Etsom·ni·a (/etˈsämnēə/), noun, 1. a sleep disorder caused by obsessive Etsy browsing. 2. The surprising arrival of weird handmade merchandise ordered when one is only half conscious. (True story.) 3. An excuse for me to be an obnoxious, snarky New Yorker once per week.
Glorious reproduction custom-carved newel post above by OrnateCarving.
I have been noticing a recent trend in NYC real estate that’s making me very happy. Landlords are moving away from the white box apartment model and have begun adding back in vintage (or vintage-looking) architectural details. It turns out character is back to being a good thing! (Thank heaven. I’m lousy with the stuff!) This week, we’re look at some of the more interesting antique and reproduction architectural elements available on Etsy. No horrors this week, just some really cool stuff! By the way, I really recommend you check out all of today’s sellers. I had so much fun in their shops!
For more Etsy fun, check out all my weekly Etsomnia™ posts!
Something as simple as a vintage-looking doorbell can make such a difference! By CharlestonHardwareCoMade of recycled wood fibers and olive oil, this is an amazing product called WoodUbend. It has all the usual properties of wood trim, but it can be heated up and bent to form any shape. How amazing is that? Sold by TwoThe9sDesignsGorgeous bubble-patterned glass transom window. Sold by RetroLuxeGlassTin ceilings are fabulous, but if the ceiling is high enough, why not pop in a PVC reproduction instead? They’re paintable, need no upkeep, and they basically last forever. By Art3dStore (And check out this version that can dress up dropped ceiling tiles!)I would never have guessed that these were modern reproductions! By PreserveMarket1918Adding antique pediments to plain door headers is another cool way to make a space look warm (and I’m a sucker for Eastlake Victorian!) By LloydsTreasuresWhy are French barn doors so satisfying? By HomeDesignByTT (who make many amazing doors!)It’s hard to find an antique mantle and surrounds in such good condition! By VintagePiecesHeavenReproduction ceiling medallions are another way to easily (and inexpensively) dress up a drab space. By ArchitecturalDepotWhat a gorgeous pantry door from 1910! By TheClassicCottageLLCReclaimed stained glass windows always make me happy! By RichcannNot only is this reproduction tray ceiling easy to install, it even comes painted! By TalissaDecorVintage pocket doors just make me happy! By PeoriaArchSalvageIf you’re looking for reproductions but vinyl doesn’t do it for you, there are also wonderful makers who recreate architectural elements in wood. By RuscarvingWondering what to get the antiques collector who has everything? I bet they don’t already have a turquoise-colored Edwardian bathtub… By AlmasFarmhouseAnother gorgeous Victorian pediment. By TresorDeNatThis 19th century tile fireplace is making me all tingly! By ThisArtGalleryIf you don’t have deep enough pockets for vintage doors, why not consider vintage door hardware? By RyokosVintiquesI just had to save the very best for last. This is a 81″ x 83″ stained glass entry surround. I could happily build a house around this entry. Another beauty by PeoriaArchSalvage
Had fun looking at them but living in a double-wide mobile home, none of this would work. I really like the fireplace. Did bring back some old memories of my days living in an apartment building. Hal
What fabulous pieces. As you know, I love (virtually) snooping around old homes because I really enjoy all of those vintage details. I especially love pocket doors and ornate door plates and knobs. I am trying to preserve some retro details in my 1967 home as we (very gradually) remodel and decorate it but none are as fancy or gorgeous as the things you have shared in this post.
I always wished I could get away with dressing our little bungalow up a bit with some vintage touches, but they would look too out of place. I will just have to Golum on them from afar.
My OBT 
February 10, 2022 at 8:26 am
That vintage door hardware….LOVE! One little detail makes all the difference.
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February 13, 2022 at 8:24 am
It really does. Just warms things right up!
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February 10, 2022 at 9:12 am
Had fun looking at them but living in a double-wide mobile home, none of this would work. I really like the fireplace. Did bring back some old memories of my days living in an apartment building. Hal
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February 13, 2022 at 8:25 am
I guess you’re right. They would look silly in a mobile home. Still fun to look at, though…
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February 10, 2022 at 9:49 am
Now you’ve done it…I love all of these.
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February 13, 2022 at 8:25 am
Yay, me!!!! XO
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February 10, 2022 at 2:29 pm
What fabulous pieces. As you know, I love (virtually) snooping around old homes because I really enjoy all of those vintage details. I especially love pocket doors and ornate door plates and knobs. I am trying to preserve some retro details in my 1967 home as we (very gradually) remodel and decorate it but none are as fancy or gorgeous as the things you have shared in this post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
February 13, 2022 at 8:27 am
I always wished I could get away with dressing our little bungalow up a bit with some vintage touches, but they would look too out of place. I will just have to Golum on them from afar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 12, 2022 at 2:08 am
I want ALL OF THESE THINGS!!!!! (Thanks for sharing them and their makers!)
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February 13, 2022 at 8:28 am
I knew they’d be up your alley!
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