The Best Homewares to Source on Etsy

Product Picks
Written By Melissa Barnes

Spilling my sources: what to buy on Etsy by category and the shops to find it

I’d say one in three items in my home is sourced from Etsy (in the past month I got these striped candles, a vintage candle holder, and this fun rainbow necklace). That’s because the online marketplace has such a fantastic selection of unique items, the kind that add so much character and warmth to a home. You’ll find things you quite literally can’t find anywhere else (in America anyway), and they’re typically made better – in some cases custom.

Nevertheless, there’s so much on Etsy, it can be hard and time-consuming to sift through. Luckily for you, I’ve put in many, many hours navigating around Etsy and can recommend the best items for home (and some for the closet too) to source and exactly which shops to find them.

So let’s explore the best of Etsy, by category… (FYI I’m noting with an asterisk the shops I’ve purchased from and can vouch for)

A curated guide to creating a one-of-a-kind home: interior inspiration, styling tips, & unique objects

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sense of spen• cer 

noun [sɛns, əv, ˈspɛnsər]

  1. Reflecting one’s identity through their interiors

  2. A home with character and soul

  3. When a house becomes a home

 

Throw Pillows

Several shops make custom pillows with designer textiles – you can choose the size/shape and in some cases add trim. They’re pricey simply on account of the fabric and labor, but in my opinion, this is one of the most cost effective ways to add character and coziness to a home. For more affordable throw pillows that pack a punch, I’ve also bought artisan-made textiles, like suzanis and ikats, from global shops. Check out my styling guide to throw pillows to get inspiration and find curated pillows that ‘go together’.

1. Reposer Design. 2. Motif Pillows.* (also check out Motif Sale Shop for significantly discounted designer pillows). 3. Minzifah and Craft.* 4. Bodrum Pillow.*

Rugs

Think of Etsy like visiting a souk where you can pursue thousands of options loomed by hand. That’s where I found my sisal living room carpet that I adore. Etsy also has lots of richly patterned and colorful rugs to choose from, either vintage or new.

Lamp Shades

Outside of Europe I’ve found it’s very hard to find special lampshades (or they’re an absolute fortune), but there are a few shops on Etsy with options ranging from pleated fabric to intricate cut paper to marbled designs.

1. Light Stylist (UK, free shipping). 2. Barbara Gails Lamps. 3. Vero Lampshades. 4. Cielle Home. 5. ZZ Custom Design.

Table Linens

Etsy is one of the most affordable places to buy quality table linens. I especially like linens from Lithuania and Indian block print textiles. You can also find custom embroidery and vintage linens. I’ve seen straw table accents at several stores, but the shop below has the best selection anywhere.

 
Melissa Barnes
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