Sprucing Up Your BTO? Here Are 6 Affordable Furniture Stores That Are Not IKEA

furniture singapore

You’ve got the keys to your BTO, so what’s next?

When it comes to sprucing up your new home, IKEA is typically the first place that pops into mind. There’s no doubt that it offers cheap furniture at decent quality.

However, this option is sometimes not ideal, because you’ve got to put the furniture together yourself (which can go terrible). Also, when friends and family start spotting the same furniture as you, it gets a little too predictable.

[caption id="attachment_36399" align="aligncenter" width="400"]furniture GIF Credit: giphy.com[/caption]

From online to brick-and-mortar (or both), these shops will be your new go-tos, serving up an array of stylish furnishings that won’t break the bank because who says you have to be rich for your home to look like a million bucks.

1. Second Charm

Going for a vintage or retro-style for your living space? Look no further with Second Charm!

Carrying vintage-retro furniture including antiques and collectibles, this is the perfect place to source for one-of-a-kind pieces that is bound to induce envy amongst your home visitors. Additionally, Second Charm also carries customised furniture and has even ventured into Scandinavian and Danish-inspired furniture.

With antique chairs looking like these, you will almost get a nod of approval from the old folks! These chairs will certainly create a tinge of nostalgia and homely feel to your living space – which is exactly how a home should be!

[caption id="attachment_36400" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]furniture singapore Image Credit: Second Charm Facebook[/caption]

Alternatively, incorporate some quirkiness into your bedrooms with these century bedside cabinets. Only available in this particular mixed blue and white colour, these bedside cabinets definitely scream quirky, eccentric, and retro!

[caption id="attachment_36401" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]furniture singapore Image Credit: Second Charm Facebook[/caption]

Do note that you will have to drop Second Charm an email on the specific measurements for your furniture in order to receive a quotation from them. Though it might seem troublesome, perhaps the thought of knowing that most of your furniture pieces are exclusively customised for YOUR home might make you think otherwise!

Second Charm
Address:
Blk 21 Kallang Avenue, #05-165 Mapletree Industrial Building, Singapore 339412
Operating hours:  Tue – Fri: 11:30am – 5.30pm; Sat: 11:00am – 5:30pm,  Sun: 12pm – 5pm (Closed on Mondays)

[caption id="attachment_36402" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]furniture singapore Image Credit: Hip Van Facebook[/caption]

Browse through HipVan’s extensive range of designer-inspired furniture which comes in quirky colours and designs.

With sturdy dining tables starting at just S$59.90, gorgeous plush sofas from just S$39, as well as bean bags and many more, home products here are undoubtedly a steal!

Infuse some Scandinavian-inspired furniture designs to your living room with this Avery Coffee Table (SGD199).

[caption id="attachment_36474" align="aligncenter" width="550"]furnitures singapore Image Credit: HipVan[/caption]

 

Avery’s stylish look is further enhanced with the natural oak varnish to give it a fresh and organic look. Furthermore, if black is not a colour you fancy, this coffee table comes in white as well.

If you envision an industrial modern-chic interior as your ideal dream house, HipVan is the place to consider.

HipVan
Address:
The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, #02-06/07/08, S(229233)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10 pm, daily
Website

3. Elements Concept

If you love laid back, wooden Balinese style kind of home decor and furniture, then Elements Concept is right up your alley.

Get that laid-back Jungalow vibe at home without making a soul trip to Bali. Hailing from Indonesia, you can find beautifully handcrafted furniture and home accessories made from only the very best materials, like rattan, teak, marble and brass.

[caption id="attachment_36475" align="aligncenter" width="730"]furniture singapore Image Credit: Team Curious[/caption]

Each piece is handcrafted by local artisans in the brand’s workshop (or from home). The slight imperfections give each piece its human touch and is therefore, in our view, just perfect. Their prices starts from $125 for a stool and $104 for a side table.

You can choose to buy their products online, but you can also visit The Attaby Collective to see and feel their items before you purchase!

Elements Concept
Address: 
420 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427641
Opening Hours:
Tue – Sat: 10am-6pm | Sun: 12pm-5pm, Closed on all Public Holidays
Website

4. FortyTwo

FortyTwo is yet another online furniture retailer that sells appliances as well.

With an extensive range of furniture that boasts low starting places, FortyTwo also sells home decorations such as lightnings, mirrors and many more.

[caption id="attachment_36476" align="aligncenter" width="600"]furnitures singapore Image Credit: FortyTwo[/caption]

You can get an entire dining table set with FortyTwo’s Vincente Medium Ash Veneer Dining at just SGD245.

This dining table comes with blue and yellow chairs – a replica of the popular Eames design.

FortyTwo holds regular clearance sales, offering jaw-dropping offers on their furniture. Do remember to check in regularly to snag superb deals for your home.

On top of the affordable furniture pieces, FortyTwo also provides great customer service. They offer lowest price matching – which means that if you find a merchant selling the exact item but at a lower price, FortyTwo will refund you the difference!

FortyTwoFacebook

5. 3LittlePicks

It is no surprise that children spend a lot of time in their bedroom. Used for sleeping, playing and crafting, it follows that their space should be a reflection of their little personalities.

The only time you can get away with cutesy stuff is when you’re decorating your baby/kid’s room. 3LittlePicks might just be the bane of your decorating fantasies – stocked with insta-worthy furniture, arts and picks for the little ones.

[caption id="attachment_36477" align="aligncenter" width="800"]furnitures singapore Image Credit: 3LittlePicks[/caption]

The Ballerina Sheer Canopy ($192.80) is perfect over beds, cribs, and as a reading or play nook. Pair it with a play mat and a selection of cushions and pillows to complete the look.

3LittlePicks also offers adult-sized furniture so you can add in a bit of fun and cute into your home!

3LittlePicks
Address: 39a Jalan Pemimpin #07-07B, Singapore 577183
Website

6. Primero

If you love everything Scandinavian but don’t want your house to look like an IKEA showroom, then Primero is the best place to get all your furnishing needs.

From dining tables and chairs to bed frames and sofas, Primero offers an entire range of designer-inspired furnishings at an affordable price.

Looking for a sleek and clean coffee table? The Elsa Coffee Table ($139) is made with strong and durable materials that are coated with solid oak veneer that gives it a clean and elegant look. The coffee table also has a shelf that comes with a striking black frame that gives it a bold and modern look.

[caption id="attachment_36509" align="aligncenter" width="1264"]furniture singapore Image Credit: Primero[/caption]

Homeowners can also enjoy a peace of mind from their purchase thanks to Primero’s 30-day returns and 1-year warranty.

Primero
Website | Facebook

Sprucing up and decorating your home need not be an expensive affair! With these cheap furniture retailers offering a diverse range of designer and unique furniture pieces, you’ll have your home looking like a million bucks without breaking the bank!

Also read Secrets From Experts: Tips On Buying The Right Furniture & Personalising Your Home

(Header Image Source: HipVan Facebook)

5 BTO Renovations So Calm & Soothing, They Put Everyone At Ease

Even though you’ve hired a professional to renovate your dream apartment from scratch, you’ve got to at least have a rough idea of the type of design you want. Help them to help you.

The brainstorming process can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when it comes to the minimalist look. The deliberate act of keeping it calm and soothing is confusing, to say the least. What to put? More importantly, what not to put?

If you feel overwhelmed by the multiple catalogs the designers are throwing at you, here are the most calm and soothing built-to-order (BTO) renovations for you to draw inspiration from.

Don’t brush them off, they just might hit you with the inspiration bolt.

1. East Coast Road (Block 309B)

A stunning living room that seems to say, “Go on, take a nap here, or binge-watch The Game of Thrones. You know you want to.” The sophisticated ceiling draws some attention, but does not overwhelm.

[caption id="attachment_6349" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Sheng Hong Designs & Build, Qanvast[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6350" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Sheng Hong Designs & Build, Qanvast[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6351" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Sheng Hong Designs & Build, Qanvast[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6352" align="alignnone" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Sheng Hong Designs & Build, Qanvast[/caption]

2. Punggol Waterway II (Block 310A)

A 3-room BTO apartment can look just as pretty as the interior of a condo. This smart approach is worth considering if you have to renovate a small space!

[caption id="attachment_6335" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Quirky Idees & Qanvast[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6336" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Quirky Idees & Qanvast[/caption]

White backgrounds are boring, so step it up with a warm colour for the kitchen counters. A subtle design like this commands attention in its own quiet way.

[caption id="attachment_6337" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Quirky Idees & Qanvast[/caption]

3. Pasir Ris Street 51 (Block 524C)

If you want to create a playful vibe, you can’t go wrong with turquoise. The colour and wooden walls complement each other incredibly well.

[caption id="attachment_6338" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Dyel Design & Qanvast[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6339" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Dyel Design & Qanvast[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6340" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Dyel Design & Qanvast[/caption]

4. Anchorvale Crescent (Block 336D)

False ceiling and tiling have never looked this good before.

[caption id="attachment_6341" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Urban Habitat Design & Qanvast[/caption]

There’s only one word to describe the unconventional shelves: brilliant.

[caption id="attachment_6342" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Urban Habitat Design & Qanvast[/caption]

If you want a clever way to display your impressive TV, borrow this rad design.

[caption id="attachment_6343" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Urban Habitat Design & Qanvast[/caption]

5. Chai Chee Road (Block 808A)

This living room is begging to be sat on. The open space and muted colours are inviting and soothing.

[caption id="attachment_6344" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Reno Cube & Qanvast[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6345" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Reno Cube & Qanvast[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6346" align="aligncenter" width="700"]BTO renovations Image credit: Reno Cube & Qanvast[/caption]

These 5 BTO renovations show how we can create a simple space that exudes serenity and calmness. Nothing better to look forward to after a long day of work. Are you intending to renovate your BTO? What trends or ideas do you have in mind? Let us know on our Facebook page!

(Header credit: Quirky Idees & Qanvast, words by editor)

Also read: 5 Best Stores To Get A Scandinavian-Style Home Without Ikea!