Romantic Homes Flea Market Guide

Courtney Allison: Treasure Hunting

The thrill of the hunt at a flea market is always exhilarating, not knowing just what waits around the next corner. Maybe it’ll be that elusive piece of china or stack of old signs you have been scouring every tag sale for. Or perhaps it’s the treasure you didn’t know you needed but suddenly realized you have to have. 

Courtney Allison: Treasure Hunting

I love shopping flea markets and tag sales simply to peruse or to search for something specific. And one of my favorite sources is shopped from the comfort of home. I have scored some of my most amazing antiques on Craigslist: the French buffet from the 1800s in the living room, that tall gilded floor mirror and even the French armoire in my bathroom, all found for bargain prices online.

But if you are more hands-on and want to roll up your sleeves and collect items as you go, here are some favorite spots to find the most unique and interesting pieces here in California:

Alameda Point Antiques Faire—Alameda, CA (1st Sunday of the month)

Goat Hill Fair —Santa Cruz, CA (twice a year)

Tumbleweed and Company —Roseville, CA (varies)

Courtney Allison: Treasure Hunting

My favorite things to look for are always changing, depending on what I am obsessed with at the moment or what I may need for styling, but there are some things that always repeat no matter what.

Vintage china with intricate and detailed patterns, and simple ironstone.

Anything brass or silver—I’m currently collecting silver trophies for flowers, old dome covers and brass candlesticks for a bigger splash on the fireplace mantel.

Old books without covers, chunky baskets and wood pieces that have weathered away a bit.

Vintage mirrors—The more mottled the glass, the better.

For more on Courtney Allison, visit frenchcountrycottage.net.

Rachel Ashwell: Seeking Authenticity

I’ve been going to flea markets since I was a little girl in London. On early mornings before daylight, I would arrive as vendors were setting up with flashlights—their only source of light. There was something magical to me about this world.

My dad dealt in rare illustrated books and my mum in antique dolls, which she painstakingly restored. I wasn’t so much interested in books or dolls, but I learned the tricks of the trade from my parents.

From my dad, I learned how to be focused and a quick walker and thinker. From my mum, I learned patience and being selective (going home empty-handed is preferable to buying things you don’t need), creativity and finding precious bits and bobs to repurpose. Today I frequent flea markets for the purposes of resale, inspiration and occasionally for my home. I just walk up and down most of the aisles and cover most of the shows, or “fields.”

Rachel Ashwell: Seeking Authenticity

I’m always happy when I can find one-of-a-kind, authentic treasures. When you’re at flea markets, it’s important to know what you’re looking for, or it can be quite overwhelming. Make a wish list, get rough measurements of what you are looking for and keep notes on the clearance measurements for access.

Take along the following:

A tape measure.

A flashlight if going early in the morning.

Layers of clothing, good walking shoes and a hat.

To bring items home, it might be worthwhile renting a pick-up truck, furniture blankets and bungie cords. However, some of the bigger antiques shows have shippers and porters on sight.

If you aren’t taking something home right away, get the phone number of the vendor and pictures of the surrounding area on your phone, or jot down some notes just in case.

Cash is the best tool for negotiating.

Rachel Ashwell: Seeking Authenticity

My favorite flea market finds:

Vintage wallpaper—I use it to line drawers.

Anything floral—I love floral carvings and floral prints on art and fabrics.

Chandeliers and table lamps—Whenever I buy lighting, I always get it checked out for safety.

Rugs of all sizes—I like to layer them, even smaller ones, always in my palette.

My favorite markets:

Los Angeles, CA: 

Rose Bowl

Long Beach

Santa Monica

England: 

Kempton Park

Ardingly

Shepton Mallett

My favorite of all is The Round Top Antiques Fair in Round Top, Texas, and I particularly love the following:

Marburger Farm Antique Show

Blue Hills

Warrenton

Zapp Hall

La Bahia In Excess

For more on Rachel Ashwell, visit shabbychic.com.

Marian Parsons: Digging for Gems

My love of flea markets started when I was just in high school, when my friends and I one day stumbled across one of the largest flea markets in Florida, and I knew immediately that this was my kind of place!

Since then, I have frequented hundreds of antique and flea markets from small roadside offerings to large-scale special events that draw hundreds of dealers and thousands of buyers from all over the country. These are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way…

Marian Parsons: Digging for Gems

Marian’s tips and tricks:

Not all flea markets are created equal. You really don’t know what the vibe of a flea market is until you get there. All the merchandise might be garage sale and auction leftovers or you might find high-end antiques (with high-end prices.) Go there knowing it might be a waste of time or it might be a goldmine.

Have a plan. Flea markets can be distracting and overwhelming—there’s so much stuff! A list of things you’re looking for will help you stay focused. It’s also a good idea to have dimensions of your space and a measuring tape, so you don’t buy something that doesn’t fit in your house!

Cash is king, but credit isn’t irrelevant. Cash used to be the only payment method accepted at flea markets, but more and more dealers are accepting credit cards. Cash will usually get you a better deal, though, so it’s still a good idea to have plenty on hand.

Cont…

Marian Parsons: Digging for Gems

Come prepared. Flea markets can be as exhausting as a day at an amusement park, so it helps to come prepared. Bring a cart, large canvas shopping bag or wagon to carry your purchases. I would also suggest bringing some plastic shopping bags to wrap around pieces that might be rusty or need a good cleaning. Also, bring a water bottle, hand sanitizer and some snacks in your bag to get through the day.

Be realistic. It’s easy to get carried away at a flea market. When you’re assessing a piece to purchase, especially a larger, high-ticket item, take a minute to think through the purchase. Do you love it? Will it work well with your style and in your home? Do you have the perfect spot for it? Is it in good condition? If it needs work, are you capable of doing it? Asking these questions can confirm that the purchase is a good one or help you avoid buyer’s remorse. Also, make sure you can get the piece home. Will it fit in your vehicle? Will you have help to unload it at the other end?

So grab some friends, take out some cash and go hunt for treasure!

For more on Marian Parsons, visit missmustardseed.com.