How to Decorate in World War II Art

Pick three black and white photographs featuring WWII images of sailors getting tattooed or military personnel meeting families or girlfriends. Frame large prints with white mattes and black frames. Hang the grouping over a sofa in the living room.

Display illustrated "Buy Bonds" posters on walls in a powder room to provide a colorful palette to coordinate with blue-toned towels and rugs. Frame two illustrations to hang over the towel rack.

Celebrate the role of women in WWII by hanging the famous "We Can Do It" poster by J. Howard Miller and the Navy recruitment poster "Gee, I Wish I Were a Man" in the kitchen area. The giclee print "The Girl He Left Behind ..." is another illustration poster that would enhance this theme.

Develop a WWII airplane theme in the family room or home office by framing era photographs and illustrations of airplanes and bombardiers. Hang images by William Shrout's "Bombardier in B 29 Bombing Raid, Manchuria" or illustrations like the United States Marine Corp poster "Hit Hard and Often".

Use scenic or romantic black and white photographs from the World War II period to decorate a bedroom. Consider the Andreas Feininger photo titled "Crystalline Lights Surrounding Statue of Liberty During WWII Blackout" and "Couple in Penn Station Sharing Farewell Kiss Before He Ships Off to War" by Alfred Eisenstaedt. Hang over a bureau or chest of drawers.

Accessorize the main living spaces with World War II trench art. Folk art made usually out of bullets, shells, shrapnel and currency, these historic pieces can be displayed and used as valuable conversation pieces.