Pleated wall sconce, $588

Aluminum gourd vase, $190

Minimalist abstract original signed artwork, $121

Antique Rogers Bros. “Siren” silverplate serveware, $350 (would make a beautiful wedding gift, also love this Mother of pearl set)

Chartreuse satin bag, $52

Wire mesh table lamp, $215

Vintage Turkish Kars kilim rug - 7’x13’, $825

Double knit crochet sheer poncho, $31

Vintage etched horses glassware set, $71

Giant spiral stud earrings, sterling silver or brass, $98+

“Romantic Landscape” Wassily Kandinsky framed giclee print, $153

Handpainted horse vase, $155

Birch end table with shelf, $264

Personalized icon embroidered canvas tote, $26+

Shell pendant on sterling silver choker, $75

Custom pleated sink curtain with fringe trim, $59+

Vintage brutalist brass wall candle holder, $148

Murano pendant lamp, $439

Fringe menu cards

Aluminum fish mobile, $29

Vintage Sterling Silver Kristine Bolhuis sculptural ladder necklace, $225

Cobalt blue ceramic sconce, $94

Ornate Baroque evening bag, $52

Custom cushions for banquettes, window seats, $127+

1977 William Sylvester Gamble oil and watercolor painting, $295

Large cast aluminum splash bowl, $225

14k solid gold fish pendant, $299

Low angular birch coffee table with chrome legs, $498

“Desdemona for Celia” by Hilton Als art book, $55

Zebra cut velvet pillow cover, $90

Vintage aluminum biomporphic Goshkin sculpture, $125

Vintage modernist sterling silver geometric ring, $123

Vintage beechwood umbrella table lamp, $237

xx
Linds

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I, like many, ordered a stack of “linen” pieces from the Gap earlier this season, romanced by the promise of an effortless breezy summer fabric. But as someone who has, over the course of the past few years, purchased over a dozen true 100% linen pieces, was disappointed to find that they felt heavy and synthetic, not at all like the real thing. The reality is that a pair of pants that’s 55% linen and 45% rayon will not behave like linen, no matter what the product title says. And while blends aren’t inherently a problem (a linen-cotton mix can be great), they simply aren’t linen. Once you’ve become accustomed to pure linen, it’s hard to settle for less.

Real 100% linen can be hard to find at an accessible price point in US stores. Most of the shops below are based in Lithuania, which has a reputation as one of the top linen producers in the world. The Baltic climate is ideal for growing flax, and Lithuanian weaving traditions go back centuries. Everything on this list is made to order, so “shipping time” really means production time (actual transit is fast, usually free, and so far I’ve never been charged a tariff). Most shops will also customize an order, for example a different colorway, a longer inseam, and many offer fabric swatches if you’re buying something sight-unseen, like curtains or a slipcover. I’ve personally ordered from all eight shops below: pants, dresses, tops, shorts, duvets, tea towels, napkins, curtains. My tried-and-tested little black book of linen!

LinenFox

My most-returned-to shop! Lithuania-based, free shipping, customizations available.

What I ordered:

• Marina tie top in both white and black: the PERFECT top!! Dress up or down, just sexy enough for a date but works for everyday wear, too.

• Uma side-tie pants in white: I get so many compliments every time I wear these pants. They’re fun, flowy, and go with everything.

• Emilija smocked dress in white (love!)

• Mia high-waisted tie shorts in blue & white gingham

• Bobbi trousers with detachable skirt in butter yellow

• Angela tie-front sleeveless top in butter yellow

  

Also eyeing: Ona dress with lace trim, Lolita wide leg lace pants, Daisy smocked maxi skirt, Robbie drawstring pants, Toma gingham mini dress, Ruth bell sleeve blouse, Neal smocked top, Martha blouse with collar, Kim wide shorts

MagicLinen

Lithuania-based, free shipping

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Handmade linen cotton pendant lampshade, $85

Hand-embroidered antique French tablecloth or tapestry, $195

1970s Italian Mamma-Ro textured pottery vase, $75

Sterling silver drop earrings, $90

Framed original midcentury abstract painting, $292

Gemstone talisman bag charm keychain, $42

Stainless photo booth frame, $69

Midcentury Domus-style pendant lamp, $158

1950s framed 18”x18” still life, $349

White wide leg linen lace cutout pants, $140

Midcentury Fratelli Fanciullacci Italian ceramic vase, $125

Vintage Suzani textile 11’x7’, $525

Set of 4 vintage cocktail glasses with yellow base, $59

1940s liquid satin slip dress with lace cap sleeves, $188

1960s capiz lamp by V. Panton for J. Luber AG - No.2, $1250

Handmade steel chainmail bag, $158

1930s vintage runner 3’x12’ , $862

Tin punched wall mirror, $32

Vintage studio pottery pierced stoneware candle holders, $24

Midcentury modern portrait oil painting, $277

1970s polished nut and seed beaded necklace, $45

Pewter Italian mushroom corkscrew, $30

Vintage carved wood horseshoe bookends, $44

1980s JR Comeco beaded purse, $60

Scheurich Keramik textured butter yellow vase, $59

Vintage sunburst tealight candle holder, $51

1970s hammered metal wall light shade, $466

Plato Ginello loveseat, $5250

Edwardian filet crochet bag, $148

Blue Lenox coupe glasses or dessert cups, $22

1960s French chrome swan handle tray, $187

xx
Linds

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I’m often asked where to find a specific thing— a rug, a lamp, curtains— and the answer is almost always: there’s a Rolodex for that. I created the Etsy Rolodex series to catalogue my favorite resources on Etsy, the hand-picked shops that consistently deliver quality pieces and reliable service, my little black book if you will. These posts have been my most viewed, saved, and favorited, so I decided to organize them all in one place as I continue to build out the series. I’ve gone in and updated each list with new shops since they first went live, and will continue to do so regularly as I discover new gems and revisit old favorites. Think of this as your curated shortcut to the best finds on Etsy ;)

Save this post or bookmark lindsayobrien.substack.com/t/rolodex for future reference. You can also browse all of my favorites here.

xx

Linds

A few non- “rolodex” format, but great resources:

It feels like summer, which means I'm craving an outfit that pairs well with a spritz, while also resisting the urge to buy a whole new wardrobe in the name of warm-weather gallivanting. I'm currently packing for a week in Mexico City and briefly spiraled about not having anything cute to wear, before reminding myself that I’ve managed to survive four previous trips to CDMX with my existing wardrobe just fine. BUT the one thing I am currently shopping for is accessories, which brings me here.

An interesting statement accessory is a low lift way to make a simple outfit feel fresh and seasonal, and vintage summer bags have so many fun ornamental details. Shells! Beads! Color! Embroidery! Pair with closet staples like a basic black dress, or denim with a tank and sandals. Over indexing on accessories when packing is a great way to add versatility and interest to a basic foundation and, bonus, small clutches and wovens can lay flat in the suitcase. Here’s a roundup of my favorite (mostly) under $100 finds (view the full collection here), plus the search terms I used to find them.

1. Wooden top handle cream clutch, $68
2. 70’s Spanish woven top handle bag, $68
3. 1960s raffia barrel handbag, $60
4. Bamboo handbag, $32
5. 1960s Julius Resnick orange woven bag with lucite handles, $50
6. 1950s raffia beaded handbag with brown marble lucite frame, $48
7. Magid Woven Raffia Bag Handmade in Italy, $85

Horn lucite tiles bag, $144

SHELLS

1. Small mother of pearl and brown satin evening bag, $73
2. 1950s lucite shell inlay frame bag, $90
3. Dark brown faux shell purse, $30
4. Faux pearl & capiz disc purse, $118
5. Light mother of pearl mosaic handbag, $75
6. 1980s coconut and shell shoulder bag, $78
7. 1960s coconut shell purse, $75
8. Tortoise shell mosaic clutch, $33
9. Y2K mother of pearl top handle bag, $80
10. Pink shell panel top handle clutch, $82
11. 1970s shell crossbody, $98

WOVEN

1. 1930s/1940s striped beaded handbag, $115
2. Made in Japan woven straw handbag with fringe, $99
3. 90s Betsey Johnson woven floral bag with bamboo handles, $118
4. 90s ‘Baskets of Cambodia’ woven raffia shoulder bag, $60
5. 1940s Black Corde Fan Purse, $189
6. Rodo Italian yellow woven handbag, $125
7. El-Rossans Creation black raffia floral bag, $88
8. Beaded handled clutch, $50
9. Woven raffia floral bag, made in Philippines, $42

1940s deadstock raffia handbag with shells, $165

BEACH BAGS

1. Raffia market carryall, $125
2. Rattan floral tiki tote, $112
3. Woven brown straw tote, $45
4. Pink woven plastic tote, $44
5. Gerhard Welzel orange straw tote, $107
6. 1960s Neatway carryall tote, $28
7. Striped woven raffia tote, $148

Woven Bolga wicker basket tote, $165

BEADED

1. Top handle wooden beaded handbag, $35
2. 1960s Avanti Italian top handle, $60
3. 2000s wooden beaded crossbody, $58
4. 1970s chocolate brown beaded bag, $42
5. Japanese wood and straw handbag, $65
6. Yellow embellished handbag, $76
7. 1970s beaded crossbody, $55

SEARCH TERMS FOR SUMMER BAGS

If you like an adventure, you can always start broad with a general search for vintage summer handbags. But here are the directions I used to niche down:

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There’s a fairly well-known practice in fashion where a designer pulls a 1920s French cotton nightgown off a rack at a flea market, notes the weight of the fabric, the way the lace sits at the neckline, the tiny pintucks running down the front, and then a year later something that looks a lot like it shows up in a spring collection for $380. Clothing, handbags, shoes, belts— vintage pieces get purchased, studied, and sometimes fully deconstructed. The design details, materials, and proportions are then interpreted (with varying degrees of imagination) into a contemporary design.

I don’t bring this up as a criticism (that’s a whole other conversation), but more as a wink wink to clue you in. Though some designers work closely with vintage collectors, 99% of the originals aren’t hidden in some industry vault; they’re out there for you to enjoy as well. French cotton nightgowns with broderie anglaise trim, silk tap shorts with a little lace at the hem. The materials are real (100% cotton! 100% linen! 100% silk!) and the details are effortlessly sweet. Many of what you’ll find at flea markets and on Etsy and Ebay are cheaper than anything on the Doen website, though some are priced reflective of their age, quality, and intricate construction. Below are search terms to get you started on adding some romance to your summer wardrobe, as well as a curated collection of pieces.

Search terms for vintage summer clothing:

• Dresses: vintage french linen nightgown, vintage cotton nightgown, french nightdress, antique italian nightdress, antique french chemise, vintage cotton slip dress

• Tops: vintage french camisole, cache corset cover, vintage cotton eyelet top

• Bottoms: vintage bloomers, vintage french silk shorts, vintage french cotton skirt

• General: vintage french lingerie, french lawn cotton, vintage broderie, edwardian cotton

1910s Edwardian cotton skirt

Antique lace trim bloomers

Antique Italian silk slip dress

French cotton dress, medium

French cotton nightgown with ribbon detail

Antique French camisole

Vintage French silk shorts

1930s French silk nightgown

1930s French indigo cotton dress

Short-sleeve French cotton nightgown

White peasant blouse

1890s Edwardian white cotton slip dress

1920s pink cotton nightgown

Sheer embroidered blouse

Scalloped petticoat

Antique Italian nightdress

Italian linen maxi skirt

French cotton corset

French nightgown with embroidered bow detail

French country monogram dress

Vintage Lanz of Salzburg nightdress

French cotton camisole

Cotton voile skirt

French sleeveless nightgown

Floral lace trim camisole

Boxy broderie top

Antique French white cotton slip dress

Victorian underdress

Antique Italian cutwork nightdress

Antique linen petticoat

Cropped sheer top

Antique French chemise

Antique white linen shift dress

Note: many of these pieces were originally intended as undergarments and, as with most light cotton and linen, tend to a bit semi-sheer.

xx
Lindsay

Handmade vanity light shade, $165

Ona white linen midi dress with lace trim, $157 (I have so many pieces from LinenFox!)

Vintage blue and white tulip print crepe tablecloth with crochet edges, $51

Sculptural metal table lamp, $425

Vintage Paris exposition ceramic trinket tray, $16

1990s top handle button bag, $48

Leather fringe lighter holder, $120

Sculptural aluminum and brass fireplace screen, $1828 (pricey but had to share, there’s also a matching log holder)

Vintage Correa Barcelona pewter vase, $140

Large brutalist jewelry box, $92

Vintage sterling silver cuff bracelet, $138

Silver catchall vanity tray, $89

Vintage brown kilim area rug with multi-color squares, 7’x8.5’, $693

Small vintage wood vase with handles, $25

Vintage 14k gold and ruby ring, size 8, $1195

Custom-sized bench cushions, $72+

Vintage faded baby blue kilim rug, 6x7’, $663

Vintage horn lucite tiles handbag, $146

1940s Ozark pottery vase with colorful marbled drip glaze, $380

Vintage modernist sterling silver earrings, $95

Brutalist cast metal hand mirror, $325

1985 painted reproduction of a Frederic Vidalen still life, $400

Sweet pair of cast metal elephant curtain holdbacks, $132

Tiffany-style glass pendant light shade, $400

Crochet raffia tote, $259

Vintage metal and copper ship sculpture, $650

Set of 6 vintage arte di Murano blue candy stripe glasses, $129

Rare sterling silver necklace by architect and designer Russell Secrest, $637

Vintage Italian sconce or ceiling light, $438

Vintage gemstone stud earring set, $300

Vintage handmade embroidered quilt, $255

xx Linds

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My Pinterest is awash with curtains of all shapes and styles— crochet antiques billowing in coastal France, colorful bohemian stripes hiding a pantry in a London flat, dramatic floor-to-ceiling panels in an architecturally significant mid-century California home. As I find myself deeper in the endless scroll, I can't help but feel that these curtains are portals to all of my potential life paths. Perhaps if I were to tack a simple handkerchief-style panel across my window, I would immediately step into the effortlessly chic life that I imagine comes with it, one in which my beauty routine is instantly reduced to a mere three steps, and I shop exclusively at the local farmers' market.

Though curtains may not be the answer to everything, they are one of the highest-impact, yet most-ignored elements of a room. Many will agonize over a sofa for months, only to hang the first pair of curtains they find at a big box store and call it a day. Curtains are one of the best ways to add texture to a room, and texture is what makes a room feel finished. Even in a monochrome palette, a linen panel adds dimension and softens rooms otherwise filled with cold metals and harsh woods. And best of all, they can be used for so many things, solving both aesthetic and functional challenges, creating doorway portals and shielding pantries, kitchen islands, and bathroom sinks.

The problem, I've realized, is largely a lack of inspiration and proper language: you don't know what exists, so you don't know what to search for, so you end up with the default. Maybe that's what I'm really drawn to in those inspiration photos— the idea that someone, somewhere, chose the perfect thing so instinctively and effortlessly. There are certainly many conditions of taste, accessibility, and function at play, but I believe the first step is achieving these looks for yourself is exposure. So, let's fix that! I'll be sharing some of my favorite styles with you, but first, a few basics:

THE BASICS

Measuring: The cardinal rule for long flowing curtains is to hang them high and wide— closer to the ceiling than the window frame, and several inches (at least 4–6”) beyond the window on each side. This makes the window look larger, the ceiling look taller, and the curtains look intentional rather than an afterthought. If you take away only one thing from this guide, let it be this. Thousands of dollars spent on designer drapes won’t beat out a $30 pair from Ikea if they’re not hung properly. You will inevitably question the process and it will feel comically incorrect, but I promise you it isn’t!

For length, you have three options: just grazing the floor (clean, contemporary), pooling slightly (~1 in.) on the floor (relaxed, classic), or a full dramatic puddle of several inches (commit or don’t). Anything that hovers above the floor looks like the curtains shrank. For width, panels should be at minimum 1.5x the width of the window to look full when open, and 2–2.5x to look properly gathered when closed. They should have some slack as opposed to looking stretched taut.

Hardware: Good hardware can elevate an inexpensive curtain considerably, and there's plenty to play around with including hand-turned wood, intricate wrought iron, sculptural ceramic.

1. Oak ceiling-mounted curtain rod, $99

2. Spiral metal curtain rod, $45

3. Simple wood curtain rod holder, $32 (I have a few sets from this shop!)

4. Gorgeous Spanish Revival metal curtain rods, $363

5. Minimal dark brown wooden curtain rod, $68

6. Wrought iron curtain hold back, set of two, $34

7. Modern box curtain rod, $98

8. Ceramic curtain tieback, $47

Hanging styles: How you attach the curtain affects both the look and the function. Rings with clips give you the most flexibility, allowing you to hang almost any panel, including vintage finds and repurposed textiles. Rod pockets and tab/tie tops are simple and inexpensive, but don’t always slide easily, best for curtains you're not opening and closing daily. Just no grommets please! They have a college dorm quality that’s hard to work past.

And now, on to my favorite styles..

LONG LINEN CURTAINS

Tried and true, linen panels work in virtually any room. They’re lightweight, diffuse light without blocking it, and are good for adding softness without weight. Search: linen curtains, linen sheer curtain, washed linen curtains, long linen curtain panels

Etsy is one of the best resources for made-to-measure window treatments, especially if you’re looking for quality linen. ForestandLinen and SandSnowLinen offer natural linen panels in dozens of beautiful stonewashed shades.

I’ve also outfitted multiple rooms with TwoPages curtains and have been thoroughly impressed each time. They provide a truly custom experience, allowing you to select the dimensions, header type, and lining. I really love their Soft Top Patti Linen for an easy, relaxed look. They’re light but not sheer— I originally had them in my LA bedroom and have since repurposed them to hide away my desk area in my new apartment. And, while I’m typically not a fan of thick heavy curtains, the Lydia Jacquard is incredible quality and dramatically transformed my bungalow living room (I’ve stowed them away in hope they’ll work in a future home).

Left: TwoPages Belgian Linen Soft Top Patti in Natural, Right: TwoPages Lydia Pine Jacquard, no longer available, but the Brick Jacquard weave is probably the most similar

The Ikea Ritva and Dytag are solid choices for a basic white curtain. If you just need some cheap sheers, these panels from Amazon come in a range of sizes and are one of the better options I’ve found at this price point:

TIE-UP CURTAINS

Tie-up/roll-up curtains are casual and utilitarian with a handmade quality that can read anywhere from minimalist found object to rustic farmhouse depending on the styling. The flouncy bow styles work best in a kitchen or bathroom, while a simple tie-up shade is perfect for a monastic bedroom vibe. Search: tie-up curtain, roll-up curtain, Austrian shade

I styled my checkered pair from BicoEstonia as decorative valances that sit above the window:

The pair on the left will give you a similar look, but I also love the more minimal shade style:

1. Striped tie-up curtains, 2. Simple linen roll-up blinds (available in a range of colors), 3. Tie-up linen blind

CAFE CURTAINS

Cafe curtains cover only the bottom half of a window, providing privacy without sacrificing light. The classic bistro application works especially well in kitchens and street-facing windows. Search: cafe curtain panel, half window curtain, flat cafe curtain panel

1. Soft white pinch-pleat cafe curtains (more colors available), 2. Cinnamon flat panel cafe curtains (more colors available, tie backs purchased separately)

I’m currently waiting arrival of this scallop-top panel to use as a skirt on my kitchen island:

Scallop-top cafe curtain

I love the look of a minimal flat panel in a bathroom or bedroom. There are so many great vintage panels you can use for this! (More on that below).

Flat cafe curtain panel

BOJAGI-INSPIRED

Bojagi is a traditional Korean textile art in which scraps of silk and cotton are pieced together using a reversible seaming technique that makes the cloth look finished on both sides. Because the seams don’t transmit light the same way the fabric does, a bojagi behaves almost like stained glass when hung in a window. Note: “bojagi” is the contemporary Romanization spelling of the older “pojagi,” and the patchwork version is specifically called “jogakbo.” Search: bojagi curtain, jogakbo panel, Korean patchwork curtain, pojagi window hanging, modern bojagi curtain

Patchwork panel made from vintage linens, $445 (made by Amy aka I have one in beautiful neutrals and pinks)

Handmade modern rectangle pojagi curtain, $250

Rust and tannin naturally dyed cotton pojagi curtain, $85

1. Vintage white eyelet tablecloth patchwork pojagi, $165, 2. Beautiful linen patchwork noren, $155, 3. Modern stained glass patchwork panel, $275

NOREN

Japanese Noren are panels used as room dividers, in doorways, or as window covers. They typically have a vertical slit. Search: noren curtain, Japanese curtain panels

Yellow and green linen noren, $50

Blue butterfly noren, $55

FOLDOVER CURTAINS

Foldover or dropcloth curtains are a great way to keep it simple while still adding some interest. Search: ruffle top curtains, foldover curtains, dropcloth curtains

1. Ticking stripe flop over curtains from FabricSnug, 2. Simple drop cloth linen curtains from LinenHomeIdea (available in a range of colors), 3. Linen blend curtains with blue trim from AiHouseStudio

ROMAN SHADES

Roman shades fold into horizontal pleats when raised and lie smooth when lowered. Their tailoring results in a polished and more formal style— I think they work really well in a nursery or bathroom, though they’re a classic choice for any room. Search: roman shades, designer fabric roman shades

1. LiveLoveDecorateShop offers custom shades in designer fabrics including Schumacher, Sister Parish, and Anna French, 2. Roman shade with grosgrain ribbon trim, 3. Solid shades in a range of colors

BLOCKPRINTED CURTAINS

Block printing, one of the oldest textile printing techniques, has roots in ancient India and East Asia where artisans hand-carved wooden blocks to stamp intricate, repeating patterns onto cloth. Patterns range from subtle geometric prints to flourishing botanicals. Jaipur-based Fabritual works with artisans experimenting to create beautiful handblock prints using natural dyes on linen. Search: hand block print linen curtain

1. Green “Rajat” floral print, 2. “Kirti” purple flower print

CafeCraftIndia offers options that are a bit more sheer:

Mustard yellow sheer blockprint panel

VINTAGE

Vintage curtains are an underutilized category, though they do require the stars to align a bit— it’s not enough to just find one that you like; it must also be the right size and quantity. There are so many stunning antique textiles just begging to be displayed, so it’s worth thinking outside the box to make them work. Try reframing your approach: mixing intentionally, or using a vintage panel as a single statement. Because these curtains will be the star of the show, rules around hanging measurements and styles are relaxed, resulting in a more casual styling.

Here are some of my favorite keywords for fruitful vintage curtain rabbit holes, plus a collection of 30 one-of-a-kind antique textiles:

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Framed antique Tashkent Suzani fragment 22 x 13 in, $595

Framed geometric textile art, $49

Vintage framed tomato lithographic print, $145

“Two Pages” drawing by Ana Frois, $152

“Noah 2” limited edition print, $45

Vintage framed abstract ink sketch, $115

28x28 in. abstract painting, $1655

Small original floral painting, $42

Vintage framed oil landscape, $160

Gilou Brillant “Oiseau” original etching, $185

Vintage framed mid-century abstract intaglio print, $148

Steve Mennie “Wave Lengths” signed lithograph, $395

Handwoven blue and beige wool tapestry, $643

Bathroom at Chartwell original 6x6 painting by Jennifer Boswell, $59

Bowing flower giclee print, $83

Vintage framed original abstract painting “Brooding Sky,” $251

Vintage framed Swedish folk textile, $482

Christo “Surrounded Islands” large color offset lithograph, $180

1978 Swedish oil painting, “Still Life with Blue Chair,” $1132

Picasso lithograph poster “Peinture Louise Leiris,” $75

Antique Japanese Boro textile, $1226

52 Objects - 36, Mid-Century Chair woodblock print, $42

1976 mini figurative oil painting, “Seaside Stroll,” $832

Original flower still life on paper, $40

Vaquero small original linocut limited print, $10

View the whole collection here.

If you discover a piece of art through my newsletter, please drop it in the chat! I’d love to see it in it’s new home :)

xxLinds

Embossed tin place cards, $6/each

Lenox silver plated fortune cookie trinket box, $48

1960s chrome mesh table lamp, $435

Incredible 1970s La Murrina flower bowl, $246

Vintage silver plated 8x10 frame, $38

Pair of vintage Memphis-style table lamps, $849

Vintage framed Kirchner drawings, 11x14, $249

Black sculptural lamp with antique silk quilt shade, $180

Tall handblown glass vase, $145

Sterling silver Modernist leaf bracelet, $125

Original abstract gel plate monoprint 18x24, $89

1950s iron lamp with chartreuse fiberglass shade, $425

Modular metal shelf, $136

Minimal brushed metal vase, $80

Vintage Lane walnut and chrome side table, $375

Antique silver plated serving dish, $135

Vintage handmade fish serving bowl, $35

Spanish oak and wrought iron side table, $235

1970s abstract signed carborundum plate embossed print, 29x22, $295

Vintage floral Danish stool, $230

Vintage Sergio Gutierrez liquid metal silver mesh cuff bracelet, $115

Brutalist brass table lamp, $499

Vintage jewelry box, $118

Wasp and bowl still life, $925

Vintage mid-century chrome gooseneck desk lamp, $163

Kyanite pendant necklace on silver chain, $100

Silver plated cat brooch, $35

Vintage embossed metal vase, $32

Vintage WMA Rogers silver plated tray, $48

Vintage handmade mug, $102

xx Linds

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A quick note on pricing before we dive in: vintage and antique furniture online tends to run higher than what you'd find locally or at auction— the marketing and shipping efforts have to be worth it for the seller, so the inventory typically leans more designer/collectible, in restored or excellent condition, making it ideal for special statement pieces. That said, I’ve had my share of wins (eg. two gorgeous chairs shipped from Denmark for $175, all in), and I’ve found that stools, benches, and side tables tend to be the sweet spot for well-priced finds.

MODERN

cherrycargo: incredible collection of unique Modern, Post-Modern, and Bauhaus pieces; ships from Croatia so shipping prices vary, some are expensive but worth it for unique pieces

OMASAfurniture: mid-century, based in Brooklyn

spotexclamationpoint: collectible/designer, some good statement desks

MIAMIVINTAGEDECOR: mix of styles but mostly Post-Modern, also have lots of great smalls (note: no shop sections, use the shop search bar to find what you’re looking for, eg. “chair”)

UrbanAmericana: wide variety, feels like wandering through an antique mall

SpearsFurnishing: Incredible collection of rare 70s pieces in interesting shapes and playful colors. Pricier, for those looking for rare and interesting pieces.

HiLoBrooklyn: technically not vintage, but custom sofa and chair reproductions

Youshouldknollbetter: with a name like this, you know it’s going to be good

MidCenturyToModernLA: beautiful designer pieces

RehabVintageLA: odds and ends with a range of styles, great vintage filing cabinets and storage

Beyondvintagehome: fun post-modern assortment (I got my old travertine dining table from them!)

HouseOfVintFurniture: super special eclectic mix, based in Latvia

BetsuStudio: modern + post modern furniture and smalls, they also have a great selection of vintage art

VintageOnPoint: based in LA so I’ve bought a few pieces from them over the years, they also do custom reproductions and in-house designs

GoodWilson: mid-century, designer, and Italian

1001VintageChairs: exactly what it sounds like, based in Germany

zeitflair: so many great chrome pieces, based in Germany

WestEstStudio: designer mid-century and space age, great lighting assortment as well, based in Poland

GalleryNovo: great assortment of modern furniture and lamps, based in Germany

RUSTIC, FARMHOUSE, ANTIQUES

JuniperandBros: antique farmhouse tables, straight from the Texas prairies

PatinaMaisonShoppe: traditional, primitive, farmhouse antiques

CuratedVintageStore: incredible selection of stools and benches, based in the Netherlands

TheArtistsSonDesign: range of styles from French antiques to mid-century modern

RoyalDutchVintagebyN: beautiful wooden chairs and tables, based in the Netherlands

TheParsonsNose: English and French antiques

EuropeanFlairHome: French country style tables, armoires, and bed frames

86home: European and primitive furniture, plus an extensive collection of small decor

Bookmark this post for your next empty corner, xx Lindsay

*Note: I organized shops based on most relevant category match, however many deal in a wide range of styles that span multiple classifications

This series is for paid subscribers, but I've made #001 available to all as a preview:

And now, for discovery #002:✨

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In late January, I left my sweet Los Angeles bungalow for the last time and set out on a solo cross-country roadtrip back to the east coast. I had always regretted not doing the drive when I moved from NY to LA in 2019. It felt too hectic to plan on top of everything else, so I’d opted to fly with a few suitcases and send the rest via Amtrak shipping (sadly this service was discontinued during covid, but it was the deal of the century at around 75 cents/lb). I’ve always enjoyed driving, roadside attractions, just seeing what there is to see (even when it’s not much). So, despite feeling equally, if not more, overwhelmed this time around, I didn’t think twice about making the drive.

Driving alone for ten days and 3,000 miles will sound intimidating to many, but as a frequent solo traveler, I was excited by the idea of solitude on the open road, free to blast whatever playlist I chose, to sing, cry, and sit with my thoughts around leaving LA. (I ended up listening to zero playlists, three audiobooks, and just one podcast- How Long Gone ft. Robby Hoffman). A few friends had generously offered to join for a leg or two, but it felt complicated to plan, and after I packed my car with what was left over from the movers, it became clear there wasn’t room for anyone else anyway. I love alone time, especially when traveling— the freedom to chart my own path on my own schedule, to follow every whim.

I began mapping the route, and the good people of the internet offered blog upon blog detailing the three major options: north, central, southern. The winter weather dictated a largely southern path, and I started filling it in with the tried and true pit stops. At some point it occurred to me that I could get across the country however I’d like, and I wasn’t beholden to any one “route.” I began plotting my stops based on what piqued my interest— places long on my wishlist (Santa Fe), and others I was curious about and probably wouldn’t soon have another opportunity to visit (Bentonville, Memphis).

Around this time, a photo of a guest suite at Arcosanti popped up on my radar, and I instantly decided to make it a stop. I had been once before while on a trip to Sedona, but daily visitors aren’t able to venture beyond the cafe without a tour, so I purchased a paperweight from the gift shop and the rest of the compound had remained a mystery.

Situated about two hours north of Phoenix in the high desert of Arizona, Arcosanti is an experimental town designed by Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri as a prototype of what he coined “arcology”— the fusion of architecture and ecology. Construction began in 1970, built largely by volunteers who came from around the world to help realize Soleri’s radical vision: a dense, walkable, environmentally integrated community, a vision of what could be in an America plagued by suburban sprawl and car dependency. The foundation describes its mission as inspiring “a reimagined urbanism that builds resilient and equitable communities sustainably integrated with the natural world.”

Though Soleri originally envisioned Arcosanti housing thousands of people, it has never been occupied by more than a hundred. Today, a small community of artists and staff live onsite, working in the ceramics apse and bronze foundry, producing the iconic windbells Arcosanti has become known for. There’s a steady flow of visitors to the cafe and surrounding hiking trails, and the onsite amphitheater regularly hosts intimate music festivals. But outside of these blips of activity, Arcosanti feels a bit like a ghost town— the once radical vision suspended and stalled, now more of a monument to an idea.

The drive in from the highway is unceremonious: exit just past a Love’s gas station and make your way down a winding dirt road until the compound materializes out of the landscape, the concrete structures landing somewhere between Mad Max and utopia. I arrived just after sunset, the sky still slightly aglow but dark enough to feel grateful to loosely know the way from my previous visit. After some bumbling around, I found my quarters: the Sun Suite, originally built as a studio for Soleri himself. The apartment features his original 16-foot drafting table, positioned in an atrium overlooking the desert, a kitchenette with spectacular curved wood counters, and a patio with views of the Agua Fria River valley.

The accommodations are, as the foundation puts it, an exercise in “elegant frugality.” My room was warmed by a space heater, and the bathroom was reminiscent of a college dormitory. While exploring the suite, I discovered a door that was probably meant to have been locked. I opened it expecting a closet, but instead found it led into a wing of abandoned offices. Rows of ergonomic chairs sat empty, a manual for the on-site pool splayed open on a desk, a fax machine behind a receptionist’s counter. A wonderfully creepy excess of liminal space, like exploring an abandoned mall. I locked the door and laid in bed trying to forget about the slightly unsettling other realm just beyond the wall.

In the 24 hours I was there, I encountered two residents and one cat.

I went for a walk at sunrise, taking in the expansive canyon views as the colors shifted through shades of purple, pink, orange, and finally blue. I took out the handwritten cards my friends had sent me off with. I’d been putting off reading them for days, feeling a bit emotionally avoidant about leaving LA, but I felt at peace in the quiet buzz of the morning desert.

I don’t know that I’d recommend planning a trip with the sole purpose of staying at Arcosanti, but it’s not too far from Sedona and Phoenix, so an easy add to an Arizona itinerary. It’s spartan and a bit desolate, best enjoyed by those who appreciate stillness: a quiet evening spent stargazing, waking up to a desert sunrise, an adventure inside someone’s earnest, unfinished dream.

xx Linds

Pair of alabaster green Italian glass wall sconces, $301

1950s Chinese silver plated brass urn, $50

Antique 1920s hooked rug with a dog and scroll border, $445

Custom cutwork embroidery linen cafe curtain, $340 (would also be cute for a shop or restaurant)

Custom wood photo frame (multiple sizes), $17+

Vintage Tiffany & Co geometric glass vase, $138

Aluminum salad servers, $105

Signed pottery studio black and white vase, $52

Vintage sterling silver and garnet ring, size 9, $82

Vintage pewter trapeze salt and pepper shaker set, $245

Set of 4 vintage dessert plates, $18

1970s cast aluminum wine rack, $168

Vintage sterling silver abstract brooch, $49

Handmade wood side table, $210

Vintage space age flush mount light, $486

Elias fine pewter art deco frame, $78

Hand painted ceramic fish platter, $45

Beautiful 1920s antique runner 2’8”x9’5”, $440

Small 1970s Swedish pewter bowl, $40

Alpine star flat-sawn railing balusters, $48/pc

Vintage chrome candle holder, $33

Julius Bissier “28. Nov. ‘56” lithograph, 20”x20”, $95

Winged sculptural vase, $174

Sterling silver dachshund pin, $40

Vintage stoneware serving bowl, $48

Danish pewter crumb catcher and brush, $65

Louis Bernard pewter art deco vase, $76

1927 “Man’s Face” by Arnold Peter Weisz-Kubínčan giclee reproduction in teak frame, $147

Georg Jensen ribbon candle holders, $74

Harvey Guzzini arc chrome and travertine table lamp, $837

Large Jozefina Krosno cattail handkerchief handblown glass vase, $115

Framed Swedish oil panting, 14”×17”, $414

Antique French brass and metal chain vase, $149

xx Linds

MoondayWood

One of the most-asked questions I got in my last apartment was, "where are your shelves from?" And rightfully so— the floor-to-ceiling open shelves served not only as a divider between the living room and bedroom, but as the architectural focal point of the entire space. I regrettably had to report that they were a built-in, but now I can share the next best thing, MoondayWood: custom room dividers sized to your space, with that same architectural quality.

They also offer custom radiator shelves and covers for anyone who’s ever struggled to conceal the rusty eyesore or turn it into a usable surface.

gluegunstudiosstore

If you’re looking to diffuse harsh overhead lighting or add some character to a new build, gluegunstudiosstore makes glare-reducing clip-on shades for recessed lights. Their patent-pending design can be installed in minutes, zero tools required.

GlittersHardware

Hardware is one of the simplest ways to transform kitchen cabinets, bland big-box furniture, or thrifted pieces in need of rehab. GlittersHardware creates sculptural knobs in a range of sizes, shapes, and finishes— jewelry for your home. But for a real statement, check out their giant door pulls.

KDTV

It can be tough to find unique window hardware, but North Carolina-based woodworkers KDTV craft beautiful custom oak curtain rod holders (double brackets, too) in a range of quality finishes. I also love their wooden towel racks as an alternative to a standard metal bar.

Have a niche home decor challenge? Comment below and I’ll do a part two!

xx Linds

The challenge, of course, is finding it. Large original art is harder to source than smaller pieces— there’s less of it, it’s harder to ship, and when you do find something you like, the price can be… sobering. And because a single large piece often becomes the focal point of an entire room, the stakes feel higher. Below, I’ve rounded up 35 pieces across a range of styles and budgets. And if you want to build your own eye for finding pieces like these, stay to the end for my sourcing tips.

Giuseppe Gallo, “Boxers” original lithograph, 27x37 in. | $533

“The Lake District III” cyanotype, two-piece diptych, 28x40 in. each | $840

Bernard Bahr original painting, 49x 47 in. | $2350

Annette Lemieux photo etching, 27x34 in. | $1200

Gilbert Pelissier, French abstract oil painting, 20x20 in. | $983

Aisyah Ang, “Not Long Ago”, 30x40 in. | $450

1968 NY film festival poster, 24x36 in. | $450

Abstract acrylic painting, 30x40 in. | $790

Alberto de Blobs, “Self Unity,” figurative painting 28x40 in. | $920

Tony Duvall, “Lakeside Leisure,” 24x36 in. | $1250

1970s abstract painting, 48x66 in. | $1650

Vintage, artist unknown, 22x30 in. | $885

Matt Higgins, “"Ocean Arsenic," 36x48 in. | $2500

1980 Josep Guinovart lithograph exhibition poster, 22x30 in. | $108

Raw canvas watercolor, 24x36 in. | $449

Vintage abstract, 24x36 in. | $995

Large unstretched abstract, 39x51 in. | $1280

Impressionist Haitian art, original painting by Pepe, 30x38 in. | $402

Vintage patchwork quilt, 70x80 in. | $750

“Botany II”,” botanical dyed painting on silk, 24x36 in. | $1800

Vintage textile wall hanging, 2.5x4 ft. | $190

Leith Cohen, “What is Blue,” 37x49 in. | $550

Custom-sized abstract painting | $700+

1982 Joan Miro exhibition poster, 20x27 in. | $162

Alicia Gimeno, minimalist abstract on handmade paper, 36x51 in. | $4267

On Hansen, “Consistency and existence,” 25x35 in. | $1200

Hank Lumen, “Middle Seat Gets the Armrest,” 48x48 in. | $4000

Willy Oyster, Untitled abstract collage, 27x39 in. | $111

Untitled framed abstract oil painting, 10x30 in. | $429

Guy Ameye still life oil painting, 25.5x30 in. | $1150

Dana Piazza, “Lines 311,” 30x40 in. | $3200

Casares, Spain acrylic painting, 36x36 in. | $2020

John O’Brien mid-century abstract, 25x33 in. | $823

Barbara Keidel, “Parc III” signed linocut, 22x30 in. | $338

Alan Goldstein abstract painting, 35x49 in. | $1250

Tips for sourcing large art

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1970s pierced pewter bowl, $36

Encaustic painting on wood panel by Kathy Blankley, 5”x6”, $35

Simple modern bookshelf, $89

Vintage Brutalist metal candleholder, $74

Sterling silver avant garde shell brooch, $65

Dreamy sterling silver bobby pins, $55

Burl wood candle holders, $57

Vintage Murano art glass perfume bottle, $40

Yona Friedman vintage coffee table book, $100

Sterling silver stacking rings, $57

Vintage Oberglas Brutalist textured glass candle holders, $75

Vintage sterling silver toggle bracelet, $90

Vintage carved wooden bowl with rope handles, $78

1960s stainless steel fish tray, $65

Vintage Spanish Revival wrought iron table lamp, $78

Vintage hand carved dove box, $65

Set of 3 Retroneu for Quattro aluminum candle holders, $100

Original abstract oil painting by Erik Hoff, $98

Vintage embossed copper vase, $60

1970s Hungarian brass box, $94

Vintage sterling silver hair comb, $88

Vintage amber glass vase, $52

Sterling silver horseshoe ring, size 8, $99

Blue floral ceramic bowl, $53

1970s hand blown glass martini pitcher, $55

1970s sterling silver earrings (high purity!), $86