The Etsy search terms I use to find joy-sparking home decor

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Someone practically has to peel me away from my keyboard once I start browsing Etsy. One shop leads to another, and suddenly I’m five tabs deep in handmade scalloped planters and vintage shell hooks. It’s a delightful rabbit hole—and one I’ve learned to approach with a little strategy.

Lately, I’ve been browsing with intention. I open the app or site only when I have a specific item in mind—something on my wishlist or an idea I want to bring to life. That way, it feels less overwhelming and more like a curated treasure hunt. The secret? Highly specific keywords.

Here are a few of my recent cozy finds—plus the exact search terms I used to uncover them…

6 RECENT COZY ETSY FINDS

And the keywords to find them yourself:

• A handmade stone planter with scalloped details. Made in the UK, and it was shipped with such care.

  • Try searching: “scalloped planter” or “vintage French stone planter”

• A cross-stitch bookmark kit. I can’t wait to listen to an audiobook while working on this!

  • Try searching: “cross-stitch bookmark kit [your desired design or theme]” as in “cross-stitch bookmark kit birds”

• A blockprint empire lampshade. My exact one is sold out as these are one of a kind, but the same Etsy shop has so many good ones.

  • Try searching: “blockprint pleated lampshade.” I also love searching generally for blockprint textiles—think tablecloths, linens, throw pillows, and sarongs.

• A brass shell hook. Unfinished brass patinas beautifully, and the shell design brings a soft, organic touch.

  • Try searching: “brass or silver shell hook/sconce/tray/anything”

• A green bobbin frame. Glossy, playful, and available in a bunch of other colors.

  • Try searching: “bobbin frame.” I also love the look of a classic silver frame, searching “small vintage silver frame”

• A gold fish necklace on red string. On-trend and slightly unexpected—love to wear it with a simple tee.

  • Try searching: “fish necklace.” I also love searching “shell pendant necklace” for some equally on-trend statement sculptural finds. This one reminds me of Juju Vera.

WHAT I’M STILL SEARCHING FOR

A few current fixations and the keywords I’m using to track them down…

• “brass pear box” — There’s something charming and slightly surreal about a brass fruit-shaped box. I imagine it on a console or bookshelf.

• rattan desk or small table — Perfect for a child’s room or any nook that needs warmth and texture.

• vintage baskets of all kinds — Hot take: Never buy a new basket again! Vintage ones have way more character.