How to Transform Your Garage Into the '50s

Transforming your garage into the 1950s haven requires choosing your desired effect -- such as diner, lodge, den or drive-in theater -- and using key furniture and accessories to time-travel. Whether you score a genuine jukebox and a convertible or use reproduction furniture, attention to detail can make this decorating scheme an adventurous recreation of the past. Collectibles from the '50s -- such as movie posters, advertisements, vending machines, lamps, toys and period electronics such as televisions -- can add authenticity to your '50s garage.

Linoleum, carpet or throw rugs
Pendant lamps
1950s furniture, such as loveseats, couches, armchairs, diner booths or side tables
Standing lamp (optional)
Table lamp (optional)
1950s radio or TV (optional)
Rotary telephone (optional)
Movie posters, stills (photographs from movies) ads or pin-ups
Pleated drapes or Venetian blinds
Movie screen and projector (optional)
Classic car (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  
  A 1950s rotary telephone adds authenticity.
  
  Put in checked linoleum floors for a 1950s kitchen or diner look. Alternatively, low-pile carpet or patterned throw rugs warm up the floor and suit the look.
- 2
  Hang pendant lamps with glass or metal shades. These classic 1950s light fixtures cast a warm glow and create an instant retro effect to transform your garage.
- 3
  
  A vintage radio and furniture with tapered legs out of the 1950s.
  
  Arrange authentic or reproduced '50s furniture in the garage. Choose from streamlined rectangular couches, curvy loveseats, vinyl diner booths with chrome-edged tables, metal-legged wooden chairs, retro rocking chairs or chunky upholstered armchairs, depending on how you want to use the garage.
- 4
  Add side tables with clean lines, a standing lamp, a funky table lamp from the '50s -- such as a bear holding up the lampshade -- and a big, square 1950s TV with rabbit ears. Rabbit ears looked like alien antennae and sometimes required frequent adjustment for good TV reception.
- 5
  
  Pin-ups are a classic 1950s garage accessory.
  
  Decorate the garage with choice accessories such as a 1950s radio and a rotary dial telephone. Connect the phone to a live phone line and you'll get the old-fashioned phone ring for an authentic effect.
- 6
  Hang wall art such as '50s movie posters, ads or classic pin-ups. These images evoke the styles and personalities of the past. For example, hang posters or movie stills from "Rebel Without a Cause," "Singin' in the Rain" or "Vertigo."
- 7
  
  A classic car with a gleaming chrome grill provides instant time travel.
  
  Hang pleated drapes or Venetian blinds along one wall to create a fake picture window. Alternatively, park a classic car on one side of the garage and hang a large movie screen in front of it. Use a movie projector to create your own 1950s drive-in.

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