Guest Blogger: 5 Best Flea Markets to Find Kids Room Decor

Guest Blogger #251, Entry #754, November 10, 2011

Most parents are content to populate an infant’s room with pieces that are new and modular or even hand-me-downs from family or friends that no longer need a crib or changing table.  After all, babies don’t know the difference.  But as your kids grow, you may want to give their rooms a little more panache, and you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to do it.  You can find furnishings, accessories, and all kinds of decorations for a child’s room in a manner that is both eco-friendly and cost effective when you visit a nearby flea market.  And here are a few of the best ones to visit across America when you’re looking to make the old new for your kids.

Flea market finds can be painted and turned into unique decor pieces

Image via: Ojoli

Rose Bowl

This Pasadena staple occurs the second Sunday of every month and you’re practically guaranteed good weather throughout the year.  There are 2,500 booths to peruse and although you’ll be shopping with about 20,000 other people, the venue is large enough to accommodate.  You probably won’t be able to see it all in a day, but one side of the stadium parking lot seems to house the vendors that sell furnishings and home décor, so head left when you enter the show.  As a bonus you may get to snap a pic of your kid with a favorite celebrity to hang on the wall of his new room.

Springfield Antique Show

This Springfield, Ohio meet at the Clark County Fairground is famous for the fun and funky collections you’ll find there.  So if you’re looking for a few pieces that you won’t see anywhere else, this may be the place to go.  The two-day market sets up shop on the third weekend of each month (excluding June, July, and December) and May and September feature extravaganza weekends that start a day early.  Haggling is encouraged.
First Monday Trade Days (or Canton Flea Market).  This Texas flea market has been in operation for 150 years and it now plays host to so many vendors that it stretches out for 28 miles.  It starts on a Thursday and ends Sunday (prior to the first Monday of each month).  The only caveat is that you may have to make several trips in order to see it all.  Luckily, you can rent wagons, shopping carts, and even scooters at the main entrance (you might need them if you bring the kids along).

Take a vintage dresser and paint it for the perfect children’s furniture

Image via: Shabbychic Furniture

GreenFlea Market 

This market operates on the Upper West Side in Manhattan every Sunday, just like they have for the last 25+ years.  You’ll not only find antiques here, but also a wide assortment of handcrafted items from area artisans, which could provide you with some quirky new pieces for a child’s bedroom (some items are even made-to-order).  And the best part is, a portion of proceeds go to New York City schools; more than $4 mil has been donated since the inception of the market in 1985.

Vintage beds can make nostalgic furniture pieces too!

Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market

This Massachusetts market is mammoth in scope, covering a mile of route 20, filling 21 fields, and servings as the largest outdoor antique show in America.  In addition, it attracts residents from nearby New Hampshire, Vermont, and the other New England states, as well as people from across the globe.  But you’ll have to plan your trip because the market is only open Tuesday through Sunday three times a year (in May, July, and September) and you’ll have to check for the dates annually.

For more kids’ room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.