Decorating with Your Flea Market Finds

My husband and I love to rummage the flea markets on the weekend. I do most of the shopping and he does the socializing. He says he's getting to know the vendors so they will "cut us a deal next time." I'll let you know if that theory is true in future blog posts.


I must admit when we first started frequenting flea markets, I was uncomfortable bartering with the vendors, but now it's fun to see how good of a deal I can get. We love collecting vintage bottles especially the aqua glass bottles. As some of you may know, I turn a lot of them into vintage sea life bottles.



I love to display my bottles on vanity trays, especially vintage mirrored vanity trays. And the square vanity tray in the previous two photos is my favorite! I won't be parting with this beauty. It was originally a tarnished gold tone. I took out the mirror and gave it a coat of white paint. I love how dainty and feminine it is. It really showcases the bottles. Gives them a stage to shine on.

The tray above was not a flea market find but it serves the same purpose and I love the mosaic mirror and how it reflects light. This was available at Michael's during Christmas so I snagged it with a 50% off coupon.


Sometimes I even find old seashells at the flea market. I love to decorate my foyer table and my mantel with these finds. I recently found a wonderful piece of old coral and a large helmet shell (see above) with barnacles on it.

Photo: HGTV

Try clustering similars items like bottles or seashells. Place clusters of your favorite bottles on trays or in a wooden or wire caddy. Add flowers from your garden and you have a stunning centerpiece.

Photo: HGTV

Think outside of the box for storage items. Use old drawers or dressers for storing items like day-to-day odds and ends or maybe sweaters in an old dresser that has no drawers.

I hope you find the perfect treasure on your next visit to a flea market!

Carol