Design by Decade 1950's

The 1950s was a momentous time in the United States. For the first time in history, America had become the most powerful, prosperous nation on Earth. The economy was flourishing in a post-war boom, science and technology were developing rapidly and America’s eyes were planted firmly on the future – a microwave in every kitchen, a television in every living room.

These advancements in technology, remarkable for the time, fit in perfectly with the Midcentury Modern design movement that began to take over home décor in the ‘50s. It placed a strong emphasis on form and function, and was spurred forward by the advancement in mass production. Lighting from this period featured clean lines, provided quality illumination and doubled as beautiful accent pieces. Artistic elements often featured organic shapes and patterns, which were inspired by Scandinavian design. That Midcentury Modern design is still a popular style today is a testament to both its timelessness, and the simple elegance of its design.

Saucer Pendant designed 1947, first manufactured 1952
by George Nelson

It doesn’t get more Art Moderne than this. Designed by Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte in 1931, the Bilia table lamp is stripped of all embellishment to reveal its basic geometric building blocks: a globe atop a cone. Although free of adornment and artfully restrained, Bilia is highly indulgent nonetheless—an exploration of design for its own sake. Bare and mechanical, yet undeniably artistic and far ahead of its time, the Bilia is as relevant today as when it was first created.

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Atomic Table Lamp
by Delightfull

Inspired by the Sputnik era, the Atomic table lamp really captures the spirit (and its namesake). This spherical light, with its asymmetrically arranged glossy black round shades, calls to mind the exploding particles of a nuclear reaction – imagery that was hugely evocative at the time. With the advent of the atomic age came atomic design, and few pieces exemplify this legendary design movement more than this exciting fixture by Delightfull.

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PH Artichoke Pendant (1958)
by Louis Poulsen

While many of these fixtures are only inspired by 1950s style, the PH Artichoke is an original midcentury icon. Created in 1958 by Danish design genius Poul Hennigsen, the PH Artichoke is a glare-free luminaire featuring laser-cut stainless steel or copper leaves, which give it the sharp smooth lines so indicative of modern design. The leaves shield the light source and redirect and reflect the light onto the underlying leaves creating a stunningly unique illumination. The Artichoke was originally built for the Langelinie Pavillonen restaurant in Copenhagen, where it remains to this day. Through the decades many other designers have attempted to recreate this design without much success. Over 50 years after taking the design world by storm, the PH Artichoke remains Louis Poulsen’s most iconic design and a breathtaking addition to any space.

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Sputnik Chandelier
by Jonathan Adler

Though it may not have been designed until decades later, it’s easy to see which decade gives inspiration the Sputnik Chandelier its inspiration. This stunning fixture from Jonathan Adler both references the infamous 1950s Soviet satellite and, like the Sergei, highlights a key creative characteristic of atomic design – multiple arms stretching in all directions from a central nucleus. It’s a more ornate design, featuring several small touches and embellishments than likely would have been seen back then, serving to demonstrate how the original 1950s style can be altered to serve any kind of look. Available in modern finishes in both brass and polished nickel, the Sputnik lets you opt between a more elegant look and a sleek, futuristic edge.

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