What Type of Furniture Should I Get?

OK – let’s talk furniture shopping! For some, this is the most exciting stage of the home-buying journey. Like, you’re one step closer to living in the home on your Pinterest board that’s been there for ages! 

We wish buying furniture was as easy as drag-and-drop – like in The Sims – but this is real life, and there’s more to think about. Aside from pricing and budget, here are 5 more things to consider when you go furniture-shopping. 

Furniture Size: Don’t agak-agak

Space is scarce in Singapore, so in our homes, every single square foot counts. Opting for space-saving furniture can be a game-changer if you live in a HDB or a condominium. Note that we didn’t say small, but think of compact sofas, slim-profile storage solutions, and multi-functional pieces that fit snugly without crowding the room. 

An oversized dining table, a bulky couch, or a bedframe that is way too big can make a room feel cramped. Can you imagine squeezing past your furniture every day just to get from one side of the room to the other? GG. No thanks. So, don’t just agak-agak; take accurate measurements to make the most out of your space and determine how each piece of furniture will fit.

Here’s a tip: Consider getting extendable furniture like drop-leaf tables or foldable chairs that can be stowed away when not in use. It will minimise the visual clutter and save space, and you can simply pull it out when guests (read: aunties and uncles) come over.

The Alto Extendable Dining Table by Son&Bear allows you to seamlessly expand into a circular dining table when you have guests over.

Furniture Material and Durability: Is atas furniture always the best?  

You know the saying, “Good thing not cheap. Cheap thing not good.”? Well, when it comes to buying furniture, we’d say take it with a pinch of salt. You see, most people get the impression that the more expensive something is, the better quality it’ll be. But is this always true? 

It’s a hard “No” for us. Just because something may look and feel atas doesn’t necessarily mean it will last. When looking for quality, long-lasting furniture, the materials and craftsmanship behind each item are more important than the price tag. 

So, with price points out of the way, how do you spot a good piece of furniture that won’t start falling apart after one year? 

Look for furniture made of solid wood, metal, and high-quality engineered wood. For sofas and beds, the upholstery should be made with tightly woven fabrics that can withstand wear and tear, like those scratch-resistant and stain-resistant sofas that can tahan as the canvas of a budding child artist. 

Son & Bear makes it a point to upholster all their sofas with stain-and-scratch-resistant fabric, perfect for homes with children and pets. Above: Son&Bear’s Andrea Sofa.

Style and Aesthetics: How to make your house look chio

Now, let’s talk about style and aesthetics – or, in other words, how to make your house chio? 

First, consider how each piece complements your overall interior theme. Well-coordinated furniture brings balance and harmony to the room, whereas mismatched styles can make a space feel a bit rabak (unless that’s your vibe). If you have an interior designer, now’s the time to ask them for their advice and suggestions! 

Otherwise, this is when your Pinterest mood board comes in handy. 

Neutral tones like beige, white, grey, and natural wood hues fit seamlessly into any aesthetic. This means that when you’re ready to level up and move out one day, these furniture pieces can follow you to your next home. They are timeless, versatile, and will never go out of trend. 

Functionality and Practicality: This furniture can use or not? 

Another thing to consider when buying furniture is that it should be functional. It should be practical and fit into your lifestyle and daily needs. By focusing on functionality, you ensure that each piece of furniture doesn’t just look pretty, but is actually useful and contributes to your home life.

And, of course, this includes multi-functional furniture, such as a sofa that can extend into a bed. It serves as a sofa on regular days and makes room for guests staying over. We love this Klara extendable sofa from Son&Bear. It is compact but extends into a bed if needed.

The Klara Extendable Sofa by Son&Bear elegantly folds out into a bed when needed.

Ergonomics also plays a big role in functionality, particularly for pieces you use frequently, like office chairs and sofas. A stylish office chair might look fabulous, but without proper ergonomics, you may end up needing extra visits to your massage sifu. (As if hitting our 30s wasn’t already bad enough.)

Statement Pieces: Wah, where you get this one? 

Statement pieces are those things in your house that will make guests stop in their tracks and say, “Wah, where you get this one…”  

Statement pieces stand out and break up the monotony in your home. Your house doesn’t need to look so sian one. Why not inject a bit of character into your space by introducing something bold, eclectic, or unique? Some people get an armchair in a striking colour, a cool art piece, or even a quirky light fixture like Son&Bear’s Stellar Floor Lamp.

Looking for a way to add some character to your home? This curvaceous floor lamp by Son&Bear might do the trick.

That said, statement pieces don’t always have to be expensive designer finds. It could be a family heirloom, a custom-made item from a local artisan, or a vintage side table from a thrift store. 

The secret to finding the perfect statement piece? Don’t rush it. Eventually, as you go about your daily life, you’ll stumble upon the one that resonates with you most. 

Actually, this is the case for all furniture shopping. We believe in gradually adding furniture as you live in your home. Because, as your needs develop, so will your taste in furniture. 

Son&Bear Furniture Partners with Homescape

Homescape is proud to announce that we’re official partners of Son&Bear. Yup – we’re going steady. But first, a little backstory. 

From the get-go, we realised that Homescape and Son&Bear had something in common. In our own crafts, whether building furniture or renovating homes, we shared the same values of transparency, innovation, and being customer-first. 

Because we believe partnerships make us stronger, we are excited to deliver delightful experiences for new (and existing) homeowners. We are committed to doing things exceptionally well, serving our customers honourably, and enriching their lives – starting from their homes. 

On liao! Let’s get this show on the road! 

Learn more about Son&Bear.