Do you have a vintage sled tucked away in your garage that is just waiting to be rediscovered this holiday season? With some creativity and spare time, you can turn it into an eye-catching display piece to welcome family and friends into your home during the most wonderful time of the year.
In this blog post, we’ll provide easy steps on how to decorate a vintage sled for Christmas! From selecting seasonal accessories that make a statement to displaying them with other festive objects – find out how there’s nothing quite like crafting a one-of-kind vintage sleigh decoration.
What Are Vintage Sleds Worth?
Vintage sleds are not only wonderful decorations to add a touch of nostalgia during the holiday season, but they can also be quite valuable. Depending on the condition and age of your vintage sled, it can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Look for sleds with wooden runners, as these tend to have more value than more modern sleds.
Also, look for any signs of original paint and if there are identifying marks or logos on the sled, as these can add to its resale value. Finally, research your specific vintage sled to determine a more accurate estimation of its worth. With some care and effort, you can turn an old vintage sled into a cherished family heirloom that is worth much more than its original retail value.
When it comes to decorating your vintage sled, there are several options available. You can either hang a garland of greenery around the runners or hang festive decorations from the handlebars, such as wreaths and bows. You can also paint or stencil designs onto the wood or add a few holiday accessories like small Christmas trees, Santa figurines, and snowmen. With some creativity and imagination, you can easily turn a vintage sled into an eye-catching piece of holiday décor!
No matter what decorations you choose for your vintage sled, it is important to remember that, due to the value and age of the item, it should not be exposed to the elements. Weather can have a damaging effect on a sled’s wooden runners, so be sure to keep your vintage sled in a sheltered area such as a garage or shed when not in use.
10 Methods on How to Decorate a Vintage Sled for Christmas
1. Hang Garland
One of the easiest ways to decorate a vintage sled is to hang garland from the front. You can use any type of garland, but evergreen garland looks especially festive. Simply drape the garland around the front of the sled and secure it in place with some florist wire.
You can also add some ornaments, pinecones, and other decorations to the garland. Once you’ve got everything in place, use some twine or thin rope to hang it from the front of the sled. However, make sure the rope or twine is not tight enough to damage the sled.
2. Add a Wreath
Adding a wreath to the front of the sled is another quick and easy way to decorate it. You can use an artificial wreath or a fresh wreath, whichever you prefer. Simply tie the wreath onto the front of the sled with some ribbon or twine.
If you have an artificial wreath, you can also use a hot glue gun to secure it in place. For extra holiday cheer, you can add some greenery, holly berries, garland, and other decorative elements.
If you use a real wreath, make sure to spray it with a protective coating so it will stay fresh longer. Although the wreath is a classic holiday decoration, it looks especially nice on an old-fashioned sled. You can also hang a red velvet bow or pine cones from the wreath for an extra festive touch.
3. Use Battery-Operated Lights
Battery-operated lights are a great way to add some extra sparkle to your decorated sled. You can wrap the lights around the sled or simply string them along the top. If you’re using fresh greenery, be sure to use battery-operated lights so that they don’t get too hot and cause any fires.
You can also use battery-operated candles for a warm and inviting ambiance. Be sure to keep these away from the greenery as well to avoid any potential fire hazards. You can find battery-operated lights and candles at most craft stores.
4. Cover in Fabric
If you want to give your sled a softer look, you can cover it in fabric. Choose a festive holiday fabric, such as red and green plaid or holly print, and drape it over the sled. You can secure the fabric in place with some clear tape or pins.
If you want to add some extra embellishments, you can use ribbon, bows, or glitter. You can also sew the fabric in place if desired. While covering a sled in the fabric may not be the most traditional look, it can provide a modern twist to your Christmas decor.
5. Paint it Red
One of the most classic ways to decorate a vintage sled is to simply paint it red. This will give it a nice pop of color and make it really stand out. Be sure to use exterior paint so that it will withstand any weather conditions. It may take a few coats to get the desired look, so be sure to allow plenty of drying time between each coat.
Once you have finished painting, you can add some other decorative touches to make it even more festive. For example, you could glue on a few bells or ribbons. Or, you could attach a festive wreath to the front of the sled. There are so many possibilities when it comes to decorating your vintage sled for the holidays. Have fun and get creative!
6. Add Bows
Bows are a quick and easy way to dress up any Christmas decoration, including a vintage sled. You can use store-bought bows or make your own bows out of ribbon. Simply attach the bows to the front of the sled with some florist wire or ribbon. You can also attach a few bows to the sides and back of the sled if desired.
Consider using different colors and types of ribbon to create a unique look. For a traditional Christmas feel, use reds and greens for your bows. If you want something with more of a whimsical feel, you can opt for a monochromatic look – such as all-white or silver ribbon bows. Add some Christmas bells to your bows for an extra festive touch.
7. Use Fresh Greenery
Fresh greenery is always a festive way to decorate for Christmas, and it’s perfect for dressing up a vintage sled. You can use evergreen branches, holly, ivy, or any other type of greenery that you like. Simply arrange the greenery on the sled and secure it in place with some florist wire or ribbon.
You can also add decorations to the greenery, like berries or festive bows. For a more dramatic look, you can hang a wreath on the front of the sled. If you’re using artificial greenery, it’s best to use something that looks realistic, as the vintage sled is a timeless piece of decor.
8. Paint it White
If you want a more subtle look for your decorated sled, you can paint it white. This will give the sled a nice wintery feel and will really make it stand out in the snow. Just be sure to use exterior paint so that it lasts through any weather conditions. After you have finished painting, let it dry, and then you can proceed to the next step.
9. Add Ornaments
Adding ornaments to a vintage sled is another simple way to dress it up for Christmas. You can choose any type of ornament that you like, from classic glass balls to glittery snowflakes. Simply attach the ornaments to the sled with some ribbon or florist wire.
If there are any unique features on your vintage sled, like a seat back or armrests, you can use these as anchors to hang the ornaments from. Even a few small ornaments can make a big impact and give your vintage sled a truly festive look!
10. Wrap in Ribbon
Ribbon is a great way to give your sled an elegant and festive look. You can choose any type of ribbon that you like, from classic red and green stripes to shimmery silver.
Simply wrap the ribbon around the sled and secure it in place with some florist wire or pins. If you’d like, you can also tie a big bow at the front for an extra bit of festive cheer. Though it’s a simple addition, the ribbon can really make your vintage sled look special.
Conclusion
Vintage sleds are a great way to add a touch of nostalgia to your Christmas decorations. With a little bit of paint and some imagination, you can transform an old sled into a festive decoration that will be sure to please everyone who sees it. So get out there and start shopping for vintage sleds!
And if you need any more help with your Christmas decorating, be sure to check out our other blog posts for ideas and inspiration. We hope this guide on how to decorate a vintage sled for Christmas was helpful. Please share it with your friends on social media if you find it useful. And be sure to check back here soon for more informative guides like this one.