Retro Dinette Set

Circa 1950s

Major manufacturers of iconic chrome and Formica dinette sets in the 1950s included Daystrom, Howell, Virtue Brothers of California, Arvin and Acme.  These companies specialized in metal-framed kitchen furniture featuring laminate tabletops and colorful vinyl upholstery often designed for smaller kitchen spaces or casual dining areas. 

These sets were famous for their "retro" look, characterized by tubular chrome legs, polished aluminum edging and Formica* surfaces.  Original sets often featured "atomic"

 age designs, pastel colors or red and black styling. 

*Formica Surfaces

Founded in 1913 in Cincinnati, Ohio by Daniel J. O'Conor and Herbert A. Faber.  Formica was originally developed as a durable, plastic resin substitute "for mica" used in industrial electrical insulation.  The company  transitioned to decorative, high-pressure laminates in the 1930s, gaining massive popularity in the post-WWII housing boom for countertops and emerging as a global brand often associated with durable, modern design. 

  In 1914, the first sheet of Formica laminate came off the press.  From 1920s-1930s the company shifted focus from industrial uses to decorative applications. In 1931-1949, popularity surged in high-end projects like Radio City and oceanliners.  During the Post-WWII Boom, the material became synonymous with modern, easy-to-clean kitchens and diners.  In the 1950s-1970s, iconic patterns were introduced to consumers.

When people think of classic Formica laminate patterns, they often think of "Boomerang", originally called "Skylark" .. Mid-Century in its design, boomerang has been a staple of residential and commercial spaces for more than 70 years.

In 1951, John Hughes of Brooks Stevens Design Associates created the original Skylark design.  He drew the pattern to customize the interior of passenger trains.  In 1954, Raymond Loewy Associates evolved the pattern by color styling it for the Sunrise Collection. 

The brand marked 100 years of operation in 2013 solidifying its place in design history.

Sidenote:  I personally know an artist in NC who chose the boomerang pattern for her studio countertops. When I walked into her retro studio I immediately commented on her choice of retro countertops. 

A rainbow of colors and patterns by FORMICA.