Items You Should Always Buy at Flea Markets

 

From Veranda:

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. (Read more.)