Farmhouse Finds at the Flea Market

Last weekend I attended my first Flea Market of the season.  Even though it was a bit chilly, it was well worth the trip.  This was the first time I attended the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, Illinois, and I highly recommend it.  It’s laid out really well, and there’s a large variety of vendors.  Definitely something for everyone!  If you’re local, check it out.

If you’re looking to incorporate some farmhouse flair into your home, a flea market is a great place to start especially when you’re on a tight budget.

Here’s a few pieces that are fairly simple to find at any flea market at a fair price…

1.  Chippy Spindles

Chippy spindles have been popping up all over lately.  I love how you can incorporate them into almost anything.  Throw them in a dough bowl, hang them in a gallery wall or just style them on a shelf.  The opportunities are endless.  I snagged these beauties for just $14 for the pair.

2.  Wooden Crates

Wooden crates are always plentiful at any flea market.  Just be sure you’re not overpaying for them.  For me, I feel like $10 is fair for an old crate in decent shape.  These rustic beauties are good for adding height when styling shelves and tables.  You can also use them to hold pillows and blankets or just for storage in general.

3.  Old Mason Jars

Another flea market find that is always in abundance!  I think old Mason jars are just beautiful.  I use them to hold cotton balls, cotton pads and Q-tips in my bathrooms, but you can do so much more.  They would be super cute in a craft room or an office as well.  Whenever you have small items that can be stored together on display, they are stunning.  Make sure that when you’re buying these, that they’re in good shape.  No cracks or chips.  Also, check to make sure the lid is old and original.  If it’s too pristine, it’s likely too good to be true.  On the underside there will be a glass if it’s truly old.

4.  Used and Tattered Books

I love using old books to give a space a more rustic and industrial feel. For the look above, I ripped off the covers to incorporate it into a neutral scheme on a shelf in my living room and then tied them with piece of jute twine.  You can style books vertically or horizontally.  Stick a few between two chippy corbels, and the look is simple yet sophisticated.

5.  Distressed Windows

Old, beat-up windows can be used for a number of DIY projects to take your farmhouse look to the next level.  Use them to paint a cute phrase with script lettering, hang a wreath on top for a layered look or just keep it natural and hang it to incorporate within a gallery wall.  If you find one you like and suits your style, just snag it and you can always decide how to incorporate it later.

6.  Rusty Scales

This scale was my absolute favorite flea market find last summer.  It’s just the right amount of rusty and chippy.  It shows its age, without being too junky.  It is a little wonky and is no longer accurate for weighing, but I love it all the same.  The best part about flea market shopping… buy what speaks to you!  Everyone has their own flair, and that’s what makes it so fun.  This little guy sits on my coffee bar, and I’m always changing the style depending on the season.  You’ll see it here featuring a little nest with eggs and a white enamel coffee cup.  Sometimes I will style it using a succulent or a cute Rae Dunn mug.

7.  Galvanized Metal Anything

Galvanized metal is true farmhouse staple.  You’ll find so much of it at any flea market from planters to sap buckets to milk cans and anything else you might discover, you can’t go wrong.  Sometimes you might even hear a neat story to go along with it.  The tool box above was created by hand from a little old man who used it for years before it turned up at the flea market.

Not only is a flea market a great place to shop when looking to incorporate farmhouse finds on a budget, but so many of these items have a great story to tell.  You have to wonder all the places these treasures have been before finding their way into your home.

I want to know… what’s the best thing you’ve found at a flea market?  How do you incorporate antique finds into your home decor?

xo,

lauren

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