Consign Charleston: How to Buy and Sell Secondhand Furniture in Downtown Charleston

What Consign Charleston offers and how it works

Consign Charleston is a consignment furniture store located in downtown Charleston that buys, sells, and trades gently used furniture and home décor. You can bring pieces you no longer need, and the store displays them for sale on your behalf. When an item sells, you receive a percentage of the sale price—typically 40 to 50 percent, depending on the item and current market demand. The store keeps the remainder to cover overhead, display space, and the work of selling.

The process is straightforward: bring your furniture in, agree on a consignment price with the staff, and they handle the rest. Items stay on the floor for a set period, usually 60 to 90 days. If your piece doesn't sell within that window, you can pick it up, extend the consignment, or donate it. The store also buys furniture outright if you prefer immediate payment rather than waiting for a sale.

Consign Charleston stocks everything from mid-century modern sofas and dining tables to vintage dressers, mirrors, and decorative accessories. The inventory rotates constantly, so regulars check back often. The store's downtown location on King Street puts it within walking distance of other antique shops, galleries, and restaurants, making it easy to combine a furniture hunt with other Charleston activities.

Key Takeaways

• Consign Charleston splits the sale price with you, typically giving you 40 to 50 percent when your furniture sells.
• Items remain on display for 60 to 90 days; if they don't sell, you can retrieve them, extend the consignment, or donate.
• The store accepts both consignment and outright purchases, so you can choose immediate payment or wait for a sale.
• Inventory includes mid-century modern, vintage, and contemporary pieces, with new stock arriving regularly.
• The downtown King Street location connects easily to Charleston's gallery district, antique row, and dining scene.

What kinds of furniture Consign Charleston accepts

The store focuses on quality, gently used pieces rather than worn-out or damaged furniture. Sofas, sectionals, dining tables, chairs, bedroom sets, and case goods like dressers and nightstands are common. Consign Charleston also takes decorative items—lamps, mirrors, artwork, throw pillows, and small accessories—that complement larger pieces or stand alone.

Condition matters. Pieces should be clean, structurally sound, and free of major stains, tears, or broken parts. A sofa with minor wear is acceptable; one with a sagging frame or permanent odor is not. The staff will inspect anything you bring in and let you know whether they can take it. If you're unsure, call ahead or bring photos so they can give you an honest answer before you load the truck.

Style ranges from mid-century modern and vintage to contemporary and eclectic. Charleston's design culture means the store attracts both locals downsizing and designers sourcing pieces for clients. This mix keeps the inventory interesting and means your furniture may appeal to a broad audience.

How to consign furniture at Consign Charleston

Start by bringing your pieces to the store during business hours. The staff will examine each item, discuss condition and style, and suggest a consignment price based on similar items they've sold recently and current demand. Prices reflect what the market will bear in Charleston, not what you originally paid. A $2,000 sofa may consign for $600 to $800, depending on age, style, and condition.

Once you agree on a price, you'll sign a consignment agreement that outlines the sale price, your commission percentage, and the display period. The store handles photography, display, and customer inquiries. You don't need to be present for showings or answer questions—that's their job. They'll contact you when your item sells and arrange payment, usually within a week or two of the sale.

If your furniture doesn't sell within the agreed timeframe, contact the store to decide next steps. You can pick it up at no charge, ask them to lower the price and extend the consignment, or authorize them to donate it. Some consignors choose to donate rather than retrieve items, which can simplify logistics if you've already moved or downsized.

Buying furniture at Consign Charleston

Shopping at Consign Charleston means you'll find one-of-a-kind pieces at lower prices than new furniture stores. A vintage credenza or mid-century dining table that would cost thousands at a design showroom might be several hundred dollars here. Prices are marked clearly, and the staff can tell you about the age, origin, and any quirks of a piece.

Inventory changes frequently, so if you're hunting for something specific—say, a teak dresser or a particular style of chair—ask the staff. They may have something in the back, know when similar pieces typically arrive, or suggest alternatives. Many shoppers visit monthly to see what's new. The store's location on King Street also means you can combine browsing here with stops at nearby galleries, antique dealers, and restaurants.

Delivery is available for large pieces, though you can also arrange your own pickup. Ask about current delivery fees and scheduling when you purchase. For smaller items like lamps or mirrors, most shoppers carry them out the same day.

Consign Charleston's location and hours

The store sits on King Street in downtown Charleston, in the heart of the city's design and antique district. This location puts it within easy reach of other furniture and home décor shops, galleries, and the restaurants and cafes that line the street. If you're already downtown exploring, Consign Charleston is a natural stop.

Hours vary seasonally and by day of the week. Before you visit, check their current hours online or call ahead, especially if you're planning to bring furniture in for consignment. The staff can also answer questions about condition, pricing, and the consignment process over the phone, which can save you a trip if you're unsure whether your pieces are a fit.

Consignment versus outright sale

Consign Charleston offers both options, and which you choose depends on your timeline and needs. Consignment means you wait for a sale and receive a percentage of the proceeds—typically 40 to 50 percent. This takes longer but usually nets you more money if the item is desirable. Outright purchase means the store buys your furniture on the spot at a lower price, and you leave with cash immediately. There's no waiting, but you receive less.

If you're moving soon or need money quickly, an outright purchase makes sense. If you have time and want to maximize what you get back, consignment is worth the wait. The staff can quote you both options so you can compare and decide.

Why consignment works for Charleston's furniture market

Charleston's strong design culture and steady stream of visitors and new residents create steady demand for quality secondhand furniture. People moving to the city often need to furnish homes quickly and prefer unique pieces over mass-produced options. Designers and decorators also shop consignment stores to source distinctive items for clients. This demand means pieces that might sit for months in other markets often sell within weeks at Consign Charleston.

The consignment model also appeals to locals downsizing, relocating, or refreshing their homes. Rather than dealing with the hassle of a garage sale or donation, you can bring pieces to a professional who handles the sale. You get money back, your furniture finds a new home, and you avoid the logistics of disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get paid after my furniture sells?

Payment typically arrives within one to two weeks of the sale. The store needs time to process the transaction and cut a check or arrange transfer. Ask about their specific payment timeline and method when you sign the consignment agreement.

What happens if my furniture doesn't sell in 60 days?

You have options: pick it up for free, ask the store to lower the price and extend the consignment, or authorize them to donate it. Contact the store before the consignment period ends to discuss which works best for you.

Can I bring furniture that needs minor repairs?

Minor wear is fine, but pieces should be structurally sound and clean. If a sofa has a broken leg or a drawer doesn't close, the store will likely decline it. Call or bring photos first so the staff can tell you whether they can accept it.

Do you offer delivery for large pieces?

Yes, delivery is available for sofas, dining tables, and other large furniture. Ask about current fees and scheduling options when you purchase. You can also arrange your own pickup if you prefer.

Is there a minimum or maximum price for consignment?

The store works with a wide range of prices, from small accessories under $50 to high-end pieces worth several thousand dollars. Bring what you have, and the staff will let you know whether they can take it and what price range makes sense.