6 Flea Market Items Designers Never Pass Up—And You Shouldn’t Either

Part of the fun of visiting flea markets is that you never know exactly what you might come across. Since inventory can be so variable, even from week to week, any flea market regular will tell you not to go shopping with a specific list in mind—after all, this may only lead to disappointment.

However, it’s still wise to have a general sense of categories of products that you’re looking for in order to establish a bit of direction (and stick to a budget!) as you shop. Instead of telling yourself you specifically need a blue, mid-century modern style table lamp, you might instead make note that you want to check out the accent lighting available.

Wondering what other categories to add to your list? Keep reading to learn what pro interior designers always recommend searching for while visiting the flea.

Books

The designers we spoke with unanimously agreed that one absolutely must check out the books section at any flea market.

Whether you purchase new titles to read or are just looking for decorative books to fill the shelves of your built-ins, you can’t go wrong shopping for these secondhand. Alex Yeske, the founder of Alex Yeske Interiors, has had good luck sourcing inexpensive books for plenty of styling projects. It doesn’t matter if titles aren’t in pristine condition, either—the designer actually appreciates those with some character.

“Vintage or worn books add so much texture to bookshelves,” Yeske says. “You’ll often discover books you’ve never seen before.”

Better yet, flea markets are chock-full of titles that are different from those adorning the shelves in your neighbor’s house.

Juliana Ghani, the founder of G. Atelier Design, is also drawn to secondhand books and magazines since books are a simple way to layer.

Best of all, Ghani adds, you’ll always find a spot for them.

“I style books in almost every room I design,” Ghani says. “They tell stories, and they make a space feel lived-in and thoughtful.”  

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Ceramics

Yeske likes to stock up on various ceramic pieces at the flea market, noting that she is partial to vintage, antique, and modern handmade pieces alike. She will style these on bookshelves, repurpose them as vases, and more. You can even repurpose a pretty ceramic find and turn it into a gift, for example, just add some freshly cut flowers into a chic ceramic vase and present it to a friend as a hostess or housewarming gift.

Candlesticks

You will very often come across candlesticks at flea markets, and there’s a style for every aesthetic. Esther Ellard, the founder of Effortless Designs, is drawn to candlesticks made from an array of materials, including brass, pewter, and wood. She will then style them on mantels, dining tables, nightstands, and beyond in the homes that she designs.

“This flea market find has been my secret weapon to elevating the smallest spaces in our projects,” Ellard says.

Art

Designers generally agree that flea market art is always worth looking through—Ghani shares that art is one of her favorite things to look for while shopping secondhand.

“The best part is how affordable it can be,” she says. “You can build an entire art collection over time without breaking the bank.”

Lighting

While at the flea market, don’t forget to take a look at any light fixtures that are for sale. Ghani likes to browse through vintage sconces, pendant lights, and old desk lamps.

“There’s a richness to the materials; the aged brass, the handblown glass, that you just don’t get with something new,” she says.

Side Tables

Flea markets aren’t just for smaller goods; many also feature larger furnishings, such as side tables, which Ellard always likes to check out.

Ellard loves to hunt for a perfect quirky table that adds character. She looks for something with turned legs, subtle details, or a unique shape that’s hard to come by in retail stores.