The UK Is Experiencing A Resurgence In 90s Christmas Decor, But Why?

Whether you decorate your home in November or December, every family has its own unique way of making their space feel festive. Thanks to platforms such as TikTok, new decor trends and tips are circulated each Christmas.

The decor theme currently making a comeback is the classic and ‘tacky’ 90s Christmas - but why is this happening?

Nick Drewe, trend expert at online discount platform Wethrift, has weighed in on the resurgence of this trend and why many Brits are opting for a kitschy Christmas.

Surprisingly, within the past 30 days, Google searches for ‘90s Christmas Decorations’ have skyrocketed by 197%. Similarly, searches for ‘Tacky Christmas Decorations’ have increased by 148%.

What are 90s Christmas Decorations?

In the UK, 90s Christmas decorations were often bold, colourful, and unapologetically ‘tacky’ by today's standards. Here are some classic examples of British 90s Christmas decor:

Tinsel Overload

Tinsel was a Christmas decor staple in the 90s, beloved for its reflective, eye-catching appeal. Tinsel wasn’t limited to the tree - it adorned mantels, staircases, picture frames, mirrors, and even televisions.

Popular tinsel colours of the 90s included red, silver, gold, and even rainbow variations.

Nowadays, tinsel is less popular, often used in carefully thought-out colour schemes that complement rather than clash. However, searches for tinsel have surged by 180% in the past 30 days, indicating renewed interest.

Clashing Colours

The 90s embraced bold visuals in fashion, music, and media, which carried over into Christmas decor.

Mismatched palettes and bright colours inspired by adverts, video games, and fashion trends were common.

Mass production also played a role, as significant advancements in the 90s made brightly coloured and affordable decorations widely accessible to everyone.

Fairy Lights

Fairy lights were a modern twist in the 90s, replacing the traditional candles on Christmas trees. They combined nostalgia with greater safety and versatility.

While fairy lights are still popular today, they were revolutionary in the 90s, with manufacturers introducing light sets with built-in controllers that enabled bulbs to blink, chase, or flash in patterns.

Manufacturers also began offering multicoloured lights alongside single-colour strands in red, green, blue, white, and pastel shades, catering to diverse tastes.

Themed Tree Ornaments

Themed ornaments were a hallmark of 90s Christmas decor, reflecting the era’s cultural influences, growing consumerism, and a desire to personalise the holiday experience.

With the explosion of mass production, retailers offered a huge variety of themed ornaments, making them affordable and accessible to families at all income levels.

Iconic Christmas movies from the 90s, such as Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas, also influenced this trend. Licensing deals brought beloved characters from Disney, Warner Bros., and franchises like The Simpsons, Super Mario, and Barbie into homes as ornaments.

Why is the trend so popular now?

Nostalgia

Nostalgia plays a huge role in the 90s Christmas trend, as people find comfort in revisiting joyful, carefree childhood memories. Decorating their adult homes with 90s-inspired items allows them to reminisce. Many Reddit users have shared that nothing beats the Christmases of their childhood.

Accessibility and the Cost-of-Living Crisis

The cost-of-living crisis has significantly influenced how people approach Christmas decorations, prompting many to reuse old decor or find budget-friendly alternatives.

Reusing Old Decorations: People are rediscovering 90s decorations in their lofts, second-hand stores, or online marketplaces, making it an easy trend to embrace without spending a fortune.
Prioritising Necessities: Rising costs for essentials like energy and food mean households are focusing on necessities rather than new Christmas decor. Instead, they’re pulling old decorations out of storage.

This also highlights how nostalgia is providing comfort in unsettling economic times to many people across the nation.

Rebellion Against Minimalism

The past few years have seen a rise in minimalist decor, which may have left people yearning for the vibrant, over-the-top styles of past decades.

The 90s embodied playfulness and bold contrasts, offering a stark alternative to the plain, carefully curated styles popular today. Rather than striving for perfection, people are embracing fun and the chaos of childhood memories.

Kitsch Is Back In

Tacky, bold decorations are no longer considered embarrassing, but rather celebrated for their unique charm.

Social media has contributed to this resurgence, with users sharing their ‘ugly’ 90s trees and decorations on TikTok as part of a broader trend embracing imperfection and individuality.