5 Simple Ways to Decorate With Flea Market Finds

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I have figured out that when it comes to decorating, my love language is all about mixing the old with the new and the high with the low. To achieve this you can usually find me shopping at our local flea markets. If you are like me then you will enjoy these 5 simple ways to decorate with flea market finds.

You will love these 5 simple ways to decorate with flea market finds!

5 Simple Ways to Decorate With Flea Market Finds

 And as a bonus I’m sharing this for this month’s Thrifty Style Team post which is hosted by Julie of Redhead Can Decorate. Each month on the 2nd Friday of the month my friends and I get together to share our thrifty ideas with you. You can find all of this month’s posts linked at the end of mine.

Thrifty Style Team

When it comes to shopping for home decor it’s the thrill of the hunt that gets my juices flowing!

Finding a great deal or a unique piece excites me more than buying new and trendy things. So that’s why my first stop before decorating any space in my home is the flea market.

My absolute favorite flea market in Northern Colorado is A & J Antiques. They have so many incredible booths to look through and I usually can find something that calls my name. 🙂

Below you can find what is usually on my scouting list and some examples of how I decorate with these items!

1. Books

When it comes to decorating my home you will quickly learn that I love to use books. One time I even created a DIY book garland with books all found at the flea market. I thought it was pretty clever!

A fun and easy way to decorate with books is with this DIY book garland.

I also love to stack them on my bedside tables, in my printers cabinet or even in our entry cutout. Stacking adds height and fills spaces. Color coordinating them (think red and green for Christmas) is a thrifty and simple way to add charming decor to your home.

  • You will love how easy these 5 simple tips for adding Spring décor to your entry are!

2. Art

Art can be expensive and sometimes that is ok and necessary. And sometimes all you need is a thrifty piece of art to make your heart sing! Whenever I enter a flea market I always keep my eyes peeled for paint by numbers pieces. Below you can see my paint by numbers gallery wall in my former master bedroom. I’m currently looking for a new space for them in our new home!

A great way to decorate with flea market art in your home is to group similar pieces, add art in unexpected spaces like your mug rack (see below) or layered on furniture.

Adding art in unexpected places adds instant interest and dimension.

3. Linens

Another thing I am constantly hunting for at flea markets that are easy to decorate with are linens, namely quilts. You can decorate with quilts by stacking them in baskets, on beds, used as tablecloths, draped on pews or sofas.

Nothing is off limits.

I love how they add fun pops of color and texture. They offer that vintage touch I love too.

  • A blue and white vintage quilt on our summer porch

4. Architectural Pieces

Flea markets are constantly getting in neat, vintage architectural pieces usually at a fair price. I have scored huge shutters, old window panes , old doors, old fences, railings and many other cool pieces too! They usually add height or interest to any space. They are fun to paint or leave weathered and usually become a talking point in the room.

  • Viburnum snowballs, green dressers and blue plaid chairs for summer decor

One of my favorite tips for decorating with architectural pieces is to layer them. You can place art on them, layer a window in front of a window, hang wreaths or garland on any large piece and it becomes a statement piece.

5. Flea Market Furniture

Flea market furniture is my favorite. It’s where it all began for me. Ever since I can remember my mom has taken us to flea markets to shop for furniture and decor. When I went to college we furnished my entire condo with flea market finds that we revamped or painted.

Preparing our porch for spring is always one of my favorite things to do!

That’s when I really got bit by the thrifty bug! I quickly figured out that breathing new life into old pieces brought me joy. You can see how I breathed new life into this old dresser and this one too!

This was my very first flea market pew. The rattan demi johns, basket and blanket are all from flea markets too!

From there I started collecting cool flea market finds like my pews, several side tables, dressers, hutches, chairs, old shoe racks and kitchen tables! I love mixing and matching old and new decor and flea market finds always make that possible. Don’t be afraid to mix your Pottery Barn sofa with your flea market rattan table like I did! Also, I highly recommend moving things and digging around in booths…sometimes the best pieces are buried! Oh…and always ask for a discount because they usually will give you one!

Shopping at a flea market is a great place to find vintage decor to add to your home!
I scored this green table at a flea market!

I shared another great post that goes into even more detail on how to seamlessly mix, vintage, thrifted and new decor into your home that I think you might enjoy!

Simple Ways to Decorate With Flea Market Finds

Well there you have it, my 5 simple ways to decorate with flea market finds in your home! What’s your favorite flea market item to decorate with? I would love to know…I’m always on the hunt for new treasures.

Now make sure to visit the other Thrifty Style Team posts linked below for even more inspiration!

Redhead Can Decorate – Old Martini Glass Repurposed into Q-Tip Holder
Our Crafty Mom – Buffalo Check Bench Makeover
DIY Beautify – No Cost Decorating Tips
2 Bees In A Pod – 12 Fall Decor Items To Buy At The Thrift Store
The How To Home – Simple Seashell Centerpiece
Vinyet Etc. – DIY Decor Beads From a Thrifted Beaded Seat Cover
Sweet Pea – Easy Upcycled Twine and Lace Cans Craft
What Meegan Makes – Late Summer Tablescape In Pink
Cottage At The Crossroads – Thrifted  Peat Pot Pumpkin Holder
Postcards From The Ridge – 29 Creative Ways to Repurpose and Upcycle Things for Your Home
Lora B. Create & Ponder – Fun Vintage School Decor Ideas
The Tattered Pew – 5 Simple Ways To Decorate With Flea Market Finds
I Should Be Mopping The Floor – Garden Gift Ideas and Tags
Chas’ Crazy Creations – Vintage Drawer Pulls Jewelry Hanger
Cottage On Bunker Hill – Anthropologie Dupe Moss Wreath

xoxo,

Kelly

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32 Comments

  1. Great tips Kelly, you’ve found some real treasures. I love mixing old with new it adds such a personal feel to a home! Hope you’re enjoying decorating your new home and aren’t too stressed with all the unpacking, back to school, etc!

  5. Such great ideas! I think this will really help inspire those new to thrifting. Sometimes the shops can be overwhelming, so going in with some of these beautiful images would really help.

  6. Visiting your blog ahs inspired me to use my thrifted finds more often. I need to bring out some of my grandma’s pieces, as well.
    Thanks for sharing, Kelly.

  12. I love all of these ideas, Kelly! You always have the best finds! Maybe you can show me some of your favorite places to shop when I visit this winter!

  14. One of my favorite decorating styles in flea market decorating. I even have a Pinterest board for this style. Always fun to mix and match or un-match! Cute ideas!
    Brenda

  16. Now I’m dying to go to a flea market!! Your first pew is the cutest idea ever, Kelly! I also love all of your floral linens! Pinning for later! XO

  18. Kelly,
    Thank you so much for sharing these awesome ideas; categorizing items made it so helpful for me to apply when I go thrift or flea market shopping next time.

    Grateful for you!
    xoxo,
    Brendt

  19. You have so many cool flea market treasures in your home. Your ideas are amazing. Thank you for the inspiration!

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