I Never Thought I Would See This Tacky Christmas Trend Make a Comeback, But Decades Later, We Are All Loving the Shimmering Charm of Tinsel – Here’s How Designers Say to Use It in 2025

Growing up, tinsel Christmas decor was a big no-go in my family home. According to my mother, its shimmery, borderline tacky appearance reminded her too much of the garish Christmas displays that she encountered as a kid, and from then on, she swore she'd never decorate with tinsel.

I guess you could say I've been sheltered from this kitschy Christmas decor idea my entire life. But now that I have my own spaces to decorate, I've found myself drawn to this nostalgia, and yes, just a little bit tacky holiday decor, and at just the right time, too. Tinsel is gearing up to be one of the biggest Christmas trends of this holiday season, all thanks to our current appreciation for the decor of Christmases past.

'Tinsel scratches the itch for nostalgia and sparkle without committing to full-blown maximalism,' interior designer Lauren Saab explains. 'We are all looking for decorative elements that give a sense of celebration and joy, particularly given the prolonged minimalistic approach that has dominated the holiday season over the past several years. The current trend in retro design and vintage Christmas tree styles will keep tinsel in the spotlight due to its instant nostalgic and playful connotation.'

Tinsel feels youthful, fresh, and perfectly imperfect. It's a decor choice that embodies the magic of the Christmas season with each of its shimmering strands. But if the past has anything to teach us, it's that tinsel can easily turn tacky if not displayed in the right way. To avoid the overwhelming, tasteless look that turned my mother off from tinsel years ago, Lauren says that in 2025, we're using tinsel with intention.

'Clusters of dense, carefully curated tinsel will create a lot of shine without a lot of chaos,' Lauren says. 'The metallic strands should catch light, not overwhelm it.' Be thoughtful about how you group tinsel strands on your Christmas tree. Using it in moderation will yield the best result.

Although we most commonly see tinsel strands adorning trees, there are lots of other ways to decorate with this material for the holiday season. 'Tinsel garlands are a festive touch for stair railings and banisters, as well as draped on fireplace mantels,' interior designer Jennifer Jones recommends. 'I also love the idea of filling glass hurricanes with ornaments and tinsel to serve as a centerpiece in your holiday tablescape.'

Tinsel can also be a stylish Christmas wreath idea. 'Add layers of tinsel to a wreath to give it a polished, vintage sparkle without overwhelming the greenery,' Lauren suggests.

Color is an important factor to consider when decorating with tinsel, too. Jennifer recommends sticking to neutral metallics like gold or silver tinsel to create the most stylish and tasteful holiday displays. 'Opting for a monochromatic color scheme will keep it tasteful, not tacky,' she remarks.

However, you certainly can decorate with colorful tinsel – just remember Lauren's advice about intentionality. Choose color schemes that complement the existing decor in your home, and remember that because of its reflective, sparkling qualities, a little tinsel goes a long way.

'When you spread tinsel everywhere, it can start to look messy fast,' Lauren points out. Use it within reason and 'allow tinsel to be the only reflective moment,' she says. This way, you can create a nostalgic and inviting Christmas display that won't feel overwhelming or overly kitschy.

Shop the Trend

Colorful or neutral, hung on the tree or strung down a staircase railing, tinsel can enhance your Christmas decor display in a visually appealing manner while tapping into the nostalgic feeling that we so love about the holiday season.

If you want to give this retro trend a go, I've curated a selection of 12 tinsel decor finds that shimmer with style. But remember – use tinsel in moderation and be intentional with your styling. This way, your home will look tasteful instead of tacky.

While some love it and others (like my mother) loathe it, one thing is certain – tinsel Christmas decor isn't a fad of the past. With its evocative, nostalgic charm, this shimmering, shiny material will always have a place as a Christmas decorating tradition.