Bobo & Co: A Charleston Furniture Store Focused on Handmade and Vintage Pieces

What Bobo & Co offers and where to find it

Bobo & Co is a furniture and home décor store in Charleston that specializes in handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind pieces rather than mass-produced inventory. The store curates items from local makers, estate sales, and international sources, so the stock changes regularly and you won't find the same sofa or table in every location. If you're looking for a specific style—mid-century modern, farmhouse, eclectic bohemian, or something in between—the mix here leans toward character and craftsmanship over uniformity.

The store is located in downtown Charleston, in a neighborhood with other independent shops and restaurants. Hours and exact address are best confirmed by calling ahead or checking their social media, since independent furniture stores sometimes adjust their schedule seasonally or for special events. Parking downtown can be tight, so arriving early or on a weekday may make the visit easier.

Key Takeaways

• Bobo & Co stocks handmade and vintage furniture rather than new mass-produced pieces, so each item is distinct and inventory changes regularly.
• The store carries work from local Charleston makers alongside curated vintage finds, supporting regional artisans and craftspeople.
• Prices reflect the handmade and vintage nature of the inventory, so expect to pay more than chain furniture stores but for pieces built to last.
• Downtown parking requires planning, and calling ahead ensures the store is open and has items matching what you're searching for.

The mix of handmade and vintage inventory

Bobo & Co divides its stock between pieces made by local artisans and vintage or antique items sourced from estate sales and other dealers. The handmade section includes custom upholstery, wood furniture built to order, and smaller décor items crafted by Charleston-area makers. This means you can sometimes commission a piece or work with a maker through the store, though timelines and pricing depend on the specific artisan and project.

The vintage and antique side of the store changes frequently, which is part of the appeal for repeat visitors. You might find a mid-century credenza one month and a Victorian settee the next. Because inventory is not predictable, the store rewards browsing—and if you see something you love, buying it then is usually the right call, since it won't be restocked.

Why handmade and vintage furniture costs more

Handmade pieces cost more than factory furniture because they're built by hand, often to order, and made from higher-quality materials. A local woodworker charging $2,000 for a custom table is accounting for labor, materials, and the time spent on design and construction—not spreading costs across thousands of identical units. Vintage and antique pieces carry a premium because they're one-of-a-kind, have survived decades of use, and often feature craftsmanship or materials no longer common in new furniture.

The trade-off is durability and uniqueness. A handmade sofa from a Charleston upholsterer will likely outlast a mass-produced one, and you won't see the same piece in someone else's living room. For people building a home over time rather than furnishing it all at once, Bobo & Co works well as a source for statement pieces—a dining table, a bedroom dresser, or a distinctive accent chair—rather than a place to buy an entire room's worth of furniture at once.

How to shop at Bobo & Co

Start by visiting in person if possible, since the visual and tactile experience of handmade and vintage furniture is hard to capture in photos. Sit on the chairs, open the drawers, look at the joinery and finish. Ask the staff about the maker or provenance of pieces you're interested in—they can usually tell you about the artisan or the era and condition of vintage items.

If you're looking for something specific—say, a mid-century credenza or a custom upholstered bench—mention it to the staff. They may be able to point you toward a maker who takes commissions, or let you know if they expect similar pieces in the near future. For vintage items, there's no may provide, but the store's regular sourcing means new stock arrives regularly.

Payment and delivery vary by item. Handmade pieces often require a deposit and have a lead time before delivery. Vintage and in-stock items may be available to take home the same day, though larger pieces may need to be arranged for delivery. Ask about these details before committing to a purchase.

Supporting local makers through Bobo & Co

Shopping at Bobo & Co means money goes directly to Charleston-area craftspeople and small makers rather than to a corporate furniture chain. The store functions partly as a showroom for local artisans who might not have their own retail space, so buying a handmade piece here supports the maker's business and keeps craft skills alive in the community.

If you're interested in commissioning custom work—a specific size, wood type, or upholstery fabric—the store can connect you with makers who take those projects. This is especially useful if you have an unusual space or a very specific vision that off-the-shelf furniture won't solve.

Visiting downtown Charleston for furniture shopping

Bobo & Co sits in a neighborhood with other independent shops, galleries, and restaurants, so a furniture-shopping trip can easily become a longer outing. King Street and the surrounding blocks have cafés, bookstores, and other home and décor shops within walking distance. If you're driving, look for metered street parking or nearby lots—downtown parking fills quickly on weekends and during tourist season.

The store's location in the heart of Charleston also means it's accessible if you're already downtown for other reasons. Many people combine a visit here with lunch, browsing nearby galleries, or shopping at other independent retailers in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a custom piece if I don't see what I want in the store?

Yes, Bobo & Co can connect you with local makers who take custom orders. The process usually starts with a conversation about your needs, budget, and timeline. Lead times vary—some makers can deliver in a few weeks, others take several months. Expect to pay a deposit upfront.

Do you deliver, and what does that cost?

Delivery is available for larger pieces, but cost depends on the item and distance. Ask about delivery when you purchase. Some smaller items may be available for immediate pickup, while handmade pieces and special orders require scheduling.

What if I buy a vintage piece and it needs repair or restoration?

The staff can usually recommend local upholsterers, woodworkers, or refinishers who specialize in vintage furniture repair. Bobo & Co doesn't handle restoration in-house, but they know the craftspeople in Charleston who do.

How often does the inventory change?

Vintage and antique stock changes regularly as new pieces are sourced and sold. Handmade items are made to order or restocked by individual makers. Visiting monthly or checking social media gives you a sense of what's new, but there's no fixed schedule.

Is Bobo & Co good for furnishing an entire apartment or house at once?

It works better as a source for individual statement pieces than for furnishing a whole space at once. Inventory is limited and changes frequently, so you might not find everything you need in one visit. Many customers use Bobo & Co for key pieces—a dining table, a bedroom dresser, a distinctive sofa—and fill in the rest elsewhere.