Looking to inject some character into your home or buy a memento of your time in Asia? How about a gorgeous piece of antique furniture or a quality vintage accessory? We love how antiques have their own story, which gets to live on with their next owner. If you’re looking for cabinets, chairs, tables, lamps, sideboards and more, you’ll find classic Colonial signature pieces and creative Chinese options at these five top antique furniture stores in Singapore.
The Past Perfect Collection
Love colonial-style furniture? Then visit The Past Perfect Collection in Tan Boon Liat Building where British colonial antiques are the stars of the showroom. The collection bears the personal touch of Dutch couple and owners who travel to India and handpick original pieces that once adorned the stately colonial mansions. The store is filled with gorgeous top-quality antique furniture that has been restored to its former glory with exquisite polishing and fresh upholstery.
Pop along for great ideas on how to incorporate antique furniture into modern spaces and don’t miss their gift-worthy silver collection, framed antique maps and luxury Good Earth tableware.
Top picks
- Large travel chests are a perennial favourite – in particular, Dutch colonial chests, which are sturdy as well as extremely elegant. With their ornate brass locks and large brass keys, they offer practicality and style all in one.
- Roll-top desks are very popular and date back to the 19th century when they were used by European settlers.
- The store specialises in colonial dining tables – extending, circular or marble-topped, each one is ideal for happy gatherings with family and friends.
A tip from the store
“Check out our website! You’ll find numerous detailed pictures of each piece including prices, provenance and in-depth descriptions.”
#11-05 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road
6737 3078 | pastperfect.sg
Emperor’s Attic
When you enter the Emperor’s Attic store, the first thing you’ll notice is colour – from pastel pinks to pillar-box reds and Tiffany blues! Owner Chantal Travers has a brilliant eye for styling, allowing you to see immediately how any number of the pieces would fit into your home.
Hand-picked from highly skilled artisans in Northern China by Chantal herself, the store’s furniture and accessories collection consists of quality, authentic pieces both new and old. You can shop hand-painted Chinese cabinets, seating, sideboards, chests, ceramics, stools and other home accessories. A gorgeous store to buy antiques in Singapore.
Stay up-to-date on new shipments and the store’s regular events on the Facebook page.
Top picks
- Cabinets in vibrant gem colours are very popular, and work well as statement pieces in home of any size and design.
- Antique hand-painted cabinets and sideboards from Gansu Province are exclusive pieces, great for storage in the dining room, hallway or living room.
- Functional and aesthetically pleasing, elegant tall noodle cabinets from Shanxi Province offer a heap of storage space for linen, toys, tableware and more.
A tip from the store
“Don’t be afraid to mix styles; by doing so, you’re making a statement and making your home uniquely yours.”
#01-10 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road
9011 0380 | emperorsattic.com
Woody Antique House
Meticulously restored to retain its original beauty, the furniture at Woody Antique House is hand sourced by Chris and Wei Chin Ang. Browse cabinets from China, Tibetan chests, a recycled teak range, repurposed Indian furniture, plus rain drums and bronze gongs from Thailand and Myanmar. The store can also customise any of the pieces to suit your needs.
Top picks
- Wedding cabinets from Zhejiang Province in China were traditionally given as a gift to newly married couples. These days, they’re repainted in modern shades or reproduced in various sizes and colours, and are an easy way to mix antique furniture in with new.
- Indian pitara boxes, traditionally used to store clothes, are now popular as coffee tables or TV consoles.
- Make a statement with a Mongolian sideboard. These roomy and beautifully painted numbers work brilliantly as storage cabinets.
A tip from the store
“Note the finishing that was used for your piece, and find out how to maintain it. For example, wax and oil finishes may be prone to mould in wet and humid conditions.”
13 Dempsey Road, #01-05
6471 1770 | woodyantique.com
Lim’s Holland Village
The team at Lim’s Holland Village has over 40 years of experience in the antique business and offers traditional home décor and furniture crafted to suit today’s lifestyle.
Sourced from Northern China, many pieces showcased at their Holland Village store can boast up to 150 years of history. In the extensive collection, expect to find chairs, chests of drawers, wedding and food baskets, trunk boxes and more.
Top picks
- Take a trip back in history with a long side console from Gansu in Northern China, featuring unique and intricate paintings. Each painting tells a story too – be it of a wedding, the first day of spring, or spirit animals.
- Made around 50 to 80 years ago, camphor trunks are usually quickly snatched up in store because of their unique grain and how they are kept in their original form as much as possible. These can be used as coffee tables or bed-end trunks.
A tip from the store
“Don’t be put off by imperfections in antiques. There may be the odd mark or dent, but it’s all part of a piece’s beauty, speaking of its age and uniqueness.”
#02-01 Holland Village Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Avenue
6466 3188 | facebook.com/limshollandvillage
Just Anthony
Just Anthony carries a wide selection of Chinese antique furniture, reproductions and accessories; you can shop cabinets, chests, day beds and Ming-style reproductions, plus they have a large selection of stunning lamps. You’ll also find elegant silk wall coverings, wall decorations, mirrors and even antique room dividers repurposed from old door panels. Got a tricky space or something particular in mind? Get your piece customised to your ideal colour, dimensions and design.
Top picks
- Used as the main doors of bigger households, large antique wooden doors from China’s Shanxi Province are made of elm or pine wood.
- Original red wedding cabinets from Zhejiang Province are another favourite. Some are plain while others come with intricate carvings and beautiful paintings.
- Pick up an antique console table originating from the late Qing Dynasty or early Republic; usually made of elm wood, they’re sourced from Northern China.
A tip from the store
“If you love a piece, buy it, not just something that will fit in your current home.”
379 Upper Paya Lebar Road
6283 4782 | justanthony.com
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