Nicole's Resale and Design: Vintage Furniture and Home Decor in Charleston

What Nicole's Resale and Design offers

Nicole's Resale and Design is a consignment and resale shop in Charleston that specializes in vintage, gently used, and designer furniture alongside home décor pieces. The store buys, sells, and consigns items—meaning you can bring in furniture you no longer need and earn money when it sells, or browse curated pieces someone else has already owned. The inventory rotates regularly, so what's on the floor changes week to week.

The shop carries everything from mid-century modern chairs and dining tables to contemporary sofas, lighting fixtures, mirrors, artwork, and decorative accessories. Many pieces come from estate sales, downsizing households, and local designers clearing inventory. Prices reflect the secondhand market: you'll typically pay less than retail for similar new items, though designer or rare vintage pieces command higher prices based on condition and demand.

Key Takeaways

• Nicole's buys, sells, and consigns furniture and home décor, so inventory changes constantly and you may find one-of-a-kind pieces.
• You can bring in your own furniture to consign and earn a percentage when it sells, or sell items outright for immediate payment.
• The store focuses on gently used and vintage pieces rather than new furniture, making it a resource for budget-conscious decorating and sustainable shopping.
• Located in Charleston, the shop is walkable from other antique dealers and home goods stores if you're spending an afternoon browsing.

How consignment works at Nicole's

If you have furniture or home décor you want to sell, Nicole's accepts items on consignment. You bring in the piece, the shop prices it, and when someone buys it, you receive a percentage of the sale price. The exact percentage and terms depend on the item category and current store policy, so ask about those details when you arrive.

Consignment typically takes longer than an outright sale—your item sits on the floor until a buyer appears—but you may earn more money overall because the shop takes a smaller cut than if you sold the piece to them directly. If your item doesn't sell within a set timeframe (usually 60 to 90 days, though confirm this with the store), you'll need to pick it up or the shop may donate or dispose of it.

What condition and style of furniture they accept

Nicole's focuses on pieces in good to excellent condition. Furniture should be clean, structurally sound, and free of major damage like deep stains, broken legs, or torn upholstery—though minor wear consistent with age is normal and expected. Vintage and mid-century pieces are especially welcome, as are contemporary designer items and quality reproductions.

The shop is selective about style and condition because resale value depends on both. A solid wood dining table from the 1960s with minor surface scratches will likely sell; a particle-board desk with water damage will not. Before you haul something in, you can call or visit to ask whether they'd be interested in a specific piece.

Browsing and buying at Nicole's

Shopping at Nicole's is a treasure-hunt experience rather than a showroom visit. Because inventory is consigned and rotates, you won't find the same pieces twice. Regular shoppers visit weekly or monthly to catch new arrivals. Prices are marked on each item, and the staff can answer questions about condition, dimensions, and provenance if known.

The store is located in Charleston's downtown or nearby neighborhoods (confirm the exact address and hours before visiting, as retail locations sometimes relocate). If you're furnishing a space or looking for a specific style—say, mid-century modern or farmhouse—it helps to visit multiple times or call ahead to ask whether they currently have pieces matching what you're after.

Sustainability and budget-friendly decorating

Buying secondhand furniture reduces waste and keeps usable pieces out of landfills. Resale shops like Nicole's extend the life of well-made vintage and designer furniture that might otherwise be discarded. For renters, people on tight budgets, and those who like to change their décor frequently, consignment and resale stores offer lower entry costs than buying new.

Vintage and mid-century pieces often have better construction than mass-produced contemporary furniture, so a used solid wood table or quality sofa may outlast a new particle-board alternative at a similar price point. Shopping resale also means you're supporting a local business and keeping money in the Charleston community.

How to prepare items for consignment

Before bringing furniture to Nicole's, clean it thoroughly. Dust, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces so the piece shows well on the sales floor. If there are minor issues—a loose screw, a small stain, a missing cushion—mention them upfront; the shop will factor condition into pricing and disclosure to buyers.

Measure your furniture and note the dimensions, as this information helps the shop price and describe items to potential buyers. If you have the original receipt, documentation of designer origin, or photos of the piece in your home, bring those too—they can increase buyer confidence and resale value. Arrive during business hours with realistic expectations about what the shop can accept and what price range is likely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid immediately if I consign furniture, or do I wait until it sells?

With consignment, you wait until the piece sells and then receive your percentage. If you need money right away, ask whether Nicole's will buy the item outright instead—you'll receive less, but you get paid immediately. The shop can tell you which option makes sense for your specific piece.

What happens if my consigned furniture doesn't sell?

Most consignment agreements have a holding period, typically 60 to 90 days. After that, you'll need to pick up unsold items or authorize the shop to donate or dispose of them. Call Nicole's to confirm their specific policy and timeline before you leave your furniture.

Can I negotiate prices on items in the store?

Prices are typically marked and set by the shop or the consignor. Some resale stores offer modest discounts on multiple purchases or during sales events, but this varies. It never hurts to ask politely, but expect that most prices are firm.

How often does the inventory change?

Because Nicole's is a consignment shop, new pieces arrive regularly and sold items leave the floor. Inventory changes weekly or more frequently depending on sales volume. If you're looking for something specific, visiting multiple times or calling ahead gives you the best chance of finding it.

Do you deliver furniture, or is it pickup only?

Delivery policies vary by shop and item size. Call Nicole's directly to ask whether they offer delivery, whether there's a fee, and what areas they serve. For large pieces, you may need to arrange your own pickup or hire a mover.