Outside Is In: Outdoor Furniture and Decor in Charleston

What Outside Is In offers

Outside Is In is a Charleston-based furniture and home decor shop located in the heart of the city's shopping district. The store specializes in outdoor furniture, garden accessories, and indoor pieces with a focus on quality craftsmanship and design that bridges indoor and outdoor living spaces. You'll find everything from patio seating and dining sets to planters, lighting, and decorative objects that work in both garden and home settings.

The store carries both new inventory and curated vintage and antique pieces, giving it a distinctive character compared to chain furniture retailers. Their selection reflects a particular aesthetic—pieces tend toward classic, timeless designs rather than trend-driven styles, which means what you buy is likely to feel current for years rather than seasons.

Key Takeaways

• Outside Is In stocks outdoor furniture, garden decor, and indoor pieces with an emphasis on quality and design that works across indoor and outdoor spaces.
• The store carries both new merchandise and carefully selected vintage and antique items, so inventory changes and unique pieces appear regularly.
• Located in Charleston's main shopping area, the store is walkable and easy to visit in person to see and touch pieces before buying.
• Staff can advise on seasonal care, material durability, and how to integrate outdoor pieces into indoor rooms or covered spaces.

Types of furniture and decor you'll find

Outdoor seating makes up a significant portion of the inventory—think Adirondack chairs, bistro sets, lounge chairs, and benches in wood, metal, and wicker. Dining tables and chairs for patios and gardens range from intimate two-person sets to larger pieces that seat six or more. Many are designed to withstand South Carolina's humidity and salt air if you're near the coast.

Beyond seating, the store carries garden accessories including planters in various sizes and materials, outdoor lighting (lanterns, string lights, wall sconces), side tables, storage benches, and decorative objects like sculptures and garden stakes. The indoor selection includes smaller furniture pieces, mirrors, wall art, and home accessories that often share the same design language as the outdoor items—so you can create visual continuity between a porch and a living room.

Why location matters for browsing

Outside Is In sits in Charleston's downtown or midtown shopping corridor, depending on which location you visit. Being in an established retail area means you can park nearby and browse without traveling far, and you can often combine your visit with other shops or restaurants in the same neighborhood.

Shopping in person for furniture is particularly useful because you can sit in a chair, check the weight and stability of a table, and see how colors and finishes look in natural light. For outdoor pieces especially, seeing the material quality—whether wood is solid or veneer, whether metal shows signs of rust resistance, whether wicker is tightly woven—matters more than a photo can show.

Understanding materials and seasonal care

Outdoor furniture in South Carolina faces specific challenges: humidity, salt spray if you're coastal, intense sun, and occasional heavy rain. Outside Is In's staff can explain which materials hold up best in your specific location. Teak and cedar naturally resist rot and insects. Metal pieces may be powder-coated or galvanized to prevent rust. Wicker and rattan come in synthetic versions designed for outdoor use, which last longer than natural fibers exposed to weather.

Many pieces require seasonal maintenance—covering them in winter, applying sealant to wood annually, or storing cushions indoors during the off-season. Staff can walk you through what each piece needs so you understand the commitment before you buy. Some customers choose to move outdoor pieces into covered porches or sunrooms during heavy rain or winter, which is why the store's aesthetic works both inside and out.

Mixing vintage and new pieces

The combination of new and vintage inventory means you might find a mid-century modern side table next to a newly made Adirondack chair, or antique garden urns displayed alongside contemporary planters. This mix appeals to people who want their outdoor space to feel collected and personal rather than matching-set formal.

Vintage pieces often cost less than new equivalents and carry character—a weathered wooden bench or cast-iron planter has a history that a brand-new piece doesn't. The trade-off is that vintage stock is limited and changes frequently, so if you see something you love, it's worth buying rather than waiting. New pieces offer consistency, warranty coverage, and the assurance that materials meet current durability standards.

Planning a visit and what to bring

Before you go, measure your space—the patio, porch, or room where you plan to place furniture. Bring those measurements with you, along with photos of the space if possible. This helps staff suggest pieces that will actually fit and work with your existing layout. If you're trying to match a color or material you already own, bring a sample or a photo.

Consider visiting during daylight hours so you can see how pieces look in natural light, and go when you have time to browse without rushing. If you're buying a large piece, ask about delivery options and timelines before you commit. Some items are in stock and can leave the store the same day; others may need to be ordered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to treat new wood furniture before using it outdoors?

It depends on the wood type and finish. Teak and cedar are naturally weather-resistant but benefit from occasional sealing to maintain color and prevent graying. Painted or stained wood needs protection from the start. Staff at Outside Is In can recommend specific sealants and explain the maintenance schedule for whatever you choose.

Can I return or exchange furniture if it doesn't work in my space?

Return and exchange policies vary by item and whether it's new or vintage stock. Ask about the store's policy before you buy, especially for larger pieces. Vintage items are typically final sale, while new furniture may have a return window if it's unused and in original condition.

What's the difference between indoor and outdoor wicker?

Indoor wicker is usually made from natural rattan or seagrass and isn't designed to handle moisture or sun exposure. Outdoor wicker is synthetic—typically polyethylene or polypropylene—and resists fading, mildew, and water damage. Outside Is In carries both, so confirm which type you're buying if weather resistance matters for your space.

How do I know if a vintage piece is sturdy enough to actually use?

Examine it in the store: check for loose joints, cracks, rot in wood, or rust in metal. Sit in chairs and test their stability. Ask staff about the piece's age and condition. A vintage item that's structurally sound will last years; one with hidden damage may fail quickly. Staff can usually tell you whether something is display-quality or truly functional.

Do you deliver, and how much does it cost?

Delivery options and costs depend on the size of your order and how far from the store you live. Ask about delivery when you're ready to buy. Some pieces are small enough to take home yourself; larger items like dining tables or sectional seating may require professional delivery, which the store can arrange.