Update Your Home with These 5 Common Flea Market Finds
Homemade, rustic crafts have made a huge resurgence in the home-decorating domain. Thanks to websites like Pinterest, people all across the world are finding and upcycling gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) used items from flea markets and thrift stores. It creates a homey, old-timey look that has the personality and charm that you can’t find in the mass-production assembly line of retail furniture/art deco.
Wooden Ladders
While they presumably have one job and one job only – wooden ladders are actually very versatile, and can be found at many flea markets and second-hand shops. They are great for hanging blankets, magazine baskets and even high heels. It’s a simple and inventive answer to any light-storage needs you may have, and they’re super portable, too – move them around your house and see where it looks best!
Canning Jars
You’ve probably seen stashes of them at your closest flea market. Mason jars can be used for canning, but they’re also great for decorative storage. Fill them with herbs and spices and place them on display for an exotic botanical look. You can add a homey, rustic look to your bathroom by filling them with cotton balls, swabs or other sundries in old jars lined up on your counter.
Soda Bottles
People still collect old soda bottles, but you should be warned – some vendors may just be selling cheap knock offs. If you’re not in it for the collection, this is probably a better option anyway. They look great with or without the vintage labels lined up on a shelf.
Vintage Books
There’s a reason people have been showcasing their book collections on bookcases since basically forever; they just look great. But, if you want a more permanent, less-utilitarian look, try to find some old and beat up looking books at garage sales or local flea markets. The best part about using these old beat up books is that the titles don’t matter. They could be encyclopedias, textbooks, classics or completely unknowns, as long as they have the look, you’re good to go!
Bird Cages
Typically, these will be all metal, they add an interesting ambiance to any space they inhabit. They come in all shapes, sizes and prices – depending on where you get them and the quality of the craftwork. If you’re in the market for a bird cage, take your time when searching. You don’t want to end up with an expensive piece of junk that doesn’t look good in your home.
Tool Boxes
We aren’t talking about modern tool boxes that you could find in your garage. We mean the old-timey wooden tool boxes that maybe your grandfather or great-grandfather might have used. They look great on a long table as a charming centerpiece. Whether wooden or metal, tool boxes are easy to find and can be used to hold towels, bathroom toiletries or even in your garden as an inventive planter.
With a little imagination and inspiration, you can utilize old items in brand-new ways that are sure to add some magic to your home.