This Old-School Trend Returning To Bedrooms In 2026 Is Giving Us All The Feels

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Nostalgic, vintage decor is continuing to trend as we move into the New Year. We're craving sentimental, heritage designs for a deep, lived-in feel. "Shopping vintage is very popular right now," vintage reseller and stylist Andi Jenkins shared on her YouTube channel, continuing with, "so popular that antique malls and vintage stores have been reporting record traffic in their stores and also record traffic sales this past year". Prize ribbons are one piece of old-school decor we'll see popping up, particularly throughout creative bedroom designs in 2026.

You may remember earning your own prize ribbons during track and field day or the art fair in elementary school. Now these nostalgic keepsakes are transforming into quirky vintage decor. We're seeing a surge in vintage prize ribbons making their way into bedroom designs across social media. There's also a growing number of vintage-inspired DIY prize ribbons on our feeds. They can evoke a sense of whimsy and light-heartedness without clashing with grounded, thoughtful design schemes. These pieces can vary from simple and kitsch to ornate and over the top. Whether you're leaning more towards the nostalgic craft fair style ribbons or Kentucky derby rosettes, prize ribbons offer the perfect dose of playful levity, serving as a beautiful focal point without taking itself too seriously.

We can trace the origins of this latest decor trend to the "equestrian girl" fashion trend from early 2025. We've seen this accessory on the runway and influencer outfit-of-the-day alike. As history has it, interior design trends often follow closely behind fashion trends, so it's only natural we're seeing prize ribbons as decor now, too. There are a variety of ways to incorporate them in your bedroom — use vintage ribbons as wall decor, DIY ribbons on a corkboard, or track down unexpected prize-ribbon-inspired decor items. For instance, you could incorporate this vintage rosette award ribbon print from Etsy, or you can even find authentic prize ribbons online on marketplaces, like eBay.

Turn your bedroom into your dream space by styling prize ribbons with other pieces that feel uniquely "you". Since this trend welcomes an Americana, sporty aesthetic, consider styling it with decor that exists in the same realm. For instance, you can incorporate this pennant flag shape bolster pillow from Urban Outfitters, or style vintage tennis rackets as wall decor. You may also be inclined to draw more inspiration from the art fair roots of prize ribbons, tapping into DIY decor and eclectic, personal touches. As your prize ribbon may remind you, you're number one. Style this trend under your terms and unleash your most authentic style aspirations for your bedroom design.