{"id":69892,"date":"2016-12-09T03:28:00","date_gmt":"2016-12-08T16:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elements.blog-cms.envato.net\/?p=2555"},"modified":"2025-11-11T18:01:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T07:01:27","slug":"etsy-design-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/etsy-design-style","title":{"rendered":"Web Design: Etsy\u2019s Marketplaces and Shops"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Crafty people of the world, unite! Today, our Sites We Love<\/em> series takes a bird\u2019s eye (or handmade rustic birdhouse<\/a>) view of Etsy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Etsy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Originally launched back in 2005<\/a>, Etsy has become a dominant worldwide marketplace for those looking to buy and sell handmade, vintage and even some factory-made arts and crafts. Many items are one-of-a-kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll take a look at what makes Etsy\u2019s form and function so appealing. Then, we\u2019ll reveal some resources you can use to bring a little bit of Etsy to your own WordPress-powered website. Let\u2019s dig in\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why We Love Etsy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Etsy is a company that really understands their community and the aesthetics of their site reflect that. While the site has an incredible amount of listings, they wisely gave their home page room to breathe. It\u2019s a simple grid layout with colorful product photos. You\u2019ll see your recently viewed products, a gateway to major categories, some curated collections, blog posts and a few promotional pieces. It\u2019s a nice use of space and restraint. A site this large could easily go overboard with home page content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The white, orange and creamy-beige color scheme is done to near perfection. I\u2019ll admit it now \u2013 orange is my favorite color (to the point where my office walls were painted bright orange back in the day). The color can be overwhelming, though (just ask my wife). The design team at Etsy did a fabulous job of sprinkling in the color to bring attention to specific areas, rather than just slapping it all over (like I would have done).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Etsy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Individual category pages are neat and tidy. The category filtering options and product listings feature a white background, while the page itself uses a soft, earthy tone. This makes for a nice contrast that allows important content to stand out. While you may be looking at a page with dozens of product listings, you certainly don\u2019t feel any signs of clutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each individual listing is also a light, airy experience. The product photo is large and pronounced, with buying information neatly boxed off right next door. Beneath are tabs for item details, reviews and policies. There\u2019s also a nice display of thumbnails from the shop\u2019s other listings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Functionally speaking, Etsy makes great use of an Ajax-powered live search that shows potential searches as you type. But where the site really shines is the ability to filter listings by multiple criteria. Related categories, the shop\u2019s location, item type, price range, item color and ordering options are all available filtering methods. So if you\u2019re looking for orange table linens<\/a> that cost under $25USD, it\u2019s easy to whittle down your options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navigation for a site with so many categories can get tricky. But Etsy features some super user-friendly mega menus to make finding the right category a breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Etsy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In all, Etsy has a lot going for them in terms of creating a beautiful website that is easy to use (not to mention full of unique items, thanks to their community of sellers).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested in learning more about Etsy\u2019s design, check out their Medium<\/a> publication to get an inside peek at their thoughts and methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve discovered the home-grown goodness of Etsy, let\u2019s have a look at some WordPress themes and plugins that give out the same good vibes. Plus, we\u2019ll throw in some artwork picks to give your site that crafty feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Themes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Makery<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Makery<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Makery<\/a> is billed as a \u201cmarketplace\u201d theme for WordPress. It works in conjunction with WooCommerce to allow for an Etsy-style site where users can register and set up their own shop on the front end. The theme as a whole appears to be very-much inspired by Etsy \u2013 with similar listing style, product filtering and even the ability to add items to a favorites list. Looks-wise, it provides a similar uncluttered look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Handmade<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Handmade<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When used along with WooCommerce, Handmade<\/a> is a nice choice for bringing some of the Etsy style to your shop. It features that light and minimal feel, along with some advanced product filtering and mega menus that are great for navigating through multiple categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pastel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Pastel<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If arts and crafts are your thing, Pastel<\/a> might just be the theme for you. It features some actual hand-painted design elements in use throughout the theme \u2013 giving your site an artsy look. The theme is well-suited for traditional blogs or small business sites. Since Pastel also supports WooCommerce, you\u2019ll be able to sell your works of art in that all-natural, Etsy way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Plugins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

WooBooster<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Woo-Booster<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

WooBooster<\/a> will give your WooCommerce shop both an Ajax live search and advanced product filtering capabilities. Each is part of what makes Etsy so easy to use. Your customers will also have the power to compare multiple products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WooCommerce Search Box<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"WooCommerce<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re just looking to add live search capability, WooCommerce Search Box<\/a> is a great choice. The plugin will take your site\u2019s existing search form and turn it into a lighting-quick live search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Design Assets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the plethora of product listing photos, Etsy is known for its outstanding illustration. They typically use some version of orange\/cream color scheme \u2013 and very little else. It\u2019s a little bit pop art and a little bit monochromatic in some cases. While it\u2019s a unique style, Envato Elements<\/a> has a library of vectors that provide a similar feel. With a subscription, Envato Elements will provide you with unlimited downloads and access to thousands of resources for a single monthly fee. Here are a few favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abstract Music Collage Vector Illustration<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n Abstract Music Collage vector illustration <\/h3>\n\n
\n By\n \n danjazzia <\/a>\n in\n \n Graphics <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n Unlimited Creative Assets<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. Access to AI Tools<\/strong><\/a>.\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n Abstract Music Collage vector illustration <\/h3>\n \n danjazzia <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \"Abstract\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Bicycle Flat Design Vector<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n 5 Sport Bicycle Vector Illustration Set 1 <\/h3>\n\n
\n By\n \n naulicrea <\/a>\n in\n \n Graphics <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n Unlimited Creative Assets<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. Access to AI Tools<\/strong><\/a>.\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n 5 Sport Bicycle Vector Illustration Set 1 <\/h3>\n \n naulicrea <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \"5\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Collection of illustration of modern city<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n Collection of illustration of modern city <\/h3>\n\n
\n By\n \n wowomnom <\/a>\n in\n \n Graphics <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n Unlimited Creative Assets<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. Access to AI Tools<\/strong><\/a>.\n <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n Collection of illustration of modern city <\/h3>\n \n wowomnom <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \"Collection\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Make It Your Own<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s pretty easy to find inspiration in Etsy. Whether it\u2019s their own top-notch design or the incredible array of products for sale, there\u2019s bound to be something to get your creative juices flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While your own website may not encompass the sheer scale of a worldwide marketplace, the more down-to-earth elements like great artwork and design philosophy are well within your reach.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Why we love Etsy and how you can make a website with a similar design.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":77610,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[207,219],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-69892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-web-design","category-wordpress"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69892","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69892"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69892\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69892"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69892"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69892"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}