Counting House Inc: A Charleston Art Supply Store with Deep Local Roots

What Counting House Inc offers and where to find it

Counting House Inc is an independent art supply store located in Charleston that carries drawing materials, paints, papers, and specialty items for fine artists, students, and hobbyists. The store sits at the intersection of Charleston's art community and its commercial history—the building itself has been part of the city's downtown fabric for generations, and the shop reflects that continuity by stocking both everyday supplies and harder-to-find professional-grade materials.

The store is walkable from the Historic District and serves as a gathering point for local artists who know the staff by name and return for specific product recommendations. Unlike big-box retailers that stock generic assortments, Counting House curates its inventory around what Charleston's working artists actually use, which means you'll find depth in certain categories and personal guidance on choices that matter.

Key Takeaways

• Counting House Inc is an independent Charleston art supply store that stocks professional and student-grade materials across drawing, painting, and paper categories.
• The store's location in downtown Charleston makes it accessible to artists in the Historic District and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Staff at Counting House have working knowledge of materials and can recommend specific products based on your medium and skill level.
• The store carries specialty and hard-to-find items alongside everyday supplies, so it's worth visiting if you need something beyond what chain retailers stock.

Drawing and sketching supplies

Counting House stocks pencils, charcoal, pastels, and graphite in ranges that let you move from student work to professional output. The selection includes both familiar brands and specialty makers—the kind of depth that matters when you're trying to match a specific hardness, texture, or paper tooth. Staff can point you toward the right pencil grade or charcoal type for the technique you're working on, rather than steering you toward whatever's on sale.

The store also carries sketchbooks and drawing pads in different weights and finishes, so you can find paper that matches your medium rather than settling for what's available at a pharmacy or general retailer. If you're experimenting with a new technique or medium, the staff can usually suggest what other artists in Charleston have found works well.

Painting materials and pigments

Whether you work in watercolor, acrylic, or oil, Counting House carries paint in student and professional grades. The range lets you buy affordable supplies while you're learning and upgrade to higher-pigment paints as your work develops. The store also stocks brushes, mediums, and solvents specific to each medium, so you're not guessing about compatibility or quality.

Professional artists in Charleston often source specialty pigments and hard-to-find colors through Counting House rather than ordering online, because the staff can show you the actual color and discuss how it will behave in your chosen medium. That kind of hands-on guidance saves money and frustration when you're working on a piece that matters.

Paper, boards, and substrates

The store carries fine art papers in weights and finishes suited to different techniques—cold-pressed watercolor paper, smooth illustration board, textured charcoal paper, and specialty sheets for printmaking and mixed media. You can buy single sheets to test before committing to a pad, which matters when you're trying a new technique or paper type for the first time.

Counting House also stocks mounting boards, mat board, and other substrates that artists need for finishing and framing work. Having these materials in one place means you can complete a project without multiple stops around the city.

Why local artists choose Counting House

Charleston's art community is active and interconnected—galleries, studios, and artist collectives operate throughout the city, and many of those artists have relationships with Counting House that go back years. The store functions as a meeting point and information hub, where you can learn about local shows, studio open houses, and artist groups while you're picking up supplies.

The staff understand the local art scene and can recommend materials based on what other Charleston artists are using for similar work. That kind of embedded knowledge—knowing which papers hold up best in the city's humidity, which paints work well for plein air painting in the Lowcountry, which brushes last longest—comes from being part of the community rather than following a corporate playbook.

Hours, location, and what to bring

Counting House Inc is located in downtown Charleston within walking distance of the Historic District. Hours vary by season and day, so calling ahead or checking their posted hours before your visit ensures you don't make a trip when they're closed. The store is small enough that you can browse the full inventory in 20 to 30 minutes, though conversations with staff about specific projects or materials can extend that.

If you're working on a specific piece or technique, bringing a photo or sample of your work helps staff recommend materials that will actually serve what you're trying to do. If you're new to a medium, the staff can walk you through what you'll need to get your free guide without overselling you on items you won't use yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Counting House carry supplies for all art mediums?

The store focuses on drawing, painting, and paper-based work. If you work primarily in sculpture, ceramics, or other three-dimensional media, you may need to supplement with specialty retailers. Calling ahead with your specific needs ensures they have what you're looking for.

Can I return supplies if they don't work for my project?

Return policies vary by item and condition. Unopened, unused supplies are typically returnable, but opened paints, inks, or specialty papers may not be. Ask about the return policy when you purchase, especially if you're trying a new product or brand.

Do they offer discounts for bulk purchases or regular customers?

Many independent art stores offer loyalty programs or discounts for regular customers or larger orders. Ask the staff about any programs they run—relationships with local artists often come with benefits that aren't posted on the wall.

What's the difference between student and professional grade supplies?

Student-grade paints and materials use fewer pigments and more filler, making them cheaper and fine for learning. Professional-grade supplies have higher pigment content, richer color, and better longevity. Staff at Counting House can explain the difference for your specific medium and help you decide when to upgrade.

Can I order supplies online or by phone if I can't visit in person?

Many independent retailers offer phone orders and mail delivery. Contact Counting House directly to ask about ordering options and shipping costs, especially if you need specialty items they stock but you can't visit the store.