Is it just me, or does Christmas feel a little more magical when the decorations look like they’ve been in the family for a hundred years?! Lately I’ve also been saving so many vintage Christmas decor ideas with an old-world feel – think glowing tapers, glass ornaments, lace and lots of fresh greenery.
Honestly, I’m so over the matchy, straight-from-the-box look. Instead, I want our house to feel collected and cozy, like a Victorian parlor or a little European flat with a crackling fire (a girl can dream).
The good news? However, you don’t need an attic full of antiques to get the look. So I rounded up 20 of my favorite old-world holiday looks, and I also added the pieces I’d actually buy to recreate each one at home!
What Makes Vintage Christmas Decor Feel Old-World?
For me, the best vintage Christmas decor ideas are especially about warmth and patina. Brass, silver, glass and velvet all feel timeless, and they especially look good when they’re a little worn. Also, natural touches like dried oranges and garlands keep it from feeling stuffy.
Lace and doilies are also coming back in such a sweet way. Because honestly, a simple doily under a candle or a plate of cookies feels just like Grandma’s house. So if you love this look as much as I do, my vintage decor ideas will keep the old-world vibe going all year long.
1. Light Up Brass Candlesticks for Vintage Christmas Decor
There’s nothing more old-world than a cluster of brass candlesticks! In this example, they sit with red velvet bows, greenery and the tree, so they feel like part of the holiday story.
Then just add ivory tapers, one of my favorite vintage Christmas decor ideas, and you get that warm, golden glow right away. Overall, it’s one of the easiest vintage Christmas decor ideas, and everyone also looks better in candlelight. Trust me, because it works every time! Besides, brass only gets prettier with age.
2. Drape Garland Over a Gilded Mirror
So can we talk about this mantel?! In addition, the ornate gold mirror makes the whole fireplace feel like it belongs in a European manor. Then the garland softens it and adds that fresh Christmas feel.
So my tip is to go big on the mirror. Because a large gilded piece makes a much bigger impact than a few small ones, it’s worth it. Besides, you can enjoy it all year long. Then just swap the garland for fresh flowers in spring.
3. Go Dickensian With Stockings on the Mantel
Also, this cozy mantel looks straight out of A Christmas Carol! Like this one here, a lush garland is layered with ornaments, flowers and candles, so it feels so warm and old-fashioned.
As for stockings, I’d go with rich velvet or needlepoint because they feel so much more old-world than felt. In fact, they really do look like heirlooms. So hang one for every person in the family.
4. Trim the Tree With Lace Ornaments
Lace ornaments are so delicate and pretty! For instance, this one looks like a little crocheted ball, and it’s exactly the kind of thing you’d find on a Victorian tree.
Also, white lace ornaments go with any color scheme. Therefore, I love mixing them with gold and glass ornaments for a soft, romantic tree. Of course, it’s one of the prettiest vintage Christmas decor ideas for a tree. Plus, they’re light, so they also work on small branches.
5. Layer In Lace Doilies
Doilies are also back, my friends! For instance, tuck one under a plate of treats, a candle or a little bottle brush tree, and it feels like Grandma’s house in the best way.
I especially love a lace runner down the middle of the dining table. In other words, it’s one of the easiest vintage Christmas decor ideas for a cozy, old-fashioned table. Also, paper doilies make sweet gift tags, so they’re one of the most budget-friendly vintage Christmas decor ideas.
6. Collect Glass Ornaments, the Heart of Vintage Christmas Decor
Of course, glass ornaments are the heart of a vintage tree! For example, these ones are tucked in their box like they just came out of the attic, and I’m swooning over the soft, faded colors.
However, if you don’t have any family heirlooms, no worries. There are so many vintage-style blown glass ornaments that also look just like the old ones. Then, over time, you can add a few real antiques too.
7. Hang Glass Finial Ornaments
Likewise, glass finial ornaments are such a classic! They were everywhere in the ’50s, and those long, pointed shapes still look so charming hanging from the branches today.
For the best look, buy them in a big set instead of one or two. Then hang a whole collection in gold or silver, so the tree feels vintage right away. Besides, a big set costs less per ornament.
8. Tie On Red Velvet Bows
Still, velvet bows are one of my favorite ways to make a tree feel old-world! Because they add so much color and texture, they look so luxe tucked into the branches.
Instead of tying your own, the easiest way to try these vintage Christmas decor ideas is to buy pre-tied velvet bows in a big set. As a result, every bow matches, and you can just twist them onto the branches in minutes. Then fluff the loops so they look full.
9. Add Bottle Brush Trees to Your Vintage Christmas Decor
Similarly, bottle brush trees are such a sweet vintage find! I love this little one on a gold stand, but a whole forest of them on a mantel or shelf also looks so cute.
Equally, soft greens and creams keep the look elegant. Then add a few on a cake stand or doily for a little holiday scene. Finally, tuck a tiny ornament or two at the base.
10. Create a Victorian Christmas Tree Full of Vintage Decor
Of course, this tree is pure Victorian Christmas! Above all, the swagged drapes, the ornate ornaments and the gifts piled underneath make it feel like a scene from an old storybook.
So for a Victorian-style tree, think rich velvet, gold and lots of glass ornaments. In fact, it’s the same feel as my modern Victorian home decor ideas, just with lots more twinkle. Also, an angel on top finishes it off.
11. Wrap the Banister in Fresh Greenery
Because Victorians loved fresh greenery, this staircase feels so right! For example, in this home a full garland with roses and velvet ribbon wraps the banister.
First, start with a lush cedar or magnolia garland, because it’s the base of the look. Then tuck in a few flowers and ribbon, and finally let the ends drape down. Because faux garland lasts for years, it’s worth buying a good one.
12. Display a Collection of Silver Pitchers
Next, I’m also obsessed with old silver pitchers! Because a row of them already looks so timeless, their shine catches every bit of candlelight.
Then for Christmas, tuck a few evergreen sprigs or red berries into each one. Consequently, it’s one of my favorite vintage Christmas decor ideas for a shelf. Also, you can find silver pitchers at flea markets, but there are lots of new silver-plated pieces with the same vintage look. So mix old and new, and nobody will know the difference.
13. Fill a Bowl With Vintage Ornaments
Of all the vintage Christmas decor ideas here, this is also the easiest centerpiece ever! Simply pile glass ornaments into a pretty bowl, and then you’re done.
I especially love a footed silver bowl because it adds height. Besides, mercury glass ornaments look so pretty in it too. Then set it on the dining table or a coffee table.
14. Add a Chinoiserie Touch With Ginger Jars
Ginger jars at Christmas? Yes please, especially with greenery! Painted porcelain (and classic blue and white!) looks so fresh next to greenery, and it also adds a little old-world chinoiserie charm.
Then tuck a sprig of pine or holly next to them on a mantel or console. As a result, it’s such an elegant twist on classic Christmas decor. Also, the blue and white look stays pretty well after the holidays.
15. Hang a Dried Orange Garland
Dried oranges are also such a classic old-fashioned touch! After all, Victorians decorated with fruit, and I love how this garland mixes oranges with hydrangeas and berries.
Besides, they smell so good, which makes this one of my favorite vintage Christmas decor ideas! So hang a garland on the mantel or tie a few dried slices onto the tree. Also, they make sweet gift toppers, which makes them one of the most useful vintage Christmas decor ideas.
16. Set a Candlelit Table With a Silver Candelabra
Equally, a silver candelabra makes any table feel like a Christmas feast! In this example, white roses and lots of candlelight also make it so elegant.
If you only buy one big piece for your holiday table, make it this one. Besides, it works for Thanksgiving and New Year’s too. So it’s a piece you’ll use again and again.
17. Turn a Silver Tray Into a Wreath
Also, how clever is this?! In this example, a vintage silver tray hangs on the door like a wreath, and it also has evergreen sprigs and a big red bow.
Overall, it’s one of the most fun vintage Christmas decor ideas, and such a clever swap for a classic wreath. Plus, jingle bells also add a little sparkle (and sound) every time the door opens. Finally, hang it with a sturdy ribbon so it stays put.
18. Fill Urns With Greenery and Red Berries
Above all, I love how simple this is! After all, not all vintage Christmas decor ideas need ornaments. In this example, lush evergreens and bright red berries spill over the planter, so it feels natural and festive.
To get the look, first grab a footed urn and a few realistic faux pine stems, because they last for years. Then add plenty of faux red berry picks for color, and also reuse them every year. Especially by the front door, it makes such a warm welcome.
19. Hang Wreaths With Velvet Ribbon
This dining room is so cozy! Because there are wreaths on every window and wall, it feels so festive without any kitschy decor.
Similarly, a classic boxwood or evergreen wreath with a velvet bow looks good anywhere. For example, hang one on a door, a window or even over a mirror. Then repeat it in every room for a pulled-together look.
20. Go Gold With Vintage Christmas Decor on the Tree
Last but not least, this tree! It’s covered in gold ornaments, and also the gilded mirror over the mantel makes the whole room glow.
In fact, gold glass ornaments and a gold star topper are an easy way to make any tree feel more elegant. Then mix in a few vintage ornaments for that collected look. Finally, add warm white lights so the gold really glows.
Bringing Vintage Christmas Decor Home
Finally, I hope these vintage Christmas decor ideas gave you lots of inspo for an old-world holiday! Above all, my biggest tip is to start small, with a few brass candlesticks or a set of glass ornaments. Then add a little more every year.
After all, the prettiest Christmas homes feel collected, not bought all at once. So mix in Grandma’s ornaments, layer on the lace and light all the candles. So Merry Christmas, friends!
Shop the Vintage Christmas Decor Look
In short, here are all my favorite pieces in one place. So just tap any product to see it, and then enjoy decorating!
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