5 Tips for Scoring the Best Mid-Century Finds on Etsy, According to Someone Who Works There

Etsy is a treasure trove of amazing and unique items across all categories. You can search for just about anything on the site, from wedding dresses to vintage jewelry to thoughtful gifts to home decor. On the last front, I find it a great place to source home goods that no one else will really have. Lately, I’ve been on a mid-century modern, window-shopping kick, and I’ve made a lot of fun discoveries (cool lighting, sleek furniture, and impressive artwork, to name a few).

“Mid-century decor on Etsy is like a treasure trove of timeless style!” says Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson. “You’ll find everything from authentic vintage furniture pieces to statement decor inspired by mid-century modern style that brings a pop of personality into any space. It’s all about those clean lines, bold colors, and the organic shapes that make mid-century pieces so unique and endlessly chic. And, since items on Etsy come from independent sellers, each item has a story behind it— making them even more meaningful.”

But one of the stressful (in a good way, though) things about Etsy is that you can search for one item but there can be hundreds of options. So I asked Dayna for her best tips on how to search for mid-century modern decor on Etsy, see below for her expert advice.

DEZAART/Etsy

1. Talk Directly with Sellers

Don’t be afraid to reach out with questions. “One of the beautiful things about shopping on Etsy is that you’re shopping from real people,” Dayna says. “You can actually talk directly to the person designing the piece, or in the case of vintage, the curator or collector. A lot of sellers will be happy to answer any questions or offer customization and a more personalized experience… just ask!” 

For vintage pieces, Dayna suggests asking about the item’s history—many sellers can provide more background information that they might not include in the listing descriptions.

2. Search with Filters

Use all the filter options Etsy has to offer so you don’t feel so overwhelmed with all the search results and can find exactly what you’re looking for. “One of the best ways to get more specific in your search is by using search terms like ‘mid-century modern’ ‘retro’ ‘Danish modern,’ etc. to get a broader range of finds that align with different aspects of the era!” Dayna says. “For the ones looking for true, authentic timepieces, you can even filter to vintage, and within the furniture category you can select ‘mid-century’ in the style filter.”

MIDCENTURYARCHIVE/Etsy

3. Explore

“Search within multiple categories like Furniture, Home Decor, and Lighting to discover a variety of pieces that can bring that mid-century vibe into every corner of your space,” Dayna says.

4. Check Back Frequently

Etsy sellers are always adding items to their storefronts. “You can save searches or favorite shops, which lets you get notified when there are new listings that match your interests,” recommends Dayna. “Following your favorite shop also means you’ll stay in the loop when fresh finds are added. It’s like getting a nice mid-century surprise delivered right to your inbox!”

DEZAART/Etsy

5. Try These Shops

Dayna says there are so many talented sellers on Etsy who offer mid-century decor, but she recommends two to check out to get started. “Try checking out shops like MidCenturyArchive for a beautifully handpicked collection of mid century modern finds or DEZAART for handmade wood lightning and decor pieces! Each shop has its own style and is full of gems that are perfect for creating that mid-century look,” she says.

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