8 Simple Tips To Find Farmhouse Decor At A Barn Sale

If you like to decorate your home with authentic farmhouse decor and antiques, a barn sale is going to be like walking through the promised land!

What Exactly Is A Barn Sale?

As the name implies, a barn sale is a special event where venders set up booths in and around a barn. The booths are filled to the brim with so many amazing finds! You’ll find a variety of things including antique tools, crocks, dishes, baskets, and the list goes on. And you can typically get some really nice antique and vintage items for really good prices!

All of the items will be “one of” so every barn sale will be a little different. You never know what you might come across!

First Time Barn Sale Goer?

If you’ve never been to a barn sale and you’re thinking about making a trip to one, I’ve got some tips to make your first time a more enjoyable one. It’s so much fun and you don’t want to ruin the experience by not being prepared!

Tips For A Barn Sale Trip:

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes/Clothes!

You’ll be on your feet all day long and sometimes even in the most comfortable footwear your “dogs will be barking”, as the old timers say. It’s also not the time to be making a fashion statement. I’m all for dressing attractively and cute, but make sure whatever you wear is comfortable and appropriate for the weather. You can thank me later.

2. Bring Cash

Many sellers have the capabilities to accept credit cards these days, but not all do. You have a good chance of missing out on the perfect basket for your collection if you don’t come prepared to pay in good old American dollar bills.

3. Make A List Of Items You’re Looking For

Also, make sure the other people that you’re shopping with know what your “must have” items are so they can let you know if they spot one. You’d be amazed how each time you pass through the booths you see different things. Which leads me to the next tip.

4. Make Multiple Walk Throughs

There is so much stuff to see and your brain can only process so much at a time. Add that to the fact that venders only have so much space and are constantly putting out new items as things sell. You definitely want to make multiple passes through the sale as the day goes.

5. Have a Strategy

I’m a rather slow “looker” because I like to really take my time and try not to miss anything. So what I like to do is walk through fairly quickly when we get there to see if anything jumps out at me. I’ll be thinking about my “must have” items and things that I know sell quick and be on the lookout for those specific items. Then I’ll walk through more slowly and do my “don’t miss anything” looking.

6. Be Prepared To Haggle

Most every seller prices things higher than what they’d actually like to get for an item. That way if people try to haggle they have a little wiggle room and if a buyer pays what the item is marked, then they actually make more than their “bottom line” is. Don’t be afraid to ask if they can take less or even make an offer. Cash in hand is a mighty good incentive to make a bargain with a buyer!

7. Pack An Ice Chest With Water

I’m a big time fan of packing snacks and drinks. It’s absolutely no fun to be at a great sale but feel like you’re going to pass out from heat and low blood sugar. Many sales have refreshments to purchase but I like to bring my own {for cheaper} so I have more money to buy treasures!

8. Only Buy Things That You Really Love

In this day and age, it’s so easy to get buried in “stuff”. There’s so much clutter and paper and…well, just stuff. I’ve made a personal rule that when I’m out thrifting or at a sale, I can only buy something to keep if I really, really love it. Because otherwise it’s just stuff that’s taking up precious space and adding stress and clutter to my home.

Our Most Recent Barn Sale Scores

Watch the video below to see what my mom and I brought home from our most recent barn sale excursion!

 

Other Farmhouse Decorating Posts You Might Like:

Finding Authentic Farmhouse Decor at Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

 

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