Decorating with…Vintage Typewriters!
This weekend, we hosted a barbecue for friends and family. Delaney, an adorable 7-year-old girl, asked to go inside to meet our cats. When we brought her in, she commented on the old Underwood typewriter in our half-room. “Wow!” she said. “That’s just like Kit Kittredge’s computer!” I had to laugh, because for kids who were born after 2000, how would they know what a typewriter is? Sure, they may have seen them used in movies and television, but unless they’re Amish they would have no need for one…ever!
The antique Underwood on the right (aka: Kit Kittredge’s “computer”) belonged to my grandfather.
However, there is something incredibly interesting and nostalgic about decorating with typewriters. If you’re around my age, it may remind you of when you were learning how to type in junior high school. I didn’t learn on one of the cool, vintage styles like those we carry at Ampersand Vintage Modern, but the feel and function were the same.
Baby blue vintage Smith Corona recently sold at Ampersand Vintage Modern.
Likewise, typewriters are distinctly cool and innately inspiring. Kerouac, Hemingway, Miller–they all created masterpieces while pounding away at their manual Underwoods, Royals, or Smith Coronas for hours and hours. It wouldn’t nearly be as cool if the original manuscript for On the Road were saved on a flash drive somewhere rather than an amazing 120-foot typed scroll!
Jack Kerouac typing at his Underwood.
Whatever your decorating style: mid-century, vintage, industrial, Mad Men, retro–a perfectly placed typewriter will add visual interest and serve as a casual conversation starter.
This guy fits seamlessly into a grouped collection.
As bookends…GREAT idea!
Interesting contrast between the dark, heavy typewriter and the soft, green plants.
On a desk…classic.
I have a mini-obsession with sofa tables. This is one is just right.
Propped on an old school chair–unexpected and cool.
Simple and elegant.
Layered awesomeness.
Organized clutter…love it.
This Greek typewriter is fun…look closely.
Photos courtesy of Apartment Therapy, Design*Sponge, The Smithy Upstate..thank you!
