In the heart of Singapore, nestled between the bustling streets of Serangoon and the quiet neighbourhoods of Toa Payoh, lives the Tan family. They own a spacious HDB flat, but like many Singaporeans, space is always a premium. Their dining room, a mere 6 square metres, needed a solution that blended style, storage, and practicality. Enter the Art Deco Diamond-Cut Espresso Sideboard, priced at S$6220.00. It promised luxury, but the Tan family wondered: could they afford its maintenance over five years?
The Tans, a couple in their late 30s with a toddler, had always admired geometric designs. Their friend, who recently renovated her condo in Midhill, had shown them a photo of her Art Deco Diamond-Cut Sideboard. ‘It’s stunning,’ said Mrs. Tan, ‘but S$6220.00? Can it really last?’
The sideboard, made by a renowned manufacturer, boasted diamond-cut geometric panels and handleless push-open doors. Its dimensions were 120cm wide, 60cm deep, and 180cm high, making it ideal for small spaces. The espresso finish, they hoped, would resist Singapore’s humidity.
Singapore ’s climate is unforgiving. High humidity can warp wood, while monsoon rains require constant vigilance. The Tans knew conventional furniture might not survive. ‘We saw reviews of this sideboard’s durability,’ said Mr. Tan, ‘but the real question is: how much will it cost to keep looking this good in five years?’
The Tans decided to calculate the total cost of ownership. The initial price of S$6220.00 was non-negotiable, but they needed to factor in:
Over five years, the maintenance would total S$2750.00. This brought the grand total to S$8970.00. ‘Still pricey,’ admitted Mrs. Tan, ‘but better than replacing a cheaper piece every two years.’
In districts like Queenstown or Pasir Panjang, where HDB flats are dense, space is at a premium. The Tans’ sideboard, with its 120cm width, fit perfectly into their dining nook. ‘A larger buffet would overwhelm the room,’ said Mr. Tan. ‘This one balances style and functionality.’
The Tans installed the sideboard in their dining room. Its geometric design became a focal point. ‘The light play on the diamond-cut panels is incredible,’ Mrs. Tan wrote in her diary. However, they soon noticed a small issue: a faint scratch near the bottom, caused by a stray toy.
They contacted the manufacturer, who sent a technician within two weeks. The repair cost S$150, including a touch-up of the espresso finish. ‘The technician explained that minor scratches are common in high-traffic areas,’ said Mr. Tan. ‘Prevention is key.’
The Tans learned that proper ventilation, as recommended by Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB), is crucial. ‘We installed a small fan above the sideboard,’ said Mrs. Tan. ‘It keeps the air circulating.’ They also invested in a dehumidifier for their bedroom, as the kitchen was prone to condensation.
Singapore’s monsoon season arrived, and the Tans braced for the worst. The sideboard’s espresso finish, they hoped, would hold up. To their relief, it did. ‘We applied the humidity-proofing treatment as recommended,’ said Mr. Tan. ‘It made a noticeable difference.’
The Tans also started using microfiber cloths for daily cleaning. ‘A feather duster just pushed dust around,’ Mrs. Tan noted. ‘These cloths trap particles without scratching the surface.’
The Tans visited friends in Ang Mo Kio, who had similar furniture. ‘Their sideboard had yellowed slightly from humidity,’ said Mrs. Tan. ‘We learned to apply a UV protector every year to prevent discoloration.’
The Tans had mastered their maintenance routine. Every January, they polished the sideboard with a specialized wood cleaner. Every six months, they checked for loose panels. ‘The handleless doors can get heavy,’ said Mr. Tan. ‘We reinforced the hinges with extra support.’
The cost of maintenance had stabilized. S$300 for polishing, S$200 for humidity treatment, and S$150 for cleaning—S$650 over three years. ‘We saved money by learning some techniques ourselves,’ said Mrs. Tan. ‘For instance, we now use coconut oil for minor repairs instead of calling a technician.’
The Tans joined a Facebook group for Singaporean furniture enthusiasts. ‘We discovered that MIDHILL offers maintenance packages for high-end pieces,’ said Mr. Tan. ‘For S$800 annually, they handle everything—polishing, cleaning, and minor repairs. Worth it for peace of mind.’
Despite their precautions, a problem arose. A drawer began to stick. The Tans tried lubricating it with silicone spray, but it worsened the issue. ‘Too much moisture had built up inside,’ said Mr. Tan. ‘We had to disassemble it and clean the tracks.’
The repair cost S$200, but the Tans learned a valuable lesson: regular disassembly and inspection are necessary for complex furniture. ‘We now take apart the drawers once a year,’ said Mrs. Tan. ‘It takes time, but it’s worth it.’
In HDB flats, space is scarce, so multi-functional furniture is key. The Tans used the sideboard’s storage for linens, dishes, and seasonal decorations. ‘A stuck drawer could’ve been disastrous,’ said Mr. Tan. ‘We’re glad we caught it early.’
The Tans stood before their sideboard, admiring its condition. No yellowing, no deep scratches, no wobbly panels. ‘Five years,’ Mrs. Tan whispered, ‘it’s held up beautifully.’
The total cost had been S$8970.00. S$6220.00 upfront, S$2750.00 over five years. ‘It’s more than a piece of furniture,’ said Mr. Tan. ‘It’s an investment in our home’s aesthetics and functionality.’
The Tans decided to pass on their maintenance routine to their daughter. ‘When she moves to an HDB flat in Yishun, this sideboard will go with her,’ said Mrs. Tan. ‘She’ll learn to care for it as we did.’
In Singapore, where space is precious and climate challenges are real, the Tans’ story offers a lesson in balance. Luxury doesn’t have to mean constant replacement. With proper care, their Art Deco Diamond-Cut Sideboard will continue to enhance their home for years to come.