Padding Up the Home (Living and Bedroom)

So today, I'm going to look at how far a shoe-string $3000 budget can get me in furnishing a living room, a bedroom, and a  study room. To save on cost, if you are renting a room out or don't mind 2nd hand goods, you can request previous owners for their furniture, especially if it is in good condition, needs lots of disassembling, or looks really unique like teak furniture which just needs to be re-polished. Many like having new furniture when they move to a new place, but remember, it is often cheaper to simply refurbish than to buy new everything. If you do ask for possible furniture, it'll be added on to the valuation price but it is better than going out there to get one just for the tenants. Some tenants actually prefer bringing in their own furniture. (I met at least 3 PR sellers during viewing who were selling off their homes to rent as the space was just too small for their expanding family, and they needed a bigger space.)


I like multi-functional versatile & practical furniture. & I've lots of 'things', so I like things with lots of storage options.

So for the Living Room, these are my ideas:

 This is the Sarai Storage Sofa ($399) from fortytwo.sg. Now this does multiple duty. As a sofa, as a coffee table (just place the footstool in-front with a long board (or surf board to add funk) on top, as a storage unit, and finally as a bed for those unexpected guests. Tuck in extra pillows, blankets, and bedsheets into the drawers below. Handy. It also comes with a flip-down mini coffee table (as seen in picture), and I like this coffee brown fabric cover version. There is something similar at Qoo10 (deal price, at $299.90 + $30 delivery, presently but not as well fitted, but has a wider range of colours including lime green and wine red, removable cover unlike FT's and with a wider range of models but at higher increments).

I was looking for a console table when I saw this L-shaped sofa and console table and coffee table set going at only $499 on Furniture Mart. Good for big gatherings with more places to sit at. The coffee-table being the same height as the console, can also act as an extension of the console, offering more length.

This is a Unit TV console with two close door shelves at $159 from V.Hive. The price includes delivery and installation. More shelving space! I can have this in the middle with the console and coffee tables from above flanking it on both sides.

I've always liked those rattan swings, especially since I lounged in one while at Siem Reap, Cambodia. This Swing Chair is from Qoo10, retails at $229 with free installation and delivery, and has got good reviews too.
For rugs, I'll just look at IKEA. I like the soft sort which get in between your toes. I've considered laying carpet grass where my swing set would be. Those are not as bad, and at that pricing, I can afford to change them out when they do wear out. Cheaper and less of a hassle than dry cleaning or vacuuming, I guess. This costs about $19.90.

Finally, for the entrance, a 2 in 1 shoe rack, which functions like a bench too, to comfortably put on your shoes. This is $45 from FurnitureSg, and would suit the copper gates too.

There are some really nice storage cabinets at Orange Living especially the Cassini and Moly storage, glass shelves display cabinets, both retailing at $299 which can function as a space divider, like at the entrance.

I like maze like spaces, instead of everything being flushed against the wall, well, till I am rushing, or need space to dance... It is cozier and affords more privacy.

Now for the bedroom/s:


Now, this is how I quickly coordinate and would finish a (rental) room ... buy them in a bundle. This Qoo10 deal includes a Bed Frame, Dressing Table with stool, a Side Table and a 3.5 ft 2-door Sliding Wardrobe. They are even throwing in a free Queen sized 6" mattress (can upgrade to better height and comfort) and 2 free pillows. That is quite a bit of saving, isn't it, if the deal price is at $448 if you are getting it in Walnut + White? Pay a little more for Black, as that is classy :) Oh, installation and delivery is free too. There is another seller also on Qoo10, selling about the same thing, but their free mattress is 7.5", and it goes at $459.

If you would like better quality, you can consider getting bundle sets from more quality providers. Personally, I find the night stand and dresser extravagant. I just need a bed, a wardrobe, and a study desk.

 This bamboo partition is perfect to keep out prying eyes, especially if your front door opens up into the main living area, or to section out the dining area from the living area, or the bed from the rest of the room, or even the bathroom from the bed area to allow some privacy, especially if your bathroom door opens directly into your bedroom area. Damage? $26 on Qoo10.

For my own room, I most probably will be customising it with built ins like a platform bed (Read this article on the advantages of platform beds), within an alcove area, shelved with all my books and CDs/DVDs, and a long wall full height wardrobe, but for the purpose of illustration, we'll take it that I'll be turning the spare room into an office. So here are the works:

I LOVE this 3 in 1 book cabinet and display shelf from FurnitureSg. It can be collapsed to be one shelf, expanded to be two shelves, or placed perpendicular to be a corner shelf. Very versatile! Expanding to your needs too. It is available at $205 here.

 As I would be working from home quite a deal, I need a work desk too, and this L-shaped desk with a high back chair with arms, comes in at only $288, with delivery and installation from LCF Furniture Store.



I forgot about kitchen/dining furniture, so this is to add on...There are some really nice dining table sets at Orange Living. I like the Florida Checkered Glass and Metal Dining set going at $499 and the Florida Square Table with corner chairs that fold in, retailing at $419. It saves space and is compact though small at 100cm each side only. However, I found a dining set which is more affordable on Lazada at only $299 in dark walnut, as pictured.

So total damage is $2916 for the base end selections. The remainder? Don't forget curtains and the works...

Like textured ceiling tiles... :



You can look at this link to find out where some of the best furniture stores in Singapore are.