5 Easy Flea Market Makeovers
From end tables to metal trays, learn to make garage sale steals look like new.
July 15, 2009— -- You don't need to spend big bucks to make a big impact when you decorate your home.
Shopping garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops is always a great way to get a good deal, and you can identify hidden gems if you know what to look for and how to refurbish your finds. Some of the bargain buys can be transformed into eye-catching design pieces with a few simple steps.
1. Be Prepared: Always take stock of what you're shopping for and do all measurements at home. Flea markets and garage sales can be overwhelming because of the volume of items, unless you know what you're looking for.
2. Be Ready to Buy: Make sure you have enough cash, in small denominations.
3. Expect to Haggle: Negotiating is part of the process, and is expected.
4. Be Fashionably Late: Early arrivals might get the best selection, but it's actually better to arrive late if you want to make a deal.
5. Be Realistic: Examine every piece to make sure it can be fixed up and is worth purchasing. Some refurbishing, such as upholstery, can get expensive.
END TABLE MAKEOVER
A simple do-it-yourself project that can be tackled in a day, and transforms a dirt cheap find into a one-of-a-kind piece.
The Find:
You can generally find used end tables for approximately $30 each at flea markets or thrift shops.
The Cost:
$80 ($30 per end table, $50 for supplies), cheaper than most end tables at department stores, and its a one-of-a-kind, personalized piece.
You can turn a vintage metal tray into an instant message board with just hooks, nails and magnets.
The Find:
Metal trays are available starting at just $2 at thrift shops or flea markets.
The Cost:
$10 each ($2 for the tray, $8 for supplies)
BROOCHES BECOME MAGNETS
Vintage costume jewelry can be transformed into eye-catching magnets.
The Find:
Vintage brooches can be found for 25 cents and up each at many thrift stores or flea markets.
TEAPOTS TURNED CHINA LAMP
Garage sales are a great place to find inexpensive china, and you only need a few pieces to create a whimsical lamp -- no drilling required.
The Find:
Go to garage sales or flea markets in search of vintage tea set, available for $5 and up.
The Cost:
Under $25 total cost
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a piece of artwork, you can take everyday items found at flea markets -- or in your own home -- and display them in a frame. Skeleton keys, feathers, and match books are just a few items that all look great when framed.
The Cost:
Under $5
