These days, kitchen décor comes in all colors, sizes, and eras. A fun way to decorate your kitchen is with a bit of 1940s nostalgia. Painted cabinets, glass knobs, and vintage linens combined with newer appliances that have a retro look can give you a unique and functional kitchen.

You can get a great 1940s look without spending a ton and still be able to fill your kitchen with some nice collectibles. Here are some ideas on how you can get a 1940s look in your kitchen.

colors

Some popular colors from this era include jadeite and a red and white theme. You can find plenty of vintage accents to fill your kitchen in any of these color schemes. Why not start a jadeite collection that you can display in open cabinets and use for dinnerware? You can liven up the place with vintage wooden-handled gadgets that are painted in jade and cream. If you go for the red and white theme, there are plenty of red vintage kitchenware and vintage bedding can really liven up the place. Another advantage of the red and white theme is that you can also add a fruit theme on top of it, such as apples or strawberries.

I would leave the walls a neutral color – white or off-white so that it does not detract from everything
your great accessories. Linoleum flooring in a checkerboard pattern would be perfect.
Some color-coordinated rugs can add a bit of color to the floor and tie it all together.

Turning on

Simple lighting is best. You can buy vintage ceiling lamps and wall sconces if you want a
really authentic look. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have enough homework.
lighting, so some modern lighting will need to be worked on. I suggest you make them as subtle as possible so they don’t look out of place.

window treatments

Use vintage curtains for your windows. You can buy them with complementary colors and great patterns.
If you can’t find curtains, make some out of old tea towels or tablecloths. You can buy tablecloths that have stains in 1 area for a fairly low price and then use the good area for curtains! If you’re going for a 1940s red and white kitchen decorating theme, you might want to choose cherries or apples as a secondary theme and look for curtains with those fruits in the motif.

Furniture

Glass knobs will enhance your furniture and cabinets and give it an authentic vintage look. If you have cabinets painted in white or cream, try green glass knobs. Your table and chairs should be either an old style chrome dining table (you can buy these new and you can get old ones too) or an old style wooden table with a glazed top. If you can’t find any of these, you can buy any type of table and hide it with a vintage tablecloth.

Accessories

1940’s kitchen fixtures can be found at antique malls, and you can buy new as well.
Soften the room by hanging vintage tablecloths and tea towels. Chrome appliances go well with this look, as do the retro-style appliances you can buy new these days. And don’t forget the vintage
bread box and canisters – all kitchens had these on the counter and you can choose from chrome
or nail polish in cream and green, or red and white to complete your look.