The Designers Marketplace in Charleston: Where to Find Curated Furniture and Home Décor

What The Designers Marketplace offers

The Designers Marketplace is a consignment and resale showroom in Charleston that carries furniture, lighting, artwork, and home décor from designers and high-end retailers. Rather than stocking new inventory from manufacturers, the store sources pieces from estates, interior design firms, and individual sellers—which means the selection changes regularly and prices typically run lower than retail.

The showroom is organized by category: seating, tables, case goods, mirrors, lamps, and wall art occupy different sections, making it straightforward to browse by what you need. You'll find mid-century modern pieces alongside contemporary designs, antiques mixed with newer items, and occasional one-of-a-kind statement pieces. The store accepts both walk-in shoppers and people hunting for something specific.

Key Takeaways

• The Designers Marketplace sources furniture and décor from consignment, estates, and designer overstock, so inventory rotates and prices are typically below retail.
• The showroom is organized by furniture type and style, making it possible to browse by category or search for a specific piece.
• You can visit in person to see condition and scale, or contact the store to ask whether they have a particular item or style in stock.
• Pieces are priced individually, and the store accepts cash, card, and other standard payment methods.

Location and hours in Charleston

The Designers Marketplace is located in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of King Street and the Historic District. Street parking is available nearby, and the storefront is easy to spot from the sidewalk.

Hours vary by season and day of the week. Before your first visit, call ahead or check their social media pages to confirm they're open—consignment shops sometimes adjust hours based on staffing or inventory intake. Many shoppers find it helpful to visit on a weekday afternoon when the store is less crowded and staff can answer questions about specific pieces.

What to expect when you shop there

Pieces are priced individually based on condition, designer name, age, and current demand. A mid-century dining chair might range from $150 to $400 depending on the maker and upholstery condition; a contemporary sofa could be $800 to $2,000. Unlike chain furniture stores, there are no sales cycles or clearance events—prices reflect the current market for that particular item.

Condition varies by piece. Some furniture arrives in excellent shape; other items show honest wear that's reflected in the price. The store typically photographs condition issues or notes them on the price tag, but it's worth examining pieces in person before buying, especially larger items you plan to keep for years. Staff can answer questions about a piece's history, construction, or any repairs it may need.

How consignment works if you want to sell

If you have furniture or décor to sell, The Designers Marketplace accepts consignments from individuals and estates. You bring items to the showroom, and staff evaluate them based on condition, style, and current demand. Not every piece is accepted—the store focuses on items that will sell within a reasonable timeframe.

Consignment terms typically involve a split of the sale price between you and the store, though the exact percentage varies. Items are usually held for a set period (often 60 to 90 days); if they don't sell, you can pick them up or authorize the store to donate them. Ask about their current terms and timeline when you bring pieces in, and get a written agreement so both sides are clear on expectations.

Comparing The Designers Marketplace to other Charleston furniture options

Charleston has several furniture shopping routes: new retail stores on King Street and in shopping centers, antique dealers in the Historic District, online retailers with local pickup, and other consignment shops. The Designers Marketplace sits between new retail and antique—prices are lower than designer showrooms but higher than thrift stores, and the mix of eras and styles appeals to people who want something with character but not necessarily a museum piece.

If you're furnishing a whole room and want to see everything at once, a traditional furniture store may be faster. If you're hunting for a specific vintage era or designer name, an antique dealer might have deeper expertise. If you want the lowest possible price and don't mind uncertainty about condition, a thrift store is cheaper. The Designers Marketplace works best for people who enjoy browsing, have time to visit multiple times as inventory changes, and want a middle ground between new and antique.

Tips for shopping successfully

Bring measurements if you're looking for something specific—a sofa that fits your space, a table that matches your room's scale. The showroom can feel full, and it's easy to fall in love with a piece that won't actually work at home. Take photos of items you're considering, and if you're not sure, leave and think about it; the store's inventory changes, but similar pieces usually come in.

Visit more than once if you have time. Consignment shops receive new stock regularly, and a piece you didn't see on your first visit might arrive the next week. If you're looking for something particular—say, a specific designer's work or a certain wood tone—ask staff whether they can call you when something matching your description comes in. Many shops keep a mental note of regular customers' preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome during posted hours. No appointment is needed to browse or purchase. If you're coming to consign items, it's sometimes helpful to call ahead so staff can set aside time to evaluate your pieces, but many shops accept consignments during regular hours as well.

Can I return or exchange furniture if I change my mind?

Return and exchange policies vary by store. Most consignment shops have a limited return window (often 7 to 14 days) and may require items to be in the same condition as when purchased. Ask about the specific policy before you buy, and keep your receipt.

What payment methods do you accept?

The Designers Marketplace accepts cash and credit cards. Some consignment shops also accept digital payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, but confirm with the store directly. If you're spending a large amount, ask whether they offer any discount for cash payment.

How often does the inventory change?

Consignment shops receive new pieces as often as people bring items in—sometimes daily, sometimes weekly. There's no set schedule. If you're looking for something specific, visiting every week or two increases your chances of finding it, or you can ask staff to note your interest and contact you when something matching your description arrives.

Can I negotiate on price?

Prices at consignment shops are typically fixed, especially on higher-value pieces. Some stores may negotiate on bundles (buying multiple items together) or on items that have been in the showroom for a while, but this varies. It never hurts to ask politely, but don't expect a discount as a standard practice.