Save or splurge: Homeowners on furniture and bathroom buys worth investing in

We’ve all heard about renovation regrets, but furnishing regrets — which can be just as costly — aren’t talked about nearly as often. That lounge chair seemed perfect for reading on the balcony, until it started gathering dust during the hotter months. That medium-firm mattress sounded like a safe bet, until you actually had to sleep on it. 

As if watching your hard-earned money go to waste isn’t painful enough, getting rid of a furnishing mistake can cost you too, whether it’s paying for movers or disposal. 

To spare you the hassle (and heartache), we asked five homeowners what’s worth spending on and where you can afford to save, then picked out some of the best options from trusted brands on Shopee across different budgets.

Summary: Spend where it counts

Here’s a quick summary of what the homeowners recommend to splurge and save on:

If there’s one rule of thumb to take away, save on the things you can easily replace and splurge on those that can become a daily pain if you get them wrong. It’s especially worth investing in furniture that supports your body.

Accent tables (side tables and coffee tables)

Save, because cheaper options abound

“For small furniture pieces that don’t need to be installed by a contractor, it’s perfectly fine to shop online. Things like side tables and coffee tables tend to come in a much wider range of designs, so you can mix and match for a more eclectic look. They don’t cost that much individually either, so if there’s wear and tear, or your tastes change and you want to remodel in future, they’re easy enough to replace.”

Ang Kaiwen, 38, owner of a 4-room HDB flat

In our opinion, a budget of $50 to $150 can get you a decent coffee table or side table. Here are some of our accent table picks from Yeswood, a popular Chinese brand that retails 100% pure solid wood furniture:

YESWOOD Scandinavian Beech Wood Wheeled Trolley Side Table VERA, $94.63

This side table accommodates items of different sizes with three adjustable height levels, while lockable swivel casters make it easy to wheel from room to room or tuck away when space is needed.

YESWOOD Scandinavian Oak Wood Multi Functional Side Table CSHAPE, $126.77

The table’s clever C-shaped design slides neatly under beds and sofas, keeping its footprint to a minimum while bringing the tabletop closer to you. Turn it lengthwise, and it doubles as a handy laptop table for working while you lounge.

&Tradition - Rotate SC73, $562.80

Those with a taste for luxury (and the budget to match) will be glad to know that Cult Design, known for bringing in designer homeware from around the world, is now on Shopee Mall. Among its offerings is Space Copenhagen’s asymmetrical Rotate trolley, crafted from powder-coated sheet steel and a statement piece in any of its seven colours.

Shower fittings

Splurge, because replacing them is a pain

“I’d splurge on fittings that you ideally want to install once and have last for years, especially shower sets, taps, kitchen mixers and sinks. These are things you use every day and they’re constantly exposed to water.

It’s worth spending more on pieces that not only look good, but are also made from more durable materials. They can be a pain to reinstall or replace, so it’s definitely worth doing it once and doing it right.” 

Ang Kaiwen, 38, owner of a 4-room HDB flat

Kaiwen’s pro-tip: Go for reputable brands with local showrooms, where you can get a feel for different materials, finishes and brands before comparing your options online. The same or similar fittings on Shopee could be more affordable with vouchers, flash deals, and other discounts.

For a mid-range to luxury shower head set in Singapore, expect to pay north of $200. At this price point, you are paying for durability, quality metal components and multiple spray settings. Here are some of our picks: 

Hansgrohe Shower Set Pulsify Select S, $216.32

In the market for a durable shower mixer? Consider the Hansgrohe Pulsify Select S Shower Set, whose silicone nozzles let you rub away mineral deposits and dirt with your fingers. It also comes with three spray modes that you can switch between at the touch of a button.

KOHLER Beam Wall-Mount Shower Faucet with Awaken Geo Multifunction Handshower (Matte Black), $336.42

This KOHLER shower faucet offers three spray patterns, from full coverage to a more concentrated spray. It also features ceramic disc valves designed to exceed industry longevity standards, as well as a corrosion- and tarnish-resistant finish.

KOHLER Statement Round WaterMind Technology Multifunction Handshower, $180.13

KOHLER’s WaterMind™ technology automatically senses changes in water pressure and adjusts accordingly, helping to maintain a strong, satisfying flow. It’s especially handy in homes where water heaters can leave shower pressure feeling less than ideal.

TV consoles and under-sink cabinets

Save, because no one’s looking that closely

“Furniture that sits below eye level, like TV consoles or under-sink cabinets, doesn’t make that much of a difference to the overall look of the house, especially once you have objects placed on them. The same goes for the cabinet under the bathroom sink. Most of the time, you’re just opening it to grab toilet paper or cleaning supplies. Some people even buy these online. Usable can already.”

Felicia Yang, 38, owner of a 2-bedroom condominium

Even if no one is looking that closely, small details can still make all the difference when you’re styling your home. Here are some of our affordable but still chic picks:

Cozylant Taite TV Console, from $399.28

This TV console from Cozylant brings a warm, natural element to the living room with its solid oak frame and rounded corners. Its raised legs are a nice bonus too: your robot vacuum can scoot right underneath and take care of the dust bunnies.

Loft Home Industrial Steel TV Console MYSTEEL, from $409.14

The MYSTEEL TV console proves that furniture below eye level can still be a centrepiece. Its solid pine top adds contrast to the industrial-looking steel frame, while the mesh-fronted cabinets keep whatever you stash inside nice and ventilated.

Mattress

Splurge, because you use it eight hours a day

“We spent $8,000 on our Tempur mattress, and that’s after a $2,000 discount due to COVID.  Initially, it was my husband who wanted to buy from a good brand. But now that I’ve tried it, I can’t go back to sleeping on just any mattress anymore. I’m even considering moving mine back to my family home when I do my confinement there after giving birth.”

Felicia Yang, 38, owner of a 2-bedroom condominium

“Sleep is super important to us, so we took mattress shopping very seriously. We ended up spending a chunk of our budget on it, and we have zero regrets. Given how much time we spend in bed, it’s worth every penny. Honestly, no hotel bed compares, and we always look forward to sleeping in our own bed at the end of the day.”

Jyn Teo, 33, owner of a 4-room HDB flat

Jyn’s pro-tip: Once you’ve found “the one” in the mattress department, Jyn advises investing in a good waterproof protector, like this Tempur-Fit Mattress Protector. Stains can be hard to remove, and a proper cover can help your mattress last longer.

You’ve heard it from homeowners time and again: a bad mattress leaves you waking up more achy and tired than when you went to sleep. For a truly restful night, here are our top recommendations:

Woosa Sleep The Terra PLUSH Mattress, from $2,149.00

Woosa’s Terra Plush adapts quickly as you move and provides extra support around the hips and lower back. Its open-cell construction also promotes airflow to help regulate temperature throughout the night.

TEMPUR Ease Mattress, from $1,118.42

The Tempur Ease Mattress uses TEMPUR Adapt® Material that moulds to the contours of your body to relieve pressure, while absorbing movement so restless sleepers are less likely to disturb their partners.

Blue Box 6cm Hybrid Medium Firm Cooling Skin Mattress BLUEBOX LITTLE, from $162.96

Got a mattress you’re not quite ready to replace? This 6cm topper offers a fuss-free upgrade. With foam layers designed to support your body and a nylon surface that feels cool to the touch, it adds comfort without the bulk.

Sofa

Splurge, because the right one saves you extra costs

“We didn’t actually set out to splurge on our Cellini sofa, but it turned out to be a good call. Everyone talks about how much time you spend on your mattress, but the same applies to your sofa, especially if you’re homebodies like us.

And if you don’t get one that checks all the boxes, like the right backrest height and seat depth, you might end up buying extra cushions or ottomans to make it more comfortable, which means spending more and adding clutter.”

Francis Tan, 33, owner of a 3-bedroom condominium 

Francis’s pro-tip: If you’re buying a light-coloured fabric sofa, look for one with removable, washable covers so you can maintain it easily without having to pay for professional steam cleaning.

Whether you’re hosting movie night or taking a well-deserved weekend nap, every living room needs a comfortable sofa to sink into. Here are some sofas that made the cut:

EVITA Fabric Modular Sofa, from $1,181.20

Cellini’s EVITA Modular Sofa comes with a console, so you might not need a coffee table at all to keep drinks within reach. And if spills do happen, removable covers on the seats, backrests, and armrests make clean-ups that much easier.  

Four Star Isabella 3-Seater Motor Recliner with Cupholder, $1,091.16

Recliners are back and, thankfully, looking a lot sleeker these days. This one has built-in cupholders to complete the Gold Class-style movie marathons, plus beige and mocha upholstery options that add comfort to your living room without the clutter.

Work desk

Save, because you won’t miss the brand name 

“If there’s a piece of furniture homeowners can scrimp on, I’d say it’s their study table because it’s really just for yourself. I got my electronic desk from Shopee for about $130. It can be adjusted up and down, and it works just as well.”

Natalie Lim, 31, owner of a 5-room HDB flat 

While you can follow in Natalie’s footsteps and get any desk from Shopee for your study table, enjoy peace of mind when you shop from reputable brands on Shopee Mall:

Omnidesk Mystic, from $213.53

At its price point, the Omnidesk Mystic offers homeowners a reasonable entry point into the world of adjustable desks. The sturdy desk can support up to 90kg and is built with a single-motor system that allows its height to be adjusted from 70cm to 116cm.

ErgoTune Pro Adjustable Standing Desk, from $510.11

For a high-end alternative, consider the ErgoTune adjustable standing desk. It has a generous 60cm to 125cm height range and four presets, making it easy to switch between study time for the kids and a work-from-home setup. 

Toilet bowls

Splurge, because a good flush goes a long way

“Comfort when you’re doing your business matters way more than you think. I specifically opted for a tornado flush too because it uses powerful, centrifugal water jets to swirl around the bowl. It cleans the whole bowl far more thoroughly per flush while actually saving water, meaning way fewer stubborn stains for you to scrub later.”

Natalie Lim, 31, owner of a 5-room HDB flat

Every home deserves a porcelain throne that is comfortable enough for your longest scroll sessions. Here are our top picks:

TOTO One Piece Toilet Bowl, $939.49

TOTO’s One Piece Toilet Bowl (C889DESI) features a Tornado Flush where powerful streams of water merge and swirl 360 degrees around the bowl for a thorough clean. Its rimless design and ultra-smooth ceramic glaze also leave fewer spots for waste to hide. 

RIGEL Rimless One-piece Toilet Bowl, from $458.00

The RIGEL Rimless One-piece Toilet Bowl (WO9030FA-HKM Gallant) comes with a quieter flush and a soft-closing seat and cover, both handy for late-night bathroom trips, plus an optional electronic bidet seat that brings a touch of the Japanese toilet experience home.

All prices and deals are correct at time of publication

Furnish your home with Shopee

Furnishing your home with quality fittings doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, especially with the good deals Shopee is known for. To stretch your dollar further, time bigger purchases around Shopee’s monthly and double-digit sale days, and check for platform, store, and bank vouchers you can stack before checking out. 

As the cherry on top, many brands offer free delivery, local warranty, and free assembly. And even if they don’t offer installation, you can simply get your contractors or interior designer to do it for you.

Explore Shopee’s Home & Living category and browse brands on Shopee Mall for everything from quality, heavy-duty furniture and premium mattress setups to smaller, everyday items like kitchen organisers.

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