Vintage Snowshoes Antique Decorating Ideas for Winter

Vintage Snowshoes

Vintage snowshoes, often referred to as traditional snowshoes, are a charming piece of history that harkens back to a time when deep snow required these handmade tools for travel and work.

Unlike modern snowshoes, which focus on sleek functionality, these classic pieces boast intricate wooden frames and woven rawhide, giving them a rustic, historical New England look.

Their timeless design makes them perfect for indoor and outdoor decorating during the winter season. From propping them on a cozy front porch to hanging them above a mantel, vintage snowshoes bring a nostalgic touch to Christmas decor.

Found in antique shops or passed down through generations, these snowshoes evoke warmth and heritage, blending beautifully with festive winter themes.

Where can I buy vintage wooden snowshoes?

You can find antique and vintage snowshoes at flea markets, antique stores, second-hand shops, and online from Etsy and eBay.

Stone House Antique Center is my favorite antique shop in Vermont to find vintage snowshoes. The average price I see is $95 for a good pair of wooden vintage snowshoes. If you can find them for less, snag them! Some older antique snowshoes can undoubtedly be more expensive.

What types of snowshoes are available?

Vintage snowshoes come in various styles, each designed for specific uses and terrain. Here are some of the most common types:

Each type has a unique history and aesthetic, making it an excellent addition to your winter decor, whether displayed as wall art, leaned against a front porch, or layered into a cozy Christmas vignette.

What are some examples of snowshoes?

Here are a few photos of several types of wooden vintage snowshoes displayed at local antique stores in Vermont.

Snowshoe Shapes

I love collecting the large wooden snowshoes for my outdoor displays and the smaller classic snowshoes for indoors.

Ski Lodge Decor with Vintage Snowshoes

Decorating with vintage snowshoes is a timeless way to bring New England charm to your home during winter.

On a front porch, these rustic treasures can be paired with fresh greenery, twinkling lights, and seasonal accents to create a warm, inviting look that welcomes guests.

Indoors, vintage snowshoes make beautiful wall art or can be styled next to a fireplace, adding a cozy, nostalgic touch to your Christmas decor.

Their natural wood tones and intricate designs blend seamlessly with wreaths, plaid blankets, and other traditional holiday elements, making them a versatile choice for creating a charming, winter-inspired aesthetic.

Recently, I picked up these two pairs of Huron style vintage snowshoes from an antique shop. I love the darker wood, original leather bindings, and teardrop shape.

Vintage Snowshoes Porch Ideas

I used these new-found vintage snowshoes to decorate our front porch, which is long and narrow and has views of the Vermont Green Mountains.

Scarves

Winter scarves are an easy way to add cozy color and winter charm to your vintage snowshoes, especially when displayed outside on a porch.

Scarves can weather the elements well, too!

And once the snow falls, the contrast with the wooden snowshoes and colorful scarves is beautiful.

Here is another version of the vintage snowshoes leaning up against our porch with a blue and green scarf.

I secured the snowshoes to our porch beam with floral wire so they wouldn’t blow away when the winds picked up.

Add other vintage ski lodge decor like skis, poles, and urns of evergreens.

The scarves will hide the wire nicely, too.

A bistro chalkboard, I found out Thrifting with the Gals this past summer is added and designed with a Christmas tree scene.

As I write and update this post, the snow is falling, and we expect up to a foot of snow!

When did snowshoes become popular?

Snowshoes have been used for thousands of years but became widely popular in North America during the 19th century as recreational activities like snowshoeing gained attention. Initially developed by Indigenous peoples for survival in deep snow, snowshoes were essential for hunting, traveling, and carrying heavy loads during winter.

In the mid-1800s, snowshoes transitioned from purely functional tools to recreational equipment, especially in snowy regions like New England and Canada. Organizations like the Montreal Snowshoe Club, founded in 1840, helped popularize snowshoeing as a winter sport, leading to greater interest in their design and use. By the early 20th century, snowshoeing was embraced by outdoor enthusiasts for both practicality and leisure, solidifying its place in winter culture.

Today, vintage snowshoes serve not only as a reminder of this rich history but also as unique decorative pieces that capture the charm and functionality of earlier times.

Incorporating vintage snowshoes into your winter decor is a beautiful way to honor the craftsmanship and history of these timeless tools.

Originating with Native Indians, who ingeniously designed snowshoes to navigate deep snow, these pieces carry a rich heritage that speaks to their essential role in survival and travel.

Whether you showcase main snowshoe styles on your front porch or use them as cozy indoor accents, their rustic appeal brings the beauty of vintage winter decor to life.

As you explore snowshoe history through antique shops or family heirlooms, you’ll find that these decorative treasures not only add charm to your home but also connect you to the enduring legacy of their origins.

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