Antique Sourcing and Buying in UK: Where to Begin Antique sourcing and buying in UK can feel like a huge world to explore and honestly, it is. Whether you’re just starting or already obsessed with vintage finds, getting your hands on the right pieces takes a little knowledge, a good eye, and the right people in your corner. In this post, I’ll share how to approach antique sourcing and buying in UK with confidence. These are tips based on experience, not just theory so you can actually use them and get real results. Why the UK Is a Goldmine for Antique Lovers One of the reasons antique sourcing and buying in UK is so exciting is because of how much history this place holds. From old country estates to tiny village auctions, there’s always something waiting to be discovered. Even everyday objects here often come with centuries of craftsmanship behind them. If you’re someone who values design with depth, the UK is the perfect place to explore. 1. Start With Trusted Antique Shops One of the best ways to find authentic pieces is to build relationships with trusted antique shops. These aren’t your average big-brand stores they’re often run by people who live and breathe antiques. Many of them have deep knowledge and take pride in curating what they sell. You can also explore online platforms like The Saleroom, which hosts live auctions across the UK. Just make sure to check seller reviews and ask questions when buying online. 2. Ask the Story Behind the Piece Good sourcing isn’t just about looks it’s about meaning. Every antique has a story. Maybe it was handmade by a local craftsman, maybe it traveled across countries, or maybe it sat in someone’s family home for generations. When I source for clients, I always try to learn the history behind each piece. It adds emotional value and makes your find feel even more special. 3. Sell With Confidence, Not Guesswork Many people don’t realize they might be sitting on antiques worth good money. If you’re looking to sell antique furniture, artwork, or ceramics, don’t just list it randomly online. You might end up underselling it. Instead, consider working with a buyer who understands the value of what you have. At Curated By Emiel, I offer a personalized antique sourcing and buying service in the UK, which includes fair assessments and direct buying so you skip the auction fees and guesswork. Learn more about how I buy antiques directly from sellers 4. Focus on Condition, But Don’t Be Afraid of Flaws A little wear and tear isn’t always bad. In fact, it’s what gives antiques their charm. That faded paint, those scuff marks they show that a piece has lived. When sourcing antiques, I look for balance: something in good condition that still feels authentic. Restoration can help, but don’t chase perfection. Look for soul. 5. Work With Someone Who Gets Your Style This is underrated. Not every antique is right for every space. That’s why I take the time to understand my clients’ taste, their homes, and their vibe. Whether you want a bold centerpiece or subtle accents, your collection should reflect who you are. Having a curator who can handle both sourcing and buying makes the whole journey easier, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. I take care of the digging, research, and negotiation you just enjoy the find. Final Thoughts Antique sourcing and buying in UK isn’t about collecting random items. It’s about finding the right piece, at the right time, with the right energy. When done right, it can completely transform your space and add a unique personal touch that no mass-produced item ever could. If you’re ready to start your antique journey or if you’ve got something you’re ready to part with, I’d love to help. Let’s find something that feels meant for you.
Buy antiques online in the UK with confidence and excitement — here’s what I’ve learned over the years. You know what’s funny?The first antique I ever bought wasn’t some big, fancy purchase.It was a little ceramic jug I found at a random local auction I’d wandered into with my parents when I was just a kid.I didn’t even know what I was doing — I just thought it looked cool. That day kicked off a journey I didn’t expect.And now, after 30+ years of searching, buying, learning (and sometimes making mistakes), I’m here, helping people just like you buy antiques online in the UK — safely and confidently. So let me share some real-life tips I wish someone had told me when I was getting started. 1. Start With Trusted Antique Shops Let’s be honest — buying online can feel a little risky.Especially with antiques, where you can’t see or touch the piece in person. If you want to buy antiques online in the UK and actually feel good about it, always start with shops that have great reviews, honest photos, and detailed stories about what they’re selling. 👉 At Curated By Emiel, I personally hand-pick every piece.Sometimes I find things in tiny Scottish villages, little hidden spots you’d probably miss if you drove right past them. 👉 Always go for trusted antique shops in UK that genuinely care about their pieces — not just making a sale. 2. Double-Check the Details (Seriously, Bro) Ever bought something online, and when it arrived you were like,“Wait… this is what I ordered?”Yeah, same. 👉 When you buy antiques online in the UK, always — and I mean always — check the size, the condition, and the shipping info. A few minutes reading the fine print can save you a lot of headaches later.At Curated By Emiel, I always give you those small but important details upfront.No surprises. 3. Pick What Feels Right to You (It’s a Whole Vibe) Antiques aren’t just old stuff, bro.They tell stories.They bring character into your space.You should always pick pieces that feel right for you — things that click with your style and energy. 👉 Whether it’s vintage decor from Edinburgh, tribal art, or something totally quirky, buy antiques online in the UK that you actually vibe with. At Curated By Emiel, I pick pieces that feel like they can fit into modern homes but still carry their own little story. 👉 You can also buy vintage online in UK right from our store — no need to hunt for hours. 4. Don’t Get Fooled by Crazy Prices Real talk — just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s valuable.When you’re looking to buy antiques online in the UK, compare prices. If something feels sketchy, trust your gut. At Curated By Emiel, I don’t believe in overpricing just to look fancy.I just genuinely love connecting cool pieces with the right people. 5. Ask Questions — Always If you’re not sure, ask. Seriously.A real, trusted antique shop in the UK will happily answer your questions. I actually love when people reach out and ask about a piece’s story, where it came from, or even ask for extra photos.It shows you care.👉 You can hit me up anytime — I love talking about antiques. 💬 Final Thoughts from Emiel Buying antiques online in the UK isn’t about playing it safe — it’s about finding something that speaks to you. Something that brings a little story into your space. I’ve been living this life for decades, and it never gets old.(Okay, the pieces get old — but you know what I mean 😅.) 👉 Feel free to check out the collection at Curated By Emiel — I might just have something waiting for you. And hey, follow us on socials — I share new finds there all the time. You don’t wanna miss them.
If you are reading this then you made it to my new site and the start of a what I hope will be a long and successful business doing something I love and have had a passion for since I was a child! So thank you for visiting Curated by Emiel. The last few months have been pretty crazy working on this project, from designing the site with my team to the boring admin stuff and of course the fun part of sourcing all of the items that you can see on the site. We source from everywhere and Flo & I are always on the lookout for interesting pieces to bring to you. We recently visited an antique fair in Fife at the weekend and picked up a few pieces that will be live on the site soon. As we grow we hope to be able to bring you more beautiful and interesting pieces that will fit perfectly into your home or work space. You can contact us if you have any questions about the business, Flo & myself or our curations through the variety of contact points on the site. Don’t be shy! Sign up to our mailing list to be kept up to date with new items and for any specific requests you may have. And remember Old things are better than new things, because they’ve got stories in them! More to follow very soon……
