China cabinets have actually been around since the 17th century but went out of style with the decline of formal dining rooms and the rise of the in-built, modular kitchens. Of course, it’s not a social imperative to showcase one’s prized glassware and porcelain china behind glass doors anymore too! But everything old is new sometimes, and this grandparents-home furniture staple is having something of a moment. This is evident by the many options for an antique china cabinet, oak and otherwise, we saw on Etsy. They’re just used slightly differently these days, appearing in newer, more modishly decorative contexts.
Since we wanted to add a sense of history to our dining room, we looked through many antique china cabinet styles, which worked beautifully. Check out this useful, detailed guide.
Art of Furniture UK 1950s Dutch Provincial Oak Cabinet
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We begin with what Etsy categorizes as a rare find, which is this gorgeous Art of Furniture UK 1950s Dutch Provincial Oak Cabinet. This beautiful piece of handmade furniture is very heavy and solid. It dates back to the middle of the 20th century and is originally from the Netherlands, touching antiquity. What’s more, it offers lots of storage besides being an incredible statement piece, with two central glass cupboards that open onto one large central cabinet space. Plus, the shelf running along the length is even removable.
If that wasn’t enough, there are even two spacious side cabinets and four small bottom drawers. What we loved was that every cupboard and drawer had a carved wood door panel! Wrapping things up are the original brass key and the elegant and tall out-swept legs.
You might also want to check out the best Etsy antique rugs to add panache to the room decor.
Pros
It’s a handmade piece from the 1950s.
It has tons of storage space, besides being a stunning antique.
Since it’s a pre-owned item, it adds personality and character to the item.
Art of Furniture UK 1950s Dutch Provincial Oak Cabinet – by Etsy
Sugarcreek Antiques Serpent Heads Curved Glass Oak China Cabinet
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Imagine having a piece of furniture that dates back to the 1900s! Behold the Sugarcreek Antiques Serpent Heads Curved Glass Oak China Cabinet, which is a rare antique Victorian Horner-style display cabinet. It features sturdy claw feet and two open-mouth serpent heads and is made from quarter-sawn oak. While the front door and the sides have the original curved glass, the front and rear both boast large claw feet. Plus, the full-length front columns have two serpent heads atop them, with the entire piece featuring an original dark finish. The best bit? The cabinet still has the original working lock and the key!
Pros
The cabinet has four inner shelves, of which one has been replaced.
It’s a very solid, original piece.
There’s no shipment cost.
Cons
The shipping times are very long, besides the piece being extremely expensive.
Sugarcreek Antiques Serpent Heads Curved Glass Oak China Cabinet – by Etsy
Streets Of London Antique Mirror-Back Sideboard
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The Streets Of London Antique Mirror-Back Sideboard is a gorgeous antique China cabinet sideboard that dates back to the 1900s! Designed in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, this large sideboard boasts two extremely ornate and beveled mirrors at the back. A large display shelf with a magnificent carved crown at the top separates them. Moreover, the paw foot-carved and turned columns support the shelf. In fact, the cabinet boasts ample storage with a large double-door cupboard and five different-sized drawers. Moreover, both have ornate polished brass handles with the original locks. So, if you’re looking for an antique that’s both functional and makes a big impact, then this impressive sideboard is perfect.
Pros
The piece stands on old wheels/casters, and even the top mirror comes off, making it easy to transport.
It’s an antique piece from the 1900s.
It’s been professionally re-finished and restored around 20 years ago.
Streets Of London Antique Mirror-Back Sideboard – by Etsy
My Eclectic HeartAZ Antique Buffet
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We were looking for an antique dining buffet when we stumbled upon the My Eclectic HeartAZ Antique Buffet. This exquisite work of art brought modern creativity and timeless elegance to our room decor. The unique white, light blue-gray and deep blue palette of the sideboard drew us to it. But what sets this buffet apart is the copper and gold accents, delicately woven through the details and contours. It’s when they catch the light that the piece looks completely transformed, making it look opulent. Three drawers in the center and two shelves to the side complete the storage aspect of this piece.
Pros
The surfaces of the piece have been treated carefully.
It’s not just a functional buffet but a captivating work of art.
There’s yet another Streets of London product on this list. This time, it’s the Streets Of London Antique Oak Bow Glass Cabinet. The gorgeous oak cabinet is a wonderful piece of American country furniture that we loved making part of our decor. For one, it boasted a bow/curved glass door and sides and dates back to the turn of the 20th century. What’s more, the cabinet has the original ornate brass handle and lock, complete with the functioning key! We loved that there’s storage space, too, especially three interior wooden shelves with the stunning, gorgeous original mercury mirror on the top shelf accenting them. Rounding things up is the base, which features slender legs on carved paw front feet.
Pros
The hutch has developed a wonderful, rustic golden oak patina.
It’s charming and authentic.
The original elements work in great condition.
This is one of Etsy’s rare finds.
Cons
While it’s strong and sturdy, it’s better off anchored to the wall since it’s so slim.
Streets Of London Antique Oak Bow Glass Cabinet – by Etsy
Chase Vintage Antique Oak French Hutch/Library Cabinet
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Sitting at the top of the list is this Chase Vintage Antique Oak French Hutch/Library Cabinet from the early 1930s. Approaching antiquity, this French hutch/library cabinet comes from a small hotel in Provence, where it sat in their library/sitting room. This stunning, majestic piece of furniture is so versatile that it became a focal point even in our house’s modern setting, blending contemporary chic with its old-world charm effortlessly. Aside from the lovely French patina, we loved the original hardware, drawers, and cupboards, and the style. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind piece in a perfect size.
“We couldn’t believe how well his antique hutch became a part of our home’s decor!”
Chase Vintage Antique Oak French Hutch-Library Cabinet – by Etsy
How To Choose The Best Antique Oak Cabinets from Etsy?
Types
Step-back: These are one of the commonest styles of china cabinets from the 1800s/early 1900s. It’s basically an enclosed cupboard with a slightly shallower glass cabinet at the top. Moreover, the top and bottom sections may/may not have space.
Breakfront: These involve the center section projecting out on both sides, with the deeper middle having one/two doors.
Hutch-style: These have separate top and bottom sections, with the space between serving as a display/counter.
Corner: These are triangular styled and designed to be placed in the dining room corner, allowing it to sit snugly.
Curved-glass: These have glass panels curving into the room and are also called bow-front cabinets.
Materials
Oak: This is the commonest kind of wood used in china cabinets, with a prominent grain.
Mahogany: Mahogany is often reddish and warm-toned and has a close, smooth grain.
Maple: This lighter-toned wood has a figured grain sometimes.
Cherry: This is a warmer wood with a close grain.
Walnut: This is darker-toned wood with a close grain.
Most step-back/breakfront china cabinets and hutches could sell in the range of 500-2,500 USD, depending on their age and condition. Vintage ones sell for much less.
How can I tell if my china cabinet is an antique?
There are many factors, such as the design, wear marks, stains and paintings, tags, and even imperfections, which increase the value of the cabinet.
Some images in this article are copyrighted by Etsy.
We love how much area rugs can transform the look and persona of a room. Instead of troubling ourselves with splurging on new furnishite pieces or repainting walls, we decided to simply place a new floor accent. It was then that we pondered: why go to our local big-box store and get what everyone else is getting when we could get a vintage or an antique rug? You might think it’s easier said than done, but that’s when we turned to Indie darling Etsy. The best Etsy antique rugs range from hallway runners with eccentric colors to vintage Turkish kilims and boho accents. Since Etsy has a multitude of different styles and types to choose from, we did the legwork for you and rounded up the six best vintage-looking carpets we could find. Now the real challenge is – picking just one!
Beni Ourain Carpets Moroccan Rug
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Beni Ourain has a repute in the rug industry as it is. And while their rugs are nothing new, they’ve been having something of a design moment in the past few years. Take the Beni Ourain Carpets Moroccan Rug, for example. When we looked at it from afar, you might have to forgive us for thinking they were mostly simple diamond patterns. However, on closer inspection, the patterns and designs of this traditional rug are extremely complicated. In fact, they’re a testament to the rich and unique traditions of Moroco’s Berber culture.
Thanks to the generous size of this rug, it made for the ideal centerpiece in our living room. And since the artisans crafted this rug by hand, it boasted an undeniable charm, breathing life into our eclectic space.
Pros
The woolen rug boasts an exceptional quality and is durable.
The patterns are captivating, blending aesthetics and comfort.
We’ve been trawling for Etsy vintage Persian rugs forever and were thrilled to get our hands on this Artisans Arc Antique Persian Heriz Serapi Rug. This hand-knotted rug has been handcrafted with handspun wool. What’s more, the traditional design of the rug complemented our at-home workspace. In fact, the beautiful colors of the rug carry the legacy of the city of Heris. Even though it was made in the city of Bhadohi in India, the carpet weaving industry in that region dates back to the 16th century – the reign of Emperor Akbar. If that wasn’t enough, this antique rug is at least a century old, and thus is durable and will last us for decades, if treated right of course. While some sizes are in stock, the seller even makes made-to-order rugs for specific requirements.
Pros
This rug has been made by artisans and weavers who’ve been practicing this art for more than five centuries.
Artisans Arc Antique Persian Heriz Serapi Rug – by Etsy
Turkish Rug Decor Shop Antique Oushak Rug
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While looking for an Etsy off-white rug, we found this stunning Turkish Rug Decor Shop Antique Oushak Rug. This authentic Turkish made for a stunning decor addition to our home decor, specifically our sunroom. What’s more, this area carpet has been handmade by skilled artisans with precision and care and is approximately 80-100 years old. In fact, the rug has even been freshly cleaned and disinfected, which is why we got it in an absolutely pristine and excellent condition.
“We’ve always been fans of off-white area rugs. And to stumble upon one that’s also an antique was an absolute treasure find!”
Dizzzi
Pros
This rug ships from Turkey and quickly, at that!
It’s an authentic antique.
The off-white color beautifully complements all kinds of decor.
Turkish Rug Decor Shop Antique Oushak Rug – by Etsy
Home Decor Furnishings Antique Distressed Oriental Rug
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Imagine getting a rug that costs 3,600 USD for 650 USD! That’s the Home Decor Furnishings Antique Distressed Oriental Rug for you. This Etsy green rug ships from Pakistan and dates back to the 1940s-1950s. What’s more, it boasts a bevy of muted colors like brown, cream, purple, and rusty peach, which have now adopted an overall muted green hue. We loved the floral pattern, which made it one of the best Etsy boho rugs we’d seen. The rug is easy to clean and antistatic, but it’s also allergy-friendly, stain and moth-resistant. Since we have kids and pets in the house, it was a big relief for us.
Pros
The rug is a unique antique find and is perfect for any kind of home decor.
It’s noise-reducing, stain/moth resistant, and non-slipping too.
It’s washable!
Cons
Even though the price is less than the retail price, it’s still expensive.
Home Decor Furnishings Antique Distressed Oriental Rug – by Etsy
Turkish Rug Decor Shop Boho Wool Rug
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The Turkish Rug Decor Shop Boho Wool Rug is an antique rug from the 1970s and is one of a kind. This Etsy vintage pink rug is versatile and eco-friendly, adding warmth and providing comfort to our cozy second living room. In fact, it even reduced noise, muting it to some extent. Since it’s hand-knotted with natural cotton and wool, it’s not synthetic and is, thus, durable and will last us for a long time. As it is, the rug is more than 70-80 years old, and we’re sure it’ll last us a few good decades at the very least. These antique rugs come right from the villages of Turkey, making every rug unique.
Pros
We love the intricate designs and patterns on the rug.
We’d stepped into a world of timeless beauty with this Turkish Rug Kingdom Antique Oushak Rug, a handmade beauty from the ‘Roof of the world.’ This exquisite Turkish carpet is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of traditional rug weavers, whose families have been doing this for centuries. It’s their skill that has brought us this piece of history that transcends time, as the rug is more than 80-90 years old. So, whether you’re looking to create a cozy atmosphere in your bedroom or wish to add artistic flair to your living room, this antique Turkish rug is the perfect choice.
Pros
This is an authentic Turkish rug.
It’s a piece of history that gets more iconic with time.
Did you know that there’s a difference between vintage and antique? A rug is considered vintage when it’s less than a century old. If its age is more than a century, then it’s considered an antique.
Material and make
When buying antique rugs, one needs to make sure that they’re made from a natural material such as silk, cotton, or wool, as these materials will stand the test of time. Additionally, we needed to ensure that the carpet hadn’t been made by a machine but was rather handmade. So, we asked the dealer to see the back of the carpet. Basically, when one flips the rug, it should look almost the same as the front. That’s the quickest and easiest way to tell that the rug is handmade.
Edges and ends
One of the first places where the rug wears out is the edges and the ends. The unraveling of the fringes isn’t a major issue as one can often rebind them. However, if the edges and ends of the rug are neglected, then certain dealers, in a bid to try and repair the rug, unravel them, trying to refringe the whole rug. Buying a rug cut back via this technique isn’t good.
Colors and patina
The colors employed in vintage rugs are what make them attractive. Usually, vintage rugs feature natural dyes, which is what makes them unique and desirable. They mellow beautifully as time goes by, a process that new rugs cannot copy. So, avoid rugs with faded areas. Also, just like fine antiques, vintage rugs develop a patina, which lends the rug a lovely sheen and even a silky look.
Listen to the rug
Now this might sound strange, but listening to the rug goes a long way in determining its vintage nature. If the rug has been dried without using the proper technique, it feels like cardboard, and one will definitely hear it crack. Hence, it’s not worth the investment. To test the same, fold the rug and bend it. If you don’t hear a crack, then it’s a good thing.
Artificial aging
Finally, you need to avoid rugs that people have aged artificially. Some rug merchants age rugs by piling them and sometimes treating them with harsh chemicals to tone their colors down. Such rugs have no inherent value, and it’s best to avoid them.
Surprisingly vintage rugs are surprisingly easy to clean. All you need to do is use plain water and microfiber cloths. Does it have a bigger mess? We have used spot removers, too.
Why are vintage rugs so expensive?
Materials such as cotton, silk, and wool are often spun and hand-dyed, which add to the personal touch and individuality of the rug. Overall, vintage rugs are extensions of the skills and personas of the weavers and designers who create them, not just pieces of fabric.
Some images in this article are copyrighted by Etsy.
When Mila Kunis revealed that she’d bought her and her husband Ashton Kutcher’s wedding bands on Etsy, peeps were shocked that A-listers were buying such important keepsakes from the indie seller. However, we weren’t surprised. Not only is there a wide range of gorgeous Etsy rings for women, but also there are innumerable categories for the same. We’ve found everything from engagement rings and cocktail rings to simple bands and even stacked rings for those of us who can’t get enough of them even on one finger! If that wasn’t enough, many shops even create custom designs, which makes an already special piece of jewelry even more special and meaningful. So, what are you waiting for? Measure your ring size as we lay down some of the best rings from the Indie website that’s become a darling for jewelry lovers.
Jewels By Sailor Cluster Moss Agate Engagement Ring
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We absolutely fell in love with this unique and stunning Jewels By Sailor Cluster Moss Agate Engagement Ring, especially since we wanted to ditch a diamond! There are many reasons why we loved this moss agate ring, starting with the lovely color. The shades of green looked different in different lights, which was especially made all the better by the intricate detailing. What’s more, we could choose the band color from anything ranging from 925 sterling silver to 14K gold. In fact, the 14K gold version complemented our Etsy 14k gold bracelet too! Moreover, the Art Deco style only enhances the beauty of the stone, the setting, and the jewel. All in all, the ring certainly had us believing in love at first sight – with ourselves.
Pros
This stunning ring makes for a great alternative to an engagement ring.
Jewels By Sailor Cluster Moss Agate Engagement Ring – by Etsy
Caitlyn Minimalist Dainty Diamond Ring Set
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We’re huge fans of stacked rings, which is why it was love at first sight with the Caitlyn Minimalist Dainty Diamond Ring Set. This stunning set features three stacking rings, each of which we could wear alone on their own, too, on separate fingers. When we wanted to attract attention to them, we’d stack them all together to make a glamorous and flamboyant statement. In fact, it was the versatility of the ring set that got us so many compliments. What’s more, the rings are made from high-quality solid 925 sterling silver, with options for an 18K gold or a sterling silver finish that was up to us.
We loved the three cubic zirconia diamond gemstone rings. One of them featured baguette and round stones, and the second one had pave diamonds, each on a 1 mm thin band. The third, on the other hand, was itself a sprinkle diamond textured band, which set it apart from any ring we’d ever seen.
Pros
All we had to do to order them was choose our ring sizes and finishes.
All jewelry from this seller came nicely packaged and ready to gift in elegant recyclable boxes.
Caitlyn Minimalist Dainty Diamond Ring Set – by Etsy
Istanbul Jewel Silver Turkish Ottoman Ring
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Ever since we’ve been to Turkey, we’ve become absolute fans of their jaw-droppingly gorgeous jewelry, which ranges from statement to minimalist. But what if we told you we found a ring that combines both aesthetics and looks decidedly like it’s from another century? Behold the gorgeous Istanbul Jewel Silver Turkish Ottoman Ring, a mid-century-styled ring that had us falling in love with it at first sight. This handmade ruby ring is designed from 925 sterling silver and bronze (for the yellow gold effect).
What’s more, it featured cubic zirconia stones set in a lovely prong setting, but the highlight is the blood-red rubies in the central design. The floral design features eight circular rubies around a larger, oval-shaped ruby that catches the eye of anybody who sees this ring. Delicate, flamboyant, antique, and modern all at once, this is the ring to wear to turn heads.
Pros
It’s a handmade item and unique.
We loved the Turkish-Ottoman design style of the ring.
Since the material is silver, the ring works for people with sensitive skin too.
Cons
Some people might find the ring size a little too large for their fingers.
Istanbul Jewel Silver Turkish Ottoman Ring – by Etsy
Caitlyn Minimalist Double Name Ring
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We’ve always been fans of name jewelry, like name pendants. This time we thought to take it up a notch and go for a name ring, and what better than the Caitlyn Minimalist Double Name Ring to make a statement? This is one of the most unique pieces of jewelry we’ve found on Etsy, and we were thrilled as the ring was dainty enough for us to wear it every day. What’s more, it’s made from high-quality solid 925 sterling silver, with the option of rose gold, 18K gold, and sterling silver for the finish.
In order to get our name on the ring, all we needed to do was our complete first and last names for the top and bottom design in the personalization box. While we wanted our complete names, others went for initials, and there were some who simply personalized the ring with numbers! Did you know we could even choose a font of our choosing? Yes!
Pros
The seller/shop makes these rings in a custom manner by hand.
We could personalize the rings and make them made-to-order.
Birthstone rings are always special because they’re so specific. That, as well as the promise ring design, is why we loved the Anavia Design Dainty Birthstone Ring so much. This birthstone ring is an elegant and beautiful piece of jewelry made from 925 sterling silver. What’s more, it boasted a minimalist design with a stackable ring style, allowing us to stack the rings and wear them for a statement, trendy look or wear them alone. Moreover, we could customize the ring with different birthstones, which included ours, our partner’s, and our family’s birthstones, too, to make it more special.
“We were thrilled to be able to wear not just our birthstone, but even our partner’s and our family’s birthstones on our fingers!”
Dizzzi
Pros
The rings came with a gift box, so if you want to gift it to somebody, they’re perfect.
We could select not only the color of the stones but also the setting and the number!
Nothing’s quite as special as a self-love ring, is there? The Soulin Jewellery Self Love Ring is just that – it’s more than just a piece of gorgeous jewelry. This dainty pavé circular ring is one of the best Etsy gem rings we’ve seen for more reasons than one. For one, this piece of jewelry is made from 925 sterling silver and is plated with 18K white gold. What lends it the brilliance is the AAA-grade cubic zirconia stones. which caught the light as we moved our hands. In fact, we could even select primary colors from white, pink, and blue. If you want to give this ring as a gift, then the seller could even include a message card about self-love, putting the past behind, and moving on.
Pros
The stones and the metal are nickel and tarnish-free.
There are different kinds of rings, some of which are engagement rings, wedding bands, cocktail rings, signet rings, birthstone ones, promise rings, stackable rings, solitaire rings, pink rings…well, the list is endless. When shopping for rings, figure out what you want before you go looking for it.
Band
Rings feature a variety of metal bands, whether it’s rose gold, white gold, platinum, gold, and more. This completely depends on the tastes and preferences of the person wearing the ring. Since every metal is lovely, we took a look at our jewelry choices, especially rings, to confirm what we actually liked.
Style and setting
Not every ring is set in the same way. Usually, stones in rings are held in place by different settings. Two of the most popular types of settings are prong and bezel settings:
Bezel: This is a protective style setting and doesn’t snag on clothes. It’s an excellent choice for sharp and pointy diamonds are that likelier to chip.
Prong: Prongs are narrow metal supports that hold the diamond in place for edgy, modern, or classic appearances.
Diamond
Diamonds have gradations that are determined by the 4 Cs:
Carat: This is the stone’s weight, and the heavier the stone, the larger the carat weight.
Clarity: This refers to the lack of imperfections and inclusions in the diamond. The fewer the inclusions, the better. Moreover, the range is from the highest IF to the lowest I.
Color: The diamond coloration range is from the highest, which is D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Most diamonds on the market are white-colored diamonds, as colorless diamonds are expensive and rare.
Cut: Finallt, we come to the cut of the diamond. Those that are cut well add superb brilliance to the stone, and it greatly impacts the final look of the diamond.
Absolutely, Etsy is a trusted source for any kind of ring, even engagement rings.
What rings do you wear every day?
When it comes to daily wear, gold is a classic choice as it’s easy to care for and durable. That said, silver is also an excellent alternative for the same reasons.
Some images in this article are copyrighted by Etsy.
