Whether you watch the infamous Mad Men television show or not, a lot of us can appreciate the nostalgic fabulousness of the decor of that era. This season’s premiere is set in 1968, so just think high-end Brady Bunch. Or maybe Bewitched, but only after 9:00 p.m. You don’t think Mad Men has influenced home decor in the last six years? I beg to differ!
1. LAMPS
Let’s start with the big honking LAMPS. Big lamps are huge right now – yes, pun intended. The bigger, the better if you ask me. These mid-century beauties could just as easily be spotted today on the shelves of HomeGoods:
2. STARBURSTS
The starburst is popular once again, due at least in part to the influence of Mad Men. You can find starburst clocks, starburst mirrors, and starburst sculptures in gilt and brassy tones.
3. GRAPHIC PATTERNS
Look around and you’ll see Mad Men era fabrics and wallpaper, but perhaps in more contemporary colors. In this groovy bedroom, the wallpaper isn’t the only mid-century nod. Notice the starburst and mid-century chairs.
4. DANISH MODERN
How about anything Danish Modern? A chair, a credenza, a hutch – I don’t care. It’s absolutely appropriate for Mad Men decor. You can still find some mint condition Danish Modern furniture at estate sales for a song!
5. ROLLING BAR CARTS
Then there’s the rolling bar cart, a staple in most scenes of Mad Men. Obviously great for holding drinks, the bar cart can also be rolled into service for holding plants or after-dinner dessert.
So there you go. Don’t be afraid to bring a little Mad Men decor into your home this season. You’ll have lots of company, I can assure you!
Hey local readers: Have you signed up for my decorating class coming in May? Seating is limited, so get tickets for you and a friend today!
Of course you know I LOVE this! Awesome round up, fab photos, and decor that’s oh so much fun! I still can’t get enough!!
Sheila,
I believe you and I have a similar attraction for nostalgic/retro decor!
Everything old is new again! Do you rteally like those big honking lamps? 🙂
yes, i love big honking lamps 😉
I don’t watch Mad Men but I guess I’m ahead of the curve. I have large lamps (a little earlier than the 1968 era) but they’re originals. I also have had a metal & glass bar cart for many years….even though it’s never used for drinks 😉
I recently finished a bedroom decorating project and used a beautiful starburst wall decor piece.
Overall though, I’m not much of a fan of the 60’s. If we’re voting for an ‘everything old is new again’ I think the 40’s were a much more stylish decade.
Another “Maddict” here. I like the 50’s sets better than the 60’s decor. I dread the show going into the 70’s.
I know what you mean, Barbara! I wasn’t liking the direction of their hairstyles and facial hair last night!
Absolutely love how these design influences, in moderation though. Too much of a good thing isn’t that good in the end. As a photo/lighting nerd, I really like how they light each scene in their shows. I could probably write a post that points out how that style of lighting from hte 50’s/60’s is influencing photography today. Hmm, maybe I should… 😉
You totally should, Darryl!