12 Magical Vintage Easter Decorations to Bring Back the Good Old Days

Easter is a time of renewal, joy, and nostalgia. One of the best ways to celebrate the season is by bringing a touch of vintage charm to your home décor. Whether it’s old-fashioned figurines or classic pastel colors, vintage Easter decorations can create a cozy, timeless atmosphere. Here are 12 magical vintage Easter decoration ideas to help you relive those cherished memories.

1. Classic Porcelain Easter Bunnies

Porcelain Easter bunnies have been a beloved staple of vintage decor for many decades. They represent a certain kind of delicate elegance that is hard to replicate with modern materials.

Their fine craftsmanship and soft, hand painted pastel shades add a deeply nostalgic and sophisticated feel to any display. Placing them around your home is like inviting little pieces of history to celebrate with you.

You can create a beautiful scene on your mantel, make them the centerpiece of your dining table, or simply place one on a windowsill to catch the morning light. They bring a quiet, graceful charm wherever they go.

Styling Tips

• Create a sweet family vignette by grouping a larger porcelain bunny with one or two smaller ones.
• Place a single, elegant bunny under a glass cloche to elevate it to a piece of art.
• Pair them with fresh spring flowers like tulips or daffodils for a classic and vibrant springtime look.
• Arrange them on a bed of faux moss on a silver tray for a touch of woodland elegance.
• Use varying sizes for a layered, dynamic display on a bookshelf or a tiered stand.
• Tie a very thin, delicate silk ribbon around the neck of a bunny for a soft, personalized touch.
• Nestle a small porcelain bunny into a vintage teacup for a whimsical and charming surprise.
• For a simple look, place one bunny next to a stack of antique, pastel-colored books.
• Incorporate them into your Easter tablescape, using them to anchor place cards.
• Mix them with other ceramic figures, like lambs or chicks, to create a fuller vintage menagerie.

2. Vintage Easter Egg Ornaments

Decorative Easter egg ornaments, especially those crafted from delicate materials like glass, spun cotton, or ceramic, bring an immediate retro charm to your decor. They are reminiscent of old European traditions.

Unlike their plastic counterparts, these ornaments have a special, heirloom quality. Look for those with intricate, hand painted details, classic floral or polka dot patterns, or a soft, pearlescent finish.

They are incredibly versatile and can be used in many creative ways beyond just a traditional Easter tree. Their delicate nature makes them feel like precious jewels you bring out once a year.

Styling Tips

• Hang them from flowering branches, like forsythia or cherry blossoms, arranged in a large vase for a whimsical centerpiece.
• Arrange them carefully in a vintage wicker basket lined with straw or soft fabric for a rustic, charming touch.
• Display a collection of them in a large glass apothecary jar or a decorative bowl.
• Use them as part of your table setting by placing a single, beautiful ornament on each guest’s plate.
• Tie them to your chandelier with beautiful pastel ribbons so they hang elegantly above your dining table.
• Incorporate them into a spring wreath by wiring them securely onto a grapevine base.
• Hang them from the handles of a china cabinet or the knobs of a dresser for a small, festive accent.
• Create a beautiful mobile by hanging several ornaments at varying lengths from an embroidery hoop.
• Place them in small, individual egg cups and line them up along a windowsill.
• Use them as elegant gift toppers for Easter baskets or presents.

3. Old-Fashioned Easter Postcards

Nothing captures the pure, sweet spirit of vintage Easter better than old fashioned postcards. These cards often feature beautiful, soft-focus illustrations of bunnies in dapper clothes, fluffy yellow chicks, and sentimental springtime greetings.

The chromolithograph printing technique used on many early 20th century cards gives them a distinct, soft, and richly colored appearance that is impossible to replicate. They are tiny, affordable pieces of authentic vintage art.

Collecting and displaying these postcards is a wonderful way to bring a gallery style feel to your home. They offer a direct glimpse into the aesthetics and sentiments of Easters past.

Styling Tips

• Frame a collection of your favorite postcards in identical, simple frames to create a stunning and cohesive gallery wall.
• Use them as unique and personal place cards for your Easter dinner table by writing a guest’s name on the back.
• Clip them to a string of twine with miniature wooden clothespins to create a charming, rustic garland.
• Tuck a few postcards into the frame of a large mirror or a bulletin board for a layered, casual look.
• Use a vintage postcard as a beautiful, thoughtful gift tag for an Easter present.
• Decoupage the images from reproduction postcards onto plain wooden eggs or boxes for a custom craft.
• Simply prop a single, beautiful postcard up on a small easel on a bookshelf or a side table.
• Create a themed display, grouping postcards that all feature lambs or a specific color palette.
• Scan your favorite postcard and use the digital image to create custom greeting cards or invitations.
• Place a postcard on each guest’s bed, along with a small chocolate, as a sweet welcome gesture if you have houseguests.

4. Retro Paper Mâché Eggs

Paper mâché eggs were a hugely popular Easter decoration and container in the early to mid-20th century, especially in Germany. They have a distinct, lightweight charm and a wonderful, tactile quality.

They often came filled with candy or small toys, and many feature beautifully detailed, colorful lithographed designs on their surface. These images frequently depict classic Easter scenes of bunnies, children, and spring landscapes.

Finding authentic vintage ones can be a treat, but many modern reproductions capture the same nostalgic spirit. They are a classic piece of retro decor that is both decorative and functional.

Styling Tips

• Display them with the two halves slightly open, with vintage-style paper grass and a few small candies peeking out.
• Group a collection of them in a large, rustic wooden bowl as a simple but impactful centerpiece.
• Use them as charming and reusable gift boxes for small Easter treats or favors.
• Stack them in a pyramid on a cake stand for a whimsical and colorful display on a buffet table.
• Place a single, larger paper mâché egg on a stack of vintage books on a coffee table.
• Incorporate them into a larger Easter basket display, mixing them with other vintage toys and figurines.
• Use smaller paper mâché eggs as part of your Easter egg hunt for a special, old-fashioned surprise.
• If you find one with a particularly beautiful design, display it on a small stand as a piece of folk art.
• Tuck them into the shelves of a hutch or bookcase among your china and glassware.
• Look for those with fuzzy chenille chick or bunny decorations on top for an extra layer of retro charm.

5. Antique Easter Baskets

An authentic antique wicker basket adds an immediate nostalgic flair and a sense of history to your Easter decor. These are not the mass-produced baskets of today.

They often have unique, intricate woven patterns, beautiful, age-worn handles, and a rich patina that only time can create. Each one feels like a one-of-a-kind piece with its own story.

The hunt for the perfect vintage basket at a flea market or antique shop is part of the fun. Look for interesting shapes and signs of gentle wear that add to its character.

Styling Tips

• Styling Tips
• Use a large antique basket as a stunning centerpiece for your dining table, filled with dyed eggs or faux flowers.
• Place a basket on your front porch, filled with potted spring flowers like tulips or hyacinths, to welcome guests.
• Line a basket with a beautiful vintage linen or floral fabric before filling it with other decorations.
• Use a smaller antique basket to hold napkins and silverware for a buffet-style meal.
• A flat, shallow vintage basket can be hung on the wall as a unique piece of textural art.
• Place a basket next to your fireplace hearth and use it to store cozy throw blankets or magazines.
• In a child’s room, use a vintage basket to store their favorite stuffed animals.
• Tie a beautiful, wide satin or velvet ribbon around the handle for an elegant finishing touch.
• A basket with a lid can be used as a charming and stylish storage solution on a shelf.
• For a simple look, place a single, large pillar candle inside a basket surrounded by faux greenery.

6. Vintage Ceramic Chicks

Vintage ceramic chicks are playful, adorable, and utterly cheerful pieces that bring a bright and happy Easter vibe to your home. Their simple design and bright yellow hues are a pure dose of sunshine.

These figurines were particularly popular in the mid-century and often have a sweet, innocent expression. They are a simple way to add a pop of color and a touch of whimsy to any spring display.

They work well when displayed in groups, creating a sense of a little flock. Their small size makes them incredibly versatile and easy to tuck into small spaces.

Styling Tips

• Display a group of three or five ceramic chicks in a playful scene on a windowsill or a kitchen shelf.
• Place them on shelves or window ledges for a subtle and unexpected touch of charm.
• Create a sweet vignette by nestling them in a bed of faux grass inside a vintage teacup.
• Incorporate them into a tiered tray display along with other Easter goodies and decorations.
• Place a few chicks around the base of a larger bunny figurine or a potted plant.
• Use them as part of your table setting, placing one next to each guest’s name card.
• If you have a small, open-faced birdhouse, place a few ceramic chicks peeking out from the entrance.
• Mix them with small, speckled eggs in a decorative bowl for a colorful and textural display.
• Let them “march” in a line across your fireplace mantel.
• Tuck a single chick into the corner of a picture frame for a fun, quirky accent.

7. Old-Fashioned Easter Tablecloths

Vintage tablecloths with beautifully embroidered bunnies, hand-stitched flowers, or printed Easter eggs can instantly bring an old-time Easter charm to your entire dining space.

These textiles are often made from high-quality linen or cotton and feature a level of craftsmanship that is rare today. The intricate handiwork adds a layer of love and history to your table.

Look for cloths with classic vintage patterns like cross-stitch, delicate floral prints, or cheerful gingham borders. The soft, faded colors of a true vintage cloth are part of its appeal.

Styling Tips

• Use a vintage tablecloth as the beautiful, foundational base for your Easter brunch or dinner setup.
• Layer it with modern, solid-colored plates for a stylish blend of old and new.
• If a full tablecloth feels like too much, use a smaller, square vintage cloth draped diagonally over a larger, plain one.
• Repurpose a vintage tablecloth with a beautiful central design by framing it and hanging it as a large piece of textile art.
• Use vintage linen napkins with embroidered details to complement your tablecloth.
• Drape a vintage tablecloth over a sideboard or buffet to create a festive serving area.
• Protect a delicate or precious vintage cloth by placing a clear vinyl protector over it during the meal.
• Pair a simple, patterned cloth with elegant, unadorned china to let the textile be the star.
• Look for coordinating vintage tea towels to use as oversized napkins.
• The beauty of a vintage tablecloth is in its imperfections; do not worry about small stains or signs of wear, as they add character.

8. Vintage Easter Candles

Vintage Easter candles, often molded into the charming shapes of bunnies, eggs, or chicks, add both warmth and a distinct retro aesthetic to your Easter display.

These figural candles were very popular from the 1950s through the 1970s and have a unique, kitschy charm. They were often hand-painted with sweet details and a slightly waxy, matte finish.

While you may not want to burn an authentic vintage candle, they are wonderful decorative objects in their own right. You can also find modern reproductions that capture the same nostalgic feel.

Styling Tips

• Place them on a decorative tray, perhaps a mirrored one, surrounded by other pastel accents like small eggs or candies.
• Mix unlit vintage candles with fresh flowers for a lively and colorful centerpiece. Just be sure not to light them near flammable materials.
• Display a collection of them on a shelf, treating them as small, seasonal sculptures.
• Use a single, larger bunny-shaped candle as the focal point on a side table.
• Incorporate them into a tiered tray display, placing one on each level.
• A pair of egg-shaped candles looks lovely placed on either end of a fireplace mantel.
• Place a small figural candle on top of a vintage-style candlestick for added height and elegance.
• Group them with their non-candle counterparts, like a wax bunny next to a ceramic one.
• Look for candles with vintage-style glitter accents for an extra touch of retro sparkle.
• Use them to add a pop of color to a neutral-toned bookshelf.

9. Classic Tin Easter Toys

Classic tin toys, like colorful lithographed wind-up bunnies or egg-shaped noise makers, add an incredibly playful and nostalgic touch to your Easter decor.

These toys evoke a sense of childhood wonder and simpler times. The bright, graphic designs and mechanical nature of wind-up toys are a charming throwback to a pre-digital era.

While authentic antique tin toys can be valuable collectibles, there are many beautiful reproductions available that capture the same spirit. They are a fun way to inject a bit of movement and personality into your displays.

Styling Tips

• Use them as decorative accents on shelves or mantels, interspersed between books and other objects.
• Incorporate them into Easter baskets for an authentic retro feel that is more unique than just candy.
• Create a playful scene on a tabletop by grouping several wind-up toys together as if they are interacting.
• Place a single, interesting tin toy under a glass cloche to display it like a museum piece.
• Use them to add a touch of fun to a more formal display of vintage porcelain.
• A colorful tin top or egg makes a great, unexpected addition to a bowl of decorative eggs.
• Display them on a child’s bookshelf in their bedroom for a touch of year-round vintage charm.
• If you have a collection, display them in a vintage letterpress tray or a shadow box.
• Use a small tin toy as a whimsical paperweight on a stack of mail in your office.
• Give one a “test run” when guests are over; the simple mechanics of a wind-up toy are a delight for all ages.

10. Antique Glassware in Pastel Colors

Vintage glassware in soft, dreamy pastel hues, such as Depression glass, milk glass, or carnival glass, can beautifully elevate your Easter tablescape and decor.

Depression glass, produced during the 1920s and 30s, comes in lovely shades of pink, green, blue, and yellow. Milk glass provides a classic, opaque white or pastel base that is perfect for Easter.

Using this glassware is a wonderful way to bring authentic, functional vintage pieces into your celebration. They add color, sparkle, and a sense of history to your table.

Styling Tips

• Serve drinks in pastel-colored Depression glass tumblers for a beautiful and cohesive look.
• Use vintage glass bowls or compotes to display candies, small treats, or even decorative eggs.
• A milk glass cake stand is the perfect pedestal for an Easter cake or a display of cupcakes.
• Use small, vintage glass dishes to serve individual portions of sauces or condiments.
• Create a stunning centerpiece by grouping several milk glass vases of different heights, each with a few spring blooms.
• Serve a signature pastel-colored punch in a large, vintage pressed glass punch bowl.
• Use vintage sherbet glasses to serve desserts like mousse or ice cream.
• Display a collection of colorful vintage glassware on open shelves in your kitchen or dining room where it can catch the light.
• A vintage glass candy dish with a lid is a perfect vessel for small, foil-wrapped chocolate eggs.
• Use a small, pretty glass dish on a nightstand or in a bathroom to hold jewelry.

11. Retro Easter Garland

Easter garlands made of materials like felt, paper, or die-cut cardboard were incredibly popular in mid-century homes and classrooms. They have a flat, graphic quality that is distinctly retro.

Look for vintage or reproduction garlands with classic patterns featuring stylized bunnies, cheerful chicks, and brightly colored eggs, often strung together on a simple cotton string.

These garlands are a simple, lightweight, and affordable way to add a long, festive line of color and charm to your home.

Styling Tips

• Hang a garland along the front of your fireplace mantel for a classic and festive look.
• Drape a garland across a large doorway or a wide window to frame the view.
• For a child’s Easter party, string several garlands across the ceiling to create a fun, canopy-like effect.
• Weave a garland through the spindles of your staircase banister.
• Attach a garland to the front edge of a set of bookshelves.
• Use a shorter garland to decorate the front of a highchair for a baby’s first Easter.
• Create a layered look by draping a paper garland with a more textural one, like a felt ball garland in pastel colors.
• Hang a garland on the wall behind your buffet or dessert table to create a festive backdrop.
• Repurpose a garland by cutting it apart and using the individual die-cut shapes as gift tags or to decorate place cards.
• Drape one across the headboard of a bed for a sweet, temporary touch of Easter cheer.

12. Vintage Easter Figurines

Beyond just bunnies and chicks, there is a whole world of other vintage porcelain or ceramic figurines that can transport you back in time.

Look for charming figures of lambs, ducks, or sweet children dressed in their Easter best. These pieces often tell a small story and have a gentle, narrative quality.

Brands like Goebel, Hummel, or Lefton produced many high-quality figurines that are now cherished collectibles. They add a touch of handcrafted artistry and European charm to your displays.

Styling Tips

• Group them together on a tray or a small shelf to create a charming, narrative vignette.
• Place them around your home in unexpected places for small, magical touches of vintage charm.
• Create a spring farm scene on a side table by combining lamb, duck, and chick figurines with some faux grass.
• A single, beautifully detailed figurine of a child holding an Easter basket can be a lovely focal point on a mantel.
• Incorporate them into your centerpiece, having them peek out from behind floral arrangements.
• Use a figurine as a sweet accent on a tiered tray display.
• Display a collection of them in a glass-front china cabinet, interspersed with your favorite dishes.
• Place a small lamb figurine on a nightstand in a guest room for a welcoming touch.
• If you have a collection, rotate which ones you display each year to keep your decor feeling fresh.
• Pair a figurine with an object it relates to, for example, a lamb next to a small ball of yarn.

Conclusion

Bringing vintage Easter decorations into your home is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while embracing a sense of nostalgia. From porcelain bunnies to retro garlands, each piece adds warmth and character to your space. This Easter, let the charm of the past fill your home with joy, tradition, and timeless beauty.