Remember a few weeks ago when I shared the 25 things you should ALWAYS buy at thrift stores? Today I thought I’d share with you a list of things to buy at vintage flea markets and some ideas on how to use them. I’m not talking about the kind of flea market that you find downtown under the bridge or at the drive-in theater. I’m talking about VINTAGE flea markets. Juried markets with vintage, antique, or handcrafted vendors who style their booths to look like Country Living or Magnolia Market. Markets like Junk Bonanza, Roses and Rust, Farm Chicks, Mes Amis, Vintage Market Days, and many others across the country. (Leave a comment and let me know which are your favorites!)
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18 Things You Should ALWAYS Buy at Vintage Flea Markets
Farm “Stuff”. With the growing popularity of Joanna Gaines’ farmhouse style, you’re seeing more and more old galvanized buckets, chicken feeders, and waterers in home decor. These are easily found at vintage markets. With much more personality than storebought (read that as, a dent in the side where the cow kicked it).
My sister and I have collected many pieces to use as a display in our Sister Chicks booth at Antique Alley. You can see many of them in our fall 2014 show.
Handmade Jewelry. lol… Of course, I’m going to tell you that you should support the small handmade businesses that sell at these fairs. That’s how I make my living. These markets are GREAT places to buy jewelry for yourself and gifts for others. You’ll find unique pieces that no one else will have!
{{{ Read my gift guide for women who LOVE flea markets. }}}
Vintage Seasonal Decor. Flea markets are great places to find unique holiday decorations. Last year my sister found one of those light-up nativity scenes that go in the yard. Each piece was about 2-3′ tall. The three boxes hardly fit in our Ford Excursion! You’ll definitely have decorations that no one else will have.
Trophies. This is just one of the fun things that I look for. These rodeo team trophies were a find! I’ve also recycled trophies as prizes for “#1 Husband” or “Best Friend”, etc. Someday I’ll get some photos of those posted.
{{{ Also read 10 Top Thrift Store Tips }}}
Random Scraps of Wood. I was thrilled when I found this pile of wood. Yep, all those little pieces in the basket were $1 apiece! Most of them came home with me.
Furniture. You can find pieces of furniture in their original finish, some that have been painted or upcycled, and pieces that need to be refinished.
Ladders. These are popular in home decor right now and you’ll find these from little step stool size all the way to this giant ladder we saw at Junk Bonanza. Here are a few posts that will give you some ideas on how to use them in your home:
- Wooden Ladder Garden Art
- Ladder Side Table Planter
- Rustic Ladder Chandelier
- Vintage Ladder Quilt Hanger
Taxidermy. Taxidermy isn’t really my cup of tea but I’ve seen a lot of pieces recently that really made me laugh! Like these deer and squirrel at the last Mes Amis Vintage Sale.
Jeep Grills. lol… maybe not specifically Jeep. That’s my hubby’s favorite brand. But you can find grills, tailgates, hubcaps, or vehicle doors to decorate your home, patio, or garden. The Jeep grill is hanging on our patio right now!
Vintage Linens
These can always be found and they’re usually priced very reasonably. You can use them as they were meant to be used or make them into something new like this vintage linen pillow by Ella Claire.
Tool Caddies. I see these all the time at flea markets. Most are vintage metal or wood caddies but take a look at this one I found at Paris Flea Market! Love how they used the old spindle and left it all chippy.
Hardware. Vintage doorknobs, handles, hinges, etc. for your latest home DIY project if you’re updating an old fixer-upper or repurpose them into something else.
- Vintage Doorknob Photo Holder
- Doorknob Hanger
Food. Most of these events have amazing food vendors with specialty dishes. I almost always find some type of pie! These are from an amazing Mennonite bakery that always sells at Antique Alley. We try to eat one of each flavor before the weekend is over. I haven’t made it yet. I highly recommend the apricot!
Crates. If you’ve seen my flea market set up you know I use vintage crates all the time in my displays. Here’s how I made this vintage crate jewelry display.
Typewriters. I’ve seen a huge variety of vintage typewriters. Most of the cost difference depends on the condition. A few years ago I bought a typewriter that had a lot of wear for $20. I use it to decorate for Halloween.
{{{ Read my gift guide for Fixer Upper Fans. }}}
Lockers. These are big pieces but I see large lockers all the time for under $100. Imagine having a locker for each of your kids in your mudroom! Paint them to match your decor or leave them gray and rusty.
Wire Baskets. I almost made this a part of the previous item and called it “Lockers and Locker Baskets”. But there are a lot more kinds of wire baskets that you’ll find.
Ideas. This is a trick answer and something that you don’t even have to pay for. Even if you don’t buy anything at a vintage flea market you’ll be inspired to go home and redecorate your living room or paint that old piece of furniture in your garage.
More About Shopping at Vintage Markets
Here are a few more books with lots more ideas for you!
If you enjoyed this post you’ll probably like reading these, too:
- 25 Things You Should ALWAYS Buy at Thrift Stores
- 10 Things You Should NEVER Buy at Thrift Stores
- My 10 Favorite Flea Market Videos
I hope you enjoyed reading my list. Thanks for reading and let me know what you always buy at vintage flea markets! Originally published June 8, 2016.
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
Barbara Briggs says
Hi Ann!
Many swap meets are now holding Tuesday morning vintage sales. Great place to buy or if you are a dealer looking to sell off things that works too. In sSo. Cal: Saugus/ Santa Clarita Swap Te yes days 7 to about 12. FREE Entry to customers! Bakersfield Swap at the keen co. Fairgrounds 6- about 12.. Again these are dealer vintage type swaps. There maybe a sock dealer or two mixed in but I have found great stuff, like a shoe box full of antique crystals for$20.00
ducttapeanddenim says
Hmmm… sounds like I need to head down south!
Susie | The Chelsea Project says
Well Miss Ann…you’re just totally amazing… love this post!! I know just where it needs to be shared… XO
Happy Happy Nester says
Ah, this is a fun post! I so would love to join you someday at a flea market!
Marie says
What a fun post! What do you use the small bits of wood for?
ducttapeanddenim says
Mostly for jewelry displays but I also paint some and just use them as fillers on shelves or seasonal decor.
Michelle says
Goat Hill in Watsonville, Ca and
Remnants of the past in Pleasanton, Ca
are my favorites!!
ducttapeanddenim says
Those are both on my list! I hope to make it to both in 2017.
Patricia says
Hi there, love your post. I am very interested in what you did with the trophies. I literally have dozens and dozens from my children. Now that they are grown up and we are downsizing I don’t know what to do with them. I can’t stand throwing away their childhood but Jezzzzz!! My children are the first generation where EVERYBODY got a trophy. Help!!
ducttapeanddenim says
lol… Patricia, that’s funny. I know the feeling. I hate to get rid of my kids art and prizes! We turned some into “fake” trophies… “Best Dad”, “Best Friend of 2015”, etc. And I sold most of them at a flea market!
Becky Williams says
Hello Ann! I was tickled to see those North Mesquite Trophies! My grandfather was the principal there until the mid 80’s. 🙂 What a neat find!
ducttapeanddenim says
Isn’t it fun to find something like that? I’m always looking for glass insulators with our last name on them. One of my husband’s relatives co-owned the company YEARS ago.
Noelle says
Thanks, good information!
MARCIA KOPP says
Brimfield flea market,in Brimfield , Mass. One of the biggest and best around here.
Liza says
It is a federal offense to sell taxidermy items!
ducttapeanddenim says
I’ll look into this. It was my understanding that endagered animals were illegal.
Jon says
Our fav is newcomers Vintage Market on the Square in Lake Mills, WI.
Kellie Zuniga says
What did you do with the trophies?
ducttapeanddenim says
I have covered the writing part with a hand stamped tag. And I’ve covered them in glitter. Just to add something unique to a shelf. Or just display them.
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Ann! This was a neat read. I love the pile of scrap wood you bought. i love old linens and tool caddies and of course old drawer hardware. Thank you for this.
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks for reading! Good luck at the markets! Hope you find all those treasures!
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
Great tips! I love your crate jewelry displays!
Braden Bills says
It’s interesting that you can get such fun things at flea markets! I can see why picking up random farm stuff would be beneficial. That seems like a great way to find good decorations.