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Remodel & decorate in Mid Century Style

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Home / Decorating ideas / decorating misc.

10 ways to add starbursts to your mid century modern home

Kate - January 15, 2014, Updated: August 9, 2021

retro atomic starburstAmong mid-century enthusiasts, the starburst is king. Vintage starburst hardware, clocks, mirrors and more can fetch high prices on ebay — making it difficult to procure these original, sought-after pieces. Luckily, there are several ways for starburst-loving souls to inject a little sparkle into their decor without having to enter a bidding war. Here’s our list of 10 ways you can easily add a little atomic twinkle to your home — using readily available reproduction hardware and decor as well as budget friendly paint treatments.

Atomic starburst hardware

starburst-doorbell-mid-century

1.  If a vintage Nutone starburst doorbell is on your must-have list, but actually finding one is proving too difficult a task, check out our story: Doorbells for a mid century house including atomic starburst — all about the starburst doorbells now available from Rejuvenation. 

mid-century-modern-star-door-backplate-from-rejuvenation2.  Add even more dazzle to your mid century entry door with 5 styles of mid century modern front door backplates — including the coveted atomic star — also from Rejuvenation.

atomic-star-towel-ring-rejuvenation3.  OUCH, this news is so hot we burnt our fingers — We announced just yesterday that Rejuvenation’s Perry line of atomic bathroom hardware (example above) is now out of production, only remaining stock is available. If you love the vintage Starline starburst bathroom hardware used in Kate’s retro pink bathroom, but don’t have the time or energy needed to seek out a vintage set of your own, Rejuvenation has dwindling stock available of their reproduction atomic star bathroom hardware in 5 coordinating pieces. Inventory is running out, so call Rejuvenation ASAP if you wanted any of the pieces in this line for your mid century home.

starburst-backplate4.  Want the starburst cabinet escutcheons instead? These reproduction chrome star backplate and knob combinations from Rejuvenation — great for a kitchen or bathroom — are very twinkly — assuming they are not also affected by the supplier issue. Note, though, we are waiting on confirmation from Rejuvenation whether these are affected by their supplier issue too — be aware; we fear the worst.

Starburst Decor

 

thin sunray mirror horchows5.  To make a big decor impact with starbursts, the sunray mirror is an all-time-favorite. Our story — 7 supersize sunburst mirrors — sources some of the biggest and best reproductions. An added bonus: Readers chime in with lots more starburst mirror source tips in the comments section. Note, Pam has the mirror above in her living room.

mid-century-sputnik-light6.  For an atomic starburst accessory that really shines, consider one of these stunning and relatively affordably priced Sputnik chandelier lights made today.

Elgin-Starburst-clock7.  And who could forget the ever-popular vintage starburst wall clock. These can be found at thrift stores, estate sales, Ebay and Etsy, plus many new reproductions can be found at places like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls — even Home Depot.

starburst-tile-four8.  If subtle starbursts are more your speed, these simply gorgeous Starburst tiles from Ann Sacks and Barbara Barry would make a perfect accent in a bathroom or kitchen backsplash. This just in — reader Jennifer has confirmed that Ann Sacks has discontinued this tile design. Drats.

Budget starbursts

starburst-stencils-49. As lovely as all of the above options are, sometimes our eyes are bigger than our budget. For just the cost of some metallic paint and a little of your time, these  two starburst stencil projects for your bathroom — including a free pattern — can help you get that starstruck look for less.

hand-painted-franciscan-starburst-wall-design10.  For a similar budget-friendly idea with a little more atomic googie feel, try making painted “wallpaper” of vintage Franciscan starburst style googies with tips from reader Lora.

So there you have it folks — 10 ways to easily add a touch vintage starburst dazzle to your mid century decor.

CATEGORIES:
Decorating ideas decorating misc.

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28 comments

Comments

  1. Jan says

    August 3, 2015 at 3:42 am

    where can I buy a real chip card for mid century modern interior paint colors?

    • pam kueber says

      August 3, 2015 at 8:51 am

      Hi Jan, I don’t understand your question.

  2. Kathy G. says

    January 22, 2015 at 12:33 am

    Hi! There is a Threadbanger DIY post on Youtube that shows how you can make your own starburst mirror. It might be easy enough to put a clock in the center instead if you wanted to.

    It’s from Threadbanger and the title is: DIY Atomic Starburst Mirror, 50’s Decor it Yourself. I wrote this in because Youtube has a nasty habit of changing the URL of its videos.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_5NaQgnQDI

    Hope this helps someone on a budget.

  3. RetoRanchORama says

    August 19, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    I’m bursting with stars! It’s the theme of my time capsule ranch. I’ve got them all over the house.

    On The Walls:
    I loved the wallpaper, but stenciling wasn’t for me. So, I went the decal way. There were two I used, both from Etsy, but there were many to choose from. If your wall is textured at all, it will make a difference. It’s better to just get smaller decals, IMHO. Here are some of the listings:

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/60531281/atomic-starbursts-vinyl-wall-decals-mid?ref=shop_home_feat_3

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/113127796/wall-decals-retro-mod-stars-starburst?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=atomic+starburst+decals&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/194852869/set-of-20-large-atomic-starburst-wall?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=atomic+starburst+decals&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/60199728/wall-decals-set-retro-funky-starbursts?ref=sr_gallery_21&ga_search_query=starburst+stickers&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/197310062/retro-starburst-vinyl-wall-decals-set-of?ref=sr_gallery_33&ga_search_query=starburst+stickers&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery
    The last one was my favorite. They are all over my house!

    You can even get stickers on Amazon!
    http://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Starburst-Vinyl-Stickers-Small/dp/B00KQ2A41M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482011&sr=8-1&keywords=atomic+starburst+wall+decals

    As for clocks, and anything else I can get at a reasonable price, I love actual vintage. But as our buddy Pam has noted, what the heck on the prices people!?!?!? Besides, it’s up on a wall, you can’t get too close to it so who cares?

    Which leads me to … Amazon again! Look at all of these!

    http://www.amazon.com/Verichron-Atomic-Ball-Clock-Silver/dp/B001G6KJOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=atomic+starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/George-Nelson-Mirrored-Starburst-Silver/dp/B002C5KH7M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482095&sr=8-2&keywords=atomic+starburst+clock

    This is the one I have. It’s pretty sweet! I was afraid it would look cheap. I mean, really, it IS cheap! But, it doesn’t look cheap at all.
    http://www.amazon.com/LexMod-Silver-Starburst-Clock-Modern/dp/B007VLY1HY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-1&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/George-Nelson-Wooden-Starburst-Clock/dp/B002C5KK1A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-2&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/Cupecoy-Sunburst-Wall-Clock-20/dp/B0018Z0OJ8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-3&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/George-Nelson-Spindle-Espresso-Silver/dp/B0090649Q6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-4&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/LexMod-EEI-773-Sunburst-Clock/dp/B0069AD5TS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-5&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/Starburst-Retro-Wall-Clock-Silver/dp/B001P72C9O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-6&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Wood-Clock-Retro-1960S/dp/B001L7X8BO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-7&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/George-Nelson-Piccolo-Million-Dollar/dp/B005HOM7N2/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-8&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/CUPECOY-DESIGN-Sophisticated-Large-Retro/dp/B0018Z7Y7S/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-9&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/George-Nelson-1820WALNUT-Wooden-Atomic/dp/B000W5LEZI/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-10&keywords=starburst+clock

    http://www.amazon.com/George-Nelson-Mirrored-Starburst-Silver/dp/B002C5KH7M/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1408482110&sr=8-11&keywords=starburst+clock

    There were a ton more on Amazon! Just search for “starburst clock”

  4. cebette murphy says

    January 16, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    I just found this company on etsy…anyone have any experience with them? Prices seem good.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/StarlightLighting?ref=l2-shopheader-name

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