Ms. Lim, a 35-year-old marketing executive living in a three-bedroom HDB flat in Bishan, often dreamed of a spacious living room. Her current 45 sqm unit felt cramped, especially during Singapore's monsoon season when humidity made furniture prone to damage. "We love to entertain friends, but our old fabric chaise lounge always looked drab after rain," she recalls.
In 2021, when they moved to a condo in Mid-Down-Town East, the Lim family splurged on the "American Solid Wood Luxury 1-2-3 Sofa Set" from a local furniture store for S$2650. The cream-style corner sectional with a chaise lounge seemed perfect for their 30 sqm living space. "The solid wood frame promised durability, and the minimalist design would match our modern apartment," explains Mr. Lim, a banker.
Within six months, their worries began. "Condensation formed on the wood joints during our rainy seasons," Ms. Lim notes. They measured the humidity level at 85% during peak monsoon in November. The leather-upholstered chaise lounge developed small cracks where they placed their tea sets. "We cleaned it monthly with a microfiber cloth, but the sunbeams from our east-facing window took their toll," adds Mr. Lim.
The manufacturer's instructions recommended room temperature between 18-24°C and humidity under 60%. The Lims installed a dehumidifier in the living room, reducing moisture to 65% but at S$150 monthly electricity cost. "It was worth it," they say, "but we should have prepared better."
After consulting a furniture restoration specialist from Bugis, the Lims adopted this routine:
The chaise lounge's frame remained intact, but they repurposed the original fabric into cushion covers for their sofa. "Now guests can sit there without leaving stains," Ms. Lim laughs.
During Singapore's 2022 monsoon season, the Lims tested their preparations. A sudden downpour lasted 72 hours, raising humidity to 90% in their living room. The wood frame expanded by 0.5 cm in the worst spots but contracted back after the rains stopped. "We covered the chaise lounge with a waterproof sheet during extreme weather," Mr. Lim explains. "Cost S$35, but worth every cent."
Here's how the Lims tracked their investment over 5 years:
Total additional costs: S$2513
"Including the restoration, our total is S$5163," Ms. Lim calculates. "But the sofa still looks newer than my previous one that cost S$800 and lasted only 2 years."
"In Mid-Down-Town East condos, air-conditioning units often struggle to combat humidity," suggests their furniture specialist. "We installed a UV filter on our unit's air vent (S$150) which helped the chaise lounge last longer." The Lims now keep the living room at 22°C year-round.
As they prepare to move again next year, the Lims appreciate their chaise lounge's durability. "The solid wood frame has never wobbled, unlike our previous particleboard set," Ms. Lim points out. "We'll probably sell it for S$1500-2000 when we move to a larger villa."
"For other Singaporean families in HDB or condo living," adds Mr. Lim, "invest in good furniture but prepare for local conditions. A well-maintained solid wood chaise lounge can last decades in our climate."