2023 is coming to a close, and what a year it was. From Tomato Girl Summer to Gingerbread Girl Winter, Mermaidcore to all things hot pink, friendship bracelets to disco ball cowboy hats, it was a year characterized by the theme of duality (as we predicted!), along with a healthy dose of surprise.
As we look to the new year ahead, we’re captivated by the theme of romance and the growing trend of “romanticizing” life that is emerging, perhaps in response to the unpredictable state of the world we live in. This year’s top trend predictions indicate that consumers are craving the comfort of a little extra sweetness in their daily rituals, as they elevate life’s simple pleasures and create moments of beauty to savor each day.
So in 2024, we’re officially entering our romantic era and we invite you to join us. Whether that’s transforming your bathroom into a self-care sanctuary, or dressing in ballet-inspired flats and soft silky fabrics, Etsy sellers are here to infuse a little romance into your life in both big and small ways, and for every budget. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it's a fitting theme to inspire those seeking extra-special gifts for their beloved.
What other trends will shoppers be turning to in 2024? Read on for our top predictions based on the latest global insights from our magical marketplace of buyer and sellers.
Color of the Year: Berry
Etsy’s 2024 Color of the Year perfectly complements the theme of romance. Berry—a shade that blends rich reds and blue tones—can be thought of as a grown-up version of the popular pinks of 2023. In fact, we’ve seen hot pink items trending down on Etsy (searches for hot pink decor items declined by 58%*), making room for this more relaxed and undeniably romantic shade. Deeper than pink but softer than red, berry is a versatile hue that can carry through the seasons and it adds a welcome pop of color through accessories and decor accents alike.
Home & Living
Denim Decor
From throw pillows to quilts to placemats, denim will be making its way from our closets to our living spaces in 2024. This timeless and durable textile lends itself to a laid-back, lived-in aesthetic that channels the ‘70s, and provides the same sense of comfort as your favorite pair of jeans. There are over 16 thousand denim home decor listings on Etsy (to date)—including everything from custom wall art, denim upholstered furniture and even upcycled area rugs—and we expect that number to grow as this trend continues to take off. Consider denim your approachable new neutral that pairs well with other materials and makes you feel right at home.
Gallery Walls Are Out
While the gallery wall has been a staple in home design for years (and will always have its fair share of loyal devotees), next year, many shoppers are eager to embrace more creative and unexpected art displays. In fact, we’re already seeing a 16% decrease in searches for gallery wall items*. Instead, shoppers are showing that there’s more than one way to make an impact with art, whether that’s choosing one large framed art piece (searches up 25%*), mini prints (searches have more than doubled*) paired with white space, leaning artwork against a wall instead of hanging it, or thinking outside the frame altogether with bold patterned wallpaper or large-scale tapestries.
Statement Bathrooms
In 2024, bathrooms will no longer be an afterthought, but instead, a focal point of the home. Long overlooked in terms of design and creativity, the bathroom is now being viewed as an opportunity for individuals to showcase their personality and unique style. Shoppers are embracing unconventional color schemes, punchy bathroom art (up 21%*), standout vanity lights (up 13%*), and eye-catching accents like standout wall hooks (which have more than doubled in searches*) to transform their bathrooms into visually stunning spaces that make a statement.
This is also an opportunity for shoppers to create a serene and luxurious environment in which to indulge in romanticizing their self-care rituals—from skin care routines to “everything showers”. Many are carving out havens of comfort within their home through touches like glamorous wall mirrors (up 30%*) and spa-like stone sinks (up 16%*).
Style
Charmed Jewelry
Everyone’s favorite middle school accessory is all grown up, and we’re predicting that whimsical, customizable and buildable charmed jewelry will be big next year: on Etsy, we’ve already seen a 33% increase in searches for charm bracelets* and a 26% increase in searches for charm necklaces*. From heirloom vintage gold and silver charms to more contemporary, quirky, and colorful pieces meant to be collected and stacked, this trend marks a return to the art of storytelling through personal accessories and a desire for items that carry sentimental value. With so many options to choose from—think lucky horseshoes, mushrooms, birthstones, zodiac signs and more—there’s truly something for everyone, and they make for a great personalized gift option. Consider us charmed.
Romancecore
Dreamy, whimsical and reminiscent of romantic eras of the past, the Romancecore fashion trend is enchanting shoppers everywhere. Pulling inspiration from the recent Balletcore and Lovecore movements, this aesthetic embraces all things silk, satin, and sheer along with feminine details like lace, ruffles and bows that add a sense of movement and softness to any outfit. Leading into the new year, searches for sheer clothing have grown by almost 38x*, while searches for satin slip dresses have increased by over 10x* on Etsy, showing that shoppers are leaning into this ethereal style.
Another key element of this trend is the revival of classic footwear, namely the ballet flats (which have spiked 162%*) and mesh Mary Janes (which have skyrocketed by an astonishing 240x*).
Barrel Bags
You heard it here first: barrel bags are the new ‘it’ bag of 2024, set to overtake the baguette bag (which has seen a 13% decline in searches on Etsy*). Roomier than a mini bag, this round and cylindrical 90’s throwback can be thought of as a more sophisticated and compact duffel bag, and can be worn in multiple ways, from top handle to cross-body. The revival of this versatile style signals that shoppers are leaning into practicality while embracing new shapes—the more interesting, the better.
Find these items and more at etsy.com/trends and stay tuned for our much-anticipated Wedding Trend Guide coming soon.
*In the last three months, compared to the same time the previous year.