Stories from the Emporium

Hints and Tips • Aug 6, 2024

Antique, Vintage and Retro

When shopping around for pre-loved furniture, you may come across these three terms: antique, vintage, and retro. These terms can be confusing if you’re new to buying used furniture. After all, aren’t they all just different ways of saying “old”? We’re here to clarify these terms and assist you in your furniture-buying endeavours! Antique An […]

Hints and Tips • Jul 30, 2024

Cast Iron Baths: Why choose one?

Cast iron baths are an enduring staple of vintage-inspired homes. Built-in apron-fronted bathtubs may have taken over as the traditional choice for most homes, but who wants to be traditional? If you’re doing a bathroom refurb, these luxurious tubs are sure to tempt you. What is cast iron? Cast iron is a class of iron-carbon […]

Hints and Tips • Jul 9, 2024

Persian Rugs: Crash Course

Persian rugs are a longtime staple of luxury decor. You’re probably familiar with their general aesthetic, but you may not know the details that make each rug unique and special. In honour of our July 20% off sale on rugs, we’re here to give you a quick crash course on Persian rugs. History Carpet weaving […]

Hints and Tips • Jun 11, 2024

All About Antique Bottles

Antique bottles stand out as one of the most popular collector’s items. To the uninitiated, this might seem strange. After all, what’s so desirable about an old bottle? Well, we’re here to tell you! Size Whether you’re a casual collector or a dedicated labeorphilist, an antique bottle can fit into your life. You could have […]

Hints and Tips • Jun 4, 2024

Reupholstery: Tips, Tricks & Inspiration

Feeling behind the summer trends? Dull furniture making you blue? …Reupholstery to the rescue! Decorating your home for a new season doesn’t have to mean buying all new furniture. Working with what you already have is a great way to create unique pieces without contributing to overconsumption. Of course, deciding to reupholster a piece is […]

Hints and Tips • May 28, 2024

Why Choose Antique this Father’s Day

Father’s Day shopping can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Here are five reasons to choose antique this Father’s Day. 1. Thoughtfulness Too often typical Father’s Day gifts tend to be whatever shower gel set was on offer at the chemist. Why not break tradition by opting for something more personal? Choosing […]

Hints and Tips • May 20, 2024

Vintage Garden Guide

As the seasons change, a flock of new trends for the garden fly in. At OTSE, we believe in disregarding the trends and embracing the style and sustainability of vintage. Here are our tips for putting together a vintage garden that will attract the envy of your neighbours. 1. Statues When it comes to vintage […]

Hints and Tips • Apr 30, 2024

How to Care for Antiques

Antiques are a stylish and sustainable way to add a special touch to your home. Each item has its own unique history – sometimes even centuries worth! We believe that such significant items should be preserved for as long as possible, whether that be with us or in your home.  Anyone who wants to preserve […]

Hints and Tips • Aug 4, 2022

Furniture Oil – How to use effectively?

Furniture Oil A very common problem with antique furniture is surface scratches. To pay a furniture restorer to repair a scratch can be expensive. However, if you don’t want to restore your furniture to new, but just want to make it look nice again, there is a very simple solution: Furniture Oil. We use a […]