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

How did Starbursts designs become popular?

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.

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!

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

Right now on social media the “Ten Year Challenge” is trending. What did you look like 10 years ago vrs today. This trend then sprung an idea into my head! What if I were to look at a vintage yearbook photos from a COLLEGE Freshman’s first year vrs their last year (Senior year) and share it here?

Well friends, you are in luck! I have found some fun examples from the 1920s to the late 1960s that I’m sharing with you right now (and then maybe some more in a future post).

Let the fun begin!

(Note: All photos are from North Carolina Yearbooks-DigitalNC)

Freshman vrs Senior Year (1920s-1960s)

The Vintage Yearbook Photos

Here we have Freshman Alice Langston in the 1947 ‘Pine Knot’ yearbook at Barton College.

1940s vintage yearbook photo of a young woman in 1947

Now here is Alice as a Senior in 1950 with shorter hair (a very fashionable cut) and a more grown up look.

1950 vintage yearbook of a senior college student with a 1950s short hairstyle.

One more from Barton….Freshman Darlene Tucker in the 1947 ‘Pine Knot’ yearbook at Barton College.

1940s Vintage Yearbook photo of a young woman in a 1947 yearbook

Here is Darlene in 1950. Look at all those clubs and positions she was part of. Good for her! AND can we talk about how adorable Darlene is?

1950 Vintage Yearbook photo of a young woman with a 1950s hairstyle.

Yvonne Scruggs-Treasurer for the Freshman class of 1952 at North Carolina Central University. Seen in “The Eagle” yearbook (I love her necklace!).

1950s vintage yearbook photo of a young pretty Black woman in college as the freshman treasurer

Here is Yvonne in 1955 in her graduation Senior yearbook photo. What an active 4 years she had.

1950s vintage yearbook photo of a young Black Woman graduating from college.

Freshman Treva Miller in the 1941 ‘Sights & Insights’ yearbook from Salem College. Great necklace Treva!

1940s Vintage Hairstyle as seen on a freshman student in a 1941 yearbook

By Senior year (1944), Treva knew how to tame those beautiful curls and became the top of her class in Home Economics (I don’t know this part as a fact but it felt fun to throw in).

1940s vintage photo from a 1941 vintage yearbook featuring a female senior college student.

Hermenia Fitts as a Freshman in 1946 seen in the ‘Maroon & Gray’ yearbook from North Carolina Central University.

1940s Vintage Yearbook from 1946 of a young Black Woman as a freshman in her college

Hermenia Fitts class of 1949 in Commerce and she even made Homecoming Court Royalty. What a smart beauty who had quite the glow up!

1940s Vintage Yearbook from 1949 of a young Black Woman as a senior in her college

In 1935 at Appalachian State University, Fred Moore was starting out as a Freshman (‘The Rhododendron’ 1935 yearbook).

1930s vintage yearbook photo of a freshman student 1930s mens fashion

By 1938, Fred was now going as ‘Frederick Daniel Moore’ and he graduated with a degree (diploma?) in History and Physical Education.

1930s vintage yearbook photo from 1938 of a College Senior Man.

Stella Tilley also attended with Fred. Here is her 1935 Freshman yearbook photo.

1930s vintage yearbook photo of a freshman girl in college. 1930s vintage hairstyle inspiration.

Stella in 1938 is now a Grammar Grade Education Grad with the prettiest crown of curls.

1930s vintage yearbook photo featuring a 1930s vintage hairstyle.

One last one from ‘The Pine Knot’ (Barton College) this time from 1939. The start of WW2. The Freshman yearbook pages were filled with happy young men, like Gordon Aldridge (well maybe not Gordon).

1939 vintage yearbook photo of a young man in his Freshman year of college.

By 1942 there is only a small amount of young men in the Senior photos. Gordon is still with us and supplying us with a lovely smile for his Senior photo this time around.

1942 vintage yearbook photo of a young man in his Senior year of College

Paulette Grant-1963 Freshman at Bennett College as seen in the ‘Bennett Belle’ yearbook.

1960s vintage yearbook photo of a young Black woman freshman in college

Here is Paulette…all grownup and graduating in 1966.

1960s Vintage Yearbook photo of a young Black Woman in College in her Senior Photo

Hope you enjoyed this fun post! Share in the comments section which student Freshman vrs Senior photos ws your favourite.

Oh for those who were curious about the 10 year challenge photo, here is what I posted on Instagram. 2012 Liz vrs 2022 Liz. Just a few changes!

Vintage Style as seen at the Vintage Inn Blog

Thanks for dropping by!

Further Reading:

Liz

Tag: 1960’s