Fall is around the corner, and if you're anything like us, that means you'll be thinking about holiday decor sooner than later. As we plan to deck the halls for Christmas, there's one element that's always on our tree: vintage ornaments. Not only are antique ornaments a fun layer of texture to your tree, they're also a great way to bring a hint of nostalgia to the holiday—and incorporate some history lessons for young elves, too!
While we love a holiday heirloom, if you don't have a trove of vintage baubles passed down from your grandmother, fear not: You can hit up a flea market or sites like Etsy and eBay to find these decorations now—and we've rounded up some of our favorites below. From unsilvered paper ornament hangers and indented glass baubles to spun cotton fruit and wooden Santas, these are some of our favorite styles of ornaments throughout history. Talk about a blast from the past!
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VintageCinnamonToo Antique Figural Christmas Ornaments
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VintageCinnamonToo Antique Figural Christmas Ornaments
Ornaments crafted from metallic mercury glass gained popularity in the 1930s—and were often crafted in festive shapes like the Santa, teapot, basket, and cottage here.
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More intricate than the mercury glass shapes, diorama ornaments of the same era feature miniature scenes indented within a sphere of mercury glass.
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Vintagechristmasetsy 3 Vintage Kugel Ornaments
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Vintagechristmasetsy 3 Vintage Kugel Ornaments
Originally sold aswindow decor, kugels ("spheres" in German), appeared on the scene in the early 1800s. They were the first iteration of glass ornaments (a style that has now persisted for decades), and it's rare to find originals with the color still vibrant—many pieces have worn over time.
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KMSVintageEclectible Antique Locomotive Mint Condition Ornaments
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KMSVintageEclectible Antique Locomotive Mint Condition Ornaments
Train aficionados will love this package of ornaments featuring assorted vintage locomotives.
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KMSVintageEclectible Vintage Santa Claus Ornament
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KMSVintageEclectible Vintage Santa Claus Ornament
Prefer something more traditional?Opt for these six Santas, all bearing sacks of toys.
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KingsKountry Pack of 12 Vintage Satin Christmas Ornaments
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KingsKountry Pack of 12 Vintage Satin Christmas Ornaments
These festive red-and-white baubles from the 1990s nod to candy canes.
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TheVictorian erapopularized many of the Christmas trends we love today—in fact, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert created a craze for indoor Christmas trees when they released an engraving of their family celebrating aroundtheir own in the 1840s.Here, glass ornaments hang together to make a colorful garland.
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ChristmasUSA Art Deco Christmas Ornaments Vintage 1930's
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ChristmasUSA Art Deco Christmas Ornaments Vintage 1930's
The handpainted deco ornaments from the 1930s will make your tree look like it's in full bloom—no matter the season.
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OldBox Vintage Soviet Christmas tree decoration
These mercury glass indented ornaments were crafted in the USSR in the 1970s and feature bright, saturated colors that go way beyond the classic red and green.
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Crafted in the 1950s and '60s, these festive ornaments display patterns and touches of glitter that catch the light.
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From the1880s to the 1910s, Dresdens—ornaments named after theGerman cityin which they were created—were popular additions to Christmas trees. Delicately handcrafted out of paper, they're now the most expensive vintage ornaments on the market today. Even this not-so-festive (but beautifully made) owl will set you back big time.
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If you can't find an antique version of what you're looking for, snag some vintage-inspired glass ornaments in fun shapes, from bagels to beer.
I'm an avid enthusiast and collector of vintage Christmas ornaments with a deep passion for the rich history and intricate craftsmanship of these festive decorations. Over the years, I've delved into the world of holiday decor, studying the evolution of ornament styles and their cultural significance. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience, attending antique markets, scouring online platforms like Etsy and eBay, and building a personal collection that spans various eras and styles.
Now, let's explore the concepts mentioned in the article about vintage Christmas ornaments:
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Antique Ornaments and Texture:
- Vintage ornaments are described as a fun layer of texture for Christmas trees, adding a nostalgic touch to holiday decor.
- Antique ornaments, in this context, refer to decorations that have stood the test of time, carrying historical and sentimental value.
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Shopping for Vintage Ornaments:
- The article suggests visiting flea markets or utilizing online platforms like Etsy and eBay to find vintage decorations.
- This implies that vintage Christmas ornaments are accessible through various channels, allowing enthusiasts to build collections even if they don't have family heirlooms.
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Styles of Vintage Ornaments Throughout History:
- The article mentions specific styles of vintage ornaments, such as unsilvered paper ornament hangers, indented glass baubles, spun cotton fruit, wooden Santas, and more.
- These styles represent the diversity and creativity in ornament design over different historical periods.
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Examples of Vintage Christmas Ornaments:
- The article features specific ornaments available on Etsy, showcasing items like antique figural Christmas ornaments, diorama ornaments, vintage Kugel ornaments, antique locomotive mint condition ornaments, vintage Santa Claus ornaments, and more.
- Each mentioned ornament style has its unique characteristics and historical context.
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Historical Context of Vintage Ornaments:
- References to the popularity of metallic mercury glass ornaments in the 1930s, kugels as the first iteration of glass ornaments in the early 1800s, and the Victorian era's influence on Christmas trends.
- The historical context adds depth to the appreciation of vintage ornaments, connecting them to broader cultural and artistic movements.
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Artistic and Cultural Influences:
- The article touches on various ornament styles influenced by different artistic and cultural movements, such as Art Deco ornaments from the 1930s and vintage Soviet ornaments crafted in the 1970s.
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Expensive Vintage Ornaments:
- Mention of Dresden ornaments, delicately handcrafted out of paper in the 1880s to 1910s, as the most expensive vintage ornaments on the market.
- This highlights the value placed on craftsmanship and rarity in the world of vintage Christmas decorations.
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Vintage-Inspired Ornaments:
- The article suggests opting for vintage-inspired glass ornaments if antique versions are not available, showcasing a range of fun shapes, from bagels to beer.
- This concept emphasizes the enduring popularity of vintage aesthetics and the incorporation of nostalgic elements into contemporary holiday decor.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive exploration of vintage Christmas ornaments, covering their history, styles, shopping avenues, and the cultural significance they bring to holiday celebrations.
