The United States realized a time of great economic growth as we entered the 1950s. Soldiers were home from war and marrying their sweethearts in record numbers. Everyone seemed focused on getting a piece of the American Dream. Marry, buy a home and start a family was the mind set of the day and home builders across the country rose to the occasion as life in the suburbs exploded. In fact, by the end of the decade nearly 15 million new homes had been built or were under construction. Each of those homes had a kitchen . . . and each of those kitchens had to be furnished.
The kitchen was the heart of the home in mid-20th century America. Here everyone joined together for meals, the kids did their homework and Mom cut fabric to make the family’s clothes, all at the kitchen table. New homes were constructed with eat-in kitchens and for those who could not afford a new home, remodels added space for dining. The kitchen table was as essential as a stove and refrigerator and manufacturers stepped up to provide tables that were not only functional, but beautiful.
Color was the keyword in these modern kitchens and Formica table and chair sets afforded both the homemakers and designers of the day with a rainbow of color choices. Pastel shades of blue, pink and primrose yellow and neutrals of white, gray, tan and charcoal were available for those with subtle taste. And for those who chose to make a bold statement, hues of bright aqua, lipstick red, and a deep teal green called Gulfstream were available in a number of patterns.
Formica, beveled and wrapped in aluminum, formed the top of these table which were built on steel frames and supported by tubular steel legs. Some tables were solid color but many were decorated. Today’s collectors watch for those sets with MCM designs such as Skylark, Capri, Starburst, and Boomerang. You will also find examples in realistic wood grains and marble. Manufacturers attached a paper tag to the bottom of the table or stamped their company name in ink. The products from Louisville Style Setter, Walters of Wabash, and Chrome Craft are all a good find.
Some tables came with an extension leaf, while others had attached drop-down leaves. Chairs were available to match many of the Formica top tables with chrome legs and vinyl upholstered seats and backs. When these are sold as a group they are referred to as “dinette sets.” If you like to mix it up a bit you might consider bench-style seating as opposed to chairs. Since Formica tables were widely used commercially “diner sets,” consisting of a table and two benches can still be found. Formica was widely used by designers and builders of the day so if you check the salvage yards you may just find countertops and end caps to match your table.
If you are shopping an upscale vintage venue or antique mall you should be prepared to lay down $1,000-$1,500 for a table, insert leaf and 4 chairs. There are deals to be had at garage sales, thrift stores and on Craigslist, but these are often in need of repair and restoring them to their former glory can be pricey. A $100 set may be tempting, but finding a qualified restoration company can result in an investment of considerable time and money. If you are a serious shopper it would be worth your time to speak to a restoration specialist to get a general idea of what various repairs run before you shop. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates. Linda is not taking clients at this time.
