5 South End furniture stores to check out before you buy another assembly-required IKEA nightmare

In furniture, as in most things in life, do not do as I did. Instead, check out these five spots, conveniently located basically on top of each other, before you go to IKEA. Their furniture comes in one piece.

Southend Trading Company

I stop in here every few months just to gawk at furniture I can’t afford. I wouldn’t say the prices are outlandish but when you’re used to shopping IKEA prices they are. In a bittersweet turn of events they are closing for good and that means their furniture, which they describe as “fresh, edgy, young,” is being sold at crazy discounts.

Oriental rugs are 70% off, chandeliers are starting at $200 and you can even get an additional $50 off a purchase of $499 or more here. They should be open through the end of the month and will negotiate prices on most items just to move the inventory.

South End Exchange

Located directly next door to Southend Trading company, this furniture consignment shop is known for its huge selection of fine home furnishings and antiques.

In addition to furniture and home decor sales, they also offer silver polishing ($18/hour) and estate sale services (they’ll sell your furniture for you if you’re downsizing, moving or liquidating a business).

Cowbridge

Just across the street from the other two stores, you’ll find this eclectic shop filled from floor to rafters with unique, custom-made and refurbished items. They take solid frames and then add custom finishes to create a completely unique piece.

They’ve been in Charlotte since 1993, originally as The Purple Picket, and also have an upholstery and finishing plant in Hickory that they utilize for their custom creations.

Nadeau

I feel duped but I had no idea this was a chain until just now, which probably explains why they looked at me weird when I asked in disbelief if they make their own branded soy candles (because they smell so good).

There are about 30 Nadeau stores throughout the country and they’re known for brightly painted solid wood pieces imported from around the world.

The Lamp Place

This family-owned shop has been in Charlotte since 1980 and they take lamps very seriously. They make most of the lamps in the shop but also sell estate pieces and separate accessories like shades and assorted finials (those little ornamental pieces that screw into the top).

If you’ve got a broken lamp they offer repair services and can add dimmer switches, change sockets and even shorten or replace cords. Don’t see what you need? They’ll also make you a one-of-a-kind custom piece out of the treasure of your choice. They’ve made lamps out of golf bags, wine bottles and other family heirlooms.