Let's Bang Out New Ways With Vintage Typewriters
We know, we've seen them everywhere, too. But these ideas turn a new page on vintage typewriter decor
Becky Harris
May 15, 2013
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
I've been looking at the trends that were sweeping design blogs when I started at Houzz several years ago, charting their tipping points and how designers are freshening them up after their ubiquity. One trend that has hit its peak is incorporating charming vintage typewriters into decor. Let's take a look at this trend with fresh eyes and see how designers and homeowners are giving it a tweak.
The trend: Using vintage typewriters as sculptural objects among Brooklyn hipster–esque environments. Here's a look at the trend as it soared toward the tipping point. I have marked the tipping point of this trend as the day the Sundance catalog arrived and there was a vintage typewriter Christmas ornament pictured inside. Actually, I have one of those ornaments and I love it, so I mention it without a bit of a too-cool-for-vintage-typewriters tone.
The problem: Sad typewriters are sitting on shelves with dried-out ribbons collecting dust.
The solution: It is time for a rewrite. Here are some examples of vintage typewriters drafted for new uses and looks. They are ready for you to start that novel or to plant succulents in. (You'll see what I mean.)
More: Actually New Ways With Vintage Suitcases
The trend: Using vintage typewriters as sculptural objects among Brooklyn hipster–esque environments. Here's a look at the trend as it soared toward the tipping point. I have marked the tipping point of this trend as the day the Sundance catalog arrived and there was a vintage typewriter Christmas ornament pictured inside. Actually, I have one of those ornaments and I love it, so I mention it without a bit of a too-cool-for-vintage-typewriters tone.
The problem: Sad typewriters are sitting on shelves with dried-out ribbons collecting dust.
The solution: It is time for a rewrite. Here are some examples of vintage typewriters drafted for new uses and looks. They are ready for you to start that novel or to plant succulents in. (You'll see what I mean.)
More: Actually New Ways With Vintage Suitcases
What's new here: This typewriter doesn't date back as far as the models we've been seeing used for their forms but not functions. It's brightly colored, it's portable and, best of all, someone is actually using it.
Where to find it: I turned to Etsy, but I also spied a few on eBay. Search "Adler typewriter" or "Contessa typewriter" for this particular model. I also recommend searching "vintage typewriter" plus the color you are seeking.
What's new here: If you like vintage typewriters as pure decoration, consider framing a vintage ad, hand-drawn print or letterpress card of one to save space.
Where to find them: Etsy has a great selection of original artwork featuring typewriters as well as notecards and vintage ads. I simply searched "vintage typewriter ad," "vintage typewriter card" and "vintage typewriter print."
Where to find them: Etsy has a great selection of original artwork featuring typewriters as well as notecards and vintage ads. I simply searched "vintage typewriter ad," "vintage typewriter card" and "vintage typewriter print."
What's new here: Patio plus typewriter is not a combination I've seen before. If your typewriter is beyond repair but you still love its looks, it can make for an interesting conversation piece and sculptural planter in the yard. Obviously, its condition will worsen outside, so you'll need to be someone who embraces rusty and crusty.
Tips for your search: For older black manual versions, try brand names like Chicago, Underwood, Remington, Royal, Smith-Corona and L.C. Smith. You might also want to try for a specific era; just add "1940" or "1940s" or whatever era to your search.
Tips for your search: For older black manual versions, try brand names like Chicago, Underwood, Remington, Royal, Smith-Corona and L.C. Smith. You might also want to try for a specific era; just add "1940" or "1940s" or whatever era to your search.
What's new here: Those who love typography and bold graphic design, like this wallpaper from Alexander Girard, appreciate the bold color and style of the vintage Adler. I've noticed quite a few type fans pairing graphic letters with classic typewriters around Houzz lately, and I like it.
This wallpaper is available through Maharam.
This wallpaper is available through Maharam.
Again, a typography aficionado has surrounded this workspace with fonts and text in frames, and the vintage typewriter looks as though it could have inspired said fonts with its output.
Typewriters become something else as a group, atop a typographically pleasing carved chest.
The carved alphabetical chest was hand made by Luke Ellis of Kent and London in Whitstable, England.
The carved alphabetical chest was hand made by Luke Ellis of Kent and London in Whitstable, England.
Where to find the best selection of vintage typewriters: There are many typewriters on eBay. I searched "vintage typewriter" and "antique typewriter." I also added "-keys," as there seem to be a lot of loose typewriter keys on the market made into magnets and earrings, and it was getting on my nerves. Of course, if you have a favorite brand, color or era, you should add it to your search terms.
Tell us: Are you making an old trend new?
More: Do Carry On: New Ways With Vintage Suitcases
Tell us: Are you making an old trend new?
More: Do Carry On: New Ways With Vintage Suitcases
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THANKS to mdillOn for the tip about DD 40; I am almost afraid to do it and really would like to find the new ink rolls like we used to just buy, so I can actually use it....my husband would probably be interested in doing the same and then possibly donate his. I am attached to mine at present, and would consider donation after a bit!
We have helped schools without enough computers receive out-dated or replaced ones through a company that was up-dating and the little school (my kids were there as well) was totally THRILLED as their kids had to go to the library only to keyboard taking turns on a minimal amount with none in classrooms, and even recently(that was about 20 yrs. ago in a county school), I have observed a lack of computer access in high school classrooms; laptops may have been allowed, but remember: many kids are now living on the edge of being homeless and often from families who struggle to keep food on the table. I doubt it is encouraged until college. God bless these students and teachers who persist despite stones in the road!
KRISTA if you don't see this note I will contact you, or at least attempt to! You can find my email I believe on my HOUZZ account. If not, write here and I can check!
Thanks for all of these notes, my sister also has one that is beautiful, vintage and she always has it out, clean, atop an antique desk and it is black and quite impressive as a vintage piece.
Mine are not automatic but are the same generation as those which were mostly then used in businesses. Still I would love to have mine usable and possibly even find out more about donating as I do know of schools in our state that could possibly use them as well.
http://www.houzz.com/projects/542058/Vintage-Typewriter