Getting custom-made furniture – just right!

People are all different shapes and sizes, and there are plenty of oddly shaped apartments in Singapore, so finding the perfect sofa, bed or dining table ‘off the rack’ can be time-consuming and frustrating. Custom-made furniture is a great option and it’s not necessarily more expensive. If you’re wondering where to get customised furniture in Singapore, here are some recommendations from those who got help getting their furniture “just right!”

A customised dining table by SMOKE SIGNATURE

Irene Seet, Singaporean 

Our previous dining table had served us for a good decade or more. With my children having grown up already, my husband and I decided that it was time to invest in bespoke dining room furniture that would fit into the size of our place perfectly, while still being able to be showcase pieces in our home.

I wanted something that was built to last, and would grow with my family as we grow. Solid wood allowed me to have that; even if scratches or dents appeared, they would tell the story of my family as the table ages and develops a patina.

We were googling for bespoke wood furniture and we felt intrigued by the story that Smoke’s creative identity showcased. So we dropped by the showroom where we fell in love with all the pieces that were on display. We decided there and then to work with Marcus to create our dining room furniture.

We were extremely involved in the customisation process, from the first day! My husband and I selected the slab of wood, where exactly it would be cut for the perfect length for our dining room – even down to the colour of the legs. We were very pleased with how open Marcus was to allowing us to drop by the workshop at any time to view the stage our table was at, and how passionate he is about his creative work.

We loved how all-rounded the shopping experience felt, along with how prompt Marcus was with updates on our furniture. Everything went very smoothly! We’ll likely go back to get a coffee table, and maybe a few smaller pieces for displaying around the house.

Smoke & Atelier
201 Ubi Avenue 4
6261 3277 | smoke.sg

Custom-made furniture from Atelier by Arete

Aparna Ravi & Ravi Balasubramanian, Indian

Our objective was to make our living area more inviting and comfortable to host both small and large groups. We wanted to supplement our existing five-seater leather sofa in the living room by adding more seating and a centre table, and a place to serve drinks.

We wanted the armchairs to be stylish, comfortable and inviting to guests, at a price that wouldn’t break the bank. The bar unit needed to be the right size with enough storage space inside the cabinet for glasses, wine bottles and other drinks – and the colour had to sync with the overall look of the living room. For the coffee table, we didn’t want any wooden or glass surface as we have young boys who are always climbing or jumping on our furniture! So we wanted all the items to be sturdy and with no sharp edges.

The Arete store has a great selection of furniture and décor. We visited a few times to look at the options before making our selection, and we were quite involved in choosing the design, colours and size. Caroline and Nirvi were extremely patient through this selection process and ensured that the custom-made furniture pieces were practically designed in keeping with our needs; we’re happy with the quality and design of the final product.

20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02
areteculture.com

Customised furniture by Gallery 278

Rachael Day, British

We wanted a specific shape, style and colour for an outdoor dining table for our balcony. We found a piece that needed re-sizing and treating with a whitewash effect. We’ve purchased items from Gallery 278 before and when Felicia and her team realised we couldn’t quite find the style we hoped for, they were quick to offer us custom-made furniture. (They’re also producing a bespoke, rattan cabinet for us, which already looks fantastic!)

We’re very happy with the result – it’s exactly what we asked for! The Gallery 278 team involved us at every stage and were meticulous about the details. They’re actually the most professional, friendly and precise team we have met in our 20 years in Singapore; they’re flexible, talented, unfailingly honest and with a genuine love of design. And they aren’t happy until the customer loves their purchase!

203 Henderson Road (Wing A), #11-01/02
6737 2322 | gallery278.com

Customised beds and mattresses by Heveya

Tine Koldenborg Jessen, Danish

I was looking for new mattresses for our customised beds – more specifically, special mattresses to suit the needs of my family members, as we’re all quite tall (180cm plus) and we have various back issues. So we wanted mattresses that would be beneficial to our health, while also considering allergies. It was also important to me to find more sustainable options.

Sarah from Heveya was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive to our needs, even to the extent that she was able to organise a customised mattress, the two sides of which were different in firmness. I hadn’t heard of this option before this experience, and I would really recommend it for those with different comfort needs. I’m also so pleased that the products exceeded my expectations in terms of being made of natural and sustainable materials, which are also naturally anti-viral, anti-bacterial and allergy-friendly.

The shopping experience was very pleasant and smooth. Sarah was kind enough to come to our home to take measurements and discuss our requirements. I’ve also visited the lovely store (where the parking is also very easy).

I saw that Heveya has nice bolster pillows and wonderful sustainable bedding as well, so I’ll definitely return for those in the near future, and I recommend the company to everyone.

32 Eng Hoon Street
6735 6658 | heveya.sg

Customised furniture by Woody Antique House

Kartik Krishnamurthy and Tasneen Padiath, Indian

We have always wanted a day-bed here in Singapore; we have one back in our family home in India. But, this time, we wanted a specific shade of yellow; we also wanted the piece to have a good angle to rest our heads, and all in a simple design. We were very involved in the process, and we co-designed the day-bed with the team from Woody Antique.

Ms Ang and the team are fabulous – we highly recommend them for their off the shelf and customised furniture. We already have many pieces from Woody Antique House and we will probably be looking at getting a new dining table and chairs from them soon too.

13 Dempsey Road, #01-05
6475 7036 | woodyantique.com

This article on customised furniture first appeared in the April 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

Looking for more information on furniture in Singapore? Read this huge guide!

Amy Brook-Partridge

Amy has two kids, one dog and one husband - although she'd love to have more than one (dog, that is). She's mad about F45 training, running and playing Gaelic football, when she isn't injured or drinking a little too much wine.