Old World Wicker Gallery in Charleston: Handcrafted Furniture and Home Décor
What Old World Wicker Gallery Offers
Old World Wicker Gallery is a Charleston-based furniture and home décor shop specializing in handcrafted wicker, rattan, and natural fiber pieces. The gallery carries both new inventory and vintage finds, with an emphasis on pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with livable design. You'll find dining sets, bedroom furniture, accent chairs, storage solutions, and decorative objects sourced from artisans and makers who work with natural materials.
The shop draws on Charleston's long history with wicker furniture—a style that thrived in the Lowcountry for generations because of the climate and the region's connection to coastal and Caribbean design traditions. Old World Wicker Gallery positions itself as a curator of that aesthetic, stocking items that work in both historic homes and contemporary spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Old World Wicker Gallery specializes in handcrafted wicker and rattan furniture, with both new pieces and vintage inventory.
- The shop carries dining furniture, bedroom sets, accent seating, and home décor objects made from natural fibers.
- The gallery's inventory reflects Charleston's design heritage and the Lowcountry's traditional relationship with wicker and natural materials.
- You can visit the physical location in Charleston to see and handle pieces before purchase, or contact the shop about specific items or custom orders.
The Types of Furniture and Décor You'll Find
The gallery stocks seating in various styles—wingback chairs, rockers, settees, and occasional pieces—many in wicker or rattan frames with cushioning options. Dining tables and chair sets appear regularly, along with bedroom furniture including headboards, nightstands, and storage pieces. Beyond furniture, the shop carries smaller decorative items: baskets, mirrors, lamps, and wall hangings that complement wicker and natural fiber aesthetics.
Inventory changes regularly because the shop sources from multiple makers and includes vintage and antique pieces. This means the exact selection on any given visit will differ, but the overall focus remains on quality craftsmanship and materials that age well. Many pieces are designed to work in both traditional and modern interiors, making them flexible for different decorating approaches.
Shopping at the Physical Location
Old World Wicker Gallery operates as a brick-and-mortar shop in Charleston, which means you can visit in person to examine pieces, test seating comfort, and see how colors and finishes work in natural light. This matters with wicker and natural materials, since texture and patina are part of the appeal and differ from photographs.
The shop's location in Charleston puts it within reach of both locals and visitors exploring the city's furniture and home goods scene. If you're furnishing a home or looking for a specific piece, visiting allows you to ask staff about sourcing, durability, care, and whether custom orders or special commissions are possible.
Natural Materials and Durability
Wicker and rattan furniture has been used in the Lowcountry for centuries because these materials handle humidity and temperature swings well. They're also relatively lightweight compared to solid wood, making them practical for spaces where furniture needs to move or be rearranged. Natural fiber pieces typically develop a patina over time, which many people view as part of their character rather than a flaw.
Durability depends on construction quality and how pieces are used and maintained. Handcrafted wicker from established makers tends to last decades with basic care—vacuuming cushions, keeping pieces out of direct rain, and occasionally treating frames with appropriate finishes. Old World Wicker Gallery's focus on artisan-made pieces suggests attention to joinery and material selection that supports longevity.
Pricing and Budget Considerations
Handcrafted wicker and rattan furniture typically costs more than mass-produced alternatives, reflecting labor, material quality, and the time required to make each piece. Prices vary widely depending on size, complexity, materials, and whether a piece is new or vintage. A single accent chair might range from several hundred dollars to over a thousand, while dining sets and bedroom suites command higher prices.
The shop likely carries pieces at different price points, and vintage or lightly damaged items may cost less than new work. If you're working within a specific budget, visiting or calling ahead to ask about current inventory in your price range can help focus your search.
Connecting with the Shop
To learn about current inventory, ask about specific pieces, or discuss custom orders, you can visit Old World Wicker Gallery in person at its Charleston location. The shop's staff can answer questions about materials, construction, care instructions, and whether they can source or commission pieces to your specifications.
If you're planning a visit from out of town or want to know whether a particular style or size is in stock before making the trip, calling ahead is a practical step. The shop can also discuss delivery and setup options if you're purchasing larger pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order custom wicker furniture from Old World Wicker Gallery?
Many artisan furniture shops do accept custom orders, though policies vary. Contact the gallery directly to ask whether they work with makers who can build pieces to your specifications, what the timeline looks like, and how pricing works for custom commissions.
How do I care for wicker and rattan furniture?
Wicker and rattan benefit from regular vacuuming to remove dust from crevices, and occasional wiping with a damp cloth. Keep pieces out of direct rain and extreme sun exposure. Some owners periodically treat frames with appropriate finishes to maintain appearance and protect against drying. Ask the shop for care recommendations specific to the pieces you're considering.
Do you carry outdoor wicker furniture?
Some wicker pieces are designed for outdoor use with weather-resistant frames and cushions, while others are strictly indoor. When you visit or call, ask whether the gallery stocks outdoor-rated pieces or can source them through their makers.
What's the difference between wicker and rattan?
Rattan is a natural material—a climbing palm vine—while wicker is a weaving technique that can use rattan, willow, cane, or other materials. Rattan is often stronger and more durable for furniture frames, while wicker describes the woven pattern. Many pieces combine both materials for strength and aesthetic appeal.
Can I return or exchange furniture if it doesn't work in my space?
Return and exchange policies vary by shop and depend on whether a piece is new, vintage, or custom-made. Ask about the gallery's policy before purchasing, especially for larger items or custom orders.