There’s something irresistible about vintage Christmas decor that keeps drawing us back. Maybe it’s the warm glow or old-world metallics under the twinkle of Christmas lights, or the way those classic ornaments seem to hold memories of holidays past. But recreating that nostalgic aesthetic doesn’t mean you need to spend weekends hunting through antique stores or bidding on rare collectibles. Today’s vintage-inspired holiday decor combines the charm of yesteryear with modern sensibility, creating spaces that feel both timeless and fresh. From vintage brass to handpainted ornaments, this curated list of 21 vintage Christmas decor ideas captures that coveted modern classic Christmas spirit.
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The Evolution of Christmas Decor: From Farmhouse to Modern Vintage
Christmas decor trends have taken quite a journey over the past fifteen years. We’ve moved from the era of Farmhouse Christmas—dominated by distressed wood and abundant and confusingly obvious signage—through the reign of stark minimalism with its clinical beige and white palettes that seemed designed for showhouses rather than real homes.
Today’s most compelling trend feels like a natural evolution of both styles but with a more sophisticated and livable approach. The 2023-2024 season embraces deep, saturated earth tones in carefully curated color schemes. Instead of overwhelming spaces with multiple hues, designers choose one to three colors and explore them thoroughly through layering and texture. Velvet ribbons, matte-finish ornaments, and varied greenery create depth and visual interest without chaos.
This aesthetic has found a powerful voice through designers like Shea McGee of Studio McGee, whose work resonates because it thoughtfully blends beloved elements from multiple decor movements. She masterfully combines the neutral palette of minimalism, the ornate touches of vintage style, and the craftsmanship of traditional design.
The result is Christmas decor that feels both elevated and wonderfully lived in. While you can certainly find elements of this style at Target (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good Target find?), the magic happens when you make it personal. The key to executing this aesthetic successfully lies in mixing curated retail pieces with your own collected treasures—whether they’re family heirlooms, interesting thrift store discoveries, or handcrafted elements. Use designer work as inspiration, but let your home tell your story.
With that philosophy in mind, here are 21 vintage Christmas-inspired decor ideas that will seamlessly integrate into your modern home, helping you create a space that’s both on-trend and uniquely yours
1. Paper Ornaments
Paper ornaments are popular for Christmas decor in 2024 due to their sustainability, affordability, and versatility, making them an eco-friendly choice that appeals to DIYers. Additionally, they evoke a sense of nostalgia and align well with the vintage Christmas aesthetic. If you don’t want to DIY, you can find lots of premade options for paper ornaments.
2. All About Brown
Brown is truly having a moment in design in 2024-2025. I recently refreshed our bedding and used shades or white and brown and I am using brown as a central color for our kitchen renovation. It is so rich and earthy, from deep espresso to soft creamy beige, brown is the multidimensional color that works in so many spaces. I have plans to upcycle most of my existing ornaments, but I am considering adding some brown ball ornaments to our collection.
3. Green and Gold
I’m truly torn between this option and the one above for my Christmas tree inspiration this year. The green and gold tree is absolutely stunning, embodying a classic and elegant tonal look. The glass stars and green bells harmonize beautifully with the textured green ball ornaments, while the metallic ball ornaments introduce a fun, modern twist.
4. Hand-Painted Ornaments
Let your personality and creativity shine by making your own ornaments! Thrift or upcycle ball ornaments you already have, and use acrylic paint to add your unique designs. This fun DIY project not only personalizes your decor, but also adds a meaningful touch to your holiday celebrations.
5. Speciality Ornaments
For a budget-friendly way to create unique tree decor, combine inexpensive bulk ornaments with a few special pieces that stand out. Look for distinctive ornaments at stores like World Market or Etsy to add a personal touch. This mix will give your tree a charming and individualized look without overspending.
6. Textured, Aged Ornaments
These have been around for a few years now, but I love this trend. It involves creatively and upcycling, two of my favorite things. Next week I’ll be upcycling the dark red oraments that have adorned our tree for the last 5 years. I’ll share the DIY process here when I do.
7. Truly Classic Bright Vintage Christmas
While the colors on these wreaths are bolder than the rest of the decor on this list, I still feel like they deserve a spot on the list. You can’t go wrong with these truly classic Christmas colors and natural elements.
8. New Vintage Christmas
This modern vintage Christmas wreath beautifully blends traditional elements with a more subdued color palette, creating a sophisticated yet festive look. Its earthy tones and classic ornaments evoke nostalgia while adding a contemporary touch to your holiday decor. Customize a wreath base with your own holiday elements like dried oranges, cinnamon, cranberries, and more.
9. DIY Wreath
I love making seasonal wreaths with things from our yard. I’ll update our Winter wreath soon, but if you’d like to see the tutorial for my fall wreath, read this post.
10. Yule Inspired Mantle
Oranges have long been a part of Christmas decor, but have you ever wondered why? I briefly explain the history of oranges involvement in Christmas and Yule, along with a full tutorial on how to make your own orange garland and ornaments. Read that post here.
11. Modern Vintage Mantle
White knitted stockings and brown satin ribbons feel timeless and elegant in this gorgeous mantle display. I did a similar mantel display last year but couldn’t bring myself to spend on Christmas bells, so I made them myself. I upcycled some cheap vinyl/aluminum bells from the thrift store with paint and Rub ‘n Buff.
See the full tutorial below!
12. Eclectic Vintage Mantle
This layered, lived-in look feels so homey and those vintage rug-inspired stockings are darling. The key to this look is volume. For our mantle display, I use a combination of faux and real pine garland/ boughs to give a full look.
13. Garland Over Mirror
Decorating mirrors and artwork around your home can be a great opportunity to add a little holiday cheer in unexpected places. My decor usually ends up in a few specific places- the tree, the mantel, and the entryway. In the last few years, I have tried to spread out the decor a little more, without completely taking over my home’s existing design aesthetic. I do this by adding small wreaths, ribbons, and garlands on windows, doorways, and framed art.
14. Wrap Your Art With Ribbon
This is a stunning example of minimal yet festive Christmas wall decor. Simply add a few strategically placed bows to your artwork and mirrors to spread the holiday spirit throughout your home. Use textured velvet ribbon to imbue vintage charm.
15. Don’t Forget the Kitchen!
The kitchen is often overlooked when it comes to adding seasonal decor. Adding some simple hanging bells and greenery might be all you need to make your kitchen feel cozy and festive.
Using real pine boughs or a real mini juniper or rosemary tree will fill your kitchen with a delightful fresh herb scent. Plus, rosemary is fantastic in many of my holiday meals and cocktails (or mocktails)! Roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary have become a staple Christmas dish for my family. One of my favorite mocktails is inspired by our signature wedding drink, the “Rosemary Me Gin and Tonic.”
I no longer drink, so now I skip the gin and make the drink with sparkling water, tonic, rosemary, lime, and either cucumber or cranberry juice. Cucumber is great in the summer, and cranberry is perfect for Christmas.
16. Vintage Christmas Counter Decor
This stunning wooden lamp, basket, mini tree, and lazy Susan make this kitchen counter feel so festive and bright. To recreate this look, thrift a basket and some vintage rolling pins, wooden spoons, and cutting boards. I would also try to thrift a cool vintage lamp. Thrift stores are generally packed with lamps! And if you find a lamp base you love, but with an ugly or missing lamp shade, you can easily find a replacement shade online or upcycle it yourself.
Pro tip: bring a light bulb while thrifting to test the lamp before you bring it home.
If you can’t find the right thrifted lamp or just want one that is cordless (who wants cords on their counters?)- you can try a cordless brass lamp instead. That will also work well with this look.
Replacing plastic hand and dish soap bottles is a well-known way to enhance your countertops. However, not all refillable pump bottles are created equal! I’ve ended up with at least 10 broken ones from stores like Ross and TJ Maxx. After so many frustrations, I decided to invest a little more and chose this amber glass set. I’m happy to say that after nearly a year, they’re still working beautifully, and the brass pump hasn’t discolored, as many others tend to do!
17. Decorate the Bannister
There’s something truly romantic and timeless about a staircase railing or banister adorned for Christmas. It brings back the childhood sense of hope and wonder associated with the holiday. Can’t you just picture excited kids rushing down the stairs on Christmas morning?
18. Decorating Openings and Windows
Hanging layered garlands from your windows sets the perfect scene for a beautiful winter view. I grew up in Montana, and I truly miss looking out to see snow. Although we don’t have white Christmases here in Northern California, a charming vintage garland display like this brings back the nostalgic feel of Christmases gone by. Layer pine garland with paper stars to get this look.
19. Vintage Christmas Table Setting
Are you hosting for friends and family this season? Small thoughtful details can elevate your get-together to a classic and classy Christmas dinner party. This can be done with any budget in mind. You can get gorgeous chargers, tablecloths, cloth napkins and rings, and nice silverware. Or this can be done in a more eclectic vintage way with thrifted plates and handmade or foraged decor. A small vase with some sprigs of rosemary, pine, or other local flora can make beautiful table decor.
20. Simple Christmas Entryway Table Decor
A beautifully crafted wreath in your entryway adds a touch of seasonal cheer, instantly welcoming guests with its vibrant colors and festive charm. Pairing the wreath with vintage brass candlesticks elevates the decor, infusing the space with a classic Christmas elegance. Together, these elements create a warm and inviting atmosphere that captures the spirit of the holidays.
21. Mini Tree to Set the Tone
A mini tree nestled in a charming thrifted basket adds a delightful touch to your entryway, creating a warm welcome for your guests. This classic element not only showcases your unique style but also infuses the space with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The tree can be adorned with twinkling lights and sentimental ornaments, further enhancing its charm and making each visitor feel at home. This simple yet effective decor choice captures the essence of the season, ensuring that everyone who walks through your door feels the holiday cheer.
That’s a Wrap: Vintage Christmas Ideas That Feel Fresh for Today’s Home
The beauty of vintage-inspired Christmas decor lies in its ability to evolve. While these ideas draw from the past, they’re not bound by strict historical accuracy. Feel free to mix periods and styles, incorporate family heirlooms, or blend vintage elements with contemporary pieces. The key is creating a space that feels collected over time rather than purchased in a single season. The most compelling holiday displays often tell a story—so don’t be afraid to let your personal history shine through your vintage-inspired decorations. Whether you’re just starting your collection or adding to years of carefully curated pieces, these ideas prove that some styles truly are timeless.
And please don’t feel pressured to do this all at once! I don’t buy all new or replace my decor annually. Every year, my decor style evolves a little and I add a few new pieces and upcycle some old ones to fit my decorating scheme. Cheers to you finding your version of this vintage Christmas look!
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