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There are two very distinct groups of people on Etsy: those who go looking for one item and emerge three hours later with 17 things in their cart, and those who somehow possess the self control to stick to their search bar. For designers, though, a little Etsy rabbit hole can be part of the job—especially when it comes to lighting.
The online marketplace is overflowing with independent makers and vintage sellers offering everything from sculptural pendants and colorful table lamps to charming sconces and truly weird (in the best possible way) fixtures. How else do you think this Toronto home designed Sarah Mack Wiley ended up with not one, not two, but three different Etsy fixtures? The trick is knowing which shops are worth bookmarking. So we asked the pros for their favorite Etsy lighting sources.
Mullen Lighting
“Based in Monaghan, Ireland, these handcrafted fixtures strike the perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern design,” says designer Cynthia Abi-Naked. “I appreciate the level of customization they offer, from finishes and glass options to sizes and configurations, which makes it easy to tailor a fixture to the exact needs of a project without sacrificing quality or design integrity.” You can see some of Abi-Naked’s sourcing in action in this L.A. home tour.
Petite Motif
“I love their stitched parchment sconces that have a few different colorways,” says designer Abbie Naber of the vendor Petite Motif. “To me, the products are casual yet considered. I also love that they have a small inventory of vintage lighting as well.”
Tajaddod
“I find that an interesting plug-in sconce can be hard to find, especially at a great price point,” says designer Jennifer Sucher, founder of Sucher Studios. “Bringing in the handmade quality, fun glazes and shapes turns this into a functional art piece. I really love that some come in pairs, so they are unique in shape and orientation but are made to work together.” Speaking of functional art, we loved the shade she chose for the powder room lighting in this Chicago home.
Quanti Delux
Designer Kirsten Blazek, founder of L.A.-based studio a1000xbetter, finds herself drawn to vintage Danish mid-century ceramic light fixtures. “They have such a wonderful sculptural quality and lend depth and soul to many different styles of design, whether they’re paired with more traditional interiors or something eclectic and contemporary.” This Etsy shop, based in Denmark, has an incredible selection. “The assortment feels beautifully curated, and the prices are surprisingly approachable for pieces with this much history, craftsmanship, and personality,” she adds.
Sputnik Illumination and Aixo Design
“For custom lighting, one of our favorites is Sputnik Illumination,” says Jess Nahon, co-founder and principal of Sugarhouse. “We have worked with them to create custom fixtures based on references and inspirations, which is one of the things we love most about Etsy: you can develop a real relationship with the person making the piece. For vintage lighting, Aixo Design is a go-to. If you share an image or describe what you are searching for, she will actually keep an eye out and source it for you.”
Solo Cose Belle ITA
“I love this shop for Italian Murano glass fixtures; they are so special,” says designer Nicole Arruda. “All made in Italy and handblown or handmade.” For even more Etsy-sourced lighting inspiration, check out her own Larchmont home, where she installed two vintage Visual Comfort sconces in her kitchen.
Ecubed Studio UK
“This shop specifically curates vintage items like lamps and is run by three friends who travel across Europe to source beautiful home decor,” says designer Charlotte Parker. “One of the co-founders has styled and written about interiors for publications like Homes & Gardens, so she knows just what to look for.”