Gallery at Mantis Homes: Vintage Furniture and Décor in Charleston

What Gallery at Mantis Homes offers

Gallery at Mantis Homes is a vintage and consignment furniture showroom in Charleston that carries mid-century modern pieces, restored antiques, and contemporary home décor. The space functions as both a gallery and a working design studio, so the inventory changes regularly as pieces are sold and new stock arrives. You'll find everything from dining tables and bedroom sets to lighting, mirrors, and smaller decorative objects—most priced between what you'd pay at a chain furniture store and what a traditional antique dealer would charge.

The showroom is located in Charleston's design district, making it easy to visit alongside other home furnishing shops and galleries in the area. Staff can discuss the condition and history of individual pieces, and the shop sometimes offers custom upholstery or restoration work for items you purchase there or bring in yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Gallery at Mantis Homes carries vintage, mid-century modern, and consignment furniture alongside contemporary home décor in a working design studio space.
• Inventory rotates regularly, so visiting in person or calling ahead helps you find specific styles or pieces you're searching for.
• The showroom is located in Charleston's design district, within walking distance of other furniture and home goods retailers.
• Staff can discuss restoration options and the provenance of pieces, which is useful if you're building a room around a particular era or aesthetic.

Types of furniture and décor you'll find

Mid-century modern dominates the inventory—think credenzas, sectional sofas, and tapered-leg dining tables from the 1950s through 1970s. These pieces tend to be structurally sound and are often refinished or reupholstered, so they're ready to use rather than requiring restoration work before you bring them home.

The shop also carries restored antiques, which may include Victorian or early 20th-century pieces, though the selection varies. Smaller items—lamps, side tables, wall art, mirrors, and decorative objects—fill the gaps and make it possible to find something even if you're not in the market for a major furniture piece. Contemporary pieces and new-production items designed to complement vintage styles round out the offerings.

How consignment works at the shop

If you have furniture or home décor you want to sell, you can bring pieces to Gallery at Mantis Homes on consignment. The shop takes a percentage of the sale price, and items typically stay on the floor for a set period before being returned to you if they don't sell. Consignment terms vary, so it's worth calling ahead to ask about commission rates, how long pieces are displayed, and what condition items need to be in.

Consignment is useful if you're downsizing, moving, or clearing out pieces that no longer fit your space. It's also a lower-risk way to sell than hosting a private sale, since the shop handles pricing and customer interaction.

Visiting the showroom

Gallery at Mantis Homes is open during regular business hours, though hours may vary seasonally or for special events. The showroom is designed to feel like a curated home rather than a warehouse, so pieces are arranged in room-like vignettes that help you imagine how they might work in your own space.

Because inventory changes frequently, what you see on one visit may be gone the next week. If you're hunting for something specific—a particular style of credenza, a certain size dining table, or pieces in a specific wood tone—calling ahead to describe what you're looking for can save you a trip. Staff can also let you know if they expect new inventory in a particular category.

Pricing and what to expect

Prices at Gallery at Mantis Homes fall between big-box furniture retailers and high-end antique dealers. A mid-century credenza might run $400 to $800 depending on condition and wood type; a dining table could be $600 to $1,500. Smaller pieces like lamps or mirrors typically cost $30 to $200. These are estimates based on typical vintage market rates, and actual prices depend on the specific item, its condition, and current demand.

Many pieces are already refinished or reupholstered, which is reflected in the price but also means you can use them immediately. If you find something that needs work, staff can discuss restoration options and connect you with upholsterers or refinishers they've worked with before.

Design services and custom work

Because Mantis Homes operates as a design studio alongside the gallery, the shop sometimes offers custom upholstery, refinishing, or design consultation. If you purchase a piece that needs reupholstering or have a vintage item you want restored, you can ask about having the work done. This isn't a separate service business—it's tied to the showroom—so availability and pricing depend on the studio's current workload.

If you're furnishing a whole room or want help mixing vintage and contemporary pieces, staff can discuss design approaches and help you think through scale, color, and how different eras work together in a modern home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my furniture on consignment here?

Yes. Call ahead to ask about consignment terms, including the commission rate, how long pieces stay on the floor, and what condition items need to be in. The shop will discuss these details before you bring anything in.

What if I'm looking for a specific piece?

Call or visit in person and describe what you're looking for. Staff can tell you if they have it in stock, when new inventory is expected, or whether they've seen similar pieces recently. Because inventory rotates, checking back periodically increases your chances of finding what you want.

Do they offer delivery or shipping?

Delivery and shipping policies vary. Ask when you're ready to purchase. Some pieces can be held while you arrange transport, and staff can recommend local movers familiar with vintage furniture.

Can pieces be reupholstered or refinished?

Yes, the studio sometimes offers custom upholstery and refinishing work. Availability depends on current workload. Discuss options with staff when you find a piece, and they can provide pricing and timeline estimates.

Are pieces already restored, or do they need work?

Most mid-century pieces are already refinished or reupholstered and ready to use. Antiques vary—some are restored, others are sold as-is. Staff can describe the condition of any piece and let you know what, if anything, it might need.