This Is the One Place You Wouldn’t Think to Shop for Unique, One-of-a-Kind Art and Decor

Written by

Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style at Apartment Therapy
Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style at Apartment Therapy
As AT’s Senior Style Editor, I cover the latest interior design trends, expert decorating ideas, and must-see home products. Whenever I’m not keeping tabs on the next TikTok “core” or buzzy IKEA collection, I’m most likely reading, online shopping, or looking for the best tacos in New York (recs are encouraged).
published Sep 1, 2022
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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Looking to broaden your art or decor collection, without paying top dollar for a bespoke or original piece? I have one word for you: Minted.

Ok yes, the platform is already a stellar shopping spot for stylish, reasonably-priced textiles and prints. Taking their home collection one step further, though, Minted has slowly been rolling out a new direct-from-artist marketplace feature. Here, they’re putting a spotlight on independent designers, ceramicists, and artisans from 100+ countries, making their handmade, one-of-a-kind, or original creations easily attainable within one online hub. That means you can source a sculpture from France and a stunning vase from México, just to cite a few examples, all without ever leaving the Minted site.

Within this curated community, the assortment really shines on the decorative objects front. Think ultra-unique bookends, candleholders, coffee table accessories, and more, each just as art-museum-worthy as the next. Yet you’ll still find plenty of accents and home goods for any room, including drinking glasses, grown-up floor cushions, and contemporary kitchen organizers.

There’s a direct-from-artist piece for every budget, as well, starting at just $16. Note that prices do skew a bit higher overall, especially compared to most Minted offerings, but that’s largely because of the well-crafted, handmade nature at work. The marketplace inventory is constantly evolving, too, as Minted welcomes more artists to the program (which, if you’re interested in joining, check out this form). There’s currently so much to browse to begin with, which is why I rounded up a few of my favorite small-batch selections below. Read on to get acquainted with a handful of new under-the-radar artists, and don’t forget to use Minted’s “favorite” button to keep tabs on any other need-to-know creators.

1 / 7
Minted
$160.00

Bookcase styling, solved: this pair of arched bookends lends an organic, natural look to any stack of spines. Handcrafted by ceramacist Elia Neophytou from the island of Cyprus, these each weigh six pounds and measure 6.7 inches tall, so they’re sturdy enough to keep your literature collection in place, no matter how extensive (...or not). Consider even propping up a few notebooks or records on your desk or dresser, too.

2 / 7
Minted
$79.00

A more minimalist, space-saving approach to traditional candleholders, this asterisk-shaped wooden pair — made by Brooklyn, New York-based artist Andrea Hill — holds up any standard-sized taper in style. Each double-sided piece clocks in at just 2 inches tall by 2.5 inches around, and honestly takes on somewhat of a floral-inspired form when in use. The pigmentation process also allows for a bit of the underlying wood texture to show through for a cool, modern-meets-worn-in aesthetic overall.

3 / 7
Minted
$55.00

This ceramic pedestal planter — the work of Algo Studio in Monterrey, México — instantly turns any florals or foliage into a sculptural work of art. It’s completely functional, too, saucer and drainage holes and all. No matter how you fill it, this small-but-mighty accent deserves permanent residence on any tabletop — from the kitchen counter to your nightstand.

4 / 7
Minted
$110.00

Say hello to the only statement throw pillow you’ll ever need. From designer Neta Tesler, founder of Tel Aviv-based Knots Studio, this accent is eye-catching, the perfect evergreen hue, and unlike any knotted style I’ve seen before. Your bed or sofa (or both) will never look cooler…or more inviting, for that matter — the size and velvet covering make it completely cuddle-worthy, to boot.

5 / 7
Minted
$90.00

Headquartered out of Brooklyn, New York, artist Virgina Sin’s home brand SIN specializes in playful ceramic shapes, be it curved bookends and trays or (my personal favorite) this wavy black candelabra. Show off three candlesticks and play with — or easily swap out — different height and color pairings, although this also comes in a white hue or smaller two-tiered version. Consider it the amazingly out-there decorative element you never knew your tapers (and home itself) had been missing.

6 / 7
Minted
$42.00

Boulder, Colorado-based artist Bridget Dorr reinvents everyday essentials with a handmade, high-quality spin, as seen in this design-forward ceramic mug. Sure, it’s more expensive than your standard coffee cup, but the textured, keep-for-years piece is built to last for both hot or cold drinks. All in all, it’s a joy-inducing addition to your morning beverage routine, plus pretty enough for open kitchen shelving or a coffee cart.

7 / 7
Minted
$144.00

Never underestimate the power of a chic-meets-comfortable throw. This two-tone style, hailing from twin-sister-founded studio House No. 23, checks both boxes thanks to a Turkish-inspired design and soft cotton construction. It’s machine washable, too, meaning it can go beyond just the couch or armchair.