Candid Photographs Capture People in Their Living Rooms in the 1950s

The 1950s were a decade filled with exuberance, radiating a positive outlook from the United States triumphant post-war recovery. The emphasis of a ’50s household was on comfort and leisure, with the decade being a prosperous time for most middle class families.

More and more families were flocking to the suburbs, abandoning their city slicker lifestyles for a cozy home in a neighborhood and a big backyard for Fido. And because there was more time allocated for recreation and relaxation, interior design and décor became vibrant and fun.

In modern households, the future was near, with dynamic designs influenced by space exploration, science, and new technologies. These clean designs with Scandinavian influence took on a persona of their own, shaping into what we now know as Mid-Century Modern design. Mid-Century décor introduced innovative furniture and room composition, while maintaining a unique air of futurism combined with the classic All-American appeal.

Pastel colors and patterned dishware made for cozy kitchens, while colorful walls and furniture in living rooms made for the perfect place to settle down and watch the tube.

Take a look at these fascinating color photos to see what living rooms looked like in the 1950s.