Hi friends! Back when I had my vintage booth at Off The Common Antiques, nothing flew off the shelves faster during Christmas than decorated vintage sleds. After decorating dozens of these beauties over the years, I’ve got all the tricks for transforming them without breaking the bank.

Time to dust off that old sled from your garage or attic! Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – those scratches and worn spots just add character. With just a plaid scarf and some greenery, you can transform it into the kind of holiday decor that stops people in their tracks. I’ll show you exactly how I do it, and trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Today I’ll walk you through how to decorate your sled step by step, plus share my favorite spots to display them – both indoors and out. I’ve got tons of ideas that work with any decorating style, whether you love traditional Christmas or farmhouse charm.

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Finding Your Perfect Vintage Sled

Living here in the Northeast, I’m pretty lucky when it comes to finding old sleds. They’re tucked away in almost every antique shop, thrift store, and barn sale I visit. While Marketplace and eBay are good options too, I prefer hunting for them in person so I can check their condition.

Here’s what I’ve learned about pricing after years of sled-hunting: Most thrift stores sell them for $10-20, especially if they need a little TLC. Antique shops usually price them between $25-50, depending on the age and condition. The really old ones with great patina or original paint can go higher, but for decorating purposes, I usually look for the affordable finds that just need a little love.

Quick tip: Fall is the best time to shop for sleds – prices tend to jump once the holiday decorating season kicks in. I’ve scored some of my best deals in September and October!

If you’re lucky, you might even find one with the original owner’s name still carved or written on it – these personal touches add such wonderful character and history to a vintage piece. Please let Bernie Schram from Broadway know we found his sled!!

Getting Your Sled Ready

Let’s get that sled cleaned up! First thing I do is take my old sled outside and brush off any cobwebs and loose dirt. Then I use a slightly damp cloth with a bit of Murphy’s Oil Soap to wipe it down – nothing too wet though, as we don’t want the wood to swell.

If your sled is really rough, you might want to give it a light sanding. I use 120-grit sandpaper just to smooth out any splinters or really rough patches. Don’t go overboard here though! After cleaning and prepping hundreds of sleds, I’ve learned that those dings, worn spots, and even rusty runners are what give vintage sleds their charm.

While some folks like to paint their sleds (Fusion Mineral Paint is great for this if that’s your style), I personally love keeping that original aged patina. Those weathered boards tell a story of winter adventures from years ago, and that authentic vintage look is what makes them such perfect Christmas decorations.

What You’ll Need

Let’s talk about my favorite supplies for decorating sleds. The best part? You probably have some of these tucked away in your holiday bins already!

Here’s what I use:

• A plaid scarf (I love these from Amazon)
• Faux pine garland or loose greenery stems
• Red berry picks (real or faux)
• Green floral wire
• Wire cutters
• Hot glue gun (optional – I rarely use mine but some folks like the extra security)

Shop for Supplies for this decorated sled:

That’s really all you need for a beautiful display! I keep it simple because I’ve found that’s what looks best. Sure, you can grab more supplies from the craft store, but honestly, the classic combo of plaid, greens, and berries creates that timeless holiday look that works everywhere from your front porch to your cozy living room.

Quick tip: I always look for thicker scarves – they make fuller bows and hold their shape better. And don’t worry about getting the most expensive faux greenery. Once it’s all arranged, even basic craft store stems look great!

Step-by-Step Decoration

Creative Decoration Variations

Want to mix things up? Here’s what I love to add to my sled displays after years of decorating them:

• Old ice skates are probably my favorite add-on – I hang them from the back of the sled by their laces, letting them dangle naturally. You can usually find these at thrift stores for a few bucks, and they add such great character!
• Small birch logs bundled with twine look amazing laid across the sled boards. I’ve even used those faux birch logs from the craft store, and honestly, they look just as good.
• Pine cones are another easy addition – I gather them from my yard and sometimes dust them with a tiny bit of fake snow. For indoor displays, I’ll sometimes add a few small wrapped “presents” (just empty boxes wrapped in kraft paper with plaid ribbon).
• The cutest touch? A strand of battery-operated twinkle lights woven through the greenery. I usually tuck the battery pack behind the bow, and those tiny warm white lights add such a magical glow at night. Just make sure to use outdoor-rated lights if your sled will be on the porch!

Remember though – less is more! You don’t need all these elements at once. Pick one or two that match your style and go from that.

Different Style Options

Let me share a few favorite looks I’ve created over the years – and the best part is, you can switch these up by simply changing your bow or scarf!

For a farmhouse style, I use either cream or black and white buffalo check ribbon (wired ribbon works great!) or a cozy scarf, paired with frosted pine. Sometimes I’ll tuck in a few white berries instead of red ones. This look sells out fast at holiday markets!

Traditional Christmas is probably the most requested look from my customers. Think classic red plaid (either a big bow or draped scarf), deep green pine garland, and bright red berries. You really can’t go wrong with this combo – it’s timeless for a reason!

For a woodland vibe (my personal favorite), I use earth-tone plaid ribbons or burlap bows and mix in pine cones, twiggy stems, and maybe some faux snow-dusted greenery. Sometimes I’ll add little woodland ornaments like birds.

The key to any style is picking your color scheme first. Red and green is classic, but don’t be afraid to try navy and silver, or even all white for a winter wonderland look. Just keep the elements simple and coordinated – that’s what makes these sleds look pulled together no matter where you display them.

Where to Show Off Your Sled

After decorating many sleds, I’ve discovered they look great just about anywhere! Here are my favorite spots that always work:

Inside Your Home: I love propping a decorated sled next to the Christmas tree – it’s perfect for holding those “Santa already came” presents! By the fireplace is another favorite spot, just lean it against the hearth for instant charm. In my living room, I sometimes tuck one into a corner with a cozy throw blanket and some battery-operated twinkle lights. They even work great as coffee table centerpieces – just scale down the decorations a bit.

Outdoor Displays: My front porch is where my sleds really shine! Just make sure to place them in a covered area to protect them from direct snow and rain. I learned the hard way that uncovered porches can be tough on vintage sleds, so now I always position them under our covered entryway. If you do place them in a somewhat exposed area, here’s a tip: spray your greenery and bow with a UV protectant spray to keep them looking fresh all season.

Quick note: For outdoor displays, I always secure everything with floral wire – those winter winds can be pretty fierce!

Taking Care of Your Vintage Sled

Once the holidays are over, a little care goes a long way! I usually remove all the decorations and give my sleds a quick wipe down before storing. Keep them in a dry place – I store mine hanging in my garage, but any dry spot works. Just avoid damp basements or attics where moisture can damage the wood.

There’s just something special about an old wooden sled dressed up for the holiday season. Maybe it’s the memories these vintage beauties carry, or how they add that perfect farmhouse touch to your Christmas decor. I love seeing how differently each one turns out – some decked out for a cozy indoor display, others weathering the winter on a front porch next to a beautifully decorated lantern.

Remember, decorating vintage sleds isn’t about perfection. Those worn wood planks and rusty runners tell a story, and your personal style adds another chapter. Whether you found your sled at an antique store or it’s been sitting in your garage for years, now you’ve got all my tried-and-true tips to transform it into something special.

I’d love to see how your sled turns out! Share a photo in the comments below, or tag me on Instagram. And don’t be surprised if decorating one sled turns into a collection – I started with just one little sled a few years ago, and well… let’s just say my garage is getting pretty full!

Happy decorating friends!