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11 Ways to Decorate Walls With Yard Sale Finds

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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You don't have to spend a bundle on expensive art to give your space a little wow factor. Whether you're into sports gear, quirky art or sculptural objects, yard sales and flea markets are chock-full of unique and affordable wall decor. Here are 11 creative and affordable ways to decorate your walls with thrifty finds.

Pennants Above Desk

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Creative Groupings

Consider the shape of the items when planning their arrangement. Go for maximum impact with a fun, eye-catching display.

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Vintage Sports Gear

Whether it's badminton racquets, boxing gloves or a well-worn set of oars, retro sports gear gives your home a lot of personality.

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Vintage Medical Charts

Vintage anatomical illustrations are not only a nostalgic throwback to 8th-grade science class, they're excellent wall decor thanks to their large size and unusual subject matter. Talk about a conversation starter!

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Paint-by-Numbers Artwork

These amateur paintings are usually very colorful and just kitschy enough to be a conversation starter. Wildly popular in the '50s, these paintings are super trendy right now.

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Party-Themed Decor

Whether it's interactive like a dart board or a colorful oversized flyer, party-themed objects add a casual, fun vibe and look really graphic.

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Retail Throwbacks

Retro retail lettering from old stores is a great way to add a personal touch to any space. Look for words that express your interests to give it a more meaningful spin.

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Maps + Charts

You can't go wrong with the classic charm of a vintage map or geological chart. They come in all sizes, ranging from easy-to-frame poster size to extra-large institutional size.

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Unique Portraits

Portraits of people you don't know are a little mysterious which makes them an excellent conversation starter. Consider hanging a gallery of vintage portraits, then make a party game out of your retro artwork. Challenge guests to make up their backstories at your next get together.

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Fly a Flag

If you're into a more minimal look and love large-scale art, hang a flag on your wall. Not only does it add interest and color, it creates a layer of softness, too.

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Midcentury Tapestries

Tapestries are easy to hang and add interesting shape, pattern and texture to any gallery wall.

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Mirror, Mirror

Everyone needs a mirror in their space, and a yard sale or flea market is the best place to score one for a deal. If you don't like the frame's finish, paint it a fun color to give it a more contemporary spin.

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