Vintage Patriotic Decorating Ideas for Nostalgic Style
Need Patriotic decorating ideas? Classic vintage finds combine with military yard long photos in this americana display with nostalgic style. Fun decorating ideas for all the patriotic holidays.
It’s time to pull out red, white and blue for the summer Patriotic holidays! Search the house for any accessories you can gather to create an americana display to enjoy the season. Today’s tips will inspire your own Vintage Patriotic Decorating Ideas for Nostalgic Style.
Vintage Patriotic Decorating Ideas for Nostalgic Style
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Vintage Military Yard Long Photos
Last Spring as I was curbside junking, I spied two long framed prints leaning up against a pile. I was actually heading home, because I already had a full load of great junk. But when I spied the sepia-toned photos, I knew exactly what they were, and screeched to a stop to grab them.
{See all the amazing curbside finds I scored in “Recent Vintage Thrifted Finds (and my plans for them”}
Panoramic photography was popular in the early 1900’s. During the World Wars, it was common to photograph a whole military company, regiment or battalion of soldiers. Other large groups such as church congregations or 4 H clubs also got their pictures taken in this way. The more people in the photo, the better sales the photographer could enjoy.
The photos were taken by a large Cirkut camera that sat on a platform tripod, so it could be rotated slowly to capture the group or natural scene. Yardlong pics were up to 36″ by 8″, hence their name. Advertisers jumped on the trend, adding their company names and included them as a bonus wrapper for products. Yardlong pics were trendy through the 1950’s. Often you’ll see vintage framed yardlong pics with roses or other pretty natural scenes.
Nostalgic Style Patriotic Display
My “new” yardlong military photos were the perfect foundation for a patriotic display. I hung them from our back entry bedspring, one above the other. They’re right at eye height, so passer’s by can enjoy looking at all the faces in the pictures.
Flag garland hangs under the shelf above. Upcycled tennis rackets with ribbon flags add interest below, and DIY grain sack ribbons are tucked into the spring.
{“Patriotic Tennis Racket Upcycle”}
{“DIY Fabric Roses, Vintage Farmhouse Style”}
Vintage Finds with Americana Style
The long display shelf above was filled with red, white, and blue vintage finds I gathered around the house. Once you have your theme in mind, you’ll be amazed at what you can find to fill out your display.
Patriotic finds you can use to create an americana display:
- red, white and blue old books
- books with Patriotic-themed covers
- old pop bottles
- anything with stripes
- anything with stars
- any red, white, or blue accessories
- baseball items-the American classic
- old tins with graphics that fit the theme
- presidential items
- anything with eagles
- American flags of any type
Vintage Patriotic Display with Nostalgic Style
It’s so fun to create a festive display for the season by pulling together the finds you’ve gathered and had already. The perfect seasonal way to welcome summer!
Are you inspired to get out the red, white, and blue, and style up a pretty spot somewhere in your home?
If you need a couple more things to round out the patriotic theme, check here:
Handmade Americana accessories
Patriotic decorating can be enjoyed from Memorial Day all the way to Labor Day, if you wish. Or if you get sick of it after the Fourth of July, just leave it up until then. Wave your red, white, and blue indoors and out!
More Patriotic Posts to Get Inspired:
A Patriotic Porch Pinterest Challenge
Patriotic Hutch Decor with Vintage Style
Vintage Americana Patriotic Tablescape Ideas
25 Best Patriotic Decor & DIY Ideas with Vintage Repurposed Junk
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You could hold a workshop on curbside shopping! The yard longs make a unique backdrop! Thanks for the patriotic ideas.
Yes, maybe take a tour bus of friends along for the excitement;)
Fun times and great finds! I know I keep saying one of these days I’m going to come up and shop and drive around where you live so I can find such fun stuff! pinned
Oh my, that would be too fun! Summer trip, or to enjoy the MN Fall leaves!
I have a yardlong picture with a graduating nurses college. I think they are cool.
That sounds awesome!
I would have never thought to grab those pictures. I absolutely love what you did with them!
Thanks! I’ve seen them at antique stores, and they’re pricey, so I scooped them up quickly!