Shawn is a long time reader, and wrote in with a great question:
You may have shared this before and I may have missed it, but I know you love the flea market. I am just now getting into it locally where I live, and I was wondering if you could share a few things. My first question is what are your best tips for newbies like me? I want to start collecting things for our new home to add some personality. Also can you share some of your greatest finds? I’d love to hear what you value in your home as some of your best scores…
It’s really the perfect season for such a topic, as my daughter and I ventured to our local flea market just a few weeks ago. This was one of a rare times we actually walked away empty-handed because I don’t think that either of us were actually in the mood to really dig. But we did have a good time anyway. Because even when I don’t find anything it’s still one of my very favorite things. So without further ado, here are a few of my top tips! And I’m sharing some of my “fondest personal finds” that I’ve kept for our own home along the way…
For what it’s worth, kind of regretting not grabbing these lamps for our cabana. Yes, they’re bizarre and there will always be the ones that got away. And I think my family would have killed me because of my never-ending obsession.
1. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Do Your Research –
Based on where it is and what’s available to do, look up the flea market you plan to attend and know what you’re getting into. Look up parking. Search for their Facebook page with hashtags and more, along with vendors. If you always visit the same flea market, take a different path each time. You never know what you’ll notice when you walk a different way. Some of my best finds have appeared simply by literally looking up. {See: My bedroom lamps.}
Note where your fave vendors are and what you might want to see. Have a plan, and it helps!
before
The stained glass in our kitchen remodel – these are from a turn-of-the-century university in Boston. We incorporated them into our space, + you can find the sister window here. I definitely had to fight off a few people for these.
2. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Dress Comfy –
Yes, this seems like common sense, but if you’re not prepared, it can be a deal breaker. And in layers, too. Be ready to walk. Comfortable shoes and a sweatshirt you can peel off when it gets too hot is smart in the spring. Watch the weather and plan accordingly. I’ve been freezing because I forgot to bring another layer, and dying in the heat, too. Instaworthy pics with that OOTD are totally tempting, but you’re never sad with good shoes and a plan.
this project was a slow burn – I’m still putting it together with my daughter + we love it.
vintage fishing floats – we definitely hauled these to the car right before a huge storm came in. It felt like fate.
Pssst… I also don’t regret any fun marble finds – including these GIANT ones, along with old books + cameras… {see more of my youngest’s room here}
3. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Bring Something to Shop With –
Yes, you read that right. Someone can help, too. We all have the right someone. But something is super amazing. It’s kind of annoying to buy an item and have to come back for it later, especially if parking is crazy and the item is manageable. {Though most vendors are understanding, if you need to.} Take a cart and walk around. We have a wagon with off-road wheels that I keep forgetting to bring. The irony. But it helps to carry bulky items like books and larger things.
most of the old books I’ve collected over the years…
4. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Be Prepared!
{Sing it in your best Scar from “The Lion King” voice.} Pack a bag with hand sanitizer, water, and more… or at the very least, know where the food trucks and restrooms will be. {See: planning, above} Sunscreen, y’all. And bring cash, JIC. In my experience, though some are moving over to electronic, most booth owners don’t have other methods, so the way to go is cash. They’re also more willing to give you a discount, if so. It helps to be prepared.
the globes around our home have been a collection of flea market finds over the years
5. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Keep an Open Mind.
And a sense of humor. Some of my best treasures have come to life with a touch of paint in a new location. You never know what you’ll find. I spied half a casket last week, and the guy blatantly told me, “You never know when someone will have a project.” He’s right. He also made a joke about dead bodies and cemeteries; I was curious about how he came across half a casket… Cue me, chuckling quietly to myself as I sauntered away, still wondering. He never gave me a straight answer. Also, I would turn it into a coffee table.
Sometimes, it’s just fun to see what’s out there. This one, for instance, still lives rent-free in my mind. Or nightmares.
little items like {more} antique marbles + fans make perfect accessories for our boys’ rooms. It’s all in the details.
6. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Don’t be Afraid to Ask for a Discount – But Know Thy Audience.
Repeat after me: “I will not insult the local artist. This is not Burger King. I can not have it my way.” I think that common sense should reign here. For instance, don’t ask an artist for a discount on something when it’s not warranted. If someone created it with their own hands, asking for a deal is probably a little insulting, especially if it’s not super pricey. On the other hand, unless buying in bulk, or if it’s outrageous, the worst they can do is say no. I think we can get caught up in the excitement sometimes, and as a designer, I feel this for the creator. So, use a little common sense and go with your instincts. I think the artist bit is worth mentioning here.
When vintage items are concerned, be ready with your Google machine if you’re not sure what something should cost. I walked away from some gigantic seaglass beads just last week because they were broken, and the discount he offered wasn’t much. Then I found some on Etsy, and they were HALF the price. No regrets.
it’s also the perfect opportunity to score some eclectic art + old records – this ostrich is one of my favorite pieces
7. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Be Chatty With the Vendors.
And keep your ears open. You never know what you’ll find out about someone else’s booth… or life. We’ve met many kind people, and we love hearing about their work. Ps. They’re also more willing to cut you a deal if you pay attention and are kind. But for the most part, sit back and listen. I was quite entertained the other day when one woman proclaimed how good her barbecued ribs were to another woman. Apparently, there’s this whole flea market after-party subculture where everyone knows everyone. And if you’re anyone, then you’ve DEFINITELY had Kathy’s ribs. True story. My day would have been incomplete without her side convo whilst perusing the micro mosaic brooches.
Which leads me to…
One of my daughter’s favorite finds is this radio she purchased herself. Why? Because it had her name on it, and she thought that was AMAZING.
8. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Don’t Be in a Rush.
Part of the experience of looking is taking your time and enjoying the thrill of the hunt. Truly. Be prepared to spend a few hours there before hitting Barre Taco for a late lunch + a side of margs. It’s worth it.
This fun piece that makes for the perfect stained glass + paint organizer {again, with the open mind part}. I use it daily.
9. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: If an Item Speaks to You, Buy It.
We all have stories of the ones that got away. And maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. But if you love it, buy it. {Being mindful of your budget, of course.} Pay attention to those Spidey senses. It may not be there when you get back. I have zero regrets about purchasing the stained glass windows {above} for our home that we have now adored for years.
Don’t be afraid of not knowing where it will go if the item works for you. {See: this red rotary phone that now lives perfectly in our daughter’s room}
10. Top Ten Flea Market Tips: Don’t Take a List.
Fun fact: I’m actually superstitious about the flea market. I have hard and fast rules. Because it’s my very favorite thing to do, I believe that it’s like a wild {slightly bedazzled with feathers in its cap} pony and will be easily spooked if I spoil it in any way. It’s kind of like Fight Club; don’t talk about Fight Club. Or something will come up, and it won’t happen. And don’t go with a specific list, or you won’t find it. Some of my best finds have been right out of the blue. TRUST ME. Sit back and let it happen.
Contrary to my superstition, most people would say do take a list.
They’re wrong. The end.
If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. Don’t do it unless you’re there for a specific reason, like buying flowers. It messes with the intergalactic flea market juju. Or something. These are my top ten flea market tips! What are some of your faves? We’d absolutely love to hear.
This vintage filing cabinet sits in my office and has been so useful over the years
All home things aside, let me take a moment to speak about the vintage fashion finds. We now have three teenagers, and they love searching for old records, comics, and clothes. They have plenty of these. This vintage Auburn jersey is one of my favorite finds, and I wear it to most of the games.
These flower pots still sit on each side of our side door!
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For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Nashville Flea Market, {check out my last post here} It’s open at the Nashville fairgrounds on the third weekend of every month. {Except December} They were hit hard by Covid and are currently making a comeback… and it’s my favorite place to go. Let’s rally and support these small businesses, wherever you live. Be sure to check out your local flea markets!
You’ll see more of my faves in the round-up of photos below. Happy hunting, everyone!
Have an inspired day!
