May 2022. The Tan family lived in a spacious 4-room HDB flat in Midhill. Their entryway, just 120cm wide, was chaos. Shoes, bags, and coats piled up. "We needed storage without making the space feel smaller," said 35-year-old Emma, a marketing executive.
Singaporean homes, even in suburbs like Pasir Panjang or Tampines, often have tight footprints. The Tan flat was no exception. The entryway measured 120cm across—too窄 for a traditional dresser yet too small for the family's needs. "We tried small shelves, but clutter still gathered," Emma explained.
High humidity in Singapore, especially from June to September during the monsoon season, made matters worse. "Moisture would gather on shoes left in the open," said her husband, Ben, a software engineer. "We needed something enclosed and stylish."
The Tans researched storage options for HDB living. They considered materials that could withstand Singapore's weather. "We wanted something that wouldn't look dated in 5 years," Emma said. "The modern American style with metal legs seemed durable and versatile."
The family found the Low Profile 9 Drawer Chest while shopping at a home furniture store in Toa Payoh. The ivory white finish brightened their entryway instantly. The silver and champagne gold legs added a touch of elegance without overpowering the space.
Key dimensions: 120cm wide × 60cm deep × 55cm high. The Tans immediately saw it would fit their entryway perfectly. "The low profile made it feel less imposing," Emma said. "And 9 drawers provided exactly what we needed—shoes, scarves, and accessories all had their place."
The mixed U-shaped and round knob pulls added character. "They remind me of my grandmother's dresser but with a modern twist," Ben noted. "The matte ivory white finish showed fewer fingerprints than polished wood."
The chest weighs 45kg, making it stable on Singapore's typically hard flooring. Its design avoids the visual bulk that can make small spaces feel cramped.
Assembly took 30 minutes with included tools. The Tans placed it in their entryway, which immediately felt more organized. "We can reach everything without overstretching," Emma said. "The drawers close silently, which is nice when we're getting ready for work in the morning."
During Singapore's rainy months, the chest protected their belongings. "Coats and umbrellas stay dry inside," Ben noted. "And the matte finish hides water spots better than shiny surfaces."
The Tans considered other options before settling on this dresser. Traditional shoe racks took up too much height, while wall-mounted shelves were impractical for their belongings. "We also looked at minimalist Japanese designs, but nothing offered enough storage for our needs," Emma said.
The price of S$5870 seemed reasonable for the quality and functionality. "It felt like an investment rather than a purchase," Ben explained. "We've already recommended it to friends in Yishun who face similar space constraints."
The dresser complemented the Tans' Midhill apartment décor. Its modern American glam style contrasted with their living room's minimalist aesthetic while still feeling cohesive. "It's sophisticated enough for guests to notice but not so ornate that it overwhelms the space," Emma said.
The silver and champagne gold legs tie into their entryway's lighting fixtures while remaining subtle. "It's not gaudy—just understated luxury," Ben added. "The ivory white finish reflects light, making the small entryway feel brighter during Singapore's gloomy days."
The chest became their entryway's focal point. The Tans layered decorative baskets inside some drawers for visual interest. "We now use it as a display case for new shoes," Emma said. "And the U-shaped pulls make opening the drawers feel more special."
For neighbours visiting, the dresser has become a conversation starter. "People comment on how it organizes their entryway without making it feel crowded," Ben said. "That's exactly what we wanted."
For Singaporean families struggling with small home footprints, the Low Profile 9 Drawer Chest offers a practical solution with aesthetic appeal. The Tans have used it for 8 months since May 2022, and it continues to meet their needs perfectly.
"We now have a designated place for everything," Emma said. "And the style has held up beautifully despite Singapore's humidity. It's the perfect balance of form and function for HDB living."
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