Coming after World War II, the 1950s finally allowed people to take a sigh of relief as they began recovering from years of economic decline, conflicts, and battles. It was a period characterized by significant change, which was reflected in new styles and inventions. The rock and roll music and mindset also emerged in the early to mid-1950s, which made the decade that much more full of energy and fascinating attitudes.
To get a better feel of what it all looked like, our Bored Panda team put together a list of photos from that time, capturing everything from everyday moments to interesting gadgets and fashion. Scroll down to see them for yourself, and don’t forget to upvote your favorite '50s images!
While you're at it, make sure to check out a conversation we had with Arietta Theodorou, a jazz singer and YouTuber, who shares her slower, more intentional lifestyle inspired by the 1950s online.
#1 Banned Childrens Science Toy Kit That Cost $51 From 1951
Image credits: bluepooner25
#2 Flying In 1952
Image credits: johnsdagg
#3 A Headline From 1953
Image credits: Pasargad
Arietta, also known as Arietta's Vintage Life on YouTube, created her channel to be a cozy corner of the Internet, where she shares her blend of slow living, timeless style, and creative homemaking with a vintage twist inspired by the 1950s.
Over on her channel, she has over 127 videos on vintage sewing, DIY home projects, cottage-style decor (retro charm on a budget!), beauty and self-care routines for women embracing life over 40, reflections on slow mindful living through a 1950s lens, and a little jazz, of course.
#4 Still Operational, Origional 1957 Wall Mount Refrigerator
Image credits: hercule2019
#5 Just Found An 1955 Newspaper That Claims That Smoking Doesn't Cause Cancer
Image credits: matt_h75
#6 This 1950’s Stove Has A Built In Soup Pot
Image credits: Blockwork_Orange
Naturally, we were curious to know what sparked her love for this specific decade.
"It began with the Hollywood icons—Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Doris Day. I was mesmerized by their elegance, femininity, and timeless beauty," Arietta told us.
"Even as a child, I aspired to carry myself with that same grace and allure. It was the movies that first opened the door for me. Over time, that love expanded to include the glamorous fashion, the sleek cars, the bold makeup, and the charming architecture. But at its core, it’s always been about aesthetics and style for me."
#7 My 1959 Kitchen Is Equipped With A Metal Drawer For Potatoes And Onions
Image credits: manleedanlee
#8 This Young Managers 50's Style Glamour Shot
Image credits: Cryptokhan
#9 Last Kiss Before Korean War. 1950 Colorized
Image credits: M170R
She started slowly embracing the '50s lifestyle by adding retro-inspired pieces to her wardrobe, wearing red lipstick, and trying vintage hairstyles.
"Over time, my confidence grew, and I eventually embraced a full 1950s style. Now, it’s how I dress every day, everywhere I go. It’s not a costume—it’s just how I express myself. The style makes me feel feminine, powerful, and entirely myself."
#10 My Grandparents Going To The Beach In 1950
Image credits: kidfutty
#11 The 50s Were Wild
Image credits: SklounceDraxer
#12 I Found A Letter From Richard Nixon From 1955 In My Grandfathers Stuff In Guatemala
Image credits: chopari
Arietta describes the 1950s as a visually polished and stylish decade full of strong silhouettes, impeccable grooming, and a sense of elegance in everyday presentation.
"But I always like to clarify: I celebrate the style, not the values of the era. My motto is “vintage style, not vintage values.” I’m inspired by the glamour—not the societal limitations," she notes.
#13 Hood Ornament From A 1950 Pontiac Chieftan
Image credits: Proteon
#14 My Grandmother’s Immigration Forms From The 1950s Look Just Like Cards Against Humanity
Image credits: goldenwarthog_
#15 A Phillips Fridge From 1956 With A Built In Radio
Image credits: ur_moms_gay
Besides being very stylish, the 1950s were quite a whirlwind of a decade. It has many names, each reflecting a different facet of society.
One of the names the '50s was called is the Golden Age of Television, as at that time, television was rapidly becoming a central part of American culture. After World War II, television transitioned from being a luxury item to a common household feature. By the end of the 1950s, television had reached 90% of American homes, completely transforming the entertainment industry.
#16 My Grandma Has Used The Same Waffle Iron Since 1955
Image credits: ADuncan222
#17 1954 Calendar In My Grandmothers Cupboard
Image credits: RebinWood
#18 My Grandpas Taxi Medallion And Badge From 1958
Image credits: lpen-z
#19 1951 Rose Bowl Ticket That My Wife's Uncle Still Has
Image credits: thedavemcsteve
#20 Dentists Of 1950 Starter Kit (Actually Part Of My Antique Medical Equipment Collection)
Image credits: Doomathemoonman
#21 1950’s Cigarettes With Your Inflight Meal
Image credits: ddfish
#22 The Dinner Menu From The Ship That Brought My Great Grandparents And Their Three Children From England To Australia In 1953
Image credits: jem4water2
#23 This Map From 1955 Is Upside-Down To Help Northerners Get To Florida
Image credits: BuiltFjordTough
#24 1956 Truck Looks Brand New
Image credits: SubieYoshi
#25 When Ripping Out My Ceiling Drywall I Found A Report Card From 1957 A Kid Must Have Hid Up There. Someone Failed The 8th Grade
Image credits: Zoltanu
#26 My Dad Wrote To Jrr Tolkien In 1959. Tolkien Sent Him A Letter Back
Image credits: PortableMarfus
#27 This Is A Piece Of The White House From 1950, Removed For Renovation. My Grandfather Had An Odd Collection Of Random Items, This By Far Was The Most Interesting
Image credits: skullsquid1999
#28 Baby Delivery Hospital Bill From 1954
Image credits: reddit.com
#29 This 1957 Chrysler Imperial Has A Small Vinyl Record Player Under The Dash
Image credits: Epotheros
#30 My Grandfather's Gas On Gas Caloric Stove/Heater Purchased In 1958 That Has Been Used Everyday And Is Still In Pristine Condition
Image credits: seaweed_is_cool
#31 A Book My Dad Was Issued When He Joined The Army In 1958
Image credits: Random_lurker234
#32 My Grandma Saved Her Bill From A Surgery And 6 Day Hospital Stay In 1956
Image credits: Suwannee_Gator
#33 Popular Hair Styles From The 50s
Image credits: BumpoSplat
#34 My Grandma Kept Her Uniform From When She Worked At A Dr Pepper Bottling Plant In 1949-1950
Image credits: TopperMadeline
#35 My Grandmother Still Uses The Same Dictionary That She Recieved As A Gift In 1954
Image credits: Plsexplainurcomment
#36 I Found Table Water From The 1956 Olympics In My Garage
Image credits: ZackEhrhart
#37 Predictions For The Future From A Newspaper - 1958
Image credits: sangria-manta
#38 Desirable Weight According To Height In 1959
Image credits: FormedFecalIncident
#39 Found This While Cleaning My 50s Midwest Home
Image credits: L0kdoggie
#40 Anybody A Fan Of 50's Tech? This Is An Ultrasonic TV Remote
Image credits: mangansr
#41 Got This 50s Pocket Transistor Radio. It Still Works. I Paid 2.50 For It
Image credits: oddelectronics
#42 My Grandmother Never Ate Her 1951 Souvenir Triscuit From Niagara Falls
Image credits: SMOOTHBUBA
#43 A Packet Of Pineapple Grapefruit Flavor Kool-Aid From The 1950s. Another Discontinued Flavor That I Have In My Collection Of Vintage Items
Image credits: NostalgiaShowcase
#44 I Found An Unopened Can Of Beer From 1954 At A Job Today
Image credits: It_Digiorno
#45 A Birth Announcement Card From 1950 Found In My Great Grandmas Stuff
Image credits: ThatGoddess
#46 A $5 Bill From 1950 Before In God We Trust Was Printed On All Us Currency
Image credits: president_dump
#47 35 Canadian Thumb Tacks With A Very Specific Use (Circa 1950)
Image credits: JHunterthe2nd
#48 Office Supplies Found Hiding In A Closet Of A 1950’s Building
Image credits: scmillion
#49 Needlepoint Map Of The USA From 1950
Image credits: Schemaric
#50 Postcard From The UK In 1952 Was Cheaper To Send Without A Message
Image credits: JoeP762
#51 1950s Toilet Paper
Image credits: keithrh13-
#52 1950’s Local Pharmacy Prescription
Image credits: UnknownAristocracy
#53 My Friend's 50s Bathroom Has An Ashtray On Top Of The Toilet Paper Dispenser
Image credits: ominous_honking
#54 Original Thermostat Was Never Removed, Put My New Thermostat Next To It (House Built 1957)
Image credits: Onenaghi
#55 My Grandparent’s Bathroom From The 1950s Has A Built In Toilet Phone
Image credits: jerog1
#56 My Great Grandma's Medical Bill From 1950
Image credits: Kytothelee
#57 This Book From 1950 Titled “Your Dream Home - How To Build It For Less Than $3500”
Image credits: tonystark29
#58 I've Found Pieces Of Us Ammo Crate From WWII While Renovating My House In Germany (Built ~1950)
Image credits: LeTracomaster
#59 This Bookshelf Full Of National Geographic’s Dating Back To 1955
Image credits: octohan
#60 Dating Advice From The 50s
Image credits: No_Dig_8299
#61 My Grandfather Gave Me The Electric Clippers His Father Used On Him In The 50s
Image credits: romanazzidjma
#62 A 50's Era Yardstick From A Local Lumber Yard. Their Phone Number Was "18"
Image credits: PrometheusSmith
#63 My Parents Bought 1950’s Food Scissors For £2 On A Flea Market While They’re £25 On Ebay
Image credits: lawlihuvnowse
#64 Just Bought A Globe From 1950-1952
Image credits: Koichuch
#65 Sometimes Nothing Is Ever Useless. 1953 Philips TV With Amazon Firestick
Image credits: Amazingprojectionist
#66 A Case Of Coffee From 1950
Image credits: csgreenmuffin
#67 1950s Tie Gives You Fashion Advice
Image credits: NucklestheEnchilada_
#68 I Own This Stamp Of The American Flag From Before Hawaii Became A State
Image credits: ozzzymand0
#69 Consent Form From The 1950s. Feels Like A Joke Piece
Image credits: SupremeWizard
#70 Lost A Day Looking At These National Geographic Magazines Ranging From Jan 1947 To July 1950
Image credits: HerdDat1
