The vintage Christmas trend is everywhere this year, and for good reason. There seems to have been a big move away from the buy-everything-new, hyper-themed Christmas look. Instead, people are leaning into decorations with history, character and sentiment, displaying pieces that feel collected over decades rather than bought in one garden centre dash.
It’s the difference between a house that looks “decorated for Christmas” and a home that feels like Christmas. The best part is that you can pair your decor with vintage-inspired interior styling, which blends beautifully with warm, cosy soft furnishings and timeless décor that you can enjoy long after December ends.
Why Vintage Decorations Make Christmas Feel More Meaningful
There’s something instantly charming about decorations that look like they’ve lived a life: glass baubles slightly dulled with age, brass candle holders with patina, wooden ornaments that aren’t perfectly uniform, and you can’t forget the kids’ macaroni decorations from 15 years ago. These pieces bring warmth and tell your family’s story.
Mixing decorations from different eras, too; a 70s bauble here, a hand-painted heirloom there, maybe a charity-shop gem, gives your space that “Mum collected these over decades” look.
Even if you’re just starting your collection now, vintage-inspired decorating encourages slower choices that will stand the test of time.
Soft Furnishings + Vintage Christmas Decor
The beauty of vintage Christmas styling is that it doesn’t fight with your existing décor. It sits comfortably over a foundation of quality curtains, cushions, throws, and textures you already love.
Not sure how to make the pairing work? Keep this simple rule in mind: Let your soft furnishings carry the warmth, and let the vintage pieces carry the charm.
- Deep green made-to-measure curtains behind a nostalgic tree pull everything together.
- Velvet or bouclé cushions echo the richness of old glass baubles.
- A wool or knitted throw softens the look and adds that fireside feeling.
Your soft furnishings create the cosy backdrop, while your vintage Christmas pieces tell the story.
Decorate Your Overlooked Spaces
A lot of people decorate their tree and mantle, throw a wreath on the door and stop there. But vintage décor shines in less obvious corners, too.
Guest Bedrooms
A tiny nostalgic touch can make all the difference. From a small vase of greenery and a vintage bauble dish on the bedside table, to a pretty candle holder or some foil ceiling garlands, pairing these details with winter-ready cushions and a cosy throw transforms the room instantly.
Entryways
A decorative reindeer ornament, a brass tray, a single evergreen branch, plus soft lighting creates the loveliest “welcome in”. Add a hallway runner or textured soft furnishings, and you’ve achieved cosy elegance in two minutes.
Dining Spaces
Vintage candle holders, mismatched glassware and soft linen textures give your table a relaxed, considered feel. Keep the palette classic and let your soft furnishings support the festive mood.
Choose a Classic Colour Palette (That Still Works in January)
True vintage Christmas styling isn’t always about bright red and flashing lights. It can also lean into softer, time-worn colours that feel familiar and comforting rather than bold or trend-led.
- Forest and sage greens
- Warm neutrals like oat, flax and stone
- Burnished gold, brass and aged metallics
- Muted berry tones rather than high-gloss reds
These shades feel nostalgic and wintry without being limited to Christmas. When your curtains and cushions sit within this palette, the space feels calm, collected and timeless rather than themed.
Texture Matters More Than Ever
Vintage pieces often have a soft, aged, matte quality. To complement them:
- Choose curtain fabrics with depth and natural texture
- Layer cushions in velvet, bouclé, or textured weaves
- Add throws that look handmade or heritage-inspired
Texture creates warmth, both visually and physically. It’s what makes the room feel collected, not curated.
Vintage Decor Is Great For The Planet
The vintage trend isn’t just aesthetic either, it can also help you to avoid buying heaps of new, plastic-heavy decorations every year. Investing in timeless, good-quality soft furnishings and gradually collecting beautiful vintage pieces means your home will look better with age, not dated next December.
A vintage-inspired Christmas is all about atmosphere: warm, nostalgic, textured, and layered. Mix decorations from different eras, spread the charm into guest bedrooms and entryways and let your soft furnishings provide the cosy foundation that ties everything together.
For a timeless backdrop you can use every winter, buy your made-to-measure curtains and cushions from The Sewing House and create a home that feels nostalgic, elegant and effortlessly festive.