Choosing the Right Sofa in Singapore

Hello, I’m Saori, a Japanese interior designer based in Singapore.
When furnishing a new home here, the sofa is often the centerpiece of the living room—and one of the most important pieces to get right.

Because it’s where families gather, unwind, and spend meaningful time together, choosing a sofa goes far beyond price alone. In this article, I’ll share a designer’s perspective on how to choose a sofa you’ll never regret—especially within Singapore’s unique living conditions.

Which type of sofa shopper are you?

Many people ask, “Aside from IKEA, where should I shop for a sofa in Singapore?”
Of course, I can recommend many great furniture stores. But before you decide where to buy, there’s something far more important:

Which pattern describes your situation?
Your “pattern” determines the ideal price range, brands, materials, and long-term value.

① Renting a furnished unit — and having the landlord buy the sofa

Some furnished properties come without a sofa. In such cases, the landlord usually buys a new one and places it before you move in. Convenient—but it may not match your taste or lifestyle.

What I often recommend is this:
Ask the landlord for a budget and choose the sofa yourself.
This way, the home feels more like your space, even if the furniture technically remains the landlord’s. Depending on the owner, negotiation may or may not be possible—but many clients successfully receive a budget when they raise the topic before signing the contract.

I encourage you to try it.

② Planning to bring the sofa back to Japan or another country

If you expect to relocate again and take your sofa with you, you’ll want a piece that balances size, durability, transportability, and long-term quality. A sofa that you’ll enjoy for years—not just during your stay in Singapore.

③ Planning to use it long-term in Singapore / owning your home

For those settling in Singapore or purchasing a property, it’s important to choose a sofa that suits Singapore’s unique environment:
floor area, ceiling height, humidity, and lifestyle patterns.

By choosing the right fabric, form, and dimensions without compromise, you can find a piece that stays beautiful and comfortable for years.

Most Sollys Design clients fall under pattern ② or ③, but we also assist those in pattern ① who want to select furniture within a landlord-provided budget.

Custom-made or ready-made?

In Singapore, sofas are available as ready-made, semi-custom, or fully custom-designed pieces. Depending on the product, you may be able to customise:

• Size and configuration (straight, L-shaped, modular, and more)

• Upholstery fabric

• Arm design

• Sofa legs

• Cushion firmness and seat depth

These options allow your sofa to fit the room perfectly—and express your personal style.

Choosing the right upholstery fabric

Among all customisable elements, fabric selection is the most requested.
I accompany clients to showrooms, where we feel the fabric samples, discuss texture, and test seating comfort together.

Clients often tell me:

“Because you match the fabric to the overall interior concept, I feel confident in my choice.”
“Understanding the background of each material makes me love the furniture even more.”

In humid Singapore, many clients also worry about material compatibility with the climate. The guide below may help:

■ Polyester

Durable, easy to care for, and moisture-resistant—Singapore’s most common and practical choice. Fast-drying, fade-resistant, and suitable for everyday use without stress.

■ Acrylic

Highly resistant to humidity and UV rays—often used for outdoor furniture.
Smooth to the touch, and great for bright, sunlit living rooms. Has a firm, structured feel.

■ Cotton

Soft and comfortable, but absorbs moisture easily.
Unprocessed cotton can darken or deteriorate faster in Singapore’s climate.
Cotton blends with stain-repellent or waterproof treatments are safer.

■ Linen

Loved globally for its natural, elegant texture.
However, it is sensitive to humidity and requires care.
Popular in Japan and Europe, but in Singapore it’s best chosen with caution.

■ Velvet

Beautiful sheen and a luxurious presence.
Polyester-based velvet performs well against humidity and is surprisingly practical.
Pairs wonderfully with art lighting and hotel-like interiors.

■ Microfiber

Highly recommended for families with children or pets.
Resistant to stains, easy to wipe, and has a refined suede-like texture.

■ Leather (Genuine)

A lifetime material that develops a rich patina.
However, it requires regular conditioning in humid environments and suits homes with well-managed air-conditioning.

■ Faux Leather

Easy to maintain but less durable.
Humidity accelerates deterioration (hydrolysis), making it less suitable for long-term use.

■ Performance Fabrics

Brands like AquaClean, Sunbrella, Crypton, etc.
Stain-resistant, waterproof, mold-resistant, pet-friendly, and beautifully textured.
Best for those who want durability and minimal risk.

Sizing is critical

The most common sofa-related issue is size mismatch.
Many people fall in love with a sofa in the showroom, only to realise:

“It’s too big for my living room.”

In Singapore, you must also check:

• elevator dimensions

• corridor width

• stair clearance

• the width of your main door

When working with Sollys Design, we take all measurements in advance (often before move-in). This virtually eliminates the risk of “The sofa didn’t fit—now we must return it!”

Your home layout, lifestyle, and family needs all influence the right size—leave this part to us.

▲Example from a recent project：A newlywed client who purchased a condo opted for a compact sofa with a removable backrest that can be repositioned for guests. Small footprint, big flexibility.

Comfort vs cost — finding the right balance

Comfort varies drastically between models and brands.
And higher price does not always mean better comfort.

Having tested countless sofas over the years, I can quickly assess the true value and “cost-performance” of each piece.

For clients in Japan who haven’t yet moved to Singapore, I gather preferences such as:

• preferred firmness

• texture and tactile comfort

• daily lifestyle habits

Then I recommend options online or via messaging—describing the “feel” as accurately as possible.

For clients already in Singapore, I accompany them to showrooms so we can test each sofa together.

Summary

A sofa sits at the heart of everyday living.
This is why choosing it carefully—considering size, fabric, comfort, and lifestyle—is essential.

Sollys Design supports clients in both Japan and Singapore so you can choose a sofa you’ll love for years.

Our services include:

• Showroom accompaniment (Singapore)

• Online consultations (Japan / Singapore)

• Size recommendations based on your floor plan

• Styling tailored to your family’s lifestyle

If you’re wondering:

• “Which sofa is right for my space?”

• “What size should I buy?”

Feel free to reach out anytime.

▶ Click here for sofa and interior design inquiries in Singapore