

1930s Vintage Ad: 1931 Crane Bathroom Fixures Print Ad featuring green bathroom fixtures, linoleum flooring and plaid seating.

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

Eljer Plumbing Fixtures, 1948 ad featuring a yellow and green bathroom. It seems to work!

1940s Vintage Ad for Eljer Plumbing Fixtures, 1948 featuring a yellow and green bathroo.

Source: Pinterest

“The World’s finest Bathroom Fixtures-Universal Rundle!” – 1951 ad.

1950s Vintage Advertisement for"The World's finest Bathroom Fixtures" from Universal Rundle in 1951. Featuring a blue & yellow bathroom. Super vintage 1950s bathroom inspiration.

Source: Etsy- KristensVintagePaper

Beautiful 1930’s Art Deco Bathroom. WOW! That Floor! 1937 Johns Manville building materials ad.

1930s Vintage Ad: Vintage Bathroom Advertising. Beautiful 1930's Art Deco Bathroom. WOW! 1937 Johns Manville building materials ad

Source: Etsy – RetroReveries

When I first saw this 1950’s ad for Armstrong flooring I thought it was a kitchen, but NOPE! It’s a huge 1950’s bathroom. Huge! I kind of oddly like it. How about you?

1950s Vintage Ad featuring a 1950s Bathroom and 1950s flooring from Armstrong Floors.

Source: Pinterest

That was a fun post to put together (I loved all the flooring to be honest)! There is so much content out there that I might have to do a part two at some point (so stay tuned!).

Question Time: What are your thoughts on coloured bathrooms, like the ones above? What was your favourite time period for bathrooms? Share in the comments section below.

FURTHER READING:

Thanks for stopping by!

Liz


Sep
2022

Fall in Love with Mid-Century, Atomic Age ‘Starbursts’ Design

categories: Vintage Home, Vintage Items

If you love Mid-Century design (and the atomic age) odds are you have seen or own at least something with a ‘Starburst’ design. This could of been clock, a door knob, mirrors etc. Starbursts were everywhere and that is why it’s the theme of my blog post today. I just love them and I know many of you will as well after this post.

Stardust Motel in Redding, California featuring a Starburst design on the vintage sign.
Stardust Motel in Redding, California. Source: Etsy

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. 

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.

Fall in Love with Mid-Century, Atomic Age ‘Starbursts’ Design

Simply…the Atomic Age happened. The period roughly corresponds to 1940–1963, when concerns about nuclear war dominated Western society during the Cold War. Architecture, industrial design, commercial design (including advertising), interior design, and fine arts were all influenced by the themes of atomic science, as well as the Space Age, which coincided with that period. Atomic Age design became popular and instantly recognizable, with a use of atomic motifs and space age symbols (source).

Starburst Clock

Let’s start with the one piece that everyone recognizes from that time period…The Starburst Clock.

This new design was conceived in 1949 by George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller. After it became popular, Nelson had countless imitators, from Seth Thomas to Elgin to Lux to Westclox (Source).

The clock is also sometimes known as a “Sunburst Clock” (for shopping reference).

As you can see in this 1958 Sears Wishbook, the starburst design and other atomic age clocks were very popular.

1950s vintage catalog page for all kinds of Mid Century Clocks-Starburst, Cucko Clocks and more!

Source: Wishbookweb.com

Mid-Century Seth Thomas starburst clock from the 1960s. STUNNING!

1960s Home Decor: Mid-Century Seth Thomas Starburst Clock from the 1960s.

Source: Etsy

Mid-Century Modern, Ingraham starburst clock (Avail as of June 2023 HERE).

1960s Home Decor / Mid Century Design: 1960s Modern Ingraham Starburst Clock

Source: Etsy

I wanted to share another Sears Wishbook page but this time from 1959 because the top right clock reminds me of the clock I shared above. Don’t you agree?

1959 Sears Wish Book Catalog page featuring Mid Century Clocks, like a Starburst clock.

Source: wishbookweb.com

Other Vintage MCM Home Decor Items….

1960s starburst wall sconce.

Vintage MCM / Mid Century Home Decor- Vintage Starburst Wall Sconce from the 1960s.

Source: Etsy

Of course we cannot forget celing lamps, like this 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern version (Avail as of June 2023 HERE).

Note: You can find lots of modern versions of these sputnik / starburst style lights online, if you like these designs.

1950s vintage ceiling lamp with a starburst atomic design made in Italy. Stunning MCM / Mid Century Modern design.

Source: Etsy

I live in an apartment building and we have those dome lights that are so boring and ugly in our livingroom, I just have to find a new solution….like this fantastic vintage MCM starburst shade for your ceiling light.

Vintage starburst ceiling light & shade MCM 15” Mid Century Modern

Source: eBay

Here is an image that was taken of an atomic starburst pattern seen on a vintage formica table. LOVE THIS!

Further Reading: Formica-For the Vintage Styled Home

Vintage MCM Home Design: an atomic starburst pattern seen on a vintage formica table.

Source: Flickr

1960-1965 era GE Textolite laminate countertop samples, that ‘Retro Renovation‘ found. I just love the “Gold Nugget” & “Champagne Nugget” sample names!

1960s vintage countertop laminate from GE textolite featuring an atomic Starburst design.

Source: Retro Renovation

Are you wondering what those formica designs actually looked like on a tabletop? Well here you go! A 1950s vintage kitchen formica table with an atomic starburst gold and silver design. Love it!

Further Reading: “Vintage Formica Tables”-Mid-Century Modern Design Ideas for the Vintage Home

vintage 1950's kitchen dinette set for the retro decor. The formica table top has an atomic silver and gold starburst design. There are also cigar shapes like bubble lamps. The cinnamon red border has a scalloped inner edge against a white center. There are white fleur-de-lis patterns at intervals around the red border. The edging is aluminum trim.

Source: Worthpoint

Atomic Starburst ceramic salt and pepper shakers, made in Japan circa 1960’s.

Mid Century Modern / MCM / Atomic Era Design: Atomic Starburst ceramic salt and pepper shakers, made in Japan circa 1960's.

Source: The Magenta Rose House

Home decor statement piece alert! A 1950s gloss black vase with white hand painted starburst motifs.

A classic example of a 1950’s Mid-Century Atomic Age design Vase. A gloss black vase with white hand painted starburst motifs make this a real stand out piece.

Source: Forajer

This cool 1960s metal magazine rack, most likely held stories about the atomic era.

1960's Atomic Starburst Magazine LP Record Rack Metal -Mid Century Modern Design.

Source: eBay

Even this 1960s wastebasket (trash can) got in on the starburst design action (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

MCM Trash Can Gold Atomic Starsburst design on the side - circa 1960s.

Source: Etsy

Plates, Glasses and other Kitchenware…

Vintage atomic starburst pattern (the design was introduced in 1954), ‘Les Etoile Faienceries Continentales’ dinnerware from the 1960s (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

Vintage atomic starburst patterned, 'Les Etoile Faienceries Continentales' dinnerware from the 1960s

Source: Etsy

Old fashion glasses from Dominion Glass Canada circa 1950s (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1950s / 1960s Mid Century Starburst Glassware from Dominion Glass Canada -Vintage Glassware.

Source: Etsy

1960s CorningWare gold atomic starburst graduated coffee carafe (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1960s Kitchen: Vintage Corning Ware Heat Proof Glass Gold Atomic Starburst Graduated Coffee Carafe

Source: Etsy

MCM atomic starburst tumbler glass circa 1950s (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1950s vintage glassware: MCM Mid-Century Atomic Starburst Tumbler Glass circa 1950s. Clear with Atomic Starburst design hand painted in Teal Green, Aqua, black, and yellow

Source: Etsy

As seen in a 1958 Sears Christmas Wishbook – 6 Starburst pattern steel trays (far left).

I personally love all the TV Trays featured!

1950s vintage TV trays As seen in a 1958 Sears Christmas Wish Book - 6 Starburst pattern steel trays (far left).

Source: wishbookweb.com

Starburst door knob back plates were also popular and seen on many MCM homes during this design heyday.

1960s MCM concave door knob + Atomic starburst backplate (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1960s vintage door knob: 1960s MCM Concave door knob + Atomic Starburst backplate

Source: Etsy

There are also lots of modern copies of the starburst door knob if you are looking for something from today’s era, like….this vendor on Etsy (VintageRevivalArtCo), who has the door knob’s back plates in various colours (so you not stuck with whatever vintage colour came with the back plate).

Mid century modern design: Atomic Starburst Doorknob Back Plate for MCM doors.

Vintage Neon Signs

I cannot possibly do a post on this topic and not feature some cool vintage neon signs from this era. They are my absolute favourite.

I think the ‘Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign is one of the most recognizable signs on the planet.

Mid Century Vintage neon sign: The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign. Featuring a Starburst design at the top.

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is a Las Vegas landmark funded in May 1959 and erected soon after by Western Neon. The sign was designed by Betty Willis at the request of Ted Rogich, a local salesman, who sold it to Clark County, Nevada.

Legend has been written that “Willis considered this her gift to the city and wanted it to be in the public domain.” She has been quoted in saying, “If I had copyrighted the sign, it probably wouldn’t have been used as much and wouldn’t be as famous. But, it would be nice to have a dime for every time it’s been used.”

However, the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) has owned the sign since their purchase of Western Neon in the early 1960s, and the company leases the sign to Clark County (Source).

Welcome to las vegas neon sign at night.

Source: Wikipedia

One more from Las Vegas..The Legendary Stardust Hotel in 1959 with all it’s atomic signage (starbursts & planets everywhere!).

1959 Greetings From Las Vegas Stardust metal sign featuring the vintage atomic era signs.

Source: eBay

Bowling, cocktails, billards anyone? What a stunning 1960s neon sign.

Vintage Neon Sign / Atomic Era / Starburst Design sign as seen on a bowling alley vintage sign. Photograph by David Mushegain.

Source: Pinterest

The ‘Pink Motel” in California with it’s angular, star-topped neon sign.

When Joseph Thomulka moved his family from Pennsylvania to California, he decided to build a pink motel, and in 1947, he did. In 1949, he added the Pink Café, now known as Cadillac Jack’s Café, and in 1959 he added a fish-shaped swimming pool (Source).

Pink Motel in California with its angular, star-topped neon sign. When Joseph Thomulka moved his family from Pennsylvania to California, he decided to build a pink motel, and in 1947, he did. In 1949, he added the Pink Café, now known as Cadillac Jack's Café, and in 1959 he added a fish-shaped swimming pool

Source: Pinterest

I just had to share the motel’s fish-shaped pool after mentioning. So much fun!

The Pink motel Fish Shaped Pool-Mid Century Modern Design.

Source: la.curbed.com

Looking for more Starburst items to purchase? Then head over to my Etsy “Favourites” page dedicated to all things Starburst (Vintage & Modern)!

Final note, in 2019 I travelled to Brussels, Belgium and saw one the largest Atomic Age architecture examples – The Brussels Atomium.

The Atomium Brussels Belgium photo from vintageinn.ca blog

Question Time: Are you a fan of the Atomic era / Starburst 1950s / 1960s designs? Do you have anything in your home with this pattern? Share ANY thoughts you have on the topic in the comments section below.

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

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz