The 7 Items You Should Always Buy at Flea Markets, According to Designers

You might just find your new favorite piece of decor. Here's what to look for the next time you're at the flea market.

We totally understand the appeal of purchasing a new objet d’art or falling in love with a chic piece at a designer showroom, but you have to admit that there’s something undeniably addictive about finding a one-of-a-kind item at a secondhand store. You can buy vintage decor all over these days, from specialized websites to your local antique store, but going to a flea market can bring about so many possibilities to find a dream item that you wouldn’t be able to anywhere else—not to mention, it can save you a pretty penny in the process!

“Flea markets require the patience of sifting, but the rewards of a special find can make the effort well worth it,” says Ksenya Malina, principal at Time & Place Interiors. “Visiting a flea market also makes for a fun pastime, whether it's a hobby to keep up in your own city or a way to explore new places during your travels.” You can also find more affordable, unique options at flea markets—particularly vintage finds that haven’t gone through the whole examination process that secondhand stores require.

While this means you might have to examine your new item a bit more closely, it also gives you the opportunity to find some hidden gems at bargain prices—and designers know this. We asked the experts to tell us the categories that they never skimp on when they plan a trip to the flea market, and they were quick to deliver on their favorites. Below, check out the seven items designers say you should always buy at flea markets.

Light Fixtures

Antique or vintage lighting is always a major vibe, and it can bring beautiful patinaed charm to a home. Interior designer Staver Gray, co-founder of the firm Ward & Gray, is partial to buying ceiling light fixtures at flea markets because they are incredibly unique and can be easily repaired if they’re not already in tip-top shape.

“I love finding antique fixtures that are characterful, and it's very easy and inexpensive to have them rewired,” he says. “The pendants that hang in my kitchen were a pair of antique French lanterns that I found for only 60 Euros each, and I had an electrician simply fix up the wiring.” Look for delicate pendants, brass accents, or decorative patinas—these flea market fixtures are generally incredibly well-made, and they’re much cheaper than their brand-new counterparts.

Stools

“It might sound really random, but stools are commonly found at flea markets, and I highly recommend getting your hands on some,” says Malina. “Small vintage or antique stools can be used as cocktail tables, mini nightstands, or plant stands, and they're also great for having on hand when you need extra seating spots for hosting.”

In addition, Malina says that aesthetically, a small stool is a great accessory for mixing decor styles: “If your space is modern, an antique side stool is an easy way to introduce a bit of an eclectic aesthetic,” she says. Play with different shapes and sizes, too: You may find yourself gravitating to square designs or taller pieces, which can add a contemporary touch to your space.

Artwork

While you may not find anything you’d donate to an art museum at a flea market, interior designer Christie Ward, the other co-founder of the firm Ward & Gray, loves to look for items that have special meaning when she’s thrifting. “I like to go to flea markets with no agenda and see what speaks to me: My motto is if you love it, buy it, and you'll find a space for it,” she says. “Oftentimes, you can even find art that's already framed and ready to hang.”

Artwork found at flea markets is usually original, but note that oil paintings and other frames you purchase could have nicks and scratches on the rim. However, don’t stress too much: An art restoration company can easily fix that up for you.

Silver-Plated Serveware

Vintage serving spoons, forks, dessert spatulas, or ladles are commonly found at flea markets, and Malina suggests investing in some—even if you can’t find any complete sets. “While an entire matching flatware set might make your dinner party feel too stuffy, throwing in a few antique silver-plated pieces can elevate your tablescape and give it a bohemian feel,” she says. “Especially when they’re mixed in with modern dishes, antique serving ware stands out, giving a layered, intentional look. Silver pieces that feature accent materials like bone, mother-of-pearl, and bakelite add extra dimension as well.”

Vintage Textiles

“I generally shy away from getting rugs at flea markets because they can be pretty run down, and you really have to make sure they’re not ready to fall apart,” says interior designer Stephanie Hunt, founder of lifestyle brand Flairhunter. “However, I’m a huge fan of looking for vintage textiles to reupholster existing items or turn into decorative pillows.”

Textiles can be more durable than rugs, and it’s often easier to tell quality: However, be sure to look for stains, holes, tears, or anything else that could compromise the integrity of the material or affect its desired use. Consider a mix of different colors and fabrics: Patterns, linens, cotton, and velvet can all pair together beautifully.

Antique and Vintage Mirrors

“Mirrors are a great find at flea markets,” says interior designer Shannon Eddings of Shannon Eddings Interiors. “However, you should note that these aged pieces don’t have that glossy finish that you can expect from new mirrors.”

According to Eddings, it’s not only normal, but expected for flea market mirrors to have some haziness on them, as the back of the glass might have a little damage. However, this adds to their charm—similar to the patina found on the frame. “As long as the frame is of high-quality and you like the look of the mirror itself, aka, it fits your design style and the look you’re trying to achieve, you shouldn’t shy away from a little cloudiness,” adds Eddings. Plus, you can always get the glass replaced for a few hundred dollars if need be.

Ceramics

“Ceramics handmade by artisans working individually or in small groups are the definition of studio art pottery,” says Malina. “These pieces, which often come in abstract drip glaze finishes or rough textures, are beautiful vintage finds that frequently appear at flea markets.”

These ceramics are also usually very unique, as opposed to the standard, mass-made options found at your local department store. “They can take the shape of decorative vessels, bud vases, plant pots, or serving dishes,” adds Malina. She recommends that you look for markings on the bottom for an artist's signature or initials to make sure you’re buying a legit item: This indicates that the piece was made by hand, rather than through mass production.