1950s

1950s The 1950s  was a time for people to

make a fresh start. Post-war optimism and hope were reflected by an enthusiasm for new products, materials, and designs - from sofa beds to kidney- shaped tables and tulip chairs.  1950s In 1950, few families had a TV, car, or telephone. As manufacturing resources were channelled away from the war effort, technological innovations appeared in the home, along with materials such as plastic, glass fibre, and nylon. Objects were designed in abstract shapes and patterns, breaking away from the austerity of wartime. Today, there is a renewed interest in objects from this era. Practical living Small new houses called for more compact furniture, and the decade saw the popularisation of trolleys, ironing boards, and sofa beds. Practical stacking furniture made its first 1950s appearance, as did flat-packed furniture. Tiered stands for plants were popular and can appearance, as did flat-packed furniture. Tiered stands for plants were popular and can fetch around £50-100. Kitchen tables were made from easy- to-clean Formica. Look out for 'dinette' sets - a matching table and four chairs for the kitchen. Plain, white versions, or those with flecked designs in the laminated surfaces, cost about £70-150. Those with abstract patterns often fetch about £100-150 or more. . 1950s Rectangular coffee tables printed with plain designs can sell for £20-30, but those with abstract patterns or stars can fetch around £80. Kidney-shaped tables are usually worth less than £50, but the more popular 'artist's palette'- shaped and three-tiered tables may cost from around £50 up to £150-200.In 1950, there were 350,000 TV sets in Britain; by 1952, 2.5 million were in use.  Manufacturers spotted a market and created TV lamps and chairs. The ceramics company Midwinter even launched compartmentalised TV-dinner plates as part of its Stylecraft range. Designer furniture Many designers used materials such as bent plywood and moulded plastic or glass fibre combined with metal tubular frames to create strong, simple designs. Look out for pieces by Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and Eero