The Comeback of the Humble Paper Chain
There’s something charmingly humble about a paper chain. Maybe it’s the way it loops its way around a tree like it has somewhere to be, or how it turns a stack of scrap paper into something a little bit magical. Either way, paper chains are having a serious comeback this Christmas, and not just in kindergarten classrooms.
A Quick History Lesson (the Fun Kind)
Paper chains have been decking halls since the Victorian era, when homemade decorations were a necessity rather than a nostalgic craft. Families would gather around by candlelight (probably while suppressing a cough from the coal dust) and make garlands out of whatever paper they could find ....newspaper, wallpaper scraps, or old letters. By the early 1900s, colorful pre-cut paper strips were being sold in department stores, turning the humble craft into a bona fide Christmas tradition.
Then came the tinsel years. The plastic decades. The era of the pre-lit, pre-flocked, perfectly coordinated Christmas. Paper chains fell out of fashion, too homemade, too rustic, too… earnest.
But like all good design ideas, they’ve looped their way back.
Why They Work Now
This year’s holiday aesthetic is all about texture, nostalgia, and sustainability. We’re collectively moving away from the mass-produced glitter and toward decor that feels personal, thoughtful, and warm. Paper chains tick every box:
Sustainable: Made from recycled or leftover paper, they’re as eco-friendly as you want them to be.
Stylish: Think elevated materials — kraft paper, vintage book pages, or even metallic cardstock for a luxe twist.
Affordable: A few sheets of paper, a glue stick, and an hour with a cup of tea? That’s a designer-level return on investment.
How to Style Them
Paper chains don’t have to feel like a school project. Try these ideas:
Loop a neutral-toned chain along your staircase for a minimalist, Scandinavian look.
Hang metallic or jewel-toned versions on your mantel for a bit of holiday glamour.
Use scrap wallpaper for a vintage vibe that ties into your home’s palette.
Or go classic and drape a colorful one around the tree — the visual movement is irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There’s something refreshing about a decoration that doesn’t need to be plugged in, fluffed, or algorithm-approved. Paper chains are proof that the simplest ideas endure — and this Christmas, they’re looping right back into the spotlight, one recycled strip at a time.
-Juliette