"Tinsel strands, garlands, and ornaments have been hung or scattered on Christmas trees across the globe as decoration for centuries. Tinsel is made of metal or plastic coated in a shiny, metallic finish, so it reflects the glow of adjacent tree lights. But beyond pure function, tinsel strands likely caught on after its earliest iterations were only afforded by luxe homes (a holiday status symbol!)."
"Until electric string lights became widely available in the 1920s, Christmas trees were lit by real candles, and tinsel helped to amplify this light. Tinsel could also be used as a reflective and safer alternative to candles altogether. These days, tinsel can make a tree lit with electric lights look brighter and more glittery, too."
""I really don't think tinsel has to be strictly nostalgic," says vintage decor collector Katie Van Liew. "You can totally use it in a modern way. It's all in the intention: Retro tinsel says, ' Sprinkle me everywhere!' while modern tinsel says, ' Place me with purpose.'""
Tinsel Christmas trees are trending in 2025 with styles shifting toward elegant, refined, and old-world looks inspired by traditional holiday motifs. Tinsel can be styled nostalgically or placed intentionally for a modern aesthetic. Metallic-coated strands, garlands, and ornaments reflect and amplify adjacent tree lights. Early tinsel functioned as a luxury status symbol and enhanced candlelight before electric string lights became common in the 1920s. Tinsel also served as a reflective, safer alternative to candles and continues to boost sparkle and visual brightness when used with electric lights.
Read at Apartment Therapy
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