To some of us flea markets are the ultimate weekend activity, antique stores are impossible to pass by without quickly ‘nipping in’ and when you stumble across a gem in a charity shop that has a price tag less that ten times what it’s worth, you know you’ve hit jackpot!
Part of what we love most about said flea market hunting is the plotting and planning, envisioning what could look good where and then returning home after a solid day’s hunting with an array of totally different items than you set out for. Oh the joys of flea!
Here are our tips for a successful day’s hunting:
1. A decent bag is a must. You’ll need space for the essentials (think: tape measures, paint samples, fabric swatches) as well as plenty of room for the smaller of your finds – think: classic books, retro nick-nacks, carefully packed crockery.
Scallop Oversized Bag, £99.50 | here
2. Getting distracted is key. You’re almost always guaranteed to fall totally in love with something you’re not looking for. Try not to stick to your list too rigidly – you’ll find that dreamy mid-century sideboard just when you’re not looking for it.
3. The early bird gets the worm. If it’s a pop-up, a flea market or a boot-fair you’re heading to, go early – for obvious reasons.
4. And finally, be selective. Don’t buy for the sake of buying, if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for (when you know, you know), there’s always another flea, another day and another fresh selection.
Once the car, bag, hands, pockets have been filled, it’s time to head home. But fear not, the fun isn’t over yet…
Finding the perfect balance of old and new can take a little more careful thought than you might think. Here are our tips for finding new homes for old gems (and new ones too):
1. Items have more than one use. Flea market finds bring something fun and unique to many spaces – From the kitchen to bathroom to your children’s rooms and play spaces. Think: retro posters, tin cars and classic books.
2. Keeping things fresh. By this we mean colour schemes, foliage and particularly bed linen. I think you’ll all agree that there’s nothing more inviting that crisp bedding. Opt for neutral shades and good quality.
Eucalyptus Sheet Set in Sand, £85.61 (Was £122.64) | here
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