The Striking Style of 1950s Metal Kitchen Cabinets

1950s metal kitchen cabinets have midcentury style and practicality. During the postwar economic boom, these streamlined cabinets offered convenience and efficiency for the modern homemaker. Today, they remain icons of the optimistic, future-focused aesthetic of midcentury modern design.

Whether you're lucky enough to have original 1950s steel cabinets or you're looking to add some atomic-age flair, read on to learn how to capitalize on the striking style of 1950s metal kitchen cabinets.

History and Design of 1950s Metal Kitchen Cabinets

The 1950s was a decade of promise and progress in America. Returning soldiers were buying homes and starting families, helped by the GI Bill and a booming postwar economy. The sleek, pared-down look of midcentury modern style reflected this atmosphere of change and technology.

Homes were built around efficient open-plan kitchens outfitted with space-age appliances and storage. Metal kitchen cabinets, often with glossy or colorful enamel finishes, epitomized this new aesthetic. They conveyed machine-age precision while taking advantage of advances in metalworking.

Postwar Economic Boom Driving Home Design

The postwar economic boom meant young families could afford new homes for the first time. Developers rushed to build Levittowns and other tract housing developments across America. Homeowners embraced the convenience of open-plan kitchens built for efficiency.

Labor-saving appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers streamlined household tasks. Metal cabinets with easy-glide drawers and roll-out shelves maximized storage in compact kitchens. Their sleek, wipe-clean finishes added to the impression of efficiency.

Streamlined, Minimalist Aesthetic

Midcentury modern style favored clean lines, simple geometric forms, and elimination of ornament. After the frills and clutter of the 1930s and '40s, the pared-down look felt fresh and modern.

Metal kitchen cabinets exemplified these ideals. Their flat, planar construction and industrial materials created a streamlined, Bauhaus-inspired look. Touches like recessed handles kept surfaces smooth and uncluttered.

Stainless Steel and Chrome Finishes

Metallic finishes like stainless steel, aluminum, and chrome plating lent 1950s kitchens their "space age" vibe. These materials looked ultramodern and futuristic to homeowners of the era.

Stainless steel offered a sleek, monochromatic look as well as strength and durability. Manufacturers like Geneva experimented with splashy two-tone finishes in combine like pink/turquoise. Chrome and aluminum evoked images of planes, trains, and automobiles.

Built-in Convenience Appliances

Many 1950s metal kitchen cabinets incorporated built-in conveniences that were the height of modern luxury. From Lazy Susans to pull-down ironing boards, these specialized features aimed to maximize efficiency.

Manufacturers like Youngstown Kitchens touted their "work saver cabinets" designed around the needs of the modern homemaker. Time and labor saving appliances were built right into the cabinetry.

Restoring Vintage 1950s Metal Cabinets

Finding a set of vintage 1950s steel cabinets in good shape takes patience and luck. Often the cabinets need some TLC to restore them to their former glory. Fortunately, metal cabinets are great candidates for restoration.

Simple repairs like removing dents, fixing hinges, and updating hardware can make scratched and worn vintage cabinets look brand new. However, serious rust or structural issues may require professional help.

Assessing Condition and Functionality

Carefully inspect cabinets for signs of damage before purchasing. Small dents and scratches can be fixed, but corrosion, rust holes, and broken welds require metal fabrication skills.

Test doors, drawers, and hardware like lazy susans. Look for broken or sticking rollers, hinges, and latches. Check the cabinet box for dents, holes, or other deformation.

Repairing Dents and Scratches

Using body filler products made for metal, fill any dents and gouges, then sand smooth. For shallow scratches, buffing with very fine grit sandpaper or steel wool evens the surface.

Spray paint formulated for metal provides long-lasting color and protection. For color-matched repairs, note the interior cabinet color before painting.

Replacing Hardware and Hinges

Replacing broken or missing hardware restores functionality. Take care when removing old hardware to avoid enlarging screw holes. Fill holes and redrill for new hardware.

Upgrade to soft-close hinges and slides for a more luxurious feel. Match the style and finish of original hardware for an authentic look.

Updating Finishes

For a facelift, have cabinets media-blasted then powder coated or professionally resprayed. Vintage-style appliance paint creates a polished, vintage look.

For DIY projects, use etching primer followed by industrial enamel in gloss or satin. Metallic spray paints add shine. Always degrease and prepare the surface thoroughly.

Decorating with 1950s Metal Kitchen Cabinets

The sleek retro style of vintage metal cabinets looks right at home in midcentury interiors but also brings atomic flair to modern kitchens. The reflective surfaces add light while durable construction ensures longevity.

Complementary Design Elements

Play up the retro vibe with checkerboard tile floors or terrazzo-patterned vinyl plank. Pastel hues on the walls and metal pendant lights enhance the '50s diner feel.

Incorporate additional metallic accents like chrome barstools. Vintage appliances in avocado green or turquoise complete the look.

Mixing With Other Styles

To integrate 1950s metal cabinets into more contemporary kitchens, pair them with modern materials like concrete, glass tile, or marble countertops. Stainless steel appliances blend seamlessly.

Painting the cabinets a trendy hue like navy blue or forest green adapts them for an eclectic, vintage-inspired space. Replace hardware with matte black or brass for a more updated look.

Pros and Cons of 1950s Metal Kitchen Cabinets

1950s metal cabinets offer iconic midcentury style, but they aren't necessarily right for every home. Weigh their unique advantages and drawbacks when considering using vintage metal cabinets.

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting: Heavy gauge steel resists dents, stains, and water damage.
• Easy to clean: Glossy surfaces just need an occasional wipe-down.
• Iconic midcentury style: Few cabinets embody '50s chic as well as vintage steel.

Cons

• Outdated finishes: Old cabinets often have scratches, fading, or corrosion.
• Limited configuration options: Fixed cabinets limit customization.
• Can look dated if not updated: Vintage cabinets need thoughtful styling.

Sourcing 1950s Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Searching out vintage 1950s steel cabinets takes persistence and luck. Availability is limited since most original sets were scrapped over the years. If you have a lead on cabinets, be prepared to act quickly before another buyer snaps them up.

Finding Vintage Cabinets to Restore

Check classified ads, estate sales, architectural salvage companies, and demolition contractors for leads on vintage cabinets. Contacting kitchen remodeling companies may turn up clients looking to part with old cabinets.

Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace groups, and forums like Houzz and Reddit are good places to keep an eye out. Patience and diligence increase your chances of finding cabinets intact and affordable.