The 1950s – it’s a time in history like no other. After all, the 1950s gave the world the “King of Rock” Elvis Presley, movie heartthrob James Dean and hula-hoops. And, it’s retro design was an amalgamation of shocking prints, ostentatious colors and modern receptivity. No other era has quite touched the hearts of those who grew up during and those who have been exposed to it. Do you have the longing desire to bring the ‘50s look and feel into your home or, more specifically, your garage?

Several Helpful Tips To Turn Your Ordinary Garage Into A Retro 1950s Hangout

Going 1950s retro isn’t as difficult as you might think. In fact, it just takes some simple pieces and paint to turn a simple garage into a 50’s hangout for all to enjoy. The tips below can aid you during the conversion process of garage to hangout spot.

Determine What 1950s Look You Want and Go Shopping

The first thing you must determine is what look you’re after for your garage. Do you want a diner retro look? Would you rather have the drive-in theater look? Do you want the lodge look? Once you’ve narrowed down the particular retro 1950s look that’s appealing to you, then you can begin shopping around for the needed supplies to transform your garage from grease room to retro entertainment room.

Now once you have your look into mind, it’s time to go shopping. Bear in mind that you’ll need paint. If you’re going for the diner look, then you’ll want white and bright red colors for your walls. Don’t forget materials for your floor such as linoleum, patterned carpets or low-pile carpet. You’ll also need furniture, wall decorations and window coverings (if your garage has windows).

It’s Time To Transform The Garage Into A 1950s Retro Hangout

Once you’ve made your purchases, it’s time to set things up in your garage. No doubt you moved out all the tools, workbenches and everything else that cluttered your garage. Transforming the garage will take some time; but, with a little patience mixed in, you can have a place that reminds you just how good the 1950s really were.

Now, if you’ve chosen to paint the walls, you should get that out of the way first before setting anything up. After all, you don’t want to get paint on the furniture, decorations or floor, do you?

1 – Set Up Your Light Fixtures

Once you’re done painting, the thing to contend with is the lighting. Now, classic 1950s light fixtures tend to produce an immediate retro effect in the garage, which you can find with metal shades or pendant glass lamps.

2 – Set Up The Furniture

Now, when you were shopping for your 1950s furniture, you had the option of choosing original or reproduced furniture to decorate your garage with. No doubt you came across curved loveseats, efficient rectangular couches, wooden chairs with metal legs, heavily stuffed armchairs, retro rocking chairs, etc. Remember, your choices of any of these should have depended on what kind of 1950s retro look you were going for.

3 – Adding Some TV/Radio Entertainment To The Garage

If you’re turning your garage into a haven away from modern life, you’ll still want some of the modern comforts. For example, you’ll still want a TV so why not get yourself a 1950s TV that uses rabbit ears? Or, you can hang a movie screen in the garage and use a movie projector to generate your own 1950s drive-in. If you got a classic car you’ll be storing in the garage, it can really add to the decorations.

You should also consider getting a jukebox, full of music that you enjoy or music that was made and popular during that timeframe. Jukeboxes can be found in small tabletop sizes or in “stick against the wall” size. You should also consider a 1950s radio or record player to enjoy.

Also, if you don’t mind people calling you while you’re in your 1950s haven, consider the purchase of an old rotary phone and attach it to your home’s phone line. When it rings, you’ll get the nostalgic effect.

4 – Include Some 1950s Games To Enjoy

Now, your garage should include some game/toys to play such as Chinese checkers, hula hoops or tiddlywinks or even bobbleheads. There were many games and accessories of the 1950s so you can find something that appeases to you.

5 – Wall Decorations

Last, but certainly not least, you should have some wall decorations. Consider hanging up 45 records or 1950s movie posters, posters of famous 1950s icons such as the Big Bopper or Elvis Presley, pin-ups or ads. Find some old license plates to hang on the walls or some 1950s black and white family pictures. Go even more retro by hanging up neon signs and clocks such as the Route 66 clock. Consider the purchase of a Coca-Cola cooler that you can load with lots of bottles of your favorite drink (perhaps even Coke).

Bear in mind that your 1950s garage doesn’t have to be done all at once. If it takes more time to transform the garage into the retro 1950s look, then take it. You certainly don’t want to rush a project that you might not enjoy in the end. Have fun!