Overview
Growth driven by increased urban consumption in Asia, despite COVID-19 pandemic
Singapore’s furniture industry, which accounts for a significant share of the global furniture market and approximately 1.9% of the manufacturing workforce in Singapore, is continuously evolving with the emergence of new technologies and manufacturing innovation.
The industry’s unique edge is centred around its ability to create holistic living spaces within high-density urban environments, which puts it in a unique position, set to become the Asian hub for urban living solutions, with over 50% of the world’s urban population currently living in Asia.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a game-changer for the industry, with travel restrictions prohibiting international trade shows and exhibitions to showcase new products and innovations. Despite this, the furniture industry has turned to digital platforms to showcase their latest collections, driving internationalisation.
Key Trends
Supply chain management impacted by COVID-19 pandemic; diversification key to effective management
Since the pandemic in 2020, disrupted supply chains due to unpredictable market conditions have been the main motivator for firms in the furniture industry that are attempting to tap into new markets. Long waiting times, overseas factory closures, travel bans and increased logistics costs have had a significant impact on furniture manufacturers and retailers.
Many firms are now exploring supply chain diversification by working together with partners in their respective regions, in order to consolidate supply needs across a group of manufacturers, and potentially lower procurement and production costs.
Post-pandemic work-from-home expectations set to boost demand and drive sustainability
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in work-from-home becoming the permanent work arrangement for many globally. This is likely to remain relevant post-COVID and is set to drive the furniture industry’s innovation for new products that support work expectations, with an increased demand from consumers for furniture that is suitable for working from home.
Single-purpose furniture has taken a backseat as more consumers look for pieces that are versatile in functionality and design. With an increased demand for smart furniture, the industry has had to shift its focus to developing smart, ergonomic furniture that can be used for both work and leisure but is sustainable at the same time.
Digitalisation of retail operations fueled by shift in purchasing trends
With online purchasing becoming a trend, many firms in the furniture industry have had to transform their retail operations, shifting to a digital retail platform, as consumers now prefer to purchase furniture online, and are prepared to pay a premium for quality and service. Additionally, instead of bespoke pieces or designs, furniture retailers have begun to offer a vast and affordable range of furniture in standard, modern designs to cater to consumer needs.
The industry has seen a rise in the use of AR and VR amongst furniture retailers as they focus on developing virtual showrooms to provide the ultimate virtual shopping experience for consumers. Furthermore, furniture manufacturers now incorporate AI and data analytics in the design process, while automation and robotics are key features of furniture production.
Greater emphasis on sustainability as consumers go green
Consumers have become increasingly conscious about the furniture they use and how it impacts the environment around them. As a result, furniture manufacturers have to focus on ensuring the entire value chain - from procurement to distribution - is sustainable. This includes sourcing sustainable materials, introducing traceability across the value chain and adopting advanced manufacturing methods that reduce wastage, such as 3D printing.
The industry has also witnessed an increase in the number of consumers that opt for upcycling second-hand furniture through new business models (furniture as a service) and product design (by using recycled materials).
Business transformation driven by upskilling of workforce
With the industry rebuilding itself following the pandemic, the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), supported by Workforce Singapore, launched the Design Thinking Business Transformation Programme in 2021. This served as a catalyst for companies in the industry to rethink their processes from a customer-centric perspective. Since the launch of the programme, the SFIC and industry experts have successfully trained 67 C-suite and senior management personnel across 37 companies.
In addition to this, SkillsFuture Singapore appointed local furniture brand Commune as a SkillsFuture Queen Bee (SFQB) for the furniture industry. The SFQB Programme, strongly supported by the SFIC, complements the industry’s capability development objective, as it enables SFQB Commune to use its expertise and experience to help participating SMEs improve their workforce skills and capabilities.
2025 Furniture Industry Roadmap Project set to drive growth and industry transformation
The SFIC will launch the 2025 Furniture Industry Roadmap Project, which focuses on market agility, urbanite centricity, enterprise adeptness and sustainability to drive transformation within the entire industry. The project will build on the current 2021 industry blueprint that has been used to help strengthen the industry’s presence in Asia, and is set to position the Singapore furniture industry as the core link for work/life integration for a sustainable urban living environment in the future.
The 2025 Furniture Industry Roadmap Project aims to encourage SFIC members to expand into new markets, while deepening their presence in existing markets. It also aims to support firms in developing new solutions that capture the urbanite-centric theme and the demands of a post-COVID work/life environment.
Singapore Green Plan 2030 key to a sustainable economy
Supporting the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the SFIC will work closely with government agencies, trade associations and other interested parties to develop sustainability initiatives and programmes to strengthen the sustainability ecosystem in the country. This will allow SFIC to reach out to companies that require assistance in building on their existing capabilities and capturing new opportunities along their sustainability journey.
Key Statistics
- In 2021, Singapore’s manufacturing output from the furniture industry was valued at SGD 720.3 million, accounting for about 0.2% of the country’s total manufacturing output.
- Value added from establishments in the furniture industry reached SGD 300.3 million in 2021 and accounted for around 0.27% of the total value added from establishments across all industries in Singapore’s economy.
- In 2021, the number of furniture manufacturers in Singapore was recorded at 660, accounting for approximately 7.19% of all manufacturers in the country.
Top Singapore MNCs in Furniture Sector
SIGNIFY SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, Signify Holding distributes lighting systems and accessories in wholesale quantities to individuals, businesses, and the Internet of Things. The firm transforms life in homes, buildings, and public spaces with its Philips products, Interact linked lighting systems, and data-enabled services. Its connected lighting development method is the first in the industry to receive security certification. Signify Holding is the parent company of Signify Singapore Pte. Ltd. which was incorporated in 1969. Signify Singapore recently provided its Interact IoT lighting software and systems to Swissotel in Singapore, helping to enhance guest experiences and improve hotel operations.
HAWORTH SINGAPORE PTE LTD
Haworth Inc. is an American firm that enhances workspaces with award-winning furniture, interior architecture, and technology solutions. It is the parent company of Haworth Singapore Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in 1982, to expand Haworth’s sales and dealer network in Asia. Haworth Singapore designs, sources, and manufactures furniture, furnishing products, lighting, and lighting accessories for offices and workspaces across Singapore and the South-East Asian region. To provide a new workplace solution for 50 employees, Haworth Singapore recently collaborated with a global leader in the vacation rental sector. This solution comprised collaborative workspaces, ergonomic seating, meeting room furnishings, and storage units.
WILLIAMS-SONOMA SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an American online retailer that showcases some of the most well-known home goods brands through its e-commerce platform. Williams-Sonoma’s products are available to its buyers through online catalogues, and its wide range of collections is available for purchase to customers across the globe. Williams Sonoma Singapore Pte. Ltd. which was incorporated in 2008, is a subsidiary of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Williams Sonoma Singapore is a wholesaler of furniture and other household products, and distributes its products to individuals and businesses island-wide.
BLUM SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTD
Founded in 2001 in Singapore, Blum South East Asia Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Blum GmbH, a manufacturer of furniture fittings, which is headquartered in Austria. Blum South East Asia offers a range of products, including runner systems, box systems, hinge systems, as well as inner dividing systems to ensure perfect organization for any living area. Blum has offered some award-winning products belonging to its lift systems, and motion technologies categories. These products include the bi-fold lift AVENTOS HF, and the soft closing system, BLUMOTION.
HETTICH SINGAPORE (S.E.A.) PTE. LTD.
Hettich Holding is an international furniture fittings manufacturer. It is headquartered in Germany. Hettich Singapore (S.E.A.) Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Hettich group, and was incorporated in 2002. The firm distributes hinges, drawer systems, runner systems, sliding door systems, and folding door systems to its clients across Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries. In addition, Hettich Singapore offers a collection of items using expert motion technology provided by the firm. Hettich launched its first-ever Experience Centre in Singapore in 2021.
LOUIS POULSEN ASIA PTE. LTD.
Repeated - Please refer to Fastest-growing company #7
IKANO PTE LTD
Repeated as per client
SPOTLIGHT PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 1995, Spotlight Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based home, office, and outdoor furniture, as well as furnishing accessories retailer. The firm offers made-to-order curtains, blinds, shutters, and outdoor awnings. Spotlight has an extensive range of styles and fabrics to suit its clients’ home décor requirements. The in-store team is on hand to provide advice on suitable solutions when buyers request bespoke products. Spotlight’s range of products is featured on its online platform as well. Spotlight Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Spotlight Group Holdings Pty. Ltd. which is headquartered in Australia.
LEDVANCE PTE. LTD.
Headquartered in Germany, LEDVANCE GmbH. is the parent company of Singapore-based LEDVANCE Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in 1989. With a wide selection of LED luminaires, cutting-edge LED lamps, smart solutions for smart homes and smart buildings, as well as conventional light sources, LEDVANCE has established itself as a global leader in general illumination for both lighting experts and end-users. LEDVANCE also contributed its services to the light art festival, ‘i Light Singapore’, which was held at Marina Bay, in June 2022.
SUNJOY GROUP INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.
The Sunjoy Group is an American brand that designs and distributes outdoor and indoor furniture, as well as furnishing accessories. In the Sunjoy group facilities, products composed of metal, stone, wicker, and wood are produced with particular expertise. Sunjoy Group International Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in 2016 in Singapore, is a subsidiary of the US company. Sunjoy Group International offers indoor and outdoor structures, furniture, and décor to its clients in Singapore. The firm manufactures soft top gazebos, pergolas, hardtop gazebos, wooden gazebos, wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces, patio heaters, and outdoor seating sets, which are all part of its varied furniture collection.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Furniture Sector
HTL MANUFACTURING PTE LTD
Incorporated in 1976, Singapore-based Hwa Tat Lee (HTL Manufacturing Pte. Ltd.) commenced operations by manufacturing PVC sofas for the local market. In collaboration with Laauser GmbH, an overseas manufacturer of leather sofas, the firm acquired technical expertise for production and product development, resulting in the growth of the upholstered furniture industry, locally and internationally. HTL is the winner of several accolades including The Furniture Manufacturer Award, Singapore Top 100 Companies by Overseas Revenue, and Top 100 Singapore Brands. For four years in a row, Forbes ranked HTL among its list of the 200 Best Under a Billion.
KODA LTD
Koda Ltd. is an original design furniture manufacturer based in Singapore. The firm was incorporated in 1972. Koda showcases its new products through its e-commerce platform, as well as across its retail floors locally and in countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. The company gained recognition by Forbes Asia under the category of Best Under a Billion in 2006, and was listed as one of the top 200 global furniture producers by CSIL Milano in its Top World Furniture Manufacturers Report 2006. Whether it be for occasional items or collection themes, Koda provides a wide choice of products.
COMMUNE LIFESTYLE PTE. LTD.
Founded in 2011, Commune Lifestyle Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Koda Ltd. With its distinctive and form-fitting designs, Commune’s furniture offers practical solutions for apartment life. Every item has been meticulously priced to be affordable to a broad range of clients, and is scaled to fit comfortably in the compact living spaces typical of city life. Commune strives to reduce waste in the design of all of its goods. In addition to using recycled materials, the firm also uses low-lead lacquers and varnishes, and wood that has been ethically acquired from sustainably managed forests.
GOODRICH GLOBAL PTE. LTD.
Singapore-based Goodrich Global Pte. Ltd. was incorporated in 1983. It is a supplier and distributor of wall coverings, fabrics, carpets, and flooring that includes laminate, vinyl, engineered wood, outdoor decking, and indoor as well as outdoor rubber tiles. With more than 40 regional offices spread across 11 countries, and with distributor representative offices in Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines, the company has a presence in South East Asia, India, and the Middle East. The Singapore Quality Class and the ISO 9001:2008 accreditations, the Enterprise 50 Award, and Singapore Prestige Brand Award are a few of the honours Goodrich Global has received.
HOUSE OF TEAK (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2012, House of Teak (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is a retailer of teak wood furniture and furnishing accessories. House of Teak has developed the idea for a retail concept brand called Scanteak, a one-stop furniture and furnishing shop that offers five different categories of collections. The products offered include wood furniture, Scandinavian designs, mattresses, and premium leather sofas. All the products at Scanteak have been safe-tested for VOCs and formaldehyde to maintain safety standards. Moreover, all Scanteak’s sofa upholstery is made of machine-washable woven fabric.
TECHNIGROUP FAR EAST PTE LTD
Technigroup Far East Pte. Ltd. was founded in 1984. Today, it offers a wide selection of systems furniture, office seating, and hospitality related products for both the domestic and international markets. Facilities for research and development, warehousing, and administration are housed within its factory facility in Singapore. All of the firm’s manufacturing and assembly are also done in Singapore. In addition to producing systems furniture, Technigroup Far East offers a range of services, some of which include repairing and renovating older furniture, trading-in older systems furniture for new systems furniture, and storing excess furniture for clients.
SOURCEBYNET PTE LTD
Incorporated in Singapore in 2000, SOURCEBYNET Pte. Ltd. (SBN) designs, sources and delivers furniture and flooring products across the globe. SBN’s ODM service allows clients to select an existing retail-ready furniture collection, choose any of the firm’s latest design concepts, and work in collaboration with SBN’s design team to customize the product. SBN also gives life to its client’s product designs and concepts with its OEM service. The customers provide the firm’s design and production team with their concept, and the team takes over to bring the product to the market. Procurement outsourcing services are also offered by SBN.
FUTURISTIC STORE FIXTURES PTE. LTD.
Futuristic Store Fixtures Pte. Ltd. was incorporated in 2005 in Singapore, as a subsidiary of V3 Group. Futuristic provides retailing services for fixtures, serving clients in the Singaporean as well as the global market. Its expertise is in manufacturing reliable and customized store fixtures in bulk, which are transported to clients' locations anywhere in the world for assembly. Over 7,500 retail locations for Futuristic have opened in 56 different countries. It has manufacturing and storage facilities for wood and metal that cover over 700,000 square feet in Malaysia, and China, as well as a partner plant in North America.
CROWN CONSTRUCTION PTE LTD
Headquartered in Singapore, Crown Construction Pte. Ltd. was founded in Singapore in 1997. The firm is a specialist in carpentry, joinery, contract furnishing, furniture manufacturing, and interior fit-out work. Its services are covered across the commercial, residential, and retail industry segments. With regional offices in Malaysia and Hong Kong, Crown Construction has completed over 1000 projects for numerous clients and Fortune 100 companies across Asia. AXA Insurance Singapore, Nokia Pte. Ltd., and Singapore Airlines are among the clientele of Crown Construction.
STAR FURNITURE PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 1991, Star Furniture Pte. Ltd. is an integrated designer, retailer, manufacturer, and exporter of household furniture and furnishing accessories. The firm has a strong retail presence with a network of six retail points in Singapore. Star Furniture has also developed the idea for a retail concept brand called Star Living, a one-stop furniture and furnishing shop that carries seven different brands. The company has penetrated the international market and grown an extensive export base over the years. The Group’s comprehensive range of modern and innovative furniture and furnishing products is now exported to over 35 countries worldwide.
Top Singapore SMEs in Furniture Sector
CELLINI DESIGN CENTER PTE LTD
Cellini Design Center Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based designer furniture brand, incorporated in 1986. Cellini is an integrated group of companies with specialization in the design, manufacture, assembly, wholesale, and retail of lifestyle furniture. Each piece of furniture displayed in its showrooms and online platform is designed and manufactured in Cellini factories located in Indonesia and Malaysia. Cellini has several furniture showrooms and flagship stores in four countries. The firm is one of the few businesses in Singapore to house several manufacturing facilities such as panelling, sewing, upholstery, solid wood, veneer fabrication, and spray finishing under a single roof.
FORTYTWO PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
CASTLERY PRIVATE LIMITED
Repeated as per client
MARQUIS FURNITURE GALLERY PTE LTD
Marquis Furniture Gallery Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based designer furniture brand, which was incorporated in 1994. To cater to a wide range of distinctive individual preferences and trends, Marquis provides consumers with approximately 22,000 square feet of designer displays. The firm imports furniture and furnishing collections from France, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Italy. Some of the brands it carries include Bentley Home, Visionnaire, Porada, Lodes, Versace Home, Meridiani, and Emu. Apart from offering a wide collection of furniture, Marquis also provides an extensive range of designer lighting, furnishings, and accessories.
FACILITY LINK WOODCRAFT PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2015, Facility Link Woodcraft Pte. Ltd. is a Malaysian production facility established by Singapore-based Facility Link Pte. Ltd. With BCA Green Mark and USGBC LEED-CI Platinum certifications, Facility Link is one of Singapore's top eco-friendly interior design companies. With computer numerical control routing and spray-painting capabilities, Facility Link Woodcraft expands Facility Link’s capacity for mass manufacturing in addition to its current production facilities in Singapore. Facility Link Woodcraft supports woodworking requirements for Facility Link’s projects in Singapore, Malaysia, and Myanmar, as well as other projects in the region.
JOURNEY EAST PTE LTD
Journey East Pte. Ltd. was founded in 1995 in Singapore. Apart from its original vintage and retro line, the firm is known for its eco-friendly reclaimed teak wood furniture, modern designer furniture pieces and home accessories, as well as industrial-styled furnishings crafted with iron and wood. In 2015, Journey East unveiled its very own line, PLAYplay, which has been featured in several well-known local and international publications, including The Guardian, Wallpaper*, Elle Decor, and Dezeen. It was also listed by Dwell as one of the top things to see at the 2016 Milan Design Week.
NOOK AND CRANNY PTE. LTD.
Headquartered in Singapore, Nook and Cranny Pte. Ltd. was incorporated in 2013, and offers a stylish range of contemporary furniture and home accessories. It is among the first brands to offer an eclectic design style to Singapore through its indoor and outdoor furniture. Nook and Cranny's collection of designer furniture brands is imported from countries across the world, including the Netherlands, Vietnam, India, and many others. All the products are distributed in-store as well as on Nook and Cranny’s online platform.
ASIA EXCEL PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
HOMESTOLIFE PTE. LTD.
Founded in 1989, HomesToLife Pte. Ltd. is a furniture store that is located in Singapore, and has a strong understanding of the Asian consumer market. HomesToLife provides its customers in Singapore with a wide range of sofas that are customized from 17 types of leather and fabric, as well as over 200 colour options. All of its contemporary furniture pieces are made to match any kind of interior style. All the collections are available through five strategically-located stores island-wide, as well as on the HomesToLife online platform.
EOS FURNITURE PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2012, EOS Furniture Pte. Ltd., or Ethnicraft Online, is a Singaporean furniture provider. It offers its products through its e-commerce platform and showroom in Singapore, as well as Dubai. The company’s most popular brand is Soul & Tables. Ethnicraft Online (EOS Furniture) has a worldwide network of suppliers and bespoke manufacturers, which also provides home furniture, on-contract office furniture solutions, as well as furniture customization of high quality and functionality, followed by customer needs. Apart from furniture, Soul & Tables offers value-added services like free delivery and complimentary lifetime maintenance.
Top Singapore Fastest Growing Companies in Furniture Sector
SONNO SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
MR D.I.Y. TRADING (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
MR.DIY is a home and life improvement retailer that is headquartered in Malaysia. MR.DIY Group is the parent company of MR D.I.Y. Trading (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. which was incorporated in 2018, and is engaged in the retail sale and marketing of household accessories, storage and organizer products, kitchenware, electrical accessories, and lighting, furniture, and furnishing products. MR D.I.Y. Trading (Singapore) encompasses 10,000 square feet, serving more than 188 million customers yearly. The store offers ten categories and an average of 18,000 types of products at some of the lowest prices on the market.
BOFFI SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Headquartered in Italy, Boffi S.p.A. is the parent company of Boffi Singapore Pte. Ltd. Incorporated on July 16, 2018, Boffi Singapore works on designing and installation of bespoke wardrobe, kitchen, and bathroom models, taking care of its clients’ requirements in terms of technology, aesthetics, finances, and timing. Boffi cabinetry is covered by a 3-year warranty. All after-sales support and guarantees for electrical equipment are provided by the manufacturer. Boffi S.p.A. has recently collaborated with De Padova, an Italian company specializing in home and office furniture production. Boffi Singapore now offers interior design solutions by De Padova island-wide.
Singapore
Incorporated in 2015, Singapore-based Orange Pine Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Eurofar International B.V., an international wholesale garden furniture company that is headquartered in the Netherlands. Orange Pine is a manufacturing and international trading business that focuses on the distribution of garden furniture worldwide. Production sites in Vietnam, China, and Indonesia manufacture the company's items of furniture. Clients in locations across the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand, as well as Europe, South Africa, and the United States, can purchase Orange Pine furniture from Singapore.
PURE INTERIOR PTE. LTD.
Pure Interior Pte. Ltd. was incorporated in 2007, in Singapore. The company specializes in luxury furniture design and interior styles. Each piece of furniture stands out for its high quality and expert craftsmanship, which comes from factories in Italy, Belgium, Portugal, France, and other countries. Pure Interior was honoured with the SME Prestige Award in 2015. All the company’s products are distributed in-store as well as on Pure Interior’s online platform. Black Tie, Bolzan, Koket, Smania, and Frigerio are just a few brands that have showcased their products on Pure Interior’s platform.
WORK WONDERS PTE. LTD.
Incorporated on 11 January 2011, Singapore-based Work Wonders Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Chinese firm Shanghai Wowangde Office System Co., Ltd., a contemporary, professional office furniture company that combines office space planning, research, development, and design with manufacture, sales, and service. Office desks and chairs, plush sofas, filing cabinets, coffee tables, carpets, and other products are among those that Work Wonders offers to provide its local as well as international clients - customized, varied, and premium one-stop office space solutions.
LOUIS POULSEN ASIA PTE. LTD.
Louis Poulsen is a lighting manufacturer based in Denmark, and the parent company of Louis Poulsen Asia Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated on January 10, 2008, in Singapore. Louis Poulsen Asia is a global distributor of architectural and decorative lighting, and design products that include pendants, table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lamps, as well as spare parts. Its products, which are contrary to the conventional product categories, cover and service the commercial and residential lighting industries for both indoor and outdoor applications.
ASIA EXCEL PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client- SME#8
CASTLERY PRIVATE LIMITED
Repeated as per client- SME#3
SUNJOY GROUP INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.
The Sunjoy Group is an American brand that designs and distributes outdoor and indoor furniture, as well as furnishing accessories. In the Sunjoy group facilities, products composed of metal, stone, wicker, and wood are produced with particular expertise. Sunjoy Group International Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in 2016 in Singapore, is a subsidiary of the US company. Sunjoy Group International offers indoor and outdoor structures, furniture, and décor to its clients in Singapore. The firm manufactures soft top gazebos, pergolas, hardtop gazebos, wooden gazebos, wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces, patio heaters, and outdoor seating sets, which are all part of its varied furniture collection.