12 Retro Diner Decor Ideas for Your Kitchen
Give your kitchen that chic, vintage charm without breaking the bank.
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There's something about diners that feels like home. Sure, the amazing comfort food has a lot to do with it, but the inviting bar stools, bright colors, and nostalgic memorabilia are all part of the experience, too. So what could be better than bringing that welcoming, retro look to your own kitchen? Don't worry, we're not talking about spending thousands on renovations, but rather serving up some old-school Americana with some thoughtful yet practical details that will recreate that vintage diner atmosphere.
Get a checkered floor.
For a complete blast-from-the-past look, start with a checkered floor. (Try Villa Lagoon from The Home Depot for a similar look.) Pick a fresh white paint, and any retro accessories you add will pop. This homeowner started with Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore on the board-and-batten walls and open shelving and added a retro SMEG fridge.
Take a seat.
Besides the food, the center of any diner are the cozy booths. Those comfy red leather seats are practically calling out, "Sit, stay a while." If you really want to go full-retro, splurge on a classic red booth for your kitchen. For a less expensive option, try bar stools or diner-style chairs in red, black, or mint green.
Sneak in pops of color.
If you don't want to dish out the cash on a retro fridge or oven, add splashes of color throughout the room. Here, the yellow paint job instantly makes the room more upbeat, and the classic red hue makes an appearance on the cabinet knobs, chairs and hood. The retro look is completed with mint green countertops. The old-fashioned pendant lights shine, too.
Don't forget the barstools.
Any kitchen can have a diner feel with the right stools. (Try these bar stools for a similar look.) The bright red pops off the light blue island paint (Rhine River by Benjamin Moore) for an eye-catching look.
Give your cabinets a paint job.
For a more pronounced diner vibe, update your cabinets with a diner-inspired makeover. Colors like country green or powder blue are the perfect hues to perk up your eating space.
Rethink your appliances.
You've probably noticed diners have a lot more old-school appliances than you do. A 1950s-style Smeg refrigerator will certainly add decorative charm—and a welcome pop of color—in a small kitchen. But since those big-ticket appliances have hefty price tags, you may also want to consider smaller gadgets like a Smeg toaster, a popcorn machine, a vintage can opener, an ice cream maker, or a pop-up hot dog toaster. (Yes, the last one is a real thing.)
Step back in time.
Have you ever noticed that diners have the coolest clocks? From whimsical phrases to clocks with neon lights, diners have mastered the art of telling time. If you're looking to step back in time with a more classic option, a trademark red diner clock never fails.
Display wow-worthy wall art.
Decorating your walls is a simple way to reinvent your kitchen. For a bold look, display word signs like 'Eat,' 'Diner' or 'Kitchen.' (The brighter the colors, the better!) If you want to go the authentic route, display vintage advertising posters, road signs, vintage license plates or framed vinyl albums—all of which can be found on Amazon or eBay.
Don't forget the Coca-Cola!
Even if you're not a soda drinker, you can't deny the permanent spot Coca-Cola has in American culture. Emblazoned on everything from crates to coolers to syrup dispensers, the logo has made the brand iconic, which is probably why it has a constant presence in old-school diners. Incorporate the recognizable trademark into your decor with a Coca-Cola straw dispenser, kitchen placemat and napkin holder, or hunt down some retro soda pop finds at the flea market.
Salute the greats.
It's hard to find a diner without memorabilia (posters, old records, small figurines and more) honoring 1950s icons like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean or the Beatles. For your own kitchen, add a small framed photo to your growing wall art collection.
Let the music play.
Who doesn't love looking for her favorite song on the diner's jukebox? Music has become a beloved part of the classic diner experience, and there are easy ways to bring it home. Since a full-size jukebox would cost thousands, go for jukebox-inspired electronics, like a Jukebox radio or Bluetooth Jukebox Speakers.
When in doubt, accessorize.
The quickest way to take your kitchen back to the Golden Age of diners is with the right accessories. From vintage cookie jars and unique cutting boards to ketchup and mustard dispensers and diner-style mugs, adding a touch of diner chic is easier than you think.
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