1920's Window Display Ideas

A vintage window display can be eclectic or theme oriented.

Peer into a vintage past with a window display from the Roaring Twenties. Whether you're exploring the softer side of the Roaring Twenties with a bedroom display, or using a classic novel to bring the 1920s to life, do it in style with historical accuracy that inspires all who stop to take a peek into a beloved era in American history.

Black and White Photos Theme

You can also use computer-enhanced photos with a vintage effect.

Have photos from the 1920s enlarged and hang them at varying depths and heights from the ceiling over the window. This multidimensional display is simple, yet inspiring as onlookers contemplate the era. Use a large up-light to highlight the photos at night, or use three up-lights in different colors to enhance particular groups of photos. For example, cast a blue light on a group of high school swim team photos or a red light on a Roaring Twenties cocktail party.

Feature photos in different sizes, but the same shape for visual continuity. Where possible, indicate dates and events for historical value.

Great Gatsby Theme

Antique typewriters bring back the nostalgia of classic American literature.

Create a theme around F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic 1925 story of the Great Gatsby. The fictional novel exemplifies the very realistic nuances of social status concerns and living to excess during the Roaring Twenties. You can use movie posters, which are readily available online and for a true taste of the book's theme, buy a DVD of the movie starring Robert Redford. Run the movie on a DVD projector in your window display and size it to a small clear space against a white wall or sheet for a backdrop.

For added interest, include several copies of the novel displayed on a small desk featuring a vintage typewriter. Use large strips of paper to write out quotes or lines from Daisy Buchanan, one of the main characters of the book who becomes Jay Gatsby's love interest.

Roaring Twenties Fashions

Feature undergarments in open dresser drawers.

Dress mannequins in authentic 1920s' attire and label clothing pieces with historical terms. For example, feature a male mannequin in wide-legged pants known as oxford bags during the 1920s. Dress a female mannequin in a flapper dress and a belled-shaped cap called a cloche hat.

If you're short on mannequins, simply hang fashions on decorative hangers and include a table display of era accessories such as long strands of pearls, fedora hats and beaded shoes.

1920's domestic Life

Find vintage bedroom accessories at antique stores.

Turn your window display into a small 1920s living room. Feature an arm chair, rocking arm chair and a round-back chair. Add a small side table with a wrought iron bridge lamp. Use reproduction art deco furniture and choose popular time period colors such as teal blue, or bright red.

For a larger window display, make a bedroom vignette with an area rug, desk set and small bed. Strive for historic accuracy with geometrically shaped pieces and a metal black or white bed with thick posts. Create a backdrop or a window-scape of curtains in bold colors to "frame" the window display.

References

• 1920-30: The 1920's-Roaring Twenties
• Ur Americans In Paris: Paris in the 1920's, Changes in Society Led to Changes in fashion
• The People History: Example of a House For Sale in the 192's

Resources

• Lone Star College-Kingwood: American Cultural History