100 Best Shops: Furniture

Akemi Gallery

JAPANESE ANTIQUES. Marvel at the antique tansus, obis and silk screens, shipped in from cities all over Japan. Most of us will have to look rather than touch, but if you’ve got the dough to spend they have new pieces coming in all the time. #02-06 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Rd (6735 6315, www.akemigallery.com)

Lim’s Arts & Living

ETHNIC HOME DECOR. If you like colourful ethnic handicrafts, this is the bazaar for you. Reclaimed Indian shawls are put together with shells to make ‘pouffe’ stools ($169-$250), but its showpiece is the Thai Pumpkin Cabinet ($498), with its mirrorworks and hand carvings. #02-01 Holland Road Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Rd (6467 1300)

Lorgan’s, The Retro Store

RETRO FURNITURE. A high-ceilinged warehouse full of restored furniture and knick-knacks from the past, including a ’40s art-deco ashtray made out of steel chrome and ’70s cantilever dining chairs ($288). #01-03 Century Warehouse, 100E Pasir Panjang Rd (6272 4988, www. lorgansdesignsource.com)

Mu Dan

WOODEN FURNITURE. Mu Dan may do excellent reproductions – just look at the Georgia writing desks ($900-$1,200) – but this sprawling top-floor space has more than just replica furniture. They also sell a wide range of genuine antiques and rare finds. #01-02 Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Rd (6467 9227)

Strangelets

CONVERSATION PIECES. Working hard to set the trends, not follow them, Strangelets works closely with a small batch of imaginative designers. Items found within their store are always something to talk about. Check out some eye-catching furniture pieces – dinosaur bookcase anyone? 87 Amoy St (6222 1456, www.strangelets.sg)

Xtra

OFFICE FURNITURE. If you’ve got a flexible budget and you’re looking for contemporary-quirky furniture and accessories for the office, Xtra stocks all the big names. #01-01/02-01 Winsland House, 9 Penang Rd (6336 0688)