Retro Christmas bedroom

I never plan to do anything to the bedroom for Christmas, but it never fails, I get inspired by something.

Pin It

This year, I found myself obsessing over retro aluminum Christmas trees. I was not lucky enough to find an older one, maybe because they are highly collectible and expensive, but ran across this small one from the late 1980s, and it works for me!

Since the walls are green, I really didn’t want to use more green, so this is just perfect, and adds some sparkle. 

Everything on the dresser is vintage including the painting, an original by my late uncle, Montana native Rex Thrower who painted many beautiful western scenes. This one is from 1967 and certainly fits with my retro theme.

I left the tree unadorned, just placing some vintage Shiny Brite ornaments in a silver tray. 

I decided the boxes were so cool, I would stack them and leave them out. Who would have thought boxes would be collectible? The “American Made” label reminds me of bustling downtowns, 5 & dime stores, and American factories making goods and supporting families. Sadly, all of that has been replaced by Made in China, malls, empty, crumbling factories and Walmart. I digress…

I inherited the vintage mink cape from a relative and thought it would, again, be a reminder of days gone by. 

Another original painting from 1965 takes center stage above my great grandfather’s drop leaf table. A lamp my grandmother painted, and vintage wood box all sitting on an antique scarf from Iran.

Vintage Shiny Brite and tinsel snuggle in an antique sterling compote.

I simply draped tinsel with silver and pearl beads, accented with a pink Shiny Brite ornament behind the bed. I thought it was sweet, but my dear husband thought it just might be too girly, lol. 

I am still loving the antique iron bed I restored this spring. I have not, however, been happy with the height of the mattress because I think it looks too modern, and the bed is just too high. Well, my mother apparently agreed with me and bought us a smaller size box springs for Christmas which will be delivered today, lol! See, I am so practical that way:-) I can’t wait to see how it looks. I’d love to have a down mattress topper now too.

Just a few retro touches give the bedroom a more nostalgic feel. And isn’t that what we all want at Christmas?

I’ll be joining:

Inspire Me Tuesday

The Scoop

Wow Us Wednesdays

12 Comments

  1. Olive
    December 16, 2013 / 5:36 pm

    Splendid and just the right amount of nostalgia Anita. I love the stacked boxes of Shiny Brites. Happy Christmas

  2. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
    December 16, 2013 / 5:59 pm

    Oh I love it all Anita. Your bedroom is so pretty and I love the tinsel tree and the boxes of old ornaments. How beautiful. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

  3. Pinky at Designs by Pinky
    December 16, 2013 / 7:35 pm

    Anita, I LOVE IT!!!! All of the retro ornaments, tree, cape bring back MEMORIES!!! I used to shop at a 5 and 10 store here about 30 years ago and loved it. We live right near Newark, De. and their main street is all small stores but now lots of restaurants are coming in too. I also have an old Cape, my Mothers mink coat and my Aunt's Lambswool coat. They all just hang in a closet and don't get used. You have inspired me; maybe I will wear my Aunts coat to dinner tomorrow!!! Love the paintings too. Have a beautiful week. XO, Pinky

  4. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    December 16, 2013 / 7:52 pm

    How sweet, Anita! I would so enjoy a night in this room! Funny thing is, I remember my grandmother's beds being really high. I loved running and jumping to get in! This room looks so warm and cozy. Perfect!

  5. Deanna
    December 16, 2013 / 8:37 pm

    ANITA, Merry Christmas and a delightful December month to you.
    The Bedroom is wonderful.

  6. Unknown
    December 17, 2013 / 3:12 am

    Wow! Makes me think of times of less stress and more family. Exactly what I strive for. Luv it!

  7. Sweet Melanie
    December 17, 2013 / 4:58 am

    Anita, we just need to go back in time don't we? I love the simple touches you added and with everything else you have, it all just goes so well together. If things were only like they used to be, I think we'd be a lot better off. Marry Christmas to you and I love your bedroom!

  8. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️
    December 18, 2013 / 1:38 am

    Your bedroom is beautiful. It's a sweet tree.

  9. Katie Mansfield
    December 18, 2013 / 5:08 am

    Love the tree and the mink stole.

  10. Robin Johnson
    December 18, 2013 / 3:14 pm

    The perfect touches to make your room cozy and sparkle for the holidays. I've been trying to talk my girls into a tinsel tree, I'll have to show them your photos to help sway them.

  11. Unknown
    December 20, 2013 / 6:08 am

    Oh I love the window garland with the pink ornaments! Shiny Brite old ornaments are simply the best vintage ornaments and I adore them.
    Hugs, Lynnie

  12. White Lace and Promises
    December 27, 2013 / 2:06 pm

    Sorry I'm so long in reading. These decorations are exactly what I'd love to have in my pink room. Love the aluminum tree on the silver tray and the simple pink ball on the silver compote. I am now in search of some vintage ornaments for next year! thanks for the inspiration.

    Bonnie