5 Vintage Items Overlooked in Flea Markets (worth buying)

This article shares 5 vintage items overlooked in flea markets, thrift stores and antique markets that are worth buying.

If you are new to this blog: Welcome! My name is Anna and I share information on collecting antique/vintage items, refurbishing furniture and making small crafts/projects. The purpose of this blog is to show you how to use creativity and vintage items to make your home beautiful. In addition to information on the blog, you can also follow me on the following social media accounts Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.

Backstory

No one wants to bring home dirty, musty or damaged items from a flea market requiring an investment in time and money. However, there are a few finds that are worth looking for that , with a little TLC, can be an exceptional value and can add vintage charm to your home. After selling antiques for decades and having been through my fair share of flea markets, here are the top 5 vintage items I look for.

5 Vintage Items Overlooked in Flea Markets

I still look for these items at flea markets, thrift stores and antique stores. Many of these items can be revamped with a bit of DIY work. This could mean a simple cleaning, or painting or beginner level reupholstery. However, the affordable cost of these items is well worth the investment of time and energy.

Stools and Benches

Stool and benches are always useful and don’t require much space. They can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and outside.

I always look for small wooden step stools and small upholstered benches. In addition to giving you a step up, stools can be used a plant stands or as risers for displaying items.

Many benches have upholstered tops in poor condition. The fabric is likely torn or stained. If you are new to reupholstering furniture, a small bench is the perfect beginners project.

The bench above was reupholstered using vintage ticking. The entire project took a few hours to complete.

Old Frames and Mirrors

Old frames and mirrors have character and history. The occasional chip in a frame only adds to its character and charm.

The frames above were purchased for $5 each. New art can be placed into old frames. These frames were given a good cleaning and left “as is”.

The frame above was found at Brimfield flea market for $20 and was given a good scrubbing then used for new art.

The same is true for mirrors. Don’t pass up a mirror with broken glass. If the frame is in good condition, the glass can easily be replaced. Sometimes, gilded frames will be dull and the color will turn dark. If this is the case, don’t be deterred, it’s fairly easy to revive the gold frame.

Here is an article on how to give an old gold mirror frame new life.

Transferware

Keep an eye out for transferware dishes, platters and serving pieces. If you are willing to dig through boxes and get your hands dirty, you can often find some great deals.

If you want to create a plate wall in your home, flea markets are a great way to find old, charming and beautiful dishes at an affordable price.

You can see the plate wall Cindy, of Reinvented Delaware, created in the photo below.

The majority of the blue transferware plates and platters, shown above, were found at flea markets . Here is an article about collecting blue transferware.

Carefully check the condition of each piece to ensure there are no cracks or chips.

Pottery Vases

Pottery vases have become popular in home decor. Alas, the prices at which retailers sell these vases reflects their growing popularity.

Keep an eye out for pottery vases at flea markets and thrift stores. Often they can be found for a fraction of the cost of a new pottery vase.

Pottery pieces can easily be made over and given a new look.

Pottery lamps, can also be given a new life. The photos below show the before and after of a pottery lamp makeover.

Old Bottles

Old bottles can frequently be found at flea markets for a few dollars. They are an affordable way to add color to your home decor. Additionally, you can use different colored glass bottles to decorate your home for the changing seasons.

The small grouping of glass bottles in the photo above were found at a flea market in Maine and are perfect for daisies. Bottles can also be used to display flags or feathers.

Amber colored glass bottles are fun to use during the fall to decorate your home.

Other Items to Consider

In addition to the list above, here are some other vintage items I like to look for at flea markets.

• White dishes and serving pieces
• Baskets
• Original artwork and paintings
• Silver Plate Trays
• Old books
• Terracotta pots (especially if weathered)
• Old signs
• Cast iron outdoor planters

In Summary

Wishing you happy hunting in the wilds of a flea market! May you find all you are looking for and more.