Among 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
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. For an atomic starburst accessory that really shines, consider one of these stunning and relatively affordably priced Sputnik chandelier lights made today.
7. 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.
8. 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
9. 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.
10. 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.
Mary Elizabeth says
Have had an eBay search going for about a year for a starburst clock that seems to fit in with my knotty pine kitchen. I thought the ones with wood rays might be good. But nothing looked right–I couldn’t imagine any of the ones I saw in my kitchen. My house just didn’t fit with atomic, much as I wanted it to. Then yesterday I was in a consignment shop and the retro gods moved me to a clearance table, where I spotted a 1964 United Clock Company (Brooklyn division) “School House” clock with a round face set on an octagonal wood base. Similar ones are on eBay for $75 and up. It was on clearance, then there was a 50% store-wide sale. Bottom line, I got it for $3.50! This is so much better for my colonial ranch kitchen. The wiring is already in the wall for an electric clock, so it’s going up as soon as DH has the time. Good luck with your searches. I will enjoy everyone else’s starbursts vicariously. 🙂
Jennifer says
I just thought you should know that the tile has been discontinued. The people at Ann Sacks have been wonderful in trying to help me either find some still in stock or do a custom run, but I hate to see this keep getting put out there when I was so crushed to see it wasn’t readily available.
pam kueber says
Drats! Thanks for the update, Jennifer. We hope that Ann Sacks can help you find some still in stock! Maybe you can even get a discount on the last of it!!!! Let us know how it turns out.
Mod in the Burbs Abra says
Thanks for letting us know, Jennifer!
Summer says
Oh bummer! I reallllllly want to use them in my bathroom. Those tiles are just perfect! I am hoping I can stumble across some or at least similar ones! Thanks!!!
tammyCA says
I noticed in the latest Architectural Digest a photo of one of the Brunschwig & Fils showrooms has a huge Sputnik chandelier over a tiger print antique Louis XVI chair..I always thought of B&F as classic wallpapers but in the article it says, “though it’s roots lie in France, B&F is synonymous with the golden era of Midcentury American decorating.” (It appears the new owners are looking in their archives and reissuing their classics.)
Jana (Berniecat) says
Even though Pam reports that Rejuvenation is maintaining their commitment to carry other atomic/starburst products, there still may be trouble in paradise when it comes to starburst items from them. I ordered the Atlas (starburst) exterior door set the first week of November to put on my new Therma-Tru MCM front door. I have yet to receive it. I have been getting emails from Rejuvenation that it is on back order and it will be shipped soon, but after this latest news flash, I am getting worried that it may not be available at all. My Therma Tru door and side panel have been sitting at the Building Supply place for almost 2 months waiting for me to get the hardware so my contractor can pick them up and get them installed.
Mod in the Burbs Abra says
I am not finding the Starburst tile on the website. I fear those are gone too! Am I just not looking in the right place?
Robin, NV says
I think you may be right, I can’t find them either.
Mod in the Burbs Abra says
Shucks! I thought I was about to have a tile breakthrough!
sherree says
Lowes also offers a sputnik light fixture:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_511350-43501-FD13-033_0__?productId=50096172
Jonny says
Good tip! I didn’t know about this one at all, and $189 seems cheap compared to what the old ones and the prop house ones go for. I’m bookmarking that page, I might have to get myself one of these!
heidi says
I have that exact starburst clock given to me as a gift from my wonderful husband a few years ago. He has a patient who finds and sells items on Ebay and he had her looking for me.She saw it a garage sale and bought it for me. When I saw it in the back of his jeep (he told me he wanted me to help him bring the groceries in) all I could say was “oh oh..” I wasn’t quiet about it either, some people walking their dog nearby were a little taken aback! His patient just gave it to him to give to me. It was a long time before I stopped sighing and smiling every time I I walked by the proud wall displaying it!
sherree says
The sputnik chandelier links sends me to an old post about star burst doorknobs 🙂
pam kueber says
Thanks — I fixed it!
Dave B says
I have a Sputnik ceiling light and we LOVE it. I am freaking out about the demise of incandescent bulbs right now.
Marcia says
Dave, I don’t know what size bulbs you need, but I noticed they’ve got candelabra bulbs in LEDs now, so maybe you can replace your old ones that way. Think how long they’d last!
GregM says
The ban will not include bulbs under 40 watts.
Sam R says
General use incandescents between 40 and 100 watts of consumption are the only ones being phased out. The rest (rough service, appliance, etc.) aren’t going anywhere. “The law didn’t apply to appliance light bulbs, “rough service” bulbs, colored Christmas tree lights, plant lights, 3-way lights, stage lighting, candelabra lights, outdoor post lights, nightlights, or any bulbs of less than 40 watts or more than 100.”
http://www.thenewamerican.com/economy/sectors/item/17382-reports-of-the-death-of-the-incandescent-light-bulb-are-premature
Please don’t fall victim to the hyperbolic falsehoods spun by those with agendas.
I would personally love to see a manufacturer come up with an LED Sputnik. The circuitry could easily be hidden in the central sphere, with plug-in starburst bulbs on the shafts.
LisaB says
Dave,
Me too! There is still time to stock up, you can find deals for cases of incandescent bulbs online. I’m extremely light sensitive, CFLs and LEDs cause migranes so it’s a real health issue for me and a lot of people.
Sam R says
Halogen replacement bulbs ARE incandescents, and they remain perfectly legal at all output levels. The filament in halogen bulbs is encased in a small envelope of halogen, so they burn more efficiently and last longer. While they are somewhat more expensive than traditional incandescents (which are pretty much the worst of all worlds, technology-wise, and were developed as a classic example of planned obsolescence), they’re pretty comparable price-wise to classic incandescents when the longer life is factored in.
People, please inform yourselves of the facts before freaking out. What the law does, and what a lot of people are saying it does are very different things.
Douglas Camin @ House on Rynkus Hill says
I second Sam’s notes about the bulbs and how many folks have incorrect information. There are still incandescent, but they are being required to become more efficient (which usually means a halogen core.)
I have several halogen incandescent bulbs in different spots in my house – they use less energy for the same brightness, give off the same light, and last longer as well. They are moderately more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs but since they last longer they cost the same.
For example, this is a 72 watt halogen core bulb that gives you the equivalent light of a 100 watt bulb – the light produced looks and acts the same as a traditional incandescent: http://www.amazon.com/Philips-72-Watt-EcoVantage-Natural-Dimmable/dp/B001FA07UC/ref=pd_sim_hi_1
lynda says
I saw a starburst mirror at Costco around the holidays. It is also online. I am not sure how much it was in the store. It is $234.99 online. Search for Round Starburst Mirror.