9 Things Designers ALWAYS Buy On Etsy

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Great design can be found anywhere—if you know where to look. Just ask the experts: Top designers find inspiration all over the world, sourcing items for their projects in small antique shops, to-the-trade design houses, the Paris fleamarkets, and even mass retailers such as HomeGoods. Another designer haunt: the online marketplace Etsy, which offers the cachet of finding one-of-a-kind items from artisans, but the ease of online shopping.

The drawback? with over 7.5 million active sellers on Etsy, it can be hard to find the decor gems you're seeking. So we asked the experts what they source from the online marketplace and where. Below, you'll find a few designer-favorite shops where those in the know hunt for no-longer-hidden treasures.

Indian Block-Print Napkins

"Etsy has so many patterns of Indian block printed napkins," says Jessica Davis, founder of Atelier Davis in Atlanta. "I love mixing SundaraHomeDecor with my fancy, gold-rimmed china and bamboo silverware for a fun and upscale brunch vibe. They look great with a woven wicker placemat too or a solid tablecloth that brings out one of the colors in the napkin."

Handmade Wooden Furniture

New York-based interior designer Mikel Welch is a huge fan of vintage wooden furniture, but these pieces can sometimes cost a fortune. He was thrilled to come across JuniperandBros. "They are known for their antique replicas, and have a range of in-stock benches, coffee tables and other handmade wood goods," he says. "They will even make custom pieces as well. Best of all is their free shipping!"

Decorative Art Prints

Etsy is one of Bria Hammel’s go-to sources for artwork. "From vintage finds to digital prints that you can download and print off at home, you can find a huge assortment of options for every price range and style," says the Minnesota-based designer. Hammel gravitates towards smaller-scale, dainty pieces that can be easily added into spaces such as powder bathrooms, on bookshelves, or leaned on mantels. "They are the perfect way to tie a space together and incorporate a specific feeling, color palette, or aesthetic," she adds.

Lighting

"Etsy is a great source that I use for unique lighting," says New-York-City-based designer Alvin Wayne. "There's so many options to choose from that are handmade and one of a kind. I’ve used sconces from the shop Sputniklights, as they fit in with modern and contemporary décor especially in the bedroom."

Mural Wallpaper

"A client led me to TheGoodiesWallpapers on Etsy, and we've loved using it in some of our recent private residential projects,” says Brooklyn-based Sarah Jacoby, founder of Sarah Jacoby Architect. "The patterns, variety, and sophistication of the designs, paired with the reasonable price range they offer makes it an excellent source to consider when thinking about wallpaper options."

Bone-Inlay Accessories

"When in need of an accessory that feels worldly with an approachable price tag attached, I often find bone inlay boxes, lamps, and hurricanes on Etsy," says Birmingham, Alabama-based designer Jeremy D. Clark, who is known for his global style. "BoneInlayCrafts has a variety par none."

Brass Curtain Tie-Backs

Given his love for handcrafted details, Tennessee-based designer Evan Millárd says, "I knew these Swallow Bird curtain tiebacks would be the perfect touch paired with 14’ long transparent linen drapery. I used them in my Center Retreat design at the 2023 Lake Forest Showhouse, a space to relax and unwind." The avian accessories from NooYawkArtisan fit in with Millard's nature-inspired design. "I brought the outdoors in by incorporating sounds of trickling water, woven wicker, gold-toned textiles and original handcrafted elements with commissioned art to create an atmosphere of tranquility and peace," he explains.

Vintage Oushak Rugs

"I use Etsy all the time for super high quality vintage and new rugs," says Hattie Collins of Hattie Sparks Interiors in New Orleans. "The prices are incredibly reasonable and the selection is vast. They're all very communicative, and typically get the pieces to you within one to two weeks–incredible! I love sourcing vintage Oushak rugs from BievRugs in particular."

Hand-Forged Hardware

Ahmad Abouzanat of Project AZ scours Etsy for handmade items from linens to hand-forged cabinet knobs and drawer pulls from DesertWoodDesignsCo. "I found sources who make good products for reasonable prices," says Abouzanat. On top of that, says the New-York-based designer, "I am a small business myself and love supporting up and upcoming businesses and designers."

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