You searched the listings to buy or rent property in Bangkok, talked to agents and looked at numerous houses and apartments. Then you signed the contract on your perfect new home, proudly posted pictures of it on Facebook, and then finally you got to relax– safe in the knowledge that your hunt for somewhere to live is now over.
But there remains a nagging feeling that something is missing. Furniture! But don’t panic; while many Thais are comfortable sitting, eating, and playing cards on the floor, your aching Western knees don’t have to struggle to adapt too sitting cross-legged for hours. There are plenty of places to buy great and inexpensive furniture in Bangkok. Here are just a few:
1) Ikea, Megabangna Retail Park, Samut Prakan 10540
Breathe a big sigh of relief. There is an Ikea in Bangkok. Phew! It is way out on the outskirts of the city, but once you are there, it will be just like being back at home – you know where you are with Ikea – they stock the same stuff all over the world.
2) HomePro, many stores in Bangkok
To people who live in Bangkok, these stores are as familiar a sight as an office girl sheltering her face from the sun with a designer handbag.
They sell all the furniture you could possibly want here, and many other items for your Bangkok condo or house. The quality is very good, there are a large variety of designs and they offer great value for money. A brand you can rely on.
3) SB Design Square, eight stores in Bangkok
If testing the springability of every sofa you see is a fetish of yours, then this is the place for you. They are enormous spaces and the choice they offer is incredible – by far the biggest range of any furniture stores in Bangkok. It is relatively expensive but still very reasonable.
4) Oggi, Ladprao Soi 71, Ladprao Rd (appointment only)
This place is so exclusive that you have to make an appointment just to visit the furniture showroom – how classy is that? The emphasis here is on minimal, contemporary, wooden décor – an upmarket, Thai version of Ikea, if you like. The designs are award wining, which means you have to pay a little more but why not treat yourself, you’re worth it after all – aren’t you?
5) Ugly Cute, 2/F, Crystal Design Center (Bldg D), Praditmanutham Rd
Do you ever find yourself thinking: ‘I know what furniture this room needs. A robot storage box, made out of recycled wood’. If you do, then keep taking the tablets. If that doesn’t work, head down to Ugly Cute. There is nothing ugly about the furniture here but it certainly is cute – overbearingly so for those who like minimal design. But if you are a girly girl type, then you’ll love it.
6) Chatuchak Weekend Market, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak
The world’s largest weekend market selling everything from furniture to clothes to luggage, can be overwhelming for some people, whilst others would happily spend their entire lives here if it never closed. If you are in the former category, instead of browsing, you should put your head down and go straight over to sections 7 to 9 and 22 to 26 where the home furniture section is. Get there early though; otherwise it will be packed and unbearably hot.
Where’s your favorite place to buy furniture in Bangkok? Have we missed anywhere? Feel free to add your recommendations in the comment box below.