Our Blog
Discover the history behind our treasures, tips for collectors, and the latest news from On The Square Emporium.
Explore Irish whiskey mirrors, Guinness collectables, advertising signs and pub furniture ahead of our timed online auction, closing from noon on Sunday 25 October 2026.
Looking for a Halloween outing in Bangor? Visit the On the Skull Emporium for a free-entry Halloween shop and a scary animatronic walkthrough.
On The Square Emporium’s June Auction, “The Extraordinary Auction”, is living up to its name. The latest Lots to be announced are 4 original Banksy’s! Due to the recent unmasking of Banksy by Reuters reporters there has been a surge in interest in the famous street artist. A local collector heard about the up and coming auction and […]
With 2026 declared the year of antiquing, its time that everyone gave it a go! So what is “Antiquing”? Well as the name suggests it is about antiques. Its not just the buying of antiques but everything that goes with it! It is about the hunt for antiques, travelling to different antique shops, markets and auctions. Antiquing is the experience, getting out for the day looking […]
2026 is the year of antiquing! Discover why couples who antique together stay together, and why visiting antique shops is the new date night.
It’s 2026, and interior fashion is all about style and sustainability, goodbye showroom furniture, hello pre-loved pieces. Your home should be a reflection of your unique personality, and this year’s key trends showcase warmth, natural textures, and a touch of nostalgia. With this in mind, we have refreshed our Christmas dining area to create a […]
Meet the Artist Behind the Magic Johnny Hamilton, better known as Jossiepops, is a Belfast-based street artist who’s taken Northern Ireland’s art scene by storm. This self-proclaimed “Paid Doodler & Wall Dog” combines nostalgia-fueled imagery with raw street art energy, creating bold prints and murals that stop people in their tracks. What started as a […]
The weekend of June 28-29, 2025 marked a historic moment as On The Square Emporium hosted Northern Ireland's largest antiques fair at the former Dicksons Garden Centre in Bangor, featuring 40+ dealers and thousands of visitors.
Small bathrooms so often suffer a simple fate. They get neglected from the decoration scheme of your home, keeping only the essential items. It is easy to believe that there is no room for personality in your small bathroom, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Even the smallest space has room for big […]
Autumn is just around the corner – and autumn trends are already here! As the leaves change, you may feel the itch to change up your interior. At OTSE, we’re all about expressing individual style rather than following fast-furniture trends. However, we also believe it’s possible to take some inspiration from trends while remaining sustainable. […]
Summer may be coming to an end, but our upcoming artist showcase is sure to brighten your day! This quarter, we’re embracing the freedom of expression found in graffiti-style art. Chris Mcguiggan / Codo The featured artist for this exhibit is Chris Mcguiggan, also known as Codo Art. Chris is an artist based in Bangor, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Plastic Free July is a yearly event begun by the Plastic Free Foundation. They aim to help people find alternatives to single-use plastic, forming habits that will last all year. You probably already know the obvious tips. Reusable water bottles, paper straws and bags for life are commonplace these days, but what about the bigger […]
Dearest readers… The internet is abuzz with the latest gossip! The third season of Bridgerton aired to rave reviews, and now we can’t get enough of the Regencycore aesthetic. If you’re a Bridgerton fan, you know this aesthetic well. If you aren’t, worry not! On the Square Emporium is here to spill the details of […]
Introducing vintage decor into your home can be daunting. These days, trends move at the speed of light. Financial and time constraints mean people often choose convenience over beauty and longevity. You may think there is no room for vintage and antique items in your life, but that is not the case! With the help […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
