10 Classic Home Essentials From Etsy (Designer Approved)
I have a long and excruciating thrifting story I’m not convinced is totally over, but I’ll share it soon. Let’s just say I’ve been trying to buy something on Facebook Marketplace for over a month and it has not gone well. I finally decided to throw in the towel and search my second easiest vintage resource: Etsy. I’m on the hunt for some items for our basement renovation, as we’re wrapping things up downstairs. Since I’ve been spending so much time searching & saving, this post containing 10 classic home essentials from Etsy is coming at the perfect time! It’s filled with designer approved (by yours truly) home essentials I’ve been saving these past few weeks! Maybe some of these things will be helpful or appealing to you as well. Click through for the post, to peruse my favorites, and to see what I’ve been shopping for…
Over the course of a week, I’ve lost out on barstools, artwork, and not one, not two, but three vintage rugs. I called it quits on marketplace and Ebay this week, and turned to the arguably more reliable secondhand source, Etsy. From block print pillows and patterned quilts to vintage table lamps and light fixtures, it’s a tried & true resource I’m continually searching for affordable and unique finds. I’ll admit, it can take quite a bit of time scrolling, digging, and an eye for detail, but you can find some hidden gems! Here are 10 essentials I’m always on the hunt for… keep your eyes peeled for these classic home items.
1. Vintage Rugs
I’m sure you saw this one coming. Etsy is one of the most affordable sources for high quality vintage rugs. If you’re unsure how to search for rugs on Etsy, you definitely need to read keywords to use when searching for vintage rugs. These are all the search terms I use for best results! Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for BIG rugs (for our basement), so you’ll find a lot of reasonably priced ones I saved in my search below…
2. Custom Drapery
Etsy is fantastic source for custom drapery. If you don’t have a local seamstress or workroom, there are so many talented people who offer classic and designer fabrics with a variety of styles. I’ve ordered pleated drapery from Etsy in the past, as well as shades, and even custom drapery hardware. If you’re looking for an odd size or are picky about your pinch pleating for a super tailored look- don’t sleep on some of these shops…
3. Vintage & Original Artwork
I’ve purchased over 30 works of art from Etsy over the years, and each one has been a pleasant surprise. It’s an affordable way to build a timeless collection, filled with vintage works and originals. Even though prints have evolved over the years, the designer and collector in me still gravitates toward originals (new or vintage), so that’s what you’ll find in my favorites…
4. Marble Goods
Take it from someone who buys and sells a lot of marble (shop owner here), the prices on Etsy are good- like wholesale good. I’ve saved so many fabricated solid marble sinks, bowls, and pedestals the past year or two. Here’s to hoping more marble makes its way into our home for future renovations…
5. Monogrammed Textiles
You know I love a monogram (find my monogrammed gift ideas here), but something about home related monograms hit differently… they feel elegant, personalized, and have a way of dressing up everyday items. Things I’m referring to? Pillowcases, bath linens, lampshades, serveware, etc. These all live within my favorites folder…
6. Lighting
While I have a plethora of light fixtures in the Tuesday Made shop to choose from, if I’m looking for something vintage or super unique (like a custom or one-of-a-kind fixture), I turn to Etsy. There are some seriously amazing vintage fixtures, and quality crafted customizable options as well. Here are a handful that caught my attention…
7. Vintage Furniture
Vintage furniture is probably the category I’m most often stalking on Etsy. Sure, some it of it can be pricey, but it’s still much less than places like Chairish or 1stDibs… in fact, you can often find the same vendors cross list an item, but it’s typically less on Etsy than the same product listed on the aforementioned competitors. Why? It’s priced for the marketplace or outlet it’s listed on, and usually Etsy skews lower.
8. Glassware
I love collecting beautiful glassware! From hand blown vintage sets to pressed glass vases, and anything in between… classic glass never goes out of style. I enjoy styling little glass trays and bowls around our home, vases, and obviously the kitchen and bar are filled with glassware. If you’re looking for elegant and unique glassware, these are currently living in my saved folder…
9. Custom Lamp Shades
Approximately one week has passed since I shared how to choose a clip on sconce or chandelier shade, and I still have lamp shades on my brain! As I previously mentioned, Etsy is a great resource for custom shades, in a variety of designer fabrics with an array of trim. Here are the creative and classic options I’ve saved this month…
10. Pillows
Last, but not least… pillows are an another easy home essential that are readily available on Etsy. What kind of pillows do I search for there? Designer fabrics, vintage kilim pillows, classic solids, custom pillows with trim, and anything that captures my attention. Recently it has been bolsters and trimmed pillows that have stopped me mid scroll- see below…
FAQ
I always negotiate for expensive items (mostly vintage)… especially if it’s something large- like rugs or furniture. 9/10 times the seller will cut you a deal or throw in something extra. It’s always worth asking. The worst they can say is no. Just be sure to approach them in a kind way with zero expectations so they’re not offended.
Such a tough one… vintage rugs, the dining chairs we used in our last home (as seen in our old breakfast nook reveal), and a tiny original still life (fruit) painting that lives on our kitchen shelving.
I’ve been shopping Etsy for 13 years now and I’ve purchased lots of large items (area rugs, furniture, etc), and guess how many have had issues? Zero! The sellers are always very transparent and shipping has been easy. I’ve also been able to negotiate or specify mode of shipping. For one item, the shipping was way over my budget, so I asked the seller if they’d drop the chairs off via Greyhound, they agreed, and I picked them up at my local station a week later. Easy- and often affordable!
Not that Etsy ever went away or out of style, but I feel it making a comeback. Anyone else? I appreciate an affordable outlet for vintage, custom made items, and it’s nice to support creative makers from around the world. I’m not sure if I’ve ever shared this before, but you can always access my favorites here: Sarah’s Etsy Favorites. It’s all organized. What have you recently purchased from Etsy? Shopping for anything specific I can help you with?