Worldwide events frequently cause alterations in decorating trends, as shown from the fluctuations in 1940s-style insides. The decade started with the escalation of World War II, resulting in rather subdued and utilitarian supplying options in addition to at a carryover of several 1930s trends. At the end of the war, society’s overall shift in mood inspired redecorating: replacing hardwood flooring with carpeting, updating furniture, and incorporating more cheerful colors into living spaces.

Charming Color Palettes

Toward the start of the decade, cloths and walls comprised muted pastels, including warm, dusky oranges, browns and yellows, alongside icy grays and blues and punctuated by mint green, teal and pink. As the nation’s mood shifted away from the overbearing fear of the loss of loved ones toward the close of the decade, the color palette shifted as well. Bold primary colors intermixed or replaced dull hues, such as patriotic red, white and navy blue, and also an array of optimistic hues of yellow balanced by earthy green tones.

Traditional Prints

Classic prints combined solid-color finishes, incorporating movement and texture into living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens while shifting away from the geometric prints popular during the 1930s. Florals reigned supreme in most living spaces, adorning upholstery, window treatments and wallpaper. Kitchens stayed slightly more compact, with gingham prints coming into fashion. The 1940s also saw the coming of the well-loved rooster and apple motifs in dining and cooking spaces, adorning everything from flour canisters to background borders around the room. Regardless of the affinity for busy prints, 1940s rooms were not overrun with pattern; solid colors made up the bulk of the finishes used in a space, with patterns as an accent.

Elegantly Streamlined Furniture

The lack of accessible resources in this decade reduced the amount of new furniture purchased, though the latter portion of this 1940s saw dramatic changes in trends. Two styles of timber furniture were most typical: Colonial and bentwood. With graceful lines however a lack of too ornate details, Colonial furniture made up the bulk of home furnishings. Bentwood furniture, constructed by wetting and bending wood into the desired shape, broke up the traditional texture of a space when coupled with Colonial furniture, and was popular for seating. As the decade progressed, homeowners moved away from traditional timber in favor of more modern, cheaper options. Chrome and nickel hardware, plastic mattresses and chrome tables with laminate tops soared in popularity, a trend that continued in the 1950s.

Minimalistic Accessories

With limited space and funds, over-accessorizing rarely occurred during the start of this stage. Even homeowners who have money shied away from extravagance, concentrating more on open spaces, inviting hues along with also a well-organized dwelling. Radios took center stage in most living rooms, while kitchens were decorated almost with canisters for dry products, bread boxes and covered cake displays for baked products. Plants and cut blooms filled side tables and mantels in living rooms and rooms, whilst heirloom candlesticks and large framed prints filled out the remaining space. In line with the minimalistic, functional way of interior decorating, table and floor lamps appeared in nearly every living space. Ornate glass and ceramic foundations alongside Art Deco pieces, including deep bronze fixtures, remained popular through most of the decade.