Vintage wizard Iivari found a rare Aalto stool in a recycling center’s free section: “Design is an excellent investment”
Vintage seller Iivari Viilomaa heads out in pursuit of finds even as far as Denmark. The time spent studying and the support from fellow collectors help him discover true treasures. You can follow Iivari’s finds on his Finvint Instagram account.
I search flea markets for...items that catch my eye and have a fascinating backstory to explore.
Sometimes I pick up...so-called “mystery items,” whose history can take years to uncover. Some end up buried in a cabinet, but every now and then, the hard work really pays off.
My superpower at flea markets is...my memory. Even if I can’t identify an item right away, I often remember seeing it somewhere before. My extensive network of fellow collectors also includes several identification wizards who often lend a hand.
I frequent flea markets because...I value recycling and I’m interested in the stories behind old objects. Design is also an excellent investment!
I have a keen eye for...glassware. I’ve studied the colors, styles, and manufacturing methods of different factories and designers, so I can quickly track down information about a piece. When you have a burning passion for something, studying it feels easy and rewarding.
I last visited...flea markets around Europe with my wife. We spent several days exploring local shops and flea markets in Denmark, where I found stunning Danish furniture that quickly sold from my vintage shop and went on to delight new owners.
The best flea market...at least in terms of the amount of treasures, is the Nihtisilta Recycling Center in Espoo. I’ve visited it thousands of times. However, I’d say my top flea market towns are Salo or Kotka, both of which have several great spots.
