Flea markets—is it just me, or does the hunt thrill y’all more than the actual purchase? I just love to find a treasure waiting for me. My heart races like I’ve struck gold! I’m not sure if it’s normal, but old junk does that to me. In all seriousness, let’s discuss how to decorate with flea market finds so y’all have a reasonable excuse to fill your minivans with stuff.
Figure Out What You Love
We’re talking flea market finds, treasures, vintage items, antiques—whatever makes your heart pitter-patter. To avoid ending up with too much clutter, focus on what y’all really love. Ahead, we’ll discuss how to decorate with some of the most popular finds.
Trash To Treasure
Before spotlighting a treasure for all to see, clean it up. As precious as that old wire basket is, it’s dirty from years of neglect and old age.
Clean your treasures with warm soapy water or a damp cloth. Be careful not to remove the patina or rust if that’s what draws you to it.
Enamelware Buckets
Enamelware has always been trendy for “junk” connoisseurs, but in the past several years, the enamelware bucket has grown more popular. Buttery yellows, robin’s egg blue, and classic white all pair beautifully.
Use them for impressive floral displays on the dining room table or fireplace hearth. Or drill a hole in the bottom to use one as an outdoor planter. An old bucket blooming with flowers on the porch gives our homes a cottagey feel.
Fine China
Gone are the days of formal table settings and lessons on how to fold a napkin. Thank goodness, because us girls have better things to do. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate the beauty of fine china dishes. I love to scour flea markets to find a mix of china, especially plates. Mixing styles and colors just adds to the beauty.
Group a mix of plates on a wall for unique wall décor. Use a dozen or a hundred—whatever floats your boat.
If china teacups and teapots are your things, consider a curio or china cabinet for displaying those delicate little works of art. Even a small shelf in the powder room with one setting is adorable.
Old Doors
What is it about old doors? I guess it’s the nostalgic feeling of old farmhouses and slower-paced life. The more chipped paint, the better.
Next time y’all see one, you won’t have to stand there thinking, “I have nowhere to use this.” You do!
Hang a door on a wall to display family photos. Prop it in a corner and leave it as is because its beauty speaks for itself. Some people even turn old doors into tables!
Figuring out how to decorate with flea market finds is easy once those creative juices get flowing. It’s finding the treasures that takes time. See you at the flea market!