Oriental Imports in Charleston: Asian Furniture, Decor, and Antiques

What Oriental Imports offers and where to find it

Oriental Imports is a furniture and home decor shop in Charleston specializing in Asian pieces—primarily Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian furniture, antiques, and decorative objects. The store carries everything from solid wood dining tables and bedroom sets to smaller items like ceramics, lacquerware, scrolls, and carved panels. If you're looking for something beyond the standard American furniture showroom, this is a place where the inventory actually changes because much of it comes from direct imports rather than mass-produced lines.

The shop is located in Charleston's downtown or nearby commercial area, depending on current operations. Before visiting, call ahead or check their hours online, as import-based businesses sometimes adjust their schedule around receiving shipments or travel to source new stock.

Key Takeaways

• Oriental Imports carries authentic Asian furniture and antiques, not reproductions, so pieces vary in age, condition, and origin.
• Solid wood furniture—particularly rosewood, elm, and teak—makes up a significant portion of the inventory and tends to be durable and heavier than typical American pieces.
• Prices reflect the age and rarity of items; antique or rare pieces cost considerably more than newer imports, and condition matters.
• The store is best for buyers who know what they're looking for or who enjoy browsing and discovering; staff can explain the origin and construction of pieces but this isn't a design consultation service.

Types of furniture and decor you'll find

The store stocks bedroom and dining furniture as its core inventory. You'll see low platform beds, carved headboards, altar tables repurposed as consoles, and dining tables in various sizes and wood types. Seating includes carved wooden chairs, benches, and occasionally low stools or meditation benches. Cabinets and storage pieces—from tall armoires to small jewelry boxes—are common, often featuring intricate joinery or hand-carved details.

Beyond furniture, Oriental Imports carries decorative arts: porcelain vases and bowls, jade carvings, bronze statues, hanging scrolls with calligraphy or landscape paintings, and architectural elements like carved wooden panels or roof tiles. Smaller items like tea sets, incense holders, and lacquered boxes appeal to collectors and people furnishing a single room or accent area. The mix of old and new means you might find a 19th-century cabinet next to a recently imported decorative screen.

Understanding wood types and construction

Much of the furniture at Oriental Imports is made from hardwoods common in Asia but less familiar to American buyers. Rosewood (hongmu) is prized for its deep color and grain; it's dense, heavy, and expensive. Elm is lighter in color, slightly less dense, and more affordable. Teak is oily, naturally resistant to rot, and durable outdoors or in humid rooms. Camphor wood has a distinctive scent and was traditionally used for storage chests because it repels insects.

Construction methods differ from Western furniture. Many pieces use mortise-and-tenon joinery (wood fitted together without nails or screws) and hand-carved details. This means older pieces may show wear, gaps, or repairs—signs of age rather than poor quality. If you're buying an antique, ask about its condition, any repairs, and whether it's been treated for woodworm or other damage. Newer imports are typically in better condition but may lack the patina and character of genuinely old pieces.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Prices at Oriental Imports vary widely depending on age, rarity, wood type, and condition. A newer imported dining table might cost $800 to $2,000. An antique cabinet or altar table in good condition could range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. Small decorative items—ceramics, carvings, scrolls—start at $50 to $200 and go up significantly for rare or museum-quality pieces.

Antique status and provenance drive prices upward. A piece documented as Qing Dynasty or from a specific region commands more than an undated import. Condition matters: a table with original finish and minimal repairs costs more than one needing restoration. Size and wood type also factor in—a large rosewood cabinet is pricier than a smaller elm piece. If you're budget-conscious, smaller decorative items or newer imports offer entry points; if you're collecting, budget for the higher end and ask the staff about the piece's history.

How to shop and what to know before you buy

Visit Oriental Imports with an open mind and time to browse. Unlike a furniture chain with a catalog, this shop rewards wandering—you discover pieces you didn't know you wanted. If you have a specific need (a dining table for six, a bedroom set), mention it to staff; they may have pieces in the back or know when something matching your description is expected.

Examine pieces carefully. Check drawers, doors, and joints for damage or repairs. Ask about the wood type, age, and origin. If a price seems high, ask why—the answer might be rarity, age, or exceptional craftsmanship. Conversely, if something is marked as damaged or needing restoration, factor in the cost of repair before buying. Many pieces benefit from professional restoration, which can be expensive.

Delivery and setup are practical considerations. Large furniture is heavy and awkward; confirm whether the store delivers and what that costs. Some pieces may need assembly or placement by professionals. If you're buying an antique, ask about insurance and whether the store can recommend a restorer if needed.

Comparing Oriental Imports to other furniture options

Oriental Imports differs from mainstream furniture stores in inventory, pricing, and shopping experience. Chain stores offer consistency, warranties, and fast delivery; Oriental Imports offers uniqueness, craftsmanship, and the possibility of owning something genuinely old. You won't find a 30-day return policy or a may provide that your piece will match a photo—but you also won't own the same table as thousands of other people.

Compared to online Asian furniture retailers, Oriental Imports lets you see and touch pieces before buying, and staff can answer questions about construction and authenticity. Online sellers may have lower prices or wider selection, but you're buying sight unseen. For collectors and people who value in-person shopping, Oriental Imports offers a middle ground between big-box stores and international online markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the furniture at Oriental Imports authentic or reproduction?

The store carries both. Antique pieces are genuine; newer imports are authentic Asian-made furniture, not reproductions designed to look old. Ask the staff whether a specific piece is antique or contemporary—they can tell you the difference and explain what you're buying.

Can I order something if I don't see it in the store?

Possibly. Since much of the inventory comes from imports, staff may be able to source items or tell you when new stock arrives. Call ahead with a description of what you're looking for; they can let you know whether it's feasible and how long it might take.

Do I need to worry about woodworm or other damage in antique pieces?

It's a fair concern with older wood furniture. Ask the staff directly whether a piece has been treated or inspected for pests or rot. Reputable dealers will disclose known issues. If you're buying something old and valuable, consider having a furniture conservator inspect it before purchase.

What's the difference between the wood types, and does it matter for my home?

Rosewood is the most expensive and densest; elm is lighter and more affordable; teak is best for humid or outdoor spaces. For a dining table in a dry living room, any of these work. If you're furnishing a bathroom or sunroom, teak's moisture resistance is an advantage. Staff can recommend based on your room and use.

How much should I expect to spend on a dining table or bedroom set?

A newer imported dining table runs $800 to $2,500 depending on size and wood. An antique or high-quality piece costs $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Bedroom sets vary similarly. Smaller decorative pieces start at $50. Visit to see current inventory and pricing, or call with a budget in mind.