Post World War II America in the 1950s was an era where women were enticed out of the factories, where they had worked through necessity and then choice, during the war, and back into the home and the kitchen. Many women would have preferred to stay in the workforce but those jobs were earmarked for returning soldiers. The advertising agencies kicked into gear and dangled new fangled household wares, such as washers and dryers and stylish furnishings, in front of women and, for the most part, it worked. They hung up their work clothes, put on their high heels and full skirts and proceeded to decorate their homes, cook, clean and procreate with abandon.
Identification
In the 1950s, known as the "Functional Fifties" in bedroom design, siblings often shared a bedroom or even a bed, and mom and dad often slept in separate, single beds. Foam rubber latex was the newest invention for mattresses.
Scandinavian Contemporary
Much of the furniture that came to the forefront in the 1950s was called Scandinavian contemporary, which was utilitarian and incorporated a lot of natural wood into the design. There was little or no ornamentation and the overall design was simple and linear.
Art Inspired
Memorystore.org points out that the furnishings in the 1950s featured new trends and designs, many of which, including the furniture for the bedroom, were inspired by artists such as Paul Klee and Jackson Pollack. Furniture was imported from Italy and Scandinavia and the regular guy on the street was suddenly very interested in buying modern furnishings.
Platform Bed
Directlystyle.com notes that the platform style bed, which had a modern and sleek design, became fashionable in the 1950s.
Bedroom Furnishings
A 1950s bedroom was likely to feature a large dressing table complete with detachable mirror and a woman's wardrobe with a double hanging rail and shelving, with a mirror on the inside of the door. The furniture was made of walnut veneer finish primarily.
Bunk Beds
Bunk beds were typical in the 1950s as were chenille bedspread and rollaway beds, according to Thepeoplehistory.com.
Agenda: Comfort
The furniture of the 1950s strove to provide comfort. Nearly everything was upholstered and amenable to being sat on or lain on. This was very different from the furniture trends during the depression, where comfort was the least of anyone's concerns.
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