Using Vintage Christmas Decorations for Unique Holiday Style

In this post: Looking to add unique style to your holiday decor? Try using vintage Christmas decorations to add personality to your home.⇒

Using vintage decorations for Christmas amounts to more than just searching for antique ornaments.

Although that is a worthwhile and fun endeavor, to be sure.

But decorating with vintage style encompasses a whole lot more. Much like decorating at any time of year, incorporating antiques and vintage elements into your Christmas decor can affect the overall aesthetic of your holiday home.

There are three key approaches I would highlight if a vintage Christmas is what you’re after. First, and most obvious, is to utilize actual vintage decorations. The aforementioned ornaments, antique figurines, timeworn banners, and aged bottle brush trees all fit the bill. However, a second option is to use everyday vintage objects and pair them with holiday accents. A stack of antique books tied with Christmas ribbon and finished with jingle bells illustrates this concept perfectly. And finally, you can get a vintage feel with a group of items that are not old at all, by simply using faded and softened components.

Why Vintage Christmas Decorations?

There are several advantages to using vintage decor, not the least of which is that repurposing items is better for the environment. At the same time, antique pieces bring a sense of authenticity and pedigree to the rooms they typically inhabit. And lastly, holidays are the perfect time to honor traditions, folklore and family legends (whether true or not… ;-)). Vintage decor aligns with all these notions.

Vintage Holiday Decor Ideas

I’ve curated a roster of 20 vintage Christmas decorations that represent the concepts I’ve outlined above. You can click into the posts to take a closer look and also find additional tips for decorating with vintage holiday decor at the end of the post.

Upcycling Everyday Items Into Christmas Decor from The Painted Hive

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have charming holiday decorations. This post has ideas for upcycling common items like bottles and books to make decor that is perfect for your holiday home.

DIY Waterless Snow Globe in a Vintage Glass Jar from Sadie Seasongoods

A homemade waterless snow globe is just the thing to add to your decor this year. These are easy to make and can be customized to your theme. Make a few for your home and a few to give this year.

Vintage Christmas Mantel Decor from Little House of Four

Dress up your mantel with vintage galvanized bucket accents. These make a nice embellishment for your stockings, or to stack on the mantel for a simple yet stylish touch.

Simple and Rustic Holiday Ornament from Live Laugh Rowe

If you have been saving buttons for a craft project, these ornaments are just the thing to make. They are going to look stunning on your tree, and you might want to make a few to share with friends and family this holiday season.

A Cozy Cottage Christmas on the Maine Coast from Molly in Maine

Add a regional nod to your decor by incorporating snowshoes. While they are simple, they add such a cozy touch when displayed near the fireplace, or propped up against a vintage sled. Your guests are sure to say let it snow once they get inside your comfy Christmas home.

3 Easy Christmas Tree DIYs from Beauty For Ashes

If you want to add a handmade touch to your decor this year, why not make some of these yarn and ribbon wrapped trees? Make one for every room in your home, in coordinating colors to add budget friendly accents that are eye catching and easy!

Farmhouse Christmas Tree Ideas from Boxwood Ave.

Tuck a few rattan and wood baskets around the tree to keep your gifts off of the floor, and sorted. These look gorgeous and will help you stay organized this holiday before your parties! Or use as the tree collar itself.

Vintage Christmas Cupboard from Inspired by Charm

Putz paper houses are just the thing to find and add to a vintage cabinet for the perfect touch this Christmas. These are so charming that you will want to collect them all.

Vintage Christmas from Dabbling and Decorating

Adding musical instruments to your holiday decor hits just the right note of classy and unique. This idea would be especially meaningful if the instrument is a family heirloom.

Vintage Christmas Decor and Tree from The Honeycomb Home

Adding colorful stockings to the mantel is a jolly good idea! These vintage stockings are so much more refined than a felted red option, and will be treasured by your family for many years to come.

Vintage Christmas Made Simple from Itty Bitty Farmhouse

Decorate your shelves in chic vintage style this year to give a nod to your childhood while adding style and elegance to your holiday home. These ideas are simply stunning and can be used by anyone. Include ceramic village houses and bottle brush trees, as well.

My Favorite Vintage Christmas Decorations from The Ponds Farmhouse

If you have a soft spot in your heart for A Charlie Brown Christmas, you will want to add a Charlie Brown tree to your decor. These trees might be sparse, but they are absolutely gorgeous, no matter where you display them.

Vintage Lodge Inspired Christmas Porch from House of Hawthornes

Don’t forget to dress up your porch this holiday season! These planters are perfect for the holidays; use your leftover greenery and your favorite vintage containers to recreate them.

Vintage Christmas Table Setting from Sanctuary Home Decor

If you want to make a statement with your table settings, then add bottle brush trees and a Belsnickel Santa snow globe. This looks elegant and chic, but is rather easy to set up for the perfect scene during your holiday meal.

Vintage Inspired Cozy Cottage Style Christmas from Shiplap and Shells

A home can never have too many trees, but if you are short on space, these mini trees will come in handy. You can add these to any room that needs a little extra holiday cheer and pile on some sweet mini ornaments.

Christmas on the Front Porch from Sarah Joy

Adding a vintage wagon to your front porch decor is a great way to add a country Christmas theme to a smaller space. Stack greenery, planters, or even firewood in a wagon for an easy holiday arrangement.

Vintage Retro Santa Christmas Banner from Emma Herman

If you need a banner that brings vintage charm to your space, but don’t have time to make your own, check out this adorable option! It would look great over the mantel, or in any space of your home that needs a touch of Christmas magic.

Simple Vintage Christmas DIY from Whitetail Farmhouse

If you want to make a simple statement this holiday season, consider using vintage postcards in your decor. If you have a collection of family cards, this would be a wonderful way to incorporate them into your holiday themed decor.

Nostalgic Vintage Inspired Christmas Tree from Making It in the Mountains

This tinsel tree has a  splendidly vintage vibe to it. You will be impressed with how such a simple and overlooked part of holiday decor can dress up a tree so easily, and affordably. 

A Cozy Vintage Christmas from Faith and Farmhouse

After you see how gorgeous this vintage sled looks in the living room, with cozy Christmas items on top, you are going to want to head to the antique store and buy one for your holiday decorating. It is so charming, yet simple, as well.

More Tips for Vintage Christmas Decor

• Mix and Match Ornaments:
  • Combine vintage ornaments with newer ones for a charming and eclectic tree.
  • Look for classic shapes like glass balls, icicles, and hand-painted designs.
• Retro Tree Toppers:
  • Opt for a vintage-inspired tree topper, such as a shiny star or a traditional angel with a timeless touch.
• Antique Candle Holders:
  • Use vintage candle holders for a warm, nostalgic glow.
  • Be sure to choose flameless candles for safety.
• Old-Fashioned Garland:
  • String popcorn or cranberries for a classic, homemade garland.
  • Mix in vintage tinsel for added sparkle.
• Vintage Christmas Cards Display:
  • Create a festive display by showcasing old Christmas cards in a creative way.
  • Consider framing some of the most special ones.
• Thrift Store Finds for Table Settings:
  • Hunt for vintage dishes, glasses, or silverware at thrift stores for a unique and charming holiday table setting.
• Repurpose Antique Furniture:
  • Use vintage furniture pieces to display your holiday decorations.
  • An old dresser or sideboard can make a delightful holiday focal point.
• Nostalgic Stockings:
  • Hang vintage-inspired stockings by the fireplace.
  • Personalize them with names or initials for a special touch.
• Rustic Wreaths:
  • Craft wreaths using natural elements like pinecones, berries, and burlap for a rustic, vintage feel.
• Create a Cozy Reading Nook:
  • Arrange vintage-inspired holiday pillows and blankets in a cozy corner.
  • Add a touch of nostalgia with classic holiday books or magazines.
• Old-Fashioned Advent Calendar:
  • Embrace the tradition of counting down the days with a vintage-style Advent calendar.
  • Fill each pocket with small treats or festive notes.
• Vintage Christmas Villages:
  • Create a charming Christmas village display using antique or vintage-inspired miniature houses and figurines.
  • Add faux snow for an extra magical touch.
• Classic Christmas Figurines:
  • Decorate your mantel or shelves with vintage figurines like Santa Clauses, angels, and reindeer.
  • Consider placing them in unexpected spots for a whimsical feel.
• Handmade Crafts from Yesteryear:
  • Incorporate handmade crafts from the past, such as crocheted snowflakes or knitted stockings.
  • These unique touches add a personal and nostalgic flair.
• Vintage-Inspired Wrapping Paper:
  • Use wrapping paper with retro designs to give your presents a timeless look.
  • Consider incorporating twine or ribbon for an extra vintage touch.
• Timeless Table Runners:
  • Lay out vintage table runners featuring holiday motifs for a festive dining experience.
  • Mix and match patterns for a playful aesthetic.
• Weathered Wooden Decor:
  • Integrate weathered and distressed wooden elements like vintage sleds or wooden signs for a rustic charm.
  • These pieces add warmth to your decor.
• Classic String Lights:
  • Opt for classic string lights with large bulbs for a nostalgic glow.
  • Drape them around your tree or along mantels and windows.
• Vintage-Inspired Wall Art:
  • Hang framed vintage Christmas prints or create a gallery wall with holiday-themed artwork.
  • These pieces can be conversation starters during gatherings.
• Mismatched Vintage Glassware:
  • Serve drinks in a collection of mismatched vintage glassware for a charming and eclectic touch.
  • It adds character to your holiday celebrations.