5 Great Things To Buy At Flea Markets For Your Home

Here are the the best things to buy at flea markets including my tips after years of shopping at them. Adding vintage, global or unique pieces to your home decor can give it character, depth and warmth. And if you buy what speaks to you, you will always find a place for it…like I have.

In fact, for this post, it was pleasant to wander through our house, observe objects and relive past flea market experiences!

“One should never be the oldest thing in one’s house.” – Patsy Stone. Funny but sort of true.

Where To Buy At Flea Markets

Do a little research. You can google “flea markets near me” to find them or at your destination such as Flea Markets of Provence, France. Read the descriptions so you can find interesting ones and not “swap meet” type junk. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

Things I Look For At Flea Markets

These are purchases on my radar, but of course if you get lucky and spot say a vintage Eames chair or other hidden treasures go for it.

Vintage Furniture

Stools are a great thing to look for as they are versatile to use as an end table, place by the bath tub for a drink or for extra seating.

The Chinese stool has served lots of purposes and now as an end table. The bobbin corner chairs were a bargain from the Porte de Vanves flea market in Paris purchased 20 years ago. I need to get the straw seat fixed. Our daughter saw two corner chairs like these at a home store boutique in West Los Angeles for about 100 times the price I paid.

Also from rustic farmhouse tables to mid-century modern chairs, you can find pieces that add a touch of history and personality to your home. And consider new uses. In our case the old farm dining table that we found at a Paris flea market is now used as a desk.

Artwork

Flea markets often have a wide range of artwork available, from paintings and prints to sculptures and wall hangings. You can discover unique pieces that reflect your personal style and become focal points in your home.

The turquoise paintings above are from the Long Beach, CA flea market.

Keep an eye out for local artists.

One October in Paris, I struck up a conversation with the artist of this little gem above. She said she found pleasure painting ordinary scenes from the 19th century.

You may also like GREAT Inexpensive Flea Market Items.

Decorative Accessories

Enhance your home’s style with decorative accessories found at flea markets. This can include vintage vases, antique mirrors, ceramics and quirky knick-knacks like the stone bookends below in our living room.

These small vintage items can make a big impact and help showcase your personality.

Silverware

You may get lucky and find some sterling silver, but I am happy with these silver plated spoons for my coffee everyday.

Kitchenware Including Copper, Glassware, Crystal

The round copper pot is from a flea market while the others were purchased on different trips from E. Dehillerin (a great old cooking store in Paris). We love the vintage red Champagne flutes.

Flea Market Shopping Tips

• Get there as early as you can before the other flea market shoppers (even if it means paying a bit more with the entrance fee)
• For local markets, bring a durable wheeled cart or wagon like a shopping caddy if you have one. This is a great, reasonably priced one. It’s good for Farmer’s Markets, too.
• Do a quick walkthrough of the market as soon a you get there to scan everything like larger collector items such as lamps, furniture and valuable antiques. Make an offer if you know you want it.
• Then, stroll through the market and enjoy the process leisurely to observe smaller items such as jewelry, bowls, pitchers and fabrics. Have a beverage or snack from a food truck.
• Ask vendors about the history of items that catch your eye, and enjoy discovering something special for your home.

You may also like: House Beautiful’s “Items You Should Never Pass Up At A Flea Market.”

Treasures Found: Our Rose Bowl Flea Market Trip.

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