Posted by Every year design gurus come up with a list of what’s going to be popular in home decor that year. For 2026 decor trends include a move towards warmer and darker colors, textured materials, nostalgia, a mix of vintage and modern pieces, artistic glass, and bamboo. They say chinoiserie is also experiencing a resurgence, but I don’t think it ever went out of style and art deco design is “having a moment.” (Stark minimalism is out.)
And while I find “trends” make for interesting reading, I rarely tailor my sourcing to them because they don’t translate to more sales for me. Case in point, last year warm metal items like brass were supposed to be popular, but they weren’t selling in my store.
Vintage sourcing is another fly in the ointment. I could go shopping tomorrow with a list of trend items, but that doesn’t mean I will find any to buy. So instead I buy items that appeal to me. Items that excite me. Not that I am some arbiter of taste, but I figure if I like it someone else will too. And I look for luxury brands–MacKenzie-Childs, Waterford, Villeroy & Boch, etc. I also believe it’s important to pay attention to what’s selling in my store and what’s not and buy accordingly. Overall this works for me.
All that said, I do have things in my store that I think “fit” the 2026 vibe–like this warm-colored vintage paisley shawl and antique Chinese lacquer box.
January Sales So Far
January started off slow in my vintage Etsy store. I’m guessing most folks were decompressing from the holidays or thinking about resolutions and likely glad to be done with buying for a while! Historically January has been a mixed month for me–some years great, others meh. Despite a slow start, sales have gradually picked up as the month progressed. Mostly lower-value items, but they add up.
So, what’s been selling this month? In a nutshell sterling silver, charms and books. Pottery in general has not been selling, so I was glad to have at least one little piece sell! [Another small piece sold as I was writing this.]
Sterling silver value has gone through the roof in past 12 months from around $20 a troy ounce to $93. It’s crazy, but it has encouraged me to list more pieces from my personal silver collection. If you have some heirloom pieces tucked away not being appreciated, now is a good time to sell them.
My book sales average around five to seven a month, representing $100 to $140 in sales. Nothing outstanding but I like books and it’s easy money. Recently I read a recent article that physical media (books, DVDs, LPs) is making a comeback, but I think books have always maintained a loyal base. I know they have with me. Nary a Kindle in sight at our house.
I was happy to see the beautiful Tibetan-style necklace finally find a home. I bought this in 2019 for $24 at a boutique thrift store. During all this time I still thought it was a really good thing. (It sold for $85.)
This little Victorian/Edwardian-era pendant was a beauty with an amethyst, freshwater pearls and a diamond likely set in 9 carat gold. It had been in my store for years at $125. One gal contacted me on two different occasions with offers, but I wasn’t interested. A few months ago I gave it a new listing with a price of $138 and it sold without a fuss.
The red Cole Haan leather purse (paid $13.85) was in immaculate condition. I was tempted to keep it, but I already had a big red purse. I priced it at $68 plus shipping. Four months ago I was offered $40 for it. Gosh that wasn’t even close! It sold for full price the other day.
Moving Forward
I want to keep focused–not on trends, but on the quality and quirky items that attract folks to my store.
Hop 2026 is going well for you.
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 