One of my favorite summer activities is prowling around a flea market, antique mall or yard sale. You never know what treasures you might come across! I consider it a “green” way to shop and decorate my home by keeping items out of our landfills. (I love the idea of breathing new life into an item that would have otherwise been discarded.) It’s also a wonderful way to shop on a dime!
A very creative friend of mine recently repainted old lockers she found at a yard sale and used them for entryway storage.
Before…
After…
This wire spinning rack is cute and functional, perfect for storing your favorite children’s books.
This project is proof that old guitars can still rock! Check out the tutorial to make your own here.
Never let an old bicycle go to waste. The Mohawk Home design team recently repurposed a vintage bike in Mohawk’s New York City showroom, turning it into a stylish bookshelf/desk space. So cool!
When one door closes, another one opens. 😉 With a fresh coat of paint and a little handiwork, an old door can serve new purpose. This upcycled beverage station would be such a fun summer project! Lemonade anyone?
I can’t tell you the number of times I have passed over rusted baking pans at a flea market, mostly because I wasn’t thinking outside of the bundt-cake shaped box…until I saw this gorgeous little succulent planter on Pinterest!
Speaking of planters, remember that Joanna Gaines regularly upcycles wooden tool boxes on her hit show, Fixer Upper, transforming them into charming conversation pieces with farmhouse flair.
Now that you’re feeling inspired, keep these helpful tips in mind before your next big flea market hunt:
- Wear good walking shoes and comfortable, lightweight clothes. Carry a bag large enough to hold a bottle of water and sunscreen (especially in the hot summer months), but not so large that it becomes cumbersome. You can also bring along a wagon or lightweight rolling cart to haul your treasures away. Don’t forget newspaper or bubble wrap in case you need to transport fragile items.
- Go early if you want the most options, go late if you want the best deals!
- Upon arrival, head toward the middle of the market. Most shoppers peruse the perimeter first and may not even make it all the way through! The middle items tend to be less picked over and you may even get better deals!
- Don’t be afraid to haggle! The worst thing any vendor can do is say “no.”
- Do take the time to chat with your favorite dealers. Sellers remember good customers with friendly faces.
- Do pack a measuring tape and color swatches to take the guesswork out of shopping. Once you buy it, it’s yours for better or worse (so make sure it’s going to fit through the door)!
Be sure to let us in on your tried and true flea market shopping tips in the comments below!
