Beyond the Tour: The Affordable Home Decor Shopping Guide 2026

By Shannon Osztonits - 30 Mar 2026

In this condo, the sofa, carpet, standing lamp and TV console are all from Taobao. — Photography by Isabelle Seah, Art Direction by Nonie Chen

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According to the Cost of Living Index 2026, Singapore currently ranks as the world’s 14th most expensive city to live in.

With living costs, housing prices and even transportation costs continuing to rise, we’ve noticed a slight shift in homeowners’ buying habits, especially when renovating their homes.

One word we keep hearing more and more is “Taobao.”

Favoured for its affordability, ability to customise furniture to your precise specifications, and the surprising quality of goods, we spoke to homeowners, Sy and Russell (who own a condominium in Pandan Valley), who purchased most of their furniture, lighting fixtures and even bathroom fixtures from the e-commerce website.

Boasting multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, an outdoor patio, and living spaces spread across various levels, their home is a big space to fill.

With the rising costs, homeowners are spending more on apartment space and saving in other ways, like less expensive furniture options.

“A lot of our stuff is customised from Taobao,” Sy says. “I used to work in China for eight years, and I know how to use Taobao very well…I customised everything to the size that I want. If your readers want to have a Taobao-ordering masterclass, I’m your go-to.”

Most of their home’s lighting features, like a double-barrel pendant light above the kitchen island, a standing lamp in the living room and bathroom lights, mirrors and bedside tables, are from Taobao. Even a bathroom sink and faucets (in the guest bathroom) are a Taobao purchase.

With the ability to custom-design items off the online shopping platform, the couple opted for this route: a customised canopy, king-sized bedframe, the living room sofa and TV unit stretching across the entirety of the living room’s wall.

Here are some of our favourite affordable decor picks on shopping platforms for 2026

From marble decor to burgundy, sky-grey and ochre tones to (best-selling) coffee table books that matter, here are affordable decor items according to 2026 trends.