# Forties Decorating
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Living Rooms
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In the 1940s, couches and large chairs were rectangular in shape and typically upholstered in solid shades of dark blue, pastel green, turquoise, harvest yellow or red. Accessory chairs, tables and desks were often colonial-style. Curtains, valances and table covers often had large ruffles and bright floral patterns with white backgrounds. Walls often had multicolored wallpaper, paneling or were painted in solid shades, especially turquoise, pastel green and harvest yellow. Matched sets of pictures, plant holders and ornaments adorned the walls.
Kitchens
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White kitchen cabinets and appliances were very popular in the 1940s. Coordinating countertops and walls were often bright red or emerald green. Sinks had steel cabinets under them, coated in white enamel. Floors were made of linoleum in colorful patterns and colors. Modern-looking steel-framed tables had porcelain enamel tops, and the matching steel chairs had vinyl cushions. Curtains and accessories were often gingham checked or had colorful farm animals on them. Stainless steel canister sets and bread boxes, painted or not, adorned countertops.
Bedrooms
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Bedroom sets in the 1940s were usually mass-produced "Waterfall" sets having Art Deco-influenced geometric lines and rounded corners or traditional dark, heavy colonial style sets. Ladies' vanity dressing tables with kidney bean shaped tops were popular. Curtains, valances and table covers had large, feminine ruffles. Floral wallpaper was the most popular choice for bedroom walls. Popular bedroom colors were pastel pink, white and pastel green. Wall accessories included matching picture sets, wall-mounted planters and ornamental plaques.
Bathrooms
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Bathrooms in the 1940s had streamlined, modern-looking appliances in shades of white, pink, peach, turquoise, or pastel green with coordinating wall and floor tiles in a contrasting shade like dark blue. The sinks did not have cabinets underneath them. Windows were typically covered with vinyl venetian blinds in colors matching the bathroom appliances. Striped or plaid wallpaper in a coordinating color palette to the bathroom appliances and tile was also typically used.
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