After a long day of work or with the kids, sinking into a comfy sofa or daybed is a blissful thing. It’s even better if it’s the perfect size and style you’re looking for. So where to buy the best sofa for you? We asked a few readers where they bought their sofas in Singapore and why.
Shehara Dias, Sri Lankan – Best sofa value and design
We had some key considerations when it came to buying a new sofa in Singapore; they included quality and craftsmanship, contemporary design elements, and affordability and value for money.
I was initially had a recommendations for sofas at Gallery 278 by a friend, and subsequently by Expat Living. I went along in the first instance back in 2017 to get two accent chairs custom-made for my living room. I had seen a design I liked in Sri Lanka, and I wanted them to replicate the same. They did a wonderful job in recreating my vision – I was 100 percent satisfied.
So, in 2020, when it came time for me to upgrade my sofas, going back to Gallery 278 was a no-brainer. Once again, I showed them the sofa design and aesthetic I was interested in, and true to form they delivered. Based on my apartment layout I wanted a four-seater sofa and a three-seater ottoman, both in the same fabric and colour. I absolutely love the final product!
One of the main reasons I keep going back to Gallery 278 is because of Sara Leow. She has been a warm and awesome salesperson to work with right from the start, and has gone above and beyond to help me achieve my vision with each visit. I’d also like to mention Felicia, who personally helped me envision the entire “look” of the final products and how they would fit into my home space from a design perspective. All in all, it’s been a truly warm and personalised shopping experience.
Next on the agenda at Gallery 278 is an upgrade of my dining table chairs. I’m looking through design inspirations as we speak!
Gallery 278
203A Henderson Road (Wing A), #11-01/02
6737 2322 | gallery278.com
Maria Toomik, Estonian – Rattan sofas and daybeds
We love Bali boho style as we spend quite a bit of time there – and it was also where my husband and I first met and had our wedding. We were looking for a daybed for the balcony of our new condo, but we didn’t want plastic outdoor furniture; it’s more practical but it doesn’t quite fit our style. Finding something in natural materials like rattan, wood and bamboo were the main criteria – and we also wanted something large enough to fit me, my husband and our baby at the same time.
We found Island Living online while looking for furniture, and we immediately fell in love with the large Aliki daybed when we visited the store – we loved the rattan, the thick comfy mattress and the bolsters and pillows that came with it. Everything in the store fitted our style and we ended up getting quite a few pieces, including four rattan lamps, a nest of coffee side tables, a teak ladder for the bathroom and two laundry baskets.
The moment you step into Island Living, it feels like being transported to Bali! The layout is roomy and bright, the décor is rustic, the pieces beautifully showcased, and the customer service is second to none. All our items were delivered door to door a few days later, with email and WhatsApp updates on the delivery schedule.
We’re now thinking about ordering a small Aliki daybed for our second balcony in the near future.
Island Living
8 Kaki Bukit Ave 1, #06-04
8028 2571 | islandliving.sg
Alyce Codrington, Australian – Custom made sofas in Singapore
I needed a sofa that could handle three young kids and be flexible enough to move with us, as, like most expats, we are renting. I had a specific look in mind and couldn’t find anything like it in Singapore. My husband is quite tall so we also needed the sofa to be deep enough to accommodate him.
I was exploring custom options online and WTP had some great reviews. Their other furniture also had some of the aesthetic qualities I was looking for.
We ended up purchasing a 3.5-seater fabric sofa from them. It’s 2.5m long and the seat is extra deep, and I was also able to customise every measurement and feature. The fabric I chose is a cream cotton-linen blend, and we have applied multiple layers of scotchguard to help protect it from sticky little fingers. I chose turned legs in a dark stain, and we designed a swooped, low arm on the sofa to allow for people to rest their head on. This also means the kids can jump and climb straight onto the couch from the side – which they do!
I had a great experience at WTP. The floor stock allows you to see the various fabric and wood stain options in context and feel the different types of cushions. It meant I could purchase the sofa knowing exactly what I was getting; to be honest, though, the sofa was better than I expected!
Another big selling point was the great lead times WTP could offer – our sofa was made and delivered in about three weeks! I thought that was fantastic given how specific I was with heights, depths and shape. Katherine was really clear with the options and narrowed it down for me really quickly because she knew how the fabrics would wear and what was available and in stock. The pricing was also very competitive.
If I ever need custom-made furniture again, I’ll definitely go straight back to WTP. They have some lovely coffee tables and bedheads, so maybe that will be next. I might also buy some extra cushion covers because, with three little kids, the poor sofa suffers from all those sticky fingers! It has been holding up well, though – we’ve had it cleaned and it came up beautifully.
WTP The Furniture Company
3 Kung Chong Road
6235 2760 | wtpstyle.com
This article first appeared in the July 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
Now you know where to buy sofas in Singapore – read our huge furniture guide.
