Old Charleston Trading Company: Antique Furniture and Coastal Décor in Historic Charleston

What Old Charleston Trading Company Sells

Old Charleston Trading Company is a furniture and home décor shop located in Charleston's historic district that specializes in antique pieces, reproductions, and coastal-style furnishings. The store carries a mix of genuine vintage items and new pieces designed to evoke the aesthetic of Lowcountry homes—think reclaimed wood tables, wicker seating, and pieces with a weathered or aged finish. You'll find everything from dining room sets to accent chairs, mirrors, lighting, and decorative objects.

The inventory leans toward styles that fit Charleston's architectural character: colonial reproductions, plantation-era pieces, and contemporary furniture with traditional proportions. Many items reflect the store's focus on coastal and Southern design, with an emphasis on natural materials like wood, wicker, and wrought iron. The shop also carries home accessories—artwork, textiles, and smaller décor items—that work well alongside the furniture.

Key Takeaways

• Old Charleston Trading Company stocks both authentic antique furniture and new reproductions designed to match historic Charleston interiors.
• The store's location in the historic district makes it walkable from other downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants.
• You can browse in person to see how pieces look and feel before purchasing, which matters for furniture fit and finish quality.
• The store carries home accessories and décor items alongside furniture, so you can source multiple pieces for a room in one visit.

Where the Store Is Located and Hours

Old Charleston Trading Company sits in Charleston's historic downtown, within walking distance of King Street, the waterfront, and other galleries and shops. The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by calling ahead or checking the store's website, as retail hours can shift seasonally and for special events.

Parking downtown can be tight, especially during tourist season and weekends. Street parking is available but often requires patience; several paid lots operate nearby. If you're visiting from out of town, consider timing your visit for a weekday morning when downtown is less crowded.

What to Expect When You Visit

The store is designed for browsing. You'll move through rooms arranged by category—dining, bedroom, living room—so you can see how pieces work together. Staff can answer questions about the origin of antique items, the construction of reproductions, and whether a piece can be customized or ordered in a different finish.

Because the shop carries both one-of-a-kind antiques and new stock, availability varies. If you fall in love with a specific piece, ask whether it's the only one or if the store can order more. For antiques, what's there is what's available; for reproductions, the store can often special-order in different sizes, fabrics, or wood stains.

Furniture Styles and Price Range

The store's aesthetic is rooted in American colonial, plantation, and coastal design—styles that dominate Charleston's residential interiors. You'll see a lot of pieces in natural wood finishes, whitewashed or weathered surfaces, and classic proportions that won't feel dated in five years. Wicker and rattan pieces are common, as are upholstered chairs and sofas in neutral fabrics.

Prices reflect the mix of inventory. Genuine antiques cost more than reproductions; a colonial-era side table or secretary desk will be pricier than a new piece made to look similar. Upholstered furniture and larger case pieces (dressers, cabinets, dining tables) represent the higher end of the price range. Smaller items—mirrors, lamps, decorative objects—offer entry points at lower price points. The store does not typically advertise specific pricing online, so visiting or calling gives you a clearer sense of what things cost.

Shipping and Delivery Options

For large furniture purchases, ask the store about delivery. Many furniture shops in Charleston offer local delivery or can arrange shipping for out-of-state buyers, though shipping costs for large pieces can be substantial. The store can tell you what's feasible for your specific purchase and what the cost will be before you commit.

If you're buying smaller items or décor pieces, you can carry them with you. For larger purchases, confirm delivery logistics before finalizing your order so there are no surprises about timing or cost.

Why Locals and Visitors Shop Here

Old Charleston Trading Company appeals to people furnishing homes in Charleston's historic neighborhoods, where the architectural style calls for pieces that fit the period or aesthetic. Visitors often stop in while exploring downtown, looking for a piece that captures the feeling of a Charleston home to take back with them. Interior designers and decorators source pieces here for client projects.

The store's location in the historic district also makes it part of a larger shopping experience. You can spend an afternoon moving between galleries, antique shops, and home décor stores, with restaurants and cafés nearby for breaks. For people who care about how their furniture looks and feels—not just its price—browsing in person matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order furniture in a different color or fabric?

For new reproductions, yes—the store can often special-order pieces in different wood finishes, fabric colors, or sizes. For authentic antiques, you get what's in the store. Ask staff about customization options when you see something you like but wish were different.

Do you buy or accept trade-ins of used furniture?

Some antique and furniture shops in Charleston do buy or trade used pieces, but policies vary by store. Call Old Charleston Trading Company directly to ask whether they purchase items or accept trade-ins on new purchases.

How do I know if a piece is authentic antique or a reproduction?

Staff can explain the difference when you ask. Authentic antiques show wear, tool marks, and construction methods consistent with their era. Reproductions are new pieces made to look similar. Both have value depending on what you're looking for and your budget.

Is the store open on Sundays?

Many downtown Charleston shops close on Sunday or keep limited hours, but retail schedules vary. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before making the trip, especially if you're visiting from out of town.