Wise and Timeless: Tracing the Recent History of Owl Décor Trends
Between 2009 and 2014, anyone walking into a home décor store would most likely see flocks of owls perched on shelves and on tabletops. Or, to be more precise, parliaments of owls. From owls printed on throw pillows to drinking glasses, lamps, and figurines—owls were everywhere. You may have asked yourself, “Where did all these owls come from? How did this craze start? The origin of trends can be hard to define, but looking back the owl trend origin begins way back in the 1970s. Let’s look at some of the major events in the owl trend timeline…
Timeline Of Owl Trends
The 1970s was, without question, “The Decade of the Owl.” The decade started by riding in on the wings of the 1960s environmental movement, including its anti-pollution goals. The owl soared into the '70s to symbolize nature, wisdom, and honesty. Soon, the owl began to pop up as a design element on kitschy home décor alongside the ubiquitous mushroom motif. Lamps, figurines, planters, wall hangings, piggy banks, mugs, kitchen canisters – owls were everywhere.
Check out the timeline of owl trends from 1970 through 2014 in the slideshow below.
The Trend May Be Dead, But Owl Décor Lives On
The appeal of owl decor lies in its versatility. Owls can seamlessly fit into various design styles, from rustic and bohemian to minimalist and eclectic. Their expressive eyes, intricate feathers, and symbolic significance have captured the imagination of designers and enthusiasts alike.
Trends come and go; it’s the nature of trends. So it may be another dark period for owl décor in the shops, but that does not mean owl lovers have nowhere to turn. Whether you love the owls of the 1970s or the contemporary versions both can still be readily found in local décor shops or online at eBay, Etsy, Amazon, and many other online retailers, including here at VintageVirtue.net.
Owl Salt And Pepper Shakers
Owl salt and pepper shakers come in various materials, including plastic, glass, metal, and ceramic. Salt shakers originally became common after the Morton Salt Company introduced anti-caking agents in the 1920s. Since the 1950’s novelty salt and pepper shakers, including owls in every shape and size, have become increasingly popular. Lego, Josef Originals, Napco, and Howard Holt made some of the most popular vintage owl designs. Today you can find both vintage owl salt and pepper shakers and contemporary designs in stores, online, and at your local antique shop.
Owl Banks
While the most famous type of collectible still bank is the piggy bank, which gets its name from the orange-colored clay called pygg, many more banks come in all sorts of shapes, including owls. Novelty and cartoon-style banks became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Some very popular owl banks from the 1960s featured brightly colored Mod and “hippie” style motifs and were made of paper mache. Most owl banks in the ’60s and ’70s were made in Japan. These days you can find an eclectic mix of vintage, handmade, and mass-produced owl banks on Etsy and eBay.
Owl Containers and Canisters
As owl-themed items invaded homes in the 1970s, there was no place left untouched, including kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and writing desks. Some of the most common owl containers from this time that can still be found are owl cookie jars, owl coffee canisters, and owl sugar and flour containers. Treasure Craft of California was the maker of a line of popular owl-themed items in the 1970s that featured a rustic wood grain motif. Today the canisters from this range can range in price from $25 to $45 per piece.
As we've explored the recent history of owl decor trends, we've witnessed their evolution from a niche interest to a widespread phenomenon. Owls have transcended their traditional associations and become beloved contemporary motifs, celebrating their natural beauty and the imaginative interpretations they inspire.
Whether you're an avid collector, an admirer of wildlife, or someone looking to infuse their space with a touch of whimsy, owl decor offers a delightful way to express your personal style and appreciation for nature's wonders. Let these graceful creatures grace your home with their presence, symbolizing wisdom and adding a unique charm to your surroundings.
As we move forward, it's intriguing to ponder how owl decor trends will continue to evolve and shape our spaces. New artistic interpretations and fresh design ideas emerge each year, ensuring that owls remain a beloved symbol of style and intrigue.
