As an interior designer, people are always surprised when I tell them that one of my favorite places to source unique pieces isn’t a trade showroom—it’s Etsy.
Of course, I rely on many incredible trade vendors, antique dealers, and artisan makers, but Etsy has become one of my secret weapons for finding those special pieces that give a home personality. It’s where I go when I want something that feels collected instead of catalogued.
Whether I’m searching for a vintage Oriental rug, a hand-carved marble sink, artisan lighting, or handcrafted ceramics, I’ve spent countless hours digging through Etsy’s endless rabbit holes. Like any marketplace, you have to know where to look, but once you find the right shops, the treasures are incredible.
Here are a few of my favorite Etsy sources that I come back to again and again.
1. Statement Lighting That Doesn’t Look Mass Produced
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to elevate a room, and I’m always searching for fixtures with character.
One shop I’ve had my eye on is MUDAH Lighting.
Their handcrafted fixtures have an organic, sculptural quality that works beautifully in everything from modern Mediterranean homes to contemporary mountain retreats. I love that many of the pieces feel custom without requiring a custom lead time.
Perfect for:
- Kitchen islands
- Breakfast nooks
- Powder rooms
- Reading corners
- Boutique hospitality projects
2. Beautiful Handcrafted Tin Mirrors
I’m a huge believer that mirrors should be decorative objects—not just functional ones.
One of my favorite sources is Handmade Talavera.
Their handcrafted punched-tin mirrors bring warmth, texture, and artisan craftsmanship into a space. They’re especially beautiful in powder rooms, mudrooms, and bathrooms where a little personality goes a long way.
Instead of another generic black-framed mirror, these become part of the design.
3. Vintage & Handwoven Guatemalan Textiles
I love incorporating textiles that tell a story.
Spanglish Fabrics is one of my favorite Etsy discoveries.
Their collection of Guatemalan textiles is full of rich colors, beautiful weaving, and authentic craftsmanship. I often use pieces like these for:
- Custom pillows
- Bench cushions
- Dining banquettes
- Wall hangings
- Accent upholstery
Mixing handmade textiles with more tailored furnishings creates that layered, collected look I love.
4. Artisan Ceramics That Feel Like Collected Art
Every home needs pieces that don’t necessarily have a job.
Sometimes they simply make you smile.
That’s exactly why I love Epalladio Ceramics.
Their sculptural ceramic vessels feel more like artwork than décor. I use pieces like these on kitchen shelves, coffee tables, bookcases, and entry consoles to add shape, texture, and warmth.
The best styling isn’t about filling every surface—it’s about choosing fewer, better objects.
5. Hand-Carved Marble Sinks
If you’ve followed our work at Atelier Davis, you know I have a weakness for natural stone.
Lately I’ve been sourcing more hand-carved marble sinks for powder rooms and guest baths because they instantly make the space feel custom.
One example I love: Green Hand-Carved Marble Sink
Before purchasing stone online, I always recommend asking sellers for:
- Additional photos in natural light
- Exact dimensions
- Weight
- Drain specifications
- Photos of the actual sink (not just a sample)
Natural stone varies dramatically, and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.
6. Vintage Oriental Rugs (My Favorite Etsy Rabbit Hole)
If there’s one thing I can lose an entire evening shopping for, it’s vintage rugs.
Etsy has become one of my favorite resources for vintage Oriental rugs because there are so many dealers bringing beautiful pieces directly from Turkey, Morocco, and throughout the Middle East.
One example: 1980s Antique Large Turkish Terracotta Rug
When shopping for vintage rugs, here’s what I look for:
- Natural wool construction
- Honest wear (not artificially distressed)
- Detailed close-up photos
- Seller reviews
- Accurate dimensions
- Multiple angles in natural light
A great vintage rug instantly gives a room history, warmth, and depth. In many cases, I’d rather design an entire room around an incredible rug than start with the sofa.
My Tips for Shopping Etsy Like an Interior Designer
After years of sourcing online, I’ve learned a few tricks that help separate the incredible finds from the disappointing ones.
Read Every Review
Not just the star rating—look at customer photos. They tell you far more than the listing images.
Message the Seller
The best Etsy sellers are incredibly responsive and often willing to customize finishes, dimensions, or colors.
Don’t Be Afraid of Handmade
Small imperfections are part of the beauty. They’re what make handmade pieces feel authentic instead of manufactured.
Mix High and Low
Some of my favorite rooms combine investment pieces with affordable artisan finds. The goal isn’t to spend the most—it’s to create a home that feels personal.
Why I Love Etsy
As designers, we’re always searching for pieces that don’t look like everyone else’s.
That’s why Etsy continues to be one of my favorite sourcing tools. It gives us access to talented artisans, vintage dealers, and craftspeople from around the world whose work simply isn’t available through traditional retail.
Whether it’s a hand-carved marble sink, a vintage Oriental rug, handmade lighting, artisan ceramics, or woven textiles, these pieces bring soul into a home—and that’s what great design is really about.
If you’re looking for more design inspiration, follow along with our work at Atelier Davis, where we’re always mixing custom details, vintage finds, and artisan craftsmanship to create homes that feel timeless, layered, and deeply personal.