Welcome to my guide on vintage patriotic decoration ideas! As someone who appreciates the timeless allure of classic Americana decor, I'm excited to share with you a collection of inspiring and creative ideas to infuse your home with patriotic flair.
Join me on this nostalgic journey as we explore the charm of vintage flags, antique collectibles, and captivating tableware that embody the spirit of yesteryear. Get ready to embark on a decorating adventure that will transport you back in time and add a touch of nostalgia to your living spaces.
Let's dive in and discover the beauty of vintage patriotic decorations together!
I have always had a thing for vintage and antiques from milk painted side tables like the ones at my Ranny's house to vintage art like the one hanging in my Grandma's guest bedroom. When I come across old pieces of furniture, art, linens and such it is so nostalgic.
Vintage patriotic decorations are probably some of my favorites. They are not always easy to find but when you find one it somehow makes you feel a little more patriotic.
So today, I am sharing how I used vintage decorations to create a patriotic vibe in home decor for the summer.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.
Vintage Patriotic Decorations FAQs:
When Should I Display My Vintage Patriotic Decorations?
Why did I say summer, you might be asking. Well, starting with Memorial Day to the Fourth of July, Flag Day, and then ending with Labor Day. You can decorate red, white, and blue – leave it out all summer and have summer decorations.
Where Can I Find Vintage Patriotic Decorations?
Vintage patriotic decorations aren't always easy to find but they're worth the hunt. Some you may find in your own family. Ask family members if they have any vintage patriotic decorations that have been passed down through the family. Great places to find treasures include antique stores, vintage shops, flea markets, a thrift store, yard sales, estate sales and online at sites like Etsy.
Vintage Patriotic Decoration Ideas
Now let's begin by discussing ways to decorate with vintage flags and banners. I hope you find some inspiration here and I'd love to hear your great ideas. Disclaimer: not all my decorations are vintage, so please use your imagination when you see a newish historical flag, meaning less than 40 years old. Vintage flags are some of the hardest things to find, so sometimes, we have to go with a newer design or vintage looks decoration.
Incorporating Vintage Flags and Banners
Decorating with flags and banners might be the most traditional way to decorate for patriotic holidays. I have a whole post on American flag decoration ideas that will give you more ideas. But for now, let's talk about vintage.
1. Displaying Vintage American Flags:
Incorporating vintage American flags into my patriotic decor holds both significant meaning and undeniable beauty. These flags, with their weathered patina and storied history, evoke a sense of nostalgia and reverence. They're perfect for your patriotic display.
Hanging Vintage Flags on Wall Ideas
One idea I love is showcasing these timeless symbols by hanging them on my walls, creating a focal point that instantly captures attention and adds a patriotic touch to the room.
This large flag hung over the United States capital the day after my dad passed away in 2003. It is very large and challenging to hang on my wall because I have 8-foot ceilings. If you have an oversized American flag, consider hanging it as I did in this photo by draping it on the wall.
Alternatively, I enjoy displaying a flag near my mantels, allowing the flags to become a centerpiece of admiration and conversation.
This flag is called the Bennington flag, and I picked it out years ago because of the stars and 76 written on it. There is controversy about the flag's history that you can read here. But either way, I love how it looks on my wall, all proud with patriotism.
Betsy Ross Flag Hutch Decor
Another fun idea to decorate with vintage flags is on your hutch, as I did her with the little Betsy Ross stick flags.
Our hutch in the kitchen sitting area is a fun spot to add touches to holiday decor. So, I placed these beautiful Betsy Ross mini flags for the summer. These are the best quality stick flags I own. They hang so pretty because they are a thin silky material.
You can find more ideas on decorating with these Betsy Ross flag in my 4th of July tablescape post.
Kitchen Vintage Flag Decor
Don't forget to add one, two or more flags to your kitchen. This project was so easy and you can use vintage glasses too if you are a collector.
After cleaning off my window seal over my sink I placed these matching Trader Joes basalmic vinegar jars that I have been collecting, and sat more stick flags inside.
Super easy DIY!
For more ideas on decorating your window seal check out this 4th of July decorating ideas article.
Vintage Flag Wreath DIY
Last, is an idea that I used years ago and love it so much I repeated it this year and that is adding stick flags to your wreaths.
This is another easy DIY project that requires no tools. Simply stick your flags crossing the bottoms of the sticks into the center bottom part of your wreath.
Just like that you have a patriotic wreath. There are so many simple ways to incorporate flags in your decor.
If you love this ideas here is more information on how to hang wreaths on mirrors.
Decorating with Framed Vintage Flags
You can also frame an old flag and hang it on the front of furniture as my friend Katie at Baker Nest did. This Instagram post tells about her finding this piece while traveling, along with the history behind it.
What a find! I love it when antiques come with a fun story.
Katie has recently started selling vintage and antiques in a booth and online. Keep an eye out on her Instagram for her sales and event.
If you're interested in delving deeper into the symbolism and history of American flags like I am, I highly recommend checking out this history of the American flag article that delves into the rich heritage and significance behind these iconic emblems.
And you have to check out this flag timeline. It is amazing to see the American flags transformation through time as new states joined.
2. Creative Use of Vintage Patriotic Banners:
Vintage patriotic banners are another timeless and traditional decoration. If you are lucky enough to find a vintage red, white and blue banner then you have found a treat or you can tea stain one to give that aged look. Whether you have new or old banners here are some ideas for incorporating them into your decor.
Drape vintage banners around a hutch in your dining or breakfast nook.
This is one of my favorite ideas and I have been looking for a banner, patriotic bunting, or vintage American flag scarf, to drape. I just found the perfect one but you will have to wait to see it in a later post because it hasn't arrived yet.
I love this look for Independence Day!
My friend Katie Baker has one exactly like it and she happens to sell them in her Etsy shop.
Isn't it pretty! This is a photo of her hutch draped in this beautiful swag she sells along with all her vintage red, white and blue transferware. Absolutely gorgeous!
But for now I want to share another idea from my easy patriotic decor ideas post that will give you some inspiration.
This pennant banner that isn't vintage yet hangs on my hutch and is layered with other garlands like my pom pom garland.
Wait! This gave me an idea. Maybe I should make a red, white and blue pom pom garland. Comment below if you would like for me to make one in the future and decorate with it. Patriotic crafts can be fun for the whole family.
Consider adding them around your entryway to your porch or along our railing
I love this idea too and its another item I plan to do in the future once I get my vintage swag/banner. My front porch is small so one swag hanging across the front is all it needs. If you have a long porch consider hanging several swags or draping a long line of banner materials.
Red, White, and Blue Accents
1. Styling with Patriotic Textiles
Patriotic textiles such as pillows, quilts, cushions and any fabric can really make a statement. Think out of the box when searching for vintage textiles like quilts that are red and white, t-shirts with flags on them that you can sew into a pillow or a plaids in the patriotic colors of red, white and blue.
At my house I have an American flag pillow that isn't vintage but it will give you a good idea of how to style it in your decor.
If you have a bench in your entryway consider placing it there. Another idea if tucking it on your sofa or chair in your living room with other coordinating pillows for a patriotic vibe.
I have this vision of finding a vintage sweater with an American flag on it and making it into a flag pillow. Vintage shopping is like a treasure hunt. Sometimes it takes time to find the perfect piece.
Another great way to incorporate patriotic textiles into your decor is with ribbons. If you have any vintage ribbons then pull them out to add to your decor.
I like to add ribbons in any places like tied around a lamp featured above, add to wreaths, statues and more. It's a fun way to dress up your everyday items.
2. Using Red, White or Blue Dishes
A popular decoration for patriotic holidays is using dishes that are red, white and blue. Your dining room can be a great place to display your patriotic decor. I love to use my grandmas's blue Currier and Ives to decorate for the 4th of July.
This plate, in the image above, in particular holds a patriotic significants because this the first birth place of George Washington.
Isn't that cool!
Add mini flags or red and white transferware to your collection and you easily have a hutch or china cabinet decked out for the 4th. The vintage cook books of red, white and blue help achieve the look too.
3. Decorating with Patriotic Books
Now if you are wanting to start your vintage patriotic collection let me recommend books. Books are fun and easier to find and if you look at garage sales or vintage bookstores you can usually find them cheaper.
While thrift shopping recently I came across a hand full of old books relating to American history topics.
This is just four of the books I purchases. There are more on the other bookcase.
You can stack the books like I did in the photo above or stand them on end with some cool vintage bookends. It's the perfect way to combine a love of books with American pride. Another idea is to displace just one book as a piece of art especially if the cover is display worthy.
The possibilities are endless!!
Vintage Signage, Posters, Printed Decor & Accessories
1. Displaying Vintage Patriotic Accessories:
Vintage patriotic accessories are so appealing and create a nostalgic atmosphere in your holiday decor. There are many items to search for when thrifting and antiquing. It doesn't have to screen patriotic so look for decor with eagles on it or colors of red, white or blue.
This first idea was discovered in a vintage shop in a small town outside of Nashville, Tennessee while visiting a friend. When I saw this piece of patriotic sheet music I instantly had an idea of using it for art.
Instead of framing the sheet music I made another primitive/fancy clipboard like the one in my kitchen. I will show it off here soon with another vintage inspired cheap idea.
Basically all you need is a fancy clip and a piece of old wood. Cut the wood to your desired size and hot glue the fancy clip on. It is that easy. Unless you want to paint it. Chalk paint makes a great finish for your art board.
This next idea will begin dressing up your fireplace mantel. For spring we redesigned our mantel so to keep with this design all I did was remove a bunny and place this vintage American golden bald eagle. This was probably my favorite find of 2023.
While shopping at a new location that my daughter introduced me to I discovered this wonderful vintage American accessory.
The colors are perfect and it is giving me 70s vibes. I couldn't find anything about how old this piece is but if you know anything please comment below and share.
2. Showcasing Vintage Patriotic Books & Posters:
Vintage and antique patriotic posters make wonderful statement decorations. Whenever I think of vintage patriotic posters I think of signage during the war encouraging people to do their part. You know like Uncle Sam or Rosie the Reveter.
I don't have any of those vintage posters but I did discover another cool find in one of those books I just purchased.
Meet the vintage poster that I didn't know I was buying. This vintage presidents poster looks like it was from the 80s because it stops at Ronald Reagan. Talk about an easy way to determine the age of a print.
To turn this piece into a decoration I simple placed it on top of a vintage framed piece of art with removable tape.
You can hang this idea on your wall by itself or as a gallery wall or add it to other decorations on a bookcase or bookshelf.
3. Printables in Vintage Patriotic Designs:
Our next idea is using inexpensive or free printable art as a decoration. When searching for printables look for pieces that have vintage designs such as this Cowpens flag.
Just like the Bennington flag I love the design on this one so I decided to make it into a printable that you can print for free.
It is very simple to download this design. All you have to do is subscribe to Life on Summerhill and you get access to this print along with many more.
This Cowpens flag printable comes in a white background with blue stars and a blue background with white stars which is the original design. You get both when you subscribe.
Another popular vintage item is grain sack materials so in my kitchen I have another handmade clipboard adorned with a grain sack printable design.
I love to change our grain sack designs in my kitchen for holidays and seasons. It is cheap and easy and so cute!
For the summer patriotic holidays I created this Independence Farm design with a traditional grain sack blue stripe in the background. To shop this design and many more check out my Etsy Shop here. It's a fast, easy and inexpensive way to add patriotic touches to your home.
Antique Americana Collectibles
Using antique Americana collectibles is another unique decoration idea to continue the patriotic theme. Vintage finds can be found in all kinds of places. Keep your eyes open for political memorabilia like campaign buttons, pins and posters, vintage paintings that include presidents or folk art pieces.
1. Incorporating Political Memorabilia:
The first political memorabilia idea is this gavel that belonged to my father-in-law from when he was a legislator in the 60s and 70s.
If you have any office piece from a politician then consider adding it to your decor as I did here on our bookcase and include a flag or two nearby.
2. Showcasing Folk Art and Americana Collectibles:
Another fun idea to decorate for the July 4th is vintage Americana decor like the candlestick holder that I found while shopping at the Goodwill Outlet.
Remember me mentioning before to look for items with eagles on it. These weathered iron candlestick holders spoke Americana decor when I found them in the benz at Goodwill. Because your purchase is by the pound I ended up getting this for little to nothing.
If you come across pieces like this grab them to decorate for the 4th. These vintage and maybe even antique candlestick holders are hanging in my entryway by the front door in just enough space for them to get all the attention.
This next idea is super easy and will not cost you a penny and that is adding vintage art or Americana folk art to your television.
First you might want to know about my frame on my tv. Well, it is not an added frame but instead I painted the think frame around my tv and added removable embellishments. All the details are in this how to paint your tv frame article.
Whether your tv is framed or not you can still add patriotic art to your tv as a decoration. Simply go to YouTube on your television and search for patriotic art. I particularly like this one which is all old oil paintings from revolutionary battles and family pieces of art.
Since we are on the topic of vintage oil painting here is another way to add vintage patriotic decor without leaving home or spending money.
Look for patriotic art that is public domain like this Battle of Valley Forge art piece I found online. You can download it in different sizes on the Library of Congress website.
Vintage Patriotic Tableware
1. Setting a Vintage Patriotic Table:
Decorating your table with charming patriotic tableware will make any special occasion fun. Here is a simple idea to transform your table for your 4th of July event.
For a unique twist, I've used American flags as table centerpieces, displaying them on my dining table or sideboard to infuse my gatherings with a touch of historic charm.
This year I was inspired by the ironstone pitcher I found at a local vintage shop. I placed the pitcher on my table, stuffed a few plastic grocery store bags in the bottom, and then tucked some medium-size stick flags down inside.
Talk about an easy 4th of July centerpiece!
More details on this tablescape and the story behind the centerpiece in this 4th of July table decoration ideas post.
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Conclusion
As you can see, there are innumerable ways to display your patriotic pride with vintage patriotic decorations. Decorating with flags and banners is a traditional and beloved way to display your vintage items. You can hang flags on the wall or incorporate them into existing decor.
Try adding red, white and blue accents throughout your home. Textiles, dishes and books provide a great opportunity to get creative and add unique touches to your decor.
Vintage Signage, posters, printed decor and accessories can be found relatively easily at vintage and second hand shops. Similarly, antique Americana collectibles can be found at antique shops and while thrifting. It's a great opportunity to find one-of-a-kind, unusual and fun pieces for your home.
Lastly, vintage patriotic tableware is perfect for your dinner table or party. Make sure it's food safe if you plan on putting food in any item and, if not, use it for display.
Vintage patriotic decorations are so versatile and provide you the opportunity to get creative. You can create an Americana ambiance in your home for the traditionally patriotic holidays or any time of year.
If you're looking for more patriotic decoration inspiration, check out these posts:
- Best American Flag Decoration Ideas
- Patriotic Tiered Tray Decor Ideas Honoring Old Glory
- Easy Patriotic Decor Ideas Using Red, White and Blue Decorations
It's time to get creative and find unique ways to incorporate vintage patriotic decor into their homes. I'd love for you to share your ideas!
Happy Decorating!
