No. 720 | May , 29, 2014 Tel: 416.512.9874 - 647.521.9591
Amber carrying chairsOne of my favorite pastimes is hitting the flea market. Nothing is more satisfying than scoring a killer piece at a discount — am I right?! I’m sure some people would rather get a root canal before voluntarily spending an afternoon sorting through a lot of trash at the flea before stumbling across a treasure, but I’m not one of them. I’m here to share a few tips on how to make your flea experience a successful one, ensuring you don’t leave empty handed!
table, measure your living room before you go to ensure that your new purchase will fit. Nothing deflates your excitement more than discovering the great piece you just found won’t work in the space. 2. Set a budget. It’s easy to get carried away and make impulse purchases in the moment, so go in with a budget to keep you from having buyer’s remorse at the end of the day.
Amber sorting through artwork at Amber digging through pillows at the flea market the flea market 3. See the potential in pieces 1. Measure before you go. Go to that others may have passed up, the flea market with a game plan. whether you’re searching for art, If you’re looking for a new coffee fabrics or furniture. And keep in
mind that furniture can always be reupholstered, cleaned up and refinished. So look for pieces with great bones and see its possibilities, not its limitations. Amber inspecting an textile at the flea market
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5. Take your item for a spin. If it’s a pair of chairs you’re looking at, sit in them and make sure they’re comfortable and don’t wobble.
Amber sitting testing out a chair indigo at the flea
4. What are “good bones”? Look for pieces that have character, great craftsmanship and attention to detail. Details such as handstitching, embroidery and nailheads always elevate a piece.
6. Walk away and think it over if you’re not 100 percent sold on an item. This will keep you from making impulse purchases and will give you more negotiating power if you come back later in the day and it’s still there.