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“I Love Lucy” and its place in 2016 Vintage Furniture Trends
Widely considered one of the most recognized and influential sitcoms in TV history, I Love Lucy first hit the airwaves in 1951…and after six years and 181 episodes, ranked as television’s most watched show through four seasons. Today, new generations are still laughing and loving Lucy in syndication, estimated at 40 million Americans and in dozens of languages around the world.
In an episode that aired June 1, 1953 entitled “Lucy Wants New Furniture,” Lucy buys new furniture behind Ricky’s back and calls him “Senor Tightwad.” Of course, zaniness ensues, Ricky finds out what Lucy’s up to, and keeps the furniture at his club until she can pay for it from her “allowance.” We won’t play spoiler in case you get a chance to see it soon.
Some of those furniture styles Lucy had her eye on then are back in vogue now. According to Furniture/Today and Apartment Therapy’s 2016 Home Decorating Survey, 57% of responding consumers said they prefer vintage home furnishings. Of course, they have to see it first and not just through Lucy’s eyes.
According to www.vintagegaragechicago.com, 2016’s hottest design trends include hanging pendant lamps, pedestals, and vintage desks. And now it’s the millennials and new empty-nesters making up a growing furniture consumer market with an eye to the retro. With retailers jumping on board, what’s old is chic again…and it shows in effective new marketing displays across the country with acrylic Sign Holder and Poster Holders. What better way to spotlight the new wave in “Mid-Century Classics” as a design for modern living?
By the way, I Love Lucy fans voted for their favorite all-time episode during a 60thanniversary celebration in 2005. The winner? “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” from May 5, 1952. Lucy’s hired to promote a new patent medicine as the “Vitameatavegamin Girl” in live TV commercials. Little did she know that this new “formula” was loaded with alcohol, getting her tipsier and tipsier with each take and every sample. It’s considered by many to be one of television’s classic moments in comedy.
If you’re in the furniture industry, think vintage…it’s all the rage. Be sure you have the right Point-of-Purchase (POP) Displays ready to show your stuff. And try to catch some old Lucy episodes for even more inspiration. Otherwise, you just might “have some ‘splainin’ to do.” You knew it was coming!