Reviving Red Vintage Finds for Unique Christmas Decor
Love the vintage aesthetic at Christmas? Get expert tips for reviving vintage finds so you can use them as unique Christmas decor.
Christmas decorating is so much more fun when you have a couple new things to use! Each year before the Christmas decorating starts, I get working on “new” vintage finds that I want to incorporate into my Christmas decorating. This year old red finds have my heart. Here’s how I’m Reviving Red Vintage Finds for Unique Christmas Decor.
Reviving Red Vintage Finds for Unique Christmas Decor
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How to Repurpose an Antique Screen Door for Christmas
This bright red, chippy antique screen door caught my eye leaning up against a barn at an estate sale last Spring. When I asked the price and they said $15, I knew it needed to come home with me. It’s so tall I barely got it in my car; a nice man took off an extra piece with a saw to help me get it in.
My To Do List
- Carefully remove the rusty old screening (without getting hurt). Gloves and a pliers will be needed, and possibly THESE tools to get out old staples.
- I will lightly sand around the frame to get rid of splinters and smooth it. I also like to get loose paint chips off. I will use a palm sander LIKE THIS and 120 grit sandpaper sheets, cut in 1/4 (find HERE).
- Lastly, I will scrub it up with soapy water and let dry in the sun. When fully dry, I will brush on a coat or 2 of THIS to seal.
I’m hoping to use this cute revived red screen door in my back entry. Maybe with an evergreen wreath hanging in the bottom opening. It would be fun to use it horizontally sometime, too.
Reviving an Old Wooden Bucket
I think I picked up this white painted wooden bucket in a curbside pile? I’ve kinda forgotten;) But old wooden (and metal) buckets are always a handy decor item to have in your stash. The paint job is a little too perfect for my taste, though…
My To Do’s:
- To reveal the original character of the old wooden bucket, I’ll sand it with my palm sander. First I’ll try 120 grit. But if that’s not working fast enough, I’ll switch to 80 grit. I tried a small spot already and there’s red underneath! Hidden treasure, indeed. Can’t wait to do the rest.
- When I’ve revealed enough of the red underneath, I’ll blow off the sawdust with the compresser (a little one like THIS is so handy). Lastly, I’ll seal by brushing on a coat of poly.
- There are holes on each side. I will use rustic rope like THIS to make handles.
Won’t this old bucket be so cute for a little Christmas tree? Great rustic, vintage look for Christmas decor.
Red Old Wooden Boxes for Christmas Decor
I have got a thing for old wooden boxes. And the more handcrafted they are, the better. Before plastic tubs were invented, everything was shipped and packaged in wooden boxes. I find these old goodies in garages and basements.
This large red wooden box was found curbside last Spring. I had to take out all the heavy, greasy metal parts that were inside. The top is removable, which makes it even more appealing.
The small red beadboard box was found at an antique store recently. It’s yellow inside. I just love these old utilitarian boxes for their decorating potential.
To Do:
- First off, de-grease. Spray with THIS cleaner and scrub with a soft nylon brush. Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly.
- Next, use a palm sander to smooth out any rough spots around the edges; you don’t want splinters when you’re decorating.
- Lastly, brush on a coat or two of THIS to seal.
This larger red wooden crate would be perfect for a Christmas tree. And the smaller one would look cute stacked in a Christmas cabinet display. Can’t wait to use these this Christmas!
Vintage Suitcases with Red Trim
These old red-trimmed and white suitcases were found curbside. Yes, my suitcase collection is taking over my house, but how could I say no to red trimmed versions? They will be fun to decorate with at Christmas, Valentine’s and all the patriotic holidays.
You can get the full how to revive old suitcases HERE. And find fun ways to decorate with old suitcases HERE.
I’m thinking up a new creative way to decorate with them for this Christmas; stay tuned!
Reviving an Old Red Wagon
My dad’s old red wagon has been hanging around the garage for awhile. I need to give it the cuteness it deserves. And what a fun vintage piece to decorate with for Christmas?
To Do:
- Scrub with hot water and THESE scrubby, soap pads. It will smooth out the rusty spots. Rinse with hot water and dry quickly (so more rust doesn’t happen).
- Brush on a couple coats of poly to seal. (Old metal gets so pretty when you poly it;)
I’m trying to decide if I have space inside the house somewhere to enjoy this old wagon. It would be cute piled with gifts under the tree? Or with a couple of small Christmas trees inside? Or it could be cute on the porch, piled with split wood and some evergreen sprays. We’ll see…
Old Satin Blanket Binding in Red
Church sales and estate sales can have the best stash of vintage sewing trims. And you can find them so inexpensively. I always head to the craft table at church sales and see what I can find (see “Thrifting for Craft Supplies for DIY and Decor” for more tips).
Recently I picked up a whole pile of vintage satin blanket binding for .25 a package. It is so quality compared to modern ribbon. I have several packages of a beautiful berry red that I will be using for Christmas this year.
The only thing I need to do is iron the fold open, for a nice thick, rich looking ribbon. I will be able to use it over and over by simply ironing it again.
Shop vintage blanket binding HERE.
I hope these DIY decor ideas inspire your Christmas decorating ideas! Maybe you have some old finds hidden in the basement or garage that you can give new life to. Or maybe you need to hit the treasure hunting trail and find some “new” vintage finds to decorate with this Christmas!
It’s always more fun to start decorating for Christmas if you have a couple new vintage finds to style with.
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Omgoodness you have some gorgeous red vintage pieces to use for your decor! My fave is the door. It’s so pretty1
Thanks! I’m always excited to decorate when I can use “new” old finds!
These are the best finds and will look great for Christmas decorating. I love old wood boxes and buckets, so fun to use.
They’ve been waiting for Christmas all year long!
Oh Lora!!
I cannot wait to see all of these decorated and ready for the jolly Old Man in his red suit.🎅😁 I’m such a traditional (old-fashioned-kinda girl), I always love red for Christmas. You truly found some fabulous pieces thrifting. Congratulations! Enjoy decorating.
Yes, I’m feeling the red this year. I don’t use it for much of the rest of the year, so I’m ready for the classic combo this year:)
SUCH pretty things to use for Christmas, Lora!! I ADORE those wood boxes…I don’t know how you do it but you manage to find the best junk. Enjoy all your scrubbing:)
Probably because I’m always on the hunt, Rachel;)
I like the wood boxes Lora , would like to see what you did with the items that you picked up, the screen door etc. how you incorporated them into your decor.
Yes, can’t wait to use them as Christmas decor!
I share your love for vintage wooden boxes and suitcases! I can’t pass by without taking them home. I am also attracted to vintage green kitchen utensils. I have the original vintage green backsplash tiles and won’t be updating them! They are perfect! 😃
I love those old green handles, too, Shelley! Especially the scoops; I use them every day.