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Singapore's favourite furniture playground may be inching towards the end of an era. Tan Boon Liat Building has reportedly been sold en bloc for $950 million to a unit of Kingsford Group – though the deal is still subject to owners' approval.
Built in 1976, the 15-storey blue industrial building has long been known as the go-to destination for furniture shopping. Behind its unassuming façade sits a maze of independent furniture showrooms, vintage finds, lighting specialists, homeware boutiques, cafés and niche retailers.
With this news, many assumed it was game over for the beloved Outram landmark. However, tenants have been informed that nothing has been officially confirmed, as tenants still need to approve the deal before anything moves forward. And even if the sale is approved, any redevelopment is expected to take time, meaning the building isn't disappearing overnight. So for now, everyone’s still very much business as usual.
But don’t procrastinate – if you've been planning a trip through the building, consider this your nudge. Here are five stores to put on your list.
1. Razor Sharp
A favourite among home cooks and professional chefs, Razor Sharp specialises in premium Japanese knives, whetstones, and sharpening services. Whether you’re shopping for your first serious blade or just curious about knife craftsmanship, it’s well worth making a pit stop.
2. Journey East
A longtime fixture in Tan Boon Liat Building, Journey East is the place to go for beautifully restored vintage furniture, mid-century icons and contemporary designs.
3. Rooma
If warm woods and woven textures are your thing, Rooma specialises in handcrafted rattan and solid wood furniture made in Indonesia. Its pieces strike that sweet spot between tropical resort and modern home without feeling overdone.
4. The Beuro
For sleek European furniture with a designer edge, The Beuro is packed with statement pieces that look like they belong in an art gallery.
5. Singapore Trading Post
Singapore Trading Post is known for its cottage and colonial-inspired furniture, heritage home décor and timeless black-and-white bungalow aesthetic. Come here if classic, old-world charm is what you’re looking for.
6. Mud Rock Ceramics
Fancy swapping furniture shopping for something a little more hands-on? Mud Rock Ceramics is primarily a pottery studio and ceramic workshop, rather than a retail store. It runs pottery workshops where you can learn wheel throwing or hand-building, then take home a piece you’ve made yourself. You’ll also be able to purchase handmade ceramics made by its resident artists.
7. Cloudfields
After all that furniture browsing, recharge at Cloudfields, the all-day brunch spot in the building's annex. Swing by for coffee, hearty brunch plates or a leisurely lunch before diving back into another round of showroom hopping. One of our must-trys is the fried chicken and shiso linguine ($26) – a wafu-style dish inspired by oyakodon.
Check out our full guide to Tan Boot Liat Building here.
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