Vintage Cottage Christmas Home Tour
A vintage cottage Christmas doesn’t come from the holiday aisle. It comes together a little at a time, whether it’s an ironstone picture from an estate sale, a sled from an antique mall, or one more Santa mug I couldn’t leave on the shelf. Every December, those pieces come out of storage, and the cottage starts to look like Christmas.
Our 1920 beach cottage is a natural fit. Old pieces belong in an old house. Add mini trees tucked into baskets and crocks, greenery cut from the garden, and red and white transferware, and you get a Christmas that looks like it’s been here for a hundred years. Here’s how I decorate the living room and kitchen with vintage finds, and how you can bring the same look home.
Looking for more ideas? I’ve gathered my favorite cottage and vintage Christmas decorating ideas in 32 Christmas Decor Ideas for Bringing Comfort and Joy Home and 22 Charming Christmas Vintage Decorations.
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Welcome to Our Vintage Cottage at Christmas
There’s no entryway here. You open the front door, and you’re in the living room, and this is the view. At 1,600 square feet, I call the cottage cozy rather than small.
My style is collected vintage cottage with a few industrial pieces mixed in, and our house has always felt more casual than put together. Christmas is no different.
Why Simple Works Best in a Small House
After more than a decade of decorating this cottage for Christmas, I’ve learned that more isn’t better. In a small house, it doesn’t take much before a room feels cluttered. Every year I try to make my Christmas decor a little simpler than the year before.
I also decorate in phases. I bring out the basics, live with them for a week or two, then tweak. That’s usually when the dried oranges go on the garland, and I cut branches from the magnolia in the yard to make a fresh magnolia wreath.
Shop My Holiday Home Decor Favorites
Shop my favorite online holiday home decor items from Christmas trees and stockings to candles and pillows.
Vintage Cottage Christmas Living Room
Mini Christmas Trees Everywhere
The first thing you’ll notice is the mini-Christmas trees scattered all over the house. A big tree won’t fit, so instead there are little ones on cabinets, tables, and shelves, plus a taller, skinny tree that tucks into the living room corner.
I change tree themes every year. Some years work better than others.
Rustic Touches: Snowshoes and a Reindeer
A pair of reproduction snowshoes pushed my Christmas decor in a more rugged, rustic direction. They look like they came out of an old mountain cabin.
SHOP VINTAGE SNOWSHOES
We’ve had this reindeer for years, and he’s been all over the house at Christmas. The scarf keeps him warm.
Vintage Finds in a Century-Old Cottage
Vintage and repurposed pieces belong in a house this old. This little tree used to sit in a galvanized bucket until I swapped it for a wicker picnic basket. The sled, skates, and old sign came along later.
SHOP VINTAGE SLEDS AND VINTAGE SKATES
Old books are some of my favorite Christmas decor. Stack a few, add an ornament or a bit of greenery, and you have a vignette in 5 minutes.
SHOP VINTAGE BOOKS
Ornaments Beyond the Tree
What’s a girl to do with more ornaments than trees? Put them in bowls. The dough bowl on the coffee table holds ornaments, greenery, pinecones, and berries. More ideas in 17 Ways to Decorate with Christmas Ornaments.
SHOP VINTAGE WOODEN DOUGH BOWL and BOTTLEBRUSH TREES
This mercury glass bowl gets the same treatment.
Vintage Cottage Christmas Kitchen
In the kitchen, simple wins again. Bay leaf garland goes under the window, and a bundle of mistletoe hangs where you walk in.
We finished the corbel and spindle column project just in time for Christmas.
Some years the pan rack gets fresh garland, and some years it doesn’t. It depends on how much is left over after the outdoor decorating.
Red and White Transferware and Ironstone
Vintage Vista red transferware next to white ironstone is one of my favorite Christmas combinations.
SHOP VINTAGE VISTA RED TRANSFERWARE AND WHITE IRONSTONE
Add a bowl of walnuts or pomegranates and a good candle like this Antique Candle Co. Vanilla Bean, and the kitchen feels like the holidays.
Christmas Open Shelving
Open shelving is a touchy subject. Some people say it’s impractical and the dishes get dusty.
I use mine mostly to display seasonal decor and vintage collections, so a little dust doesn’t bother me. Being able to see everything is worth it.
Vintage Santa Mug
Every year I tell myself I need more vintage Santa mugs and thermoses.
SHOP SANTA MUGS AND THERMOSES
![collection of vintage Santa mugs and Christmas kitchen decor]](https://shiplapandshells.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Christmas-Santa-mug-5-SQ.jpg)
Every year I mean it.
And for almost nothing, a Mason jar full of candy canes adds a pop of red to the shelf.
The Kitchen Table and That View
We don’t have a formal dining room. We eat at the farm table in the kitchen, and with this view, we don’t complain.
A vintage galvanized bucket of flowers and greenery from Trader Joe’s sits on the table. To keep the stems standing, I set three Mason jars of water inside the bucket.
SHOP VINTAGE GALVANIZED BUCKETS
Garden greenery works too. Rosemary, bay leaf, magnolia leaves, and evergreen branches with berries are all fair game in December.
I never get tired of looking out at Puget Sound and the greenhouse from here. Look closely, and you can spot a red sailboat anchored in the bay.
How to Get the Vintage Cottage Christmas Look
Vintage Cottage Christmas FAQ
Keep it simple and scale everything to the space. Use mini or slim trees instead of one large tree, group decor into a few vignettes rather than spreading it everywhere, and use vertical spaces like shelves, cabinets, and window ledges. Greenery and twinkle lights add a lot without taking up room.
Vintage cottage Christmas decor mixes antique and thrifted pieces, like ironstone, transferware, mercury glass, old books, sleds, and Santa mugs, with natural greenery and simple, cozy textiles. It feels collected over time rather than bought all at once.
Thrift stores, antique malls, estate sales, flea markets, and Facebook Marketplace are the best places. Shop early in the season for the best selection, and look in January when stores fill with donated holiday decor.
Start with what’s already there, like white ironstone, and add a few holiday pieces in one color, such as red transferware or Santa mugs. Tuck in small bottlebrush trees or greenery, and leave some empty spaces so the shelves don’t look crowded.
Final Thoughts on Our Vintage Cottage Christmas
Thanks for coming along on the tour. None of this happened in one year. It’s a little more vintage searching each December, with one more mug, one more tree, and one more basket I couldn’t leave behind.
Decorate with what you love, whether it’s an heirloom, a handmade ornament, or a thrift store find with a story. If you have any questions about anything you saw, leave them in the comments below.
Until next time,
Happy Touring!
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Kim, there is so much inspiration in each photo! Everything looks so beautiful! You have such a gift of incorporating vintage touches to make such a cozy, welcoming home. It was so much fun to be on this tour with you. Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much, Lynne. That is very sweet of you to say.
Your home is so cozy. But that leather sofa! yes! I’m all in! The color and style are perfection! Why didn’t I notice this before? If we find our farm, you have to help find my dream sofa. In love! We are going to go see one this Sunday!
Thank you, Melba. I was pretty quiet about the couch. We just got it the first week of November. It’s quite different from my normal style so I didn’t know what people would say but I absolutely am in love with it.
Once again I stared at each photo for like forever! I see a new sofa! How did I miss that before? Looks fabulous there and the color is beautiful! Love each detail and what a great idea to do with the plethora of ornaments. LOL. I don’t have a lot of ornaments. A few years ago we had a real tree and it got knocked over. So many broke. Then it happened again the next year too! Anyway, most of my new ornaments are plastic or cloth and aren’t as pretty as yours. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas season. Loved hopping with you again.
Oh no, Cindy. That’s so sad that most of your ornaments broke. I usually break about a handful each year. The vintage balls are so fragile. I kept the new couch quiet because I wasn’t sure how it was going to be received. It’s definitely not my normal cottage style. But I really do love it. Always happy to be hoping with you, my friend.
Love your warm and inviting home. This looks like a place I would feel so warm and cozy sitting in with a cup of tea. My favorite photo is the one with the pooches on the window seat. Sweet.
Thank you, Jillian. That picture is my favorite too!
Kim, your home is so beautiful and cozy. I love everything about it and how your decorated it for the holidays.
You are so sweet Tammy. Thank you!
All of the vintage touches are just beautiful!
Thank you so much Ana,
Everything looks so, so good!! I love your little snow shoes!! I was just thinking about snow shows when I was doing my porch…and I didn’t want to run down to the antique store because I always leave with way more than I need!
Trader Joe’s is killing it with the greenery and berries right now. I just did a big pot filled with their magnolia and the white berries.
Thank you, Jennifer. Trader Joe’s always has the best flowers and greenery no matter what the season. Just wish they were closer to our home. You can find the snowshoes I got at Amazon. I believe I have a link in the blog post. Hugs my friend.
Just pinned so many beautiful things from this post, Kim! I love all the festive touches you’ve used throughout the house and all the ornaments you’ve collected over the years too. Your little dogs are so stinking cute! They always look so happy and well-behaved. I wish we lived closer I would cozy up on your couch pour us a cup of cocoa and hang out! Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo
Thank you for the sweet words and compliments CoCo. I would love to be neighbors that just hung out at each other’s houses and helped each other decorate. How fun that would be.
You cottage is so lovely, Kim! I am swooning over your mercury glass ornaments! They are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing such awesome Inspo!
Thank you, Jennifer. I do like mercury glass ornament or two. They are just so pretty.
Kim I just love how your living room is looking and everything is decorated so beautifully❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Ann. I can’t wait to see your tour.
What a treat to see your adorable cozy cottage all gussied up for Christmas! Your kitchen shelves are always my favorite:) And that view…I’d just sit there at your table and look out at it all day! Thanks for the lovely tour; can’t wait to see the rest!
Thanks, Lora! Come on over and I’ll let you sit there all day. Can’t wait to see your tour on Friday.
My Friend, your cottage IS cozy and oh-so-charming! I always admire your dining room view and I find something new to love each time I visit. Your bucket centerpiece is fabulous–pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you so much, Cecilia. I was so happy with the bucket of flowers too. Trader Joe’s comes through again! Always so fun to be hopping with you sweet friend.
Kim, your home looks gorgeous and all ready for Christmas! I love the vintage vibe you used. So many pretty things it’s hard to pick just one. I do have to say, your reindeer adorned in the scarf was the perfect touch! Merry Christmas!!
Hi Kim! He just looked so naked without the scarf. Happy holidays my friend.
Kim you have the most enchanting home. It’s always so warm and welcoming with all your little vintage treasures, and wonderful style of decorating. Love the gorgeous arrangement on the dinning table! It’s always nice to see the puppy dogs too! Pinning!
Thank you, Michelle. I never realize just how many vintage pieces I really have until I do these tours. Thank you for the sweet words.
Kim just beautiful again this year. I had a hard time choosing a Pin. Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Cindy. Happy holidays.
Kim your home looks so pretty for the holidays! I love all of your cute trees and meant to tell you I love the lighter leather sofa! Your living room looks great!!! xoxo
Thanks, Stacy! I’m really loving the new couch too. But miss my turquoise coffee table.
Kim I loved your tour! So much vintage eye candy. I love the basket you used to hold your tree and your red and white transfer ware…I want to see more! Everything is beautiful! I too like to tweak things a lot. Pinned and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much for coordinating this tour, Kelly. I always love participating in them. Merry Christmas to you too sweet friend.
It’s always so fun to tour your home and see all of your special finds and the unique ways you have incorporated vintage treasures! Everything looks beautiful and festive!
Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Amber! I really appreciate the sweet compliments. Wishing you the happiest of holidays.
I love all the nature-inspired and vintage pieces! So pretty!
Thank you, Robyn. I’m so excited to tour your beautiful home all decked out for the holidays.
Kim,
I love your cozy cottage decked out for the holidays, it’s just so pretty! Love that your pups get in on the action too. 🙂
Happy holidays! xx, Libbie
Thank you, Libbie. My pups will do anything for a treat or two. Happy holidays my friend.
Kim,
There is so much to love here. That little tree in the basket was a favorite. Love your style and so glad we are doing these tours together.
Thank you so much, Rachel. It’s always fun to tour together.
I always love taking a peek inside your cozy cottage Kim. And at Christmas it’s even more magical! Love all the pretty details you’ve added for the holidays. Pinned! Merry Christmas Kim!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Ann Marie. I’m heading over to take a tour of your holiday decor now.
You inspire me so much Kim, your home is so full of charm and coziness. You really have a special touch and know how to create a warm and inviting home.
You are so sweet Wendy. Thank you my friend.
Everything is so charming and lovely! You have such a knack for perfectly incorporating vintage items into your decor.
Thank you, Shawna. I appreciate it. I can’t wait to go see your tour! Happy Holidays!
Kim, your home is absolutely gorgeous all decked out for Christmas. You know I love unique vintage pieces, and I couldn’t get over all of your gorgeous finds. You gave me so many ideas for next year. Pinned so I can remember when it’s time to plan for 2022. ? Happy holidays!
Thank you, Jen! You gave me some great ideas too my friend. I’m all about the green and blue plaid next year.
Kim, your home always looks so warm and cozy, especially at Christmas time. I love all the little touches and the scarf on the reindeer made me smile!
I am going to borrow your tip about greenery in a bucket. I need a table centerpiece and have plenty of greenery and mason jars. Love this idea!
I’m so glad the greenery in a bucket tip will work for you, Leen. Thank you for the kind words my friend.
What a gorgeous, cozy Christmas home tour friend!
Thank you so much for sharing so much lovely inspiration.
It’s a joy to be on this tour with you.
xoxo,
Brendt
Thank you Brendt. I am so excited to see your beautiful tour.
Your home looks spectacular decked out for Christmas, Kim! I slowly scrolled through your post, taking in all of the details in every single picture that you shared.
Thank you, Paula. I hope you didn’t look too closely. You never know what I might have missed. I’ve been known to have dog toys in my pics. Happy holidays! I can’t wait to see your beautiful holiday tour.