Retro vintage items for bars, restaurants, cafes

It would seem that what a modern restaurateur can discover some of the interesting things in the history of Great Britain? Classic (and already legendary) pubs? Own "bars on the corner"? Private clubs for gentlemen of the colonial era? The splendor and prim luxury of Buckingham Palace? All this has already been and has already been used in various variations and combinations.

It is almost impossible to rewrite the history of this country and its richest culture. But no one forbids fantasizing about what England would be like if it had taken a completely different path of technological and aesthetic development. Do not rush to smile skeptically: "Why, they say, an unproven theory?". We are talking about a cultural phenomenon that not only exists, but also has a huge army of fans. That is, your potential customers. This is a subculture called "steampunk".

The past is a source of inspiration, so designers return to it again and again to create creative and emotional brass signs для баров и ресторанов. for bars and restaurants. The direction that is used to design the new in the spirit of the old is called "retro style". Such design attracts the audience and forms a special connection with them. It creates an incredible atmosphere and evokes a feeling of nostalgia.

Retro style is one of the most popular and sought after styles in restaurants, bars and cafes, it is an imitation of fashion trends, lifestyles and art forms from the past (no less than 20-30 years before the current moment). Now, antique styles, retro style, country and steampunk are becoming more and more fashionable. This is required by today's consumers. Everyone is already tired of stainless steel and classics. The style of Victorian England is increasing in demand, it is distinguished by lightness, playfulness and good will, the refore it is popular in various fields.

Copper signs, main directions and characteristics

The concept of retro style originated in Europe in 1972, when it was required to describe new items designed based on the past. In English, this word came from Latin and in translation it means "back". It is generally accepted that the style originated in the 1920s, when women began wearing cropped skirts, sleeveless dresses, and silk stockings. That is, the first manifestations of this trend were reflected in fashion, and only then spread to other areas of life.


The concept of retro includes the style of copper signs of the 1920-1980s, and the style itself is divided into four main areas according to time periods.

Varieties of retro style copper plates:

  • 20-30s - the period of women's emancipation. There was a modest style in everything, sleeveless clothes, black and purple colors, jazz, cinema and airplanes.
  • 40-50s - the post-war period, which was distinguished by calmness and love for the classics. At first, neutral shades and lack of decor were popular, and with the advent of the 50s, bright colors, catchy outfits, flared skirts and pearls were popular.
  • 60-70s - lightness and ease prevailed in the style. Bright prints and colors were considered fashionable.
  • 80s - geometric shapes and different patterns came into fashion.

In the 1980s, the concept of retro expanded significantly. From that moment on, the style began to be applied not only to clothing, furniture and interiors, but also in advertising and art. With the development of graphic design, retro style was used to create copper signs, posters, posters, postcards, advertisements and illustrations, and then development of logos, corporate identity and packaging design.

Distinctive features of retro style:

  • musical themes (jazz, records, old players);
  • images of people;
  • rich warm and muted colors;
  • geometric shapes and lines;
  • neon signs;
  • handwritten font styles and fonts that mimic neon images.

By what features are present in the design of brass signs, classic and modern retro are distinguished. The first is presented in the form of stylized blocks and pictures similar to old magazines, and the second is distinguished by muted shades, handwritten fonts and decorative elements.


Since retro is characterized as a light and positive style, it cannot be used for companies that want to emphasize reliability, stability and solidity, such as construction companies, medicine manufacturers, law firms and industrial enterprises.

The style is more suitable for creative individuals, creative companies and entertainment venues (designers, artists, cafes, bars, restaurants, photo studios, organizers of various events, etc.). It is also a great way to decorate attractive and emotional signs made of brass or copper on doors and walls of buildings.

Retro style copper plates on the door: examples and features of development

The concept of retro style originated in 1972. This direction began to develop actively in France, Great Britain, the USA and other countries. The French word "retro" is short for "retrospectif", and it gained value with the development of cinema and literature after the Second World War and the re-evaluation of the role that France had in it.


The concept of retro began to be applied first to French fashion, and then the style spread to advertising and the design of brass plates on doors. Similarly, in other countries - the style was first used in fashion and art as a modernization of the past, and then for an ironic display of the desire to evoke nostalgia. Then interest in the past was fueled by people's dissatisfaction with the present.

Gradually, retro penetrated into all spheres of life. It began to be used in the development of logos and corporate identity, in advertising and marketing, in interior design, in the manufacture of doors with embedded copper plates and other goods. Now this style is used in business to create atmospheric design, get set apart from competitors, attract attention and increase sales by establishing an emotional connection and trusting relationship with customers.

Steampunk Engraved Copper Plates

Let's start with the term itself and its definitions. Initially, steampunk appeared in literature as a direction of science fiction. This is not surprising, because the art of writing favors the flight of fancy somewhat more than the rest. Moreover, it has the most effective expressive means. In the literature of the 20th century, steampunk began to develop in the 60s and 70s, and acquired its name only in the late 80s. Adepts of this style weren't most famous writers, but little-known ones: James Blaylock, Tim Powers and Kevin Jeter. The authorship of the term is attributed to the latter. Perhaps these science fiction writers did not become world famous, but something else is much more interesting: the forerunners of steampunk were the works of Jules Verne and HG Wells, as well as the work of Nikola Tesla.

What are engraved copper signs like in this style? Imagine that technological progress has stopped at the creation of a steam engine. And not just stopped, but brought the technology of working with steam to perfection. Here, absolutely everything works on coal and steam: from gatling guns and walking robots to submarines (hello, Nautilus). The closest to the reality of steampunk in terms of fashion and aesthetics are the times of Victorian England. The same solid beech tops, top hats, coats, tailcoats for gentlemen, corsets and crinolines with a hood for ladies, caps, jackets and boots for the working class. As well as such pleasant little things as smoking pipes, canes and watches on a chain.

By bringing together this mixture of an old empire and technological dystopia, we can identify the main expressive elements of the steampunk style.

The specificity of this genre is in a large number of various mechanical devices: gears, copper pipes, valves and dials. The main materials inherent in the steampunk style are polished copper, wood, leather, stone, silk and cotton.

And now the answer to the question, why do we need all this information?

The fact is that steampunk is gaining fantastic popularity these days. Style descends from the pages of books and is embodied in reality: in furniture, technical devices, clothing, games, accessories and jewelry. Also in the restaurant business. The giant thats IBM called 2013 the year of steampunk. And no wonder, because the analysis of records and discussions on various Internet sites showed an increase in the popularity of steampunk by 11 times in three years (from 2009 to 2013)!

The HoReCa sphere, which is always sensitive to trends and hobbies of the public, could not ignore this.

Steampunk brass signs to be popular?

It would seem that brass signs in the style of steampunk are too complicated a style to implement. Do you want an English style? You need to put old looking chairs for your restaurant, buy leather upholstered furniture for the bar, hang Beatles records and a portrait of Her Majesty - and you're done. But after all, everyone has been doing this for over a year, so it will be difficult to compete with old players on the "British" field.

In the steampunk genre, the domestic restaurant market has not yet created anything implementable, and even more so, in large numbers. Not only is the promising area is free for taking, but it is also interesting. Like it or not, almost everyone wants to become a pioneer in their own field.

Domestic specialists have long studied the works of foreign restaurateurs and are ready to offer you a specific guide to action. The design project of your steampunk restaurant is the first step to realizing a fictional universe.

Let's start with light and color. Working with coal and steam does not involve laboratory cleanliness and shiny white coatings, so dark tones predominate in steampunk restaurants. Walls, floors and ceilings are done in various shades of brown, dark red and old brick. Numerous brass signs (or stylized metal elements) are polished to a shine - this shade of decorative elements blends perfectly with the color scheme of the room. There is little light there, it is neither bright nor white. Electricity "according to legend" is practically not used in the world of steampunk, so the twilight, created by the illumination of yellow (sometimes red and orange for effect) incandescent lightbulbs, is reminiscent of the gloomy dirty gray sky of old London. Gloomy? Perhaps, but it has its own, beautiful and grasping charm.

The use of modern materials that are not stylized "under the universe" of steampunk in a steampunk project is strictly prohibited. Plastic will kill the whole atmosphere that is made up of many details. Use the materials of the Victorian era: red brick, wood, copper and you can't go wrong.

Furniture suitable for a steampunk restaurant project is predominantly wood. Mostly, because a custom-made bar counter made of solid wood, for example, can be perfectly decorated with bronze and copper elements (as the creators of a steampunk cafe from South Africa did). Sliding and monolithic tables on a wooden frame, as well as models with a solid wood worktop and a metal frame are perfectly suitable. Just be careful when choosing a material - shiny stainless steel will not work here. The same applies to cabinets and shelves that combine wood and metal, metal and leather bar stools, armchairs, and to almost any element of furniture equipment.

An integral attribute of a steampunk cafe, in addition to the above, can be a thousand little things. Antique typewriters and sewing machines, brass signs, clocks, microscopes, all kinds of mechanisms of absolutely unimaginable purpose - all this is placed on wall and floor mounted shelves. The century of victorious mechanics can be embodied even in bar equipment, but it will not come cheap.

The clothes of bartenders and waiters may well be the suit of a engineer or fireman, the livery of a butler, or the dressing gown of an abstract mad professor. One of the most popular elements in steampunk is the use of goggles, used by the pilots of the first airplanes or the drivers of the very first cars. Adding them to staff clothing is sure to bring awe your customers.

We hope that you are interested in a new restaurant concept and in the near future we will be able to see a similar institution in our native open spaces. And, as you probably remember, we always have not only a fresh idea, but also an affordable price for bar and restaurant furniture, whether you buy aged look tables in bulk or order an exclusive "steampunk" bar counter.

The history of the paper towel dispenser

Paper dispensers have been around since the 1930s with the invention of paper towel rolls. Since it was impractical and unhygienic to place a roll of paper near the sink, one of the managers of fast food establishments decided to hold a competition for the creation of a machine for holding paper towels. The inventor of the paper dispenser is still unknown.

The first paper towel dispensers were designed and commissioned in America, specifically for bathrooms. They were frankly very bulky and uncomfortable.

Later, paper towel sheets appeared, for which it was also necessary to create a paper dispenser. It was these paper towels that were considered the highest class, as they were used in expensive restaurants and luxury hotels. Dispensers for such paper towels became smaller in design, but not everyone could afford to buy them, since they were intended for luxury bathrooms.

What is a dispenser and what is it for

A dispenser is a device that allows you to conveniently and easily use detergents, paper towels, napkins and other items. Dispensers are made from different materials, and may also differ in shape, size, decoration and purpose.


A dispenser is needed to dispense certain materials in strictly measured portions. All public organizations and enterprises in the service sector should take care of the convenience of employees and visitors. In addition, antiseptic liquids are now in great demand.

Varieties dispensers

There are many types of dispensers: for liquid soap, a bottle of freshener and other liquids is used as filler. To choose a convenient product, you need to understand the type of device and the principle of its operation.

By type of issue, they can be:

  • Mechanical with the help of a sleeve or button.
  • Sensor, equipped with a timer or motion sensors.
  • Elbow - serve products with the use of the elbow.
The size of the container is selected based on the number of visitors.

How does a liquid soap dispenser work

The liquid soap dispenser is designed to dispense a small amount of soap or gel with a volume of 1-2 ml, depending on the type. It can dispense liquid using a sensor (suitable for high traffic areas) or can be equipped with a button.

In the first case, when hands approach, a sensitive scanner is triggered, this dispenses soap without the need to come in physical contact with the equipment.

Paper towel dispenser

The paper towel dispenser is made of either plastic or metal. Some models have a locking function with a key so that no one can pick it up. It is used for work both with rolls, and with sheets.


Designs can be completely different and can vary from classic to exotic options.

Another popular device for high-traffic washrooms. It feeds a paper sheet, and then cuts off the roll, which prevents unnecessary unrolling. There are products equipped with a blade that cuts off paper towel rolls if there is no perforation to help it tear off by itself.

Napkin dispensers are used for table, wet, and cosmetic wipes and are desktop and wall-mounted. These device are in demand in restaurants, beauty parlors and dentistry. The principle of operation is simple: the dispenser dispenses only one napkin, which reduces material consumption and increases hygiene of use, since the user does not touch the remaining napkins.

The device and principle of operation of the dispenser for air fresheners

The air freshener dispenser is often used in public restrooms. It has two types of feed mechanism:

  • Pressing a button.
  • Automatic feed by motion sensor or timer.

When you press the button, the device sprays the freshener, which prevents overspending. Perfect for apartments and private houses. It can be equipped with an automatic mode, depending on the spraying setting which injects the freshener periodically: once an hour or longer.

Brass and copper signs

The beginning of the use of vintage brass plaques / copper signs in the interior dates back to the 30-40s of the last century. The most common use of steampunk copper plaques was in the design of bars and restaurants in England, France, Germany and the United States. We offer original retro-style copper or brass plaques of a wide variety of subjects: plates (metal / tin) for a bar, beer signs, signs for cafes, pubs, advertising boards, signs for barbershops, for office decoration or at home, and comedic signs.

Tin (brass / copper) vintage signs will perfectly fit into the interior of a bar, pub, coffee shop, nightclub, fitness room, modern office, loft-style apartment, and country house. Trust us, this is a great gift for a friend, work colleague or loved one. Our signs can be used both indoors and outdoors, they are very resistant to mechanical and weather factors.

Brass / copper plaques for interior decoration are available and they can be made any size. The inscriptions are distinct and well read, and resistant to mechanical damage. Thanks to the mounting holes, it can be easily and securely installed to the surface with screws; double-sided foam tape can be used for fastening. Curved edges add volume to the plate.

Design development in retro style: where and at what price to order

To get a unique design that would reflect the values of your company and work for its image, you need to contact a professional designer. You can find such a specialist on a freelancer site and in a design studio. The first option allows you to save money and get a good result, provided that you find an experienced and responsible designer. The second option will cost more, but in this case you will without a doubt, get what you expect.

The cost of the service depends on various factors, including the region that the designer is in, the qualifications of the designer, and the features and complexity of the work. But in this case, there is no guarantee that you won't end up with a useless or inefficient design.

Prices in design studios are higher, but the result is worth it. We can help you personalize your bar or restaurant and offer unique retro d?cor items. Prices depend on the timing of the project, the complexity of the work and the type of design.

Our company has a team of creative and experienced people who will take care of your project. Designers study the characteristics of the business, competitors, and target audience, then think through different ideas, and only then proceed to design. This is done so that you get a result that best meets your requirements and a recognizable design that will resonate with consumers.

Advantages of brass plaques

Brass plaques and signboards are one of the important elements of a company's design and of its advertising and information space. Despite the fact that the process of manufacturing and use of brass signs seems very simple, they play a very important role in the success of any enterprise. The correct plate forms the image of the company in the potential client's mind and the installation on whether it is or isn't worth cooperating with, that is, trust in the company also depends on it.

The most popular among large and self-respecting companies use brass plaques, signs, and signboards. This choice is based on a number of advantages over other types of signs that are available.

Presentable appearance of facade plates

It has already been mentioned above that copper signs form an impression of a company. This is especially true when applied to facade plates, because it is what the person who decides to visit the office of the company first of all pays attention to. Brass plaques look expensive and presentable due to the metal from which they are made. Brass has a golden color, and, accordingly, the product from it seems to be made of gold. If a company has such a sign, then it signals on a psychological level that things are going well for it. The most common option for applying text and images to brass plates is black enameling, which gives even the simplest brass plate a special slick style.

Brass, despite its plasticity, is a strong metal. Brass plaques are highly resistant to adverse natural factors. This is especially important for brass facade plates. In addition, this durable metal allows you to save the plaque from the actions of street vandals, which often spoil the appearance of signs.

Possibility of restoration of brass plates

With prolonged use, metal, including brass plaques, lose their original appearance. This is mainly due to the destruction of enamel and oxidation and contamination of their surface. In this case, people resort to restoration, during which the craftsmen clean, grind and, if necessary, refill the surface of the plate with enamel. It is brass that is out of all types of metal plaques, the best and easiest to restore.

Brass plaques have been made for several centuries, even in pre-revolutionary Russia, significant buildings, such as various departments and ministries, were decorated with such plaques. Now such signs hang on the fronts of large banks, expensive restaurants and other prestigious establishments, giving a signal to potential clients that using the services of a company that has such a sign, they will find success.

By ordering and purchasing brass plaques for your company, you will emphasize the prestige of the company, if it is a facade plaque, or showing the high status of a specialist or manager, or if these are office plaques that are mounted on doors or installed on tables.