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12 Victorian Christmas Decor Ideas for a Timeless Holiday

12 Victorian Christmas decor ideas from real old homes: parlor trees, vintage ornaments, velvet bows and greenery on the mantel.

By Hana · Updated · 6 min read

Victorian homes decorated for Christmas

The Victorians gave us so many Christmas traditions: the decorated tree, glass ornaments, greenery over the fireplace and candles in every room. A Victorian Christmas feels rich, warm and full of history.

These 12 Victorian Christmas decor ideas come from real old houses in the US and the UK, from grand parlors to small terraced homes. Each one has tips so you can bring a bit of that timeless look into your own home, old or new.

12 Victorian Christmas Ideas From Real Old Homes

🎨 Victorian Christmas colors

Deep Green
Garland and velvet
Claret
Ribbon and fabric
Antique Gold
Frames and baubles
Mahogany
Wood furniture
Ivory
Lace and candles

1A Parlor Tree in the Window

View this post by thevictorianonmain on Instagram

Photo: thevictorianonmain on Instagram

This parlor tree stands in a tall window between heavy drapes. It is elegant, warm and very Victorian.

The Victorians loved to show their tree in the front window for passers by.

How to get this look

  1. Place the tree in your front window.
  2. Frame the window with heavy curtains.
  3. Use jewel toned ornaments.
📐 Room size: Parlor💲 Budget: Medium🎨 Style: Elegant⭐ Difficulty: Medium

2A Tree Full of Vintage Ornaments

View this post by vintageholiday on Instagram

Photo: vintageholiday on Instagram

This tree is covered in old glass ornaments and tinsel. It looks like it has been decorated by the same family for 100 years.

Vintage ornaments from flea markets give a tree real Victorian charm.

How to get this look

  1. Look for old mercury glass ornaments.
  2. Add a little tinsel.
  3. Mix colors freely, the Victorians did.
📐 Room size: Any room💲 Budget: Medium🎨 Style: Vintage⭐ Difficulty: Medium

3A Floral Victorian Tree

View this post by lauradowlingtheflorist on Instagram

Photo: lauradowlingtheflorist on Instagram

This tree is full of vintage roses, ribbons and rich colors. It sits next to a floral chair and looks like a painting.

Victorians loved flowers. Faux roses and dried blooms make a tree feel romantic.

How to get this look

  1. Tuck faux roses into the branches.
  2. Add wide ribbon in deep shades.
  3. Use warm lights.
📐 Room size: Living room💲 Budget: Medium🎨 Style: Romantic⭐ Difficulty: Hard

4Colored Lights on a Classic Tree

View this post by thegroggyanchor on Instagram

Photo: thegroggyanchor on Instagram

This tree uses colored lights instead of white. It feels nostalgic and joyful in the old hallway.

Colored bulbs remind many of us of old family Christmases.

How to get this look

  1. Use classic colored bulbs.
  2. Add old style ornaments.
  3. Place the tree in a hallway or entry.
📐 Room size: Hallway💲 Budget: Low🎨 Style: Nostalgic⭐ Difficulty: Easy

5A Victorian Bedroom at Christmas

View this post by our1897vintagefarmhouse on Instagram

Photo: our1897vintagefarmhouse on Instagram

A small tree, a lace curtain and a vintage settee. This 1897 farmhouse bedroom looks like Christmas past.

Do not forget the bedroom. A small tree and lace make it festive and calm.

How to get this look

  1. Add a small tree in a corner.
  2. Use lace curtains and soft bedding.
  3. Place a vintage chair or bench nearby.
📐 Room size: Bedroom💲 Budget: Low🎨 Style: Vintage⭐ Difficulty: Easy

6A Tree in the Front Room

View this post by carolannecreative on Instagram

Photo: carolannecreative on Instagram

This tall tree sits in a front room with dark walls, old frames and a cozy sofa. It feels rich and lived in.

Dark walls make Christmas lights glow even more.

How to get this look

  1. Hang gold frames around the tree.
  2. Use a dark, rich wall color if you can.
  3. Add a velvet cushion or two.
📐 Room size: Living room💲 Budget: Medium🎨 Style: Moody⭐ Difficulty: Medium

7A Tall Tree Under High Ceilings

View this post by bensonhammondhouse on Instagram

Photo: bensonhammondhouse on Instagram

This historic house has very high ceilings, so the tree is tall and slim. It fills the space beautifully.

Match your tree to your ceiling height. Leave about 1 foot at the top for the topper.

How to get this look

  1. Measure your ceiling before buying.
  2. Pick a slim tree for narrow rooms.
  3. Add ornaments right up to the top.
📐 Room size: High ceiling room💲 Budget: High🎨 Style: Grand⭐ Difficulty: Medium

8A Garland Over a Glowing Fireplace

View this post by cherimilaney on Instagram

Photo: cherimilaney on Instagram

A thick garland with lights frames this fireplace, with a tree beside it and an oil painting above. It is classic Victorian.

The mantel was the heart of a Victorian Christmas. Dress it with a lush garland.

How to get this look

  1. Use a thick garland with warm lights.
  2. Hang a painting or mirror above.
  3. Place a tree on one side.
📐 Room size: Living room💲 Budget: Medium🎨 Style: Traditional⭐ Difficulty: Medium

9A Historic Bedroom Dressed for Christmas

View this post by historically_zane on Instagram

Photo: historically_zane on Instagram

This old bedroom has a fireplace with greenery, antique furniture and soft light. It feels like a museum, but cozy.

Antique furniture and greenery are all you need for a Victorian bedroom.

How to get this look

  1. Add greenery to the bedroom mantel.
  2. Use a patterned rug.
  3. Light candles or lamps, not overhead lights.
📐 Room size: Bedroom💲 Budget: Low🎨 Style: Historic⭐ Difficulty: Easy

10Cedar and Velvet on the Mantel

View this post by krystameeker on Instagram

Photo: krystameeker on Instagram

Fresh cedar garland with red velvet bows on a dark mantel. Simple, rich and very Victorian.

Velvet ribbon is one of the easiest ways to make decor look old world.

How to get this look

  1. Lay a cedar garland on the mantel.
  2. Tie red velvet bows at each end.
  3. Let the cedar drape over the sides.
📐 Room size: Fireplace💲 Budget: Low🎨 Style: Classic⭐ Difficulty: Easy

11A Victorian Terrace With Fairy Lights

View this post by insideourvictorianterrace on Instagram

Photo: insideourvictorianterrace on Instagram

This Victorian terrace has a dark green wall, a fireplace full of fairy lights and a tree in the corner. It shows the look works in smaller homes too.

Fairy lights in an empty fireplace give a glow even if you cannot light a fire.

How to get this look

  1. Put a string of fairy lights in the fireplace.
  2. Add a garland above.
  3. Use a deep wall color.
📐 Room size: Small home💲 Budget: Low🎨 Style: Modern Victorian⭐ Difficulty: Easy

12Heritage Decor in a Period Living Room

View this post by homesandgardensofficial on Instagram

Photo: homesandgardensofficial on Instagram

A period living room with a garland on the fireplace, a tree and heritage inspired decor. It is warm and inviting.

Old houses look best with classic decor. Keep it traditional.

How to get this look

  1. Use classic red and green.
  2. Add a garland and a tree on one side.
  3. Choose traditional fabrics.
📐 Room size: Living room💲 Budget: Medium🎨 Style: Heritage⭐ Difficulty: Easy

Victorian Christmas vs Modern Christmas

Here is how the two styles are different.

Victorian

  • Rich colors like claret and deep green
  • Glass ornaments and tinsel
  • Velvet, lace and antiques
  • Candles and greenery everywhere

Modern

  • Neutral or bright colors
  • Simple matching ornaments
  • Clean lines and less clutter
  • LED lights and minimal greenery

Victorian Christmas Traditions You Can Copy

Many of our Christmas habits started in Victorian times. Here are a few to try.

  • Hang greenery over doors and mirrors
  • Make paper or fabric ornaments
  • Put a tree on a table, as early Victorians did
  • Place candles in windows
  • Use dried oranges and cinnamon

💡 Hana’s tip

Look for vintage ornaments at flea markets and charity shops in November. They are often cheap and give your tree that real old feel.

Quick Victorian Christmas Checklist

  • Rich colors: deep green, claret, gold
  • Velvet ribbon and bows
  • Vintage glass ornaments
  • Greenery on the mantel and mirrors
  • Candles and warm low light

FAQs

What is Victorian Christmas decor?

It is a rich, old world style with greenery, glass ornaments, velvet, candles and antique furniture.

What colors did Victorians use at Christmas?

Deep red, green, gold and jewel tones were common.

Can I do Victorian Christmas decor in a new house?

Yes. Use velvet ribbon, vintage ornaments, brass candlesticks and lots of greenery.

Did Victorians have Christmas trees?

Yes. Christmas trees became popular in Victorian England in the 1840s.

Final Thoughts

Victorian Christmas decor is rich, warm and full of tradition. Bring in velvet, greenery, glass ornaments and candlelight, and your home will feel timeless this holiday.

You may also love my vintage Christmas living room and traditional Christmas living room ideas.

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