Want to bring back the cozy, nostalgic feel of Christmas from the ’50s through the ’80s? You don’t need to splurge on antiques to recreate that classic holiday charm. Here are 15 retro-inspired decorations that you can easily find today to transform your home into a festive throwback wonderland.
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Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas
From the shiny ornaments of the 1950s to the colorful lights of the 1980s, these timeless decorations bring a touch of nostalgia to our homes.
Which of these classic decor ideas will work for your home?
1. Ceramic Christmas Trees
These charming ceramic trees with colorful plastic lights are back. You can find modern versions with color-changing LEDs at craft and home goods stores. They’re perfect for mantels, tables, or as eye-catching centerpieces.
The one in the photo above is a 10-inch tall model with multi-colored bulbs to twinkle on your fireplace mantle or tabletop.
2. Tinsel Garland
Thick, shiny tinsel was everywhere in the ’60s and ’70s. Modern versions are easier to manage and store. Drape it over your tree, railings, or doorways. Silver is timeless, but gold, red, and green add a retro twist.
You can even buy multi-colored tinsel garland now like the red and green version shown above.
3. Paper Honeycomb Decorations
Fold-out tissue paper bells, trees, and Santas were staples in the ’50s and ’60s. Affordable and easy to find today, they’re great for hanging or decorating mantels, and they fold flat for simple storage.
I remember seeing paper honeycomb bells hanging at Christmas. They’ll add a nice retro feel to your Christmas decor.
4. Felt Christmas Stockings
Felt stockings with glittery decorations or white trim were a ’60s classic. You can buy them ready-made or personalize your own with craft store kits to capture that nostalgic look.
5. Glass Ball Ornaments in Bold Colors
Skip the intricate ornaments and go for simple glass balls like the ones that were popular in the ’70s. Colors like red, green, silver are traditional Christmas colors, but pink and blue are retro Christmas colors too.
These tree ornaments are still available at a lot of department stores, or you can check out the set above on Amazon.
6. Flocked Pine Cones
Pine cones dusted with faux snow were big in the ’60s and ’70s. Display them in a bowl or hang them on your tree. You can buy pre-flocked ones or DIY with spray-on snow like the spray bottles below
7. Flocked Christmas Trees
Bring the snowy look of a winter wonderland indoors with a flocked Christmas tree. This style of Xmas tree peaked in popularity in the 1950’s and 60’s but you can still get them today to add a retro look to your Christmas decor. (For more information on flocked trees, check this out.)
8. Plastic Holly Sprigs
Artificial holly with red berries was a retro staple. Today’s versions look more realistic but still bring that ’60s vibe.
Use them in garlands or as festive accents around candles.
9. Satin Ball Ornaments
Shiny satin-covered balls, especially in dusty blues, mauves, and creams, were beloved in the ’80s. These ornaments are still available and add a soft, classic touch to your tree.
10. Candy Cane Decorations
Large plastic candy canes were popular in the ’70s and ’80s for outdoor décor.
New versions with lights are perfect for lining walkways or decorating porches.
11. Glass Bead Garlands
Glass bead garlands have stood the test of time. Today’s versions are more durable but still retain that classic sparkle for your tree.
12. Tabletop Santa Figures
Plastic light-up Santas from the ’70s and ’80s are making a comeback, such as the 7.25-inch version shown above. This one uses an incandescent bulb for a classic glow, but you may be able to find an LED version at a local store.
I also like the look of the Santa figure below. It is doesn’t light up, but it looks great.
13. Paper Advent Calendars
The classic paper advent calendar with little doors was a ’60s and ’70s favorite.
The one shown above features a nice nostalgic design but this one doesn’t include chocolate or treats. Instead behind each number is Christmas sayings or ways to spread Christmas cheer.
I don’t blame you if want some with chocolates inside. 🙂 You can find advent calendars like that at most grocery stores or department stores.
14. Foil Door Decorations
Those sparkly metallic foil door hangings from the ’70s are back in more durable designs. They’re an easy way to add retro flair to your entryway.
15. Colored Net Lights
Net-style light sets, popular in the ’80s, are still perfect for bushes and trees. The modern LED versions are energy-efficient while creating the same vibrant holiday glow.
16. Christmas Cards as Decorations
Do you remember when everyone sent Christmas cards?
Not only were they a way of showing that you were thinking of someone during the holiday season, but they made great decorations too.
Attach a string to the wall and drape your Christmas cards over the string to create a Christmas banner.
17. Plastic Door Swags
Plastic holly and pine swags with red bows were a ’70s and ’80s staple. Today’s versions look more realistic but still offer that perfect retro holiday feel for doors or mantels.
18. Nativity Sets
Nostalgic Nativity Sets – traditional nativity scenes with detailed figures are classic Christmas decor.
19. Use retro-themed Christmas wrapping paper
Wrapping your gifts with retro-inspired wrapping paper will help make your whole living room have a nice vintage look.
Tips for a Retro Christmas Display
- Stick to classic color schemes like red and green or gold and silver.
- Mix new retro-inspired items with any vintage pieces you find.
- Add tinsel for instant retro vibes.
- Shop craft stores, big box stores, and thrift shops for budget-friendly options.
Creating a retro holiday display is easier than ever, thanks to the abundance of vintage-inspired decorations available today. Mix and match these items to capture that nostalgic Christmas charm without breaking the bank!
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