Retro Outdoor Thermometers

Most days, we don’t need outdoor thermometers to tell us that it is MISERABLY HOT and HUMID in Kansas City, but soon the heat will break and we will be begin spending time in our outdoor living spaces once again. Mister Snodgrass and I recently renovated our outdoor spaces and now it is time to decorate. A cute, wall-mounted retro-inspired thermometer is on my shopping list. Here are a few I found on the web.


This vintage-inspired thermometer by Magnolia is very cute (Magnolia is the home decor brand by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame). I love that they are bringing back classic designs, and this thermometer’s design is simple and retro-chic. But rather than buy a new one that is likely made overseas, I always like to recycle when I can. You can probably find an old one locally in the West Bottoms Antique shopping area, or at estate sales or antique malls. Also, there are hundreds of cool original options on Ebay and Etsy. I just love the look of these old metal wall-mount thermometers in contrasting colors (black/white mainly). Interestingly, I have noticed that many of these were given away or sold as promotional items for a store or company. They are American mid-century advertising at its finest. Not only do I think they look cool, they feel substantial, indestructible, and they tell a story about our past.

Check out these nine vintage thermometers that I found on Etsy.