The Best Source For One Of A Kind Decor No One Talks About

Let’s talk about the best places or place I like to find one-of-a-kind items that I don’t hear a lot of people talking about. Just in case you’re not looking there, I want to share some of my tips for how to find the item you’re looking for and how to save money when you’re buying it.

Why is it important to even have something one-of-a-kind in your home? 

I believe it’s one of the things that sets your home apart and makes it feel like your space, completely different from anyone else’s home.  Your home doesn’t look like a catalog, it looks like a curated collection of things. Unique items make that possible.

Thrifting VS. Online Thrifting

One of my favorite places to find one-of-a-kind items is thrifting.

Thrifting In Person

Here’s my problem with thrifting:

1. I don’t have time to do it. 
2. Sometimes when I go out, I don’t have a clear picture of what I want, and I don’t find anything. Has this ever happened to you?

Online Thrifting

My favorite place to go thrifting online is Etsy. I don’t know if you know this, but you can find a lot of custom and vintage items on Etsy. 

The best part about Etsy is, when you’re buying items you can email a human that works in the store and get a response. In fact, you can have a real exchange with them about sizing and delivery. All the sellers that I’ve worked with are very responsive. The beauty of Etsy is it’s like working with a small business.

5 Examples of Unique Home Decor and Accessories to Buy on Etsy

I want to show you a few examples of one-of-a-kind things in my home that came from Etsy. 

1. Furniture from Etsy

This credenza came from Etsy. The price of it was low. The delivery was high. In comparison to the credenzas I was looking for nearby or with lower shipping, the total cost was a bargain. 

2. Oil Paintings and Art from Etsy

This is the gallery wall that’s in my kitchen. Several pieces came from Etsy. The dark floral and another painting were purchased on Etsy. Both are oil paintings. Oil paintings and original art are great items to buy on Etsy. 

3. Custom Items from Etsy

I found this gorgeous wood medicine cabinet on Etsy. Keep reading for my tips below on how to use search filters to find original art and antiques. This isn’t old or thrifted, but it is made to order. The craftsmanship is next level.

4. Light Fixtures from Etsy

Three rooms in my house have light fixtures from Etsy. I purchased the lighting in my bathroom, both the sconces and the overhead light, from Etsy. Also, the light above my kitchen sink came from Etsy. Even the light above my dining room table is from Etsy.

5. Rugs from Etsy

I have an oriental rug in my entry. You guessed it… the rug also came from Etsy. I was able to search for the exact size I needed for my space.

Tips for Online Thrifting

Of course, there are other places to buy one-of-a-kind things. You can look at Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or even Poshmark. But I want to give you a few tips before you go browsing online for one-of-a-kind things. 

Set Filters to Shop with Intention

One is, don’t go browsing. Shop for a specific item if you have something in mind. If you shop with intention, you’re more likely to spend less money and find what you want. 

For example, let’s say you’re looking for a floor lamp and you don’t like anything you’ve seen in the stores. Go to Facebook or Etsy and search for “floor lamp” or even more specific “brass floor lamp”. You get a smaller selection of lamps to look through than if I just go online and browse.

If you’re looking for paintings vs. prints on Etsy that are one of a kind, it helps to filter your search using the words “original painting” and oil or acrylic. You can also use the filter vintage if you want old pieces.

Watch Shipping Costs and Safety

You need to be aware of shipping fees. If it’s Facebook Marketplace, you’re probably picking it up from someone’s home. I’ve sold a lot of stuff on Facebook Marketplace and I know people have concerns about safety. I’ve never had an issue with anybody that I’ve sold to on Facebook Marketplace or that I’ve bought from on Facebook Marketplace. Here is a tip: I always look at their profile to make sure it’s a real person with a history.

If you’re buying something big on Etsy, be aware of the shipping cost. Remember, the buffet that I bought on Etsy pictured above? It was priced a lot lower than the buffets I was looking at around my area. I did have to pay a few hundred to have it delivered. The total cost was still below the other buffets I was looking at maybe at Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn. Plus, it’s a one-of-a-kind piece.

If you are ready to try online thrifting on Etsy, I have more tips on how to buy furniture from Etsy. See this Guide to Buying Furniture on Etsy – Why you should try it!