7 Items Regularly Sought by Interior Designers at Vintage Markets
Hitting the local flea market can be a treasure trove for interior designers, who know exactly what to grab and what to give a pass on. When filling your home with second-hand goodies, it's essential to pick items that truly capture your heart and not just snatch up bargains.
Here, we rundown the top 4 home decor items designers can't resist snagging at flea markets:
1. Vintage Glassware
Mally Skok, founder of Mally Skok Design, adores hunting for delicate etched or colored glassware at flea markets. She suggests mixing up your goblets for a festive touch at dinner parties.
2. Items with a Story
Lisa Shaffer, creative director of Lisa and Leroy, prefers flea market pieces with a history or a touch of character. These pieces serve not only as functional decor but also stimulate intriguing conversations.
3. Artwork
Flea markets offer an array of artwork catering to every aesthetic and wall size. Thea Bloch-Neal, founder of Curated by Thea, advises seeking out one-of-a-kind pieces to give your space a unique touch.
4. Jugs and Pitchers
Skok gets creative with jugs and pitchers, using them as posies in guest rooms or down the table, interspersed with candles. Keep an eye out for English brands like Minton and Spode.
designers also recommend picking up
- Ceramics: Be it vintage or modern, handmade ceramics can elevate your home decor[2].
- Books: Scrapbooks and intriguing titles add texture to bookshelves[3].
- Benches: Unique benches can double as coffee tables or footrests and tell fascinating stories[4].
The Dark Side of Flea Markets
While flea markets are a goldmine for design enthusiasts, they're not without their pitfalls. Always keep the following tips from designers in mind before making a purchase:
- Avoid anything that requires repair, as the cost of restoration could outweigh the initial bargain[5].
- Skip anything that you're merely intrigued by—if it doesn't completely speak to you, walk away[5].
- Be cautious of questionable larger furniture pieces, as they may be costly or require expert judgment on quality and authenticity[5].
So, the next time you visit a flea market, arm yourself with these pro tips and transform your home into a personal gallery of intriguing, affordable, and character-filled wonders. And remember, when it comes to collecting unique treasures, the happy customer is the smart one!
[1] Ingber, T., (2021). Flea Market Finds: Secondhand Furniture No One Regrets Buying. Apartment Therapy.
[2] Fischer, E., (2018). The Joys of Shopping for Handmade Ceramics at Flea Markets. The New York Times.
[3] Courter, C., (2019). 10 Clever Ways to Use Books for Decor in Your Home. Real Simple.
[4] Imbimbo, K., (2019). The 10 Best Benches to Complete Your Entryway. Elle Decor.
[5] Schwanbeck, S., (2019). 6 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Buying Secondhand Furniture. My Domaine.
Designers also recommend picking up ceramics, as they can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your interior-design. Real Simple shares tips on using books creatively for decor, adding texture and character to bookshelves. Unique benches, suitable for serving as coffee tables or footrests, offer an opportunity to tell fascinating stories and contribute to your home-and-garden lifestyle. When seeking more treasures, keep in mind the decorating tips and techniques from designers to avoid drawbacks at flea markets, ensuring smart and satisfying purchases for your lifestyle and home-decorating endeavors.
