Flea market lover Mirva found an Arabia design treasure in the free section: “It brings a smile to my face”

I scour flea markets for...these days for just about everything, and I try to buy as much as possible secondhand. Often, older items are noticeably more durable than the new ones sold in stores. It would feel silly to buy something new when you can find much higher-quality and more affordable options secondhand.

Sometimes I end up with... somewhat newer items, but I believe the best finds are from the 1960s to the 1990s. The objects I especially fall in love with are often the ones I remember from my childhood, bringing back the vibe of those decades.

I scour flea markets when... whenever possible. Often, even our vacations revolve around flea market stops. The kids also love browsing and making their own little discoveries. Going to flea markets as a family is a fun activity, and at the same time, the children learn to appreciate older items and the value of recycling.

I’ve acquired too many... lamps. I always figure I’ll find a place for a new one somewhere, but sometimes there's just no place for them. Then they stay in storage, waiting for their moment.

I’ll always remember when... I found the Arabia Kerä pot I’d been searching for in the free section. Every time I see it, it brings a smile to my face and reminds me that patience can lead to amazing treasures.

I manage to make good finds because... my longtime flea market hobby has taught me to spot quality items among the rest. It’s a skill to read an item’s history and see its potential. Often, a little restoration or cleaning works wonders.

One day I wish to discover... a yellow Aurinkopullo vase by Helena Tynell at a reasonable price. I’ll be over the moon.