5 Flea Market Items You Can't Pass Up: Going Shabby Chic

Distinctive charm cannot be bought first-hand. An authentic shabby chic decor incorporates just the right mix of new, old and "oh my goodness, where did you find that piece?" When you shop the flea markets, second hand stores or yard sales there are certain items you should not pass up. Shabby chic should not focus on finding 10 of one thing, but thing, but rather 10 different things all connected in some way. The connection could be chipped paint. Or maybe you're drawn to the worn down look of a once shiny object, or they could all be categorized in the same way: old fashioned toys, milk jug related items or painted pieces of wood which all once served a purpose.

5 Flea Market Items You Can't Pass Up: Going Shabby Chic

Drawers - You don't need the heavy furniture that goes with them, drawers are treasures on their own.
* Use on bookshelves to store small items, or stacked upright and serve as book ends.
* Stack drawers (make your own drawer tops or frames) to use as an end table.
* Store shoes in narrow drawers under beds, bureaus or benches.
* Keep photos or vacation trinkets in small drawers on a bureau.

Food Boxes - Metal food boxes are gold!
* Use a bread box, the metal type with a mirrored front to store baked goods in a small pantry space.
* For the bread box which is not good enough for food, store bills, mail or use it for art supplies.
* An old nickel-colored milk bottle box is a great stow-away for magazines or books in the bathroom.

Picture Frames, Frame Mirrors
* Use deep frames or mirrors as vanity trays for perfume and make up.
* Organize make up in drawers with smaller frames, but still with a deep frame, to keep lipstick from rolling out.

Sports Items Including Bowling Balls
* Add some whimsy to your shabby chic home's garden with random placement of old bowling balls int the garden. Place them near plant urns or chairs.
* Old croquet balls become mysterious and almost alien orbs when you place them in flower beds.

Ironwork - Any type of iron work, from broken fences to old outdoor faucet handles should be snagged.
* Prop old gates on mantles or by the fireplace.
* Round and flat pieces of iron can be the resting place for candles.