In this article, we will explore the history of colored appliances, current availability of colored appliances, and predictions on the future of colored appliance options. Whether you are looking to remodel your kitchen or laundry room, add a retro flair, or just want something different than standard white, stainless steel or black appliances, this guide will provide some quick answers on where and how you can still buy colored appliances today.
The History of Colored Appliances
Up until the 1950s, almost all major home appliances were available in a variety of colors beyond basic white. Refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and washers and dryers came in hues like turquoise, pink, mint green, bright yellow and even metallic tones. This allowed homeowners to easily match their appliances to their kitchen decor. By the 1960s, color choices were more muted and leaned towards neutral tones of beige, brown and gray. By the late 1960s and into the 70s, white, almond and eventually black and stainless steel became the most predominant appliance finishes.
There were a few factors that led to the shift to neutral colored appliances:
- Manufacturing became more streamlined and cost effective to produce appliances in bulk in neutral colors like white or metallic.
- Neutral colors were seen as more modern and versatile for home design trends moving away from bold 1950s colors.
- Resale value factored in, as people believed white or stainless steel appliances had a broader appeal to potential home buyers.
So while colored appliances maintained some market share through the 60s and 70s, they significantly declined by the 1980s and beyond. However, nostalgia for the retro styling of colored appliances from the 50s and 60s has circled back in recent years.
Currently Available Colored Appliance Options
While most major brands like Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung focus on mainstream finishes like black, white, and stainless steel, there are some options available for adding color back to your appliances:
- Smaller brands: Brands like Big Chill, SMEG, and AGA specialize in retro-styled appliances in colors like mint green, cherry red, orange, pink, and turquoise.
- Limited edition lines: Occasionally, brands like LG, KitchenAid, and Maytag will release special collections with non-standard colors like cobalt blue, matte black, or glossy red.
- Custom finishes: A handful of high-end brands like Miele, Thermador, and Viking offer custom color finishes as an optional upgrade through certain appliance lines.
Below is a table summarizing current colored appliance availability across major home appliance categories:
| Appliance Category | Currently Available Color Options |
|---|---|
| Refrigerators | Mint green, cobalt blue, stainless steel with colored doors, custom color finishes |
| Ranges | Blue, orange, yellow, red, green, pink, black, custom color finishes |
| Microwaves | Red, cobalt blue, black |
| Dishwashers | Black, panel ready for custom external finish |
| Washers | Red, cobalt blue, black, graphite |
| Dryers | Red, cobalt blue, black, graphite |
Future Outlook for Colored Appliances
While colored appliances occupy only a small slice of the overall appliance market today, there are some signs that color may be making a comeback:
- Nostalgia for retro aesthetics and the popularity of shows like Mad Men continue to generate interest in the style of 1950s kitchens and appliances.
- Collaboration collections between appliance brands and designers, like the LG Studio Series designed with Nate Berkus, often incorporate colors beyond the standard options.
- As millennials enter prime appliance buying age, their preference for personalization over neutral tones could drive demand for more color options.
- Advancements in materials, like the use of glass or anti-fingerprint stainless steel, make colored appliances more durable and easier to care for than vintage options.
While neutral tones still dominate, it seems manufacturers recognize there is a market for colored appliances. Limited special collections and custom color programs provide homeowners some options for adding color back into their kitchens or laundry rooms. With retro nostalgia and desire for personalization, there are indications that the future could see a greater resurgence of appliance colors across all major brands.
Conclusion
While colored appliances are largely missing from showroom floors today, there are still some options available for homeowners who want to stray from the standard white, black or stainless steel. Smaller brands continue to offer a retro-styled selection of colored ranges, refrigerators, and more. Occasional special collections from leading brands provide additional colored choices as well. Custom color finishes, though more expensive, can also be configured through many high-end or professional-style appliance lines.
So for home chefs, mid-century design enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to show a little personality in their kitchen, colored appliances are still an option. The niche demand today could drive more expanded selection in the future as well. Though colored appliances may never dominate the market like they once did, for those looking to integrate a little color into their home, there are still some great options available.
