TThe other day I wandered through our local Sunday flea market. Some visits end empty-handed — part of the rhythm of slow decorating — but once in a while I find a little gem that makes every trip worthwhile. This was one of those days.
Right at the entrance I spotted an amazing rattan shelving unit. Solid and well made, it stood about six and a half feet tall. I knew immediately it would be perfect for my office. Twenty minutes later it was home and in place. No shipping, no long wait — just the satisfaction of finding a unique piece locally.
Compared with the heavier bookcases I had before, this rattan shelf feels open and airy without looking flimsy. It adds texture and personality while remaining highly functional.
When I shop flea markets or thrift stores, it helps to know my own style and what I can use at home, while also being aware of retail options and price points. That way I can recognize a true bargain. I’d seen a similar rattan bookshelf at an online shop for around $700 plus shipping. I paid $80 for mine, so it felt like a great find and validated my buy: it was something I wanted and it was worth the price.
I placed the shelf between my desk and the window and I love the result. Although I don’t need more book storage in my office, the unit works beautifully for notebooks, magazines, small baskets, mail holders and filing, and it provides a tidy spot for routers and other tech that used to sit on the floor.
You might recall another secondhand piece in this room — a vintage secretary and hutch on the opposite wall — so I’m enjoying how much useful, attractive storage I’ve added without sacrificing style.
Several readers have asked where I find flea markets and what they’re like. While I’m no expert, we’re fortunate to have a local Sunday flea market held inside a warehouse beside a well-stocked vintage shop called Uptown Mercantile & Marketplace. On Sunday afternoons vendors bring vintage and gently used items to sell in booths, and I’ve discovered many good finds there over time.
Items I’ve brought home from visits include a green garden stool, a white entry dresser, an iron arbor for the yard, and now this rattan shelf. Those little treasures are part of what makes hunting at flea markets so rewarding.
Photo via Kitsap Sun
For the curious, this photo shows the flea market from the outside; the warehouse entrance is on the right.
And here’s a shot of the inside on the day I bought the shelving unit.
There are always so many treasures to explore.
I don’t furnish my whole home from flea markets, but nearly every room contains at least one secondhand piece. Mixing vintage and thrifted finds into your decor helps create a distinctive look — pieces that are meaningful and unlikely to be duplicated in someone else’s home.
What secondhand treasures have you found lately?
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