Etsy finds for pillows, lampshades, hardware and trays that are designer approved with links to my favorite shops
- Carrie Lucke
- Jan 23
- 4 min read
In the world of interior design, it's often the unique, unexpected pieces that give a space its soul. While big-box retailers have their place, some of the most character-rich elements are best sourced from beyond the usual suspects. Enter Etsy: a designer’s secret weapon for finding one-of-a-kind items, handcrafted treasures, and vintage gems that help a home feel truly lived-in and collected over time.
1. Artisan Hardware -
Swapping out generic knobs and pulls for handcrafted hardware instantly adds depth to cabinetry and furniture. Think aged brass handles from Eastern Europe, ceramic knobs from India, or forged iron hooks from independent U.S. makers. These small details can quietly transform a kitchen, bathroom, or built-in from basic to bespoke.
my favorite Etsy seller for solid un lacquered brass is Country Hardware
my favorite Etsy seller for reclaimed hardware is JB Antiqueshardware co
2. Textiles & Indian Batik Quilts
Etsy is a goldmine for globally sourced textiles. Vintage kantha quilts, block-printed Indian bedspreads, or handwoven African mudcloths can be layered on beds, used as wall hangings, or turned into one-of-a-kind throw pillows. These pieces often come with subtle imperfections and rich histories—exactly what gives a room warmth and personality.
3. Vintage Accessories
When you want a space to feel collected, vintage is non-negotiable. On Etsy, you’ll find everything from 1970s Italian alabaster bookends to French brass candlesticks, antique oil portraits, and sculptural mid-century vases. These finishing touches add charm and prevent a home from feeling too staged.
4. Large Ottoman Trays
A common styling dilemma: oversized ottomans or coffee tables that need a tray large enough to anchor accessories, books, or drinks. For some reason fining large substantial trays is ellusive on most common retails sites and when I do find one the cost is sky high. Etsy sellers often offer custom or extra-large trays in wood, lacquer, or rattan finishes—sizes that are rarely stocked in traditional retail stores. The pricing is much more reasonable than what I have found for similar quality at this vendor linked below found on Etsy
Future Milestones Etsy Shop
5. Cost-Effective Decorative Pillows and textiles and custom Lamp shades
Designer pillows can cost a small fortune, but Etsy allows you to source the same high-end fabrics—often in small quantities or remnants—at a fraction of the price. You can find covers in Schumacher, Pierre Frey, or vintage textiles, and support small-scale makers while you’re at it.
One shortcut Etsy pillow makers use is to use plain linen to back a pillow with the more expensive face fabric. It's not a "never"—but it's not my favorite. It feels like a shortcut. Like wallpapering one wall and not the other three... But having said that, if you message the seller, they will usually give you a price for the double-sided version of the same pillow. If one-sided is in your budget—don't fret, just get a beautiful pillow you love.
I also like to source unique small print fabrics on Etsy and then send them to Cruel Mountain to have them made into the more most beautiful hand made fabric lamp shades. These custom shades, when the perfect fabric is selected will bring soul and personality into your room and make a statement that no one else will have.
My favorite shops are
VividHues - pillows etsy shop
GarnFaktur- indian textiles for pillows or lamp shades etsy shop
Cruel Mountain - custom lamp shades etsy shop
KnobThornHome- pillows etsy shop
6. Custom Utility Pieces
Need a space-saving laundry drying rack? A spice rack tailored to your cabinet height? Etsy excels at beautiful, utilitarian items you can’t get off the shelf. Many makers offer customizable dimensions, wood finishes, and design tweaks—especially helpful for historic homes or oddly shaped spaces.
Wooden Roots Colorado - Custom Dog bowls and spice racks etsy shop
Frame TV frames
Frame TVs are sleek and beautiful. They are so slim they appear to be a large piece of art when the TV is not on. You can change your art as much as you like, and a massive variety of frames are available both from the Samsung website and from Etsy if you want more options. Examples below show the various frames you can source from Etsy.
OR
White Oak Frame TV frame
Final Thoughts
Sourcing from Etsy isn’t just about finding something different—it’s about curating a home with intention. The handmade, the storied, and the personal pieces are what make a space feel truly yours. So when you hit a sourcing wall or want something with a little more soul, give Etsy a look. You might be surprised by what you find.