The Comeback of Mid Century Modern Soap Dispensers
Mid century modern design is making a comeback with clean lines, neutral colors and retro-inspired shapes. This mid-century modern resurgence is also breathing new life into a once overlooked functional item - the humble soap dispenser.
Mid century modern soap dispensers blend sleek, sophisticated style with nostalgic retro charm. Their comeback is driven by consumers seeking to add personality and visual interest to functional everyday items like hand soap pumps. In bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home, mid century soap dispensers complement the revival of other mid century trends.
Origins of Mid Century Modern Design
Mid century modern design originated in the 1930s-1960s. It was heavily influenced by the German Bauhaus art school and International Style architecture. Both emphasized minimalist functionality over ornamentation. The cleansing aesthetic was a reaction against the heavily embellished styles popular in prior decades like Art Deco and Victorian.
During the postwar period, new manufacturing techniques allowed mass production of mid century furnishings. This made modernist style accessible to greater numbers of consumers. Iconic mid century designs were created by architects like Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames working with manufacturers like Knoll.
Mid Century Architecture and Design
Beyond furnishings, mid century modern ideals shaped residential architecture and city planning during the postwar building boom. Architects like Richard Neutra and William Krisel designed affordable tract homes with open floor plans, ample windows, and post-and-beam construction.
The mid century aesthetic extended to textiles, accessories, lighting, housewares, and advertising. Retro-futuristic technology influences resulted in apamorphous biomorphic shapes. Everything from vacuum cleaners to automobiles adopted the sleek "space age" look.
The Mid Century Modern Revival
By the 1970s, mid century design fell out of favor as postmodernism emerged. However, it began experiencing a revival in tastemaker circles during the 1990s. Mainstream exposure through media like Mad Men increased its renewed popularity.
This revival sparked renewed interest in reissuing once overlooked mid century pieces like soap dispensers. Their comeback adds retro flair to bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other functional spaces.
Defining Characteristics of Mid Century Style
Mid century modern design embraces certain defining aesthetic principles. These include:
- Streamlined, minimalist silhouettes
- Seamless blending of indoors and outdoors
- Neutral, earthy color palettes
- Truth in materials and revealing natural textures
- Integration of organic, biomorphic shapes
- Efficient open floorplans optimized for modern living
- Focus on functionalism and utility in design
Beyond physical attributes, mid century style reflected optimism about the future and the power of design to improve everyday life. This spirit of its era contributes to its continued appeal.
Benefits of Mid Century Modern Soap Dispensers
Why have mid century modern soap dispensers made such a design comeback? They offer numerous benefits that appeal to today's consumers:
Nostalgic Retro Charm
Mid century details give modern soap dispensers a fun, nostalgic feel. Their retro silhouette evokes 1950s diners, roadside motels, and Americana style.
Alignment With Sustainability Values
The mid century emphasis on functionalism and "truth in materials" aligns with sustainability values. Consumers appreciate repurposing and restraint in consumption.
Sleek, Sophisticated Look
Clean lines and minimal ornamentation lend mid century soap dispensers an elegant, refined look. Made of glass, ceramic, or chrome, they have a luxe appearance.
Complements Other Mid Century Decor
Mid century soap dispensers seamlessly coordinate with other mid century furniture and decor. Their comeback allows creating a cohesive theme.
Versatile for Various Design Styles
From modern to traditional spaces, mid century design adds a neutral finishing touch. This versatility expands its deco appeal.
Tips for Incorporating Mid Century Soap Dispensers
Want to incorporate mid century soap dispensers into your space? Here are helpful tips:
Optimal Placement
Position mid century soap dispensers near sinks in kitchens, bathrooms, mud rooms, and laundry rooms. Install at an accessible height for all users.
Mix Materials
Combine glass, ceramic, wood, chrome, and other materials for eclectic contrast. Or opt for matching dispensers and faucets.
Coordinate With Hardware
For a pulled-together look, select soap dispensers that coordinate with faucets, drawer pulls, and other hardware.
Incorporate Organic Accents
Bring in natural accents like woven baskets, potted succulents, and wood shelving to complement the clean lines.
Display as Art
Let a standalone mid century dispenser make a sculptural statement as functional art, like on a console table.
Selecting Mid Century Modern Soap Dispensers
Mid century soap dispensers now offer style solutions across the price spectrum:
Reproduction Retro Plastic
For budget retro charm, molded acrylic or plastic dispensers mimic mid century silhouettes. Easy to clean and replace.
Authentic Vintage Finds
Search flea markets, antique shops, and eBay for authentic vintage dispensers. Look for rare colors and details.
Customizable DIY
Make found objects like vintage tins your own with new hardware and paint. Add wood knobs for mid century style.
Investment Modern Ceramic
Classic modern glazed ceramic styles offer heirloom appeal. Opt for neutral hues to complement decor.
The Enduring Influence of Mid Century Design
Mid century modern style continues influencing interiors and products beyond soap dispensers:
Resurgence in Architecture
Consumers increasingly seek out preserved mid century homes or recreate details like sunken living rooms.
Eco-Conscious Materials and Production
Sustainably produced mid century-inspired furniture uses renewable bamboo and plastic alternatives.
Technology Innovations
3D printing and digital design streamline production of custom mid century furnishings.
Vintage Mid Century Collectibles Market
Rare George Nelson clocks and other accessories by famous mid century designers auction for high prices.
The clutter-free, neutral mid century palette complements today's minimalist decorating.
Mid century modern design will keep influencing soap dispensers and other products. The revival of mid century soap dispensers is just getting started.