ONCE IN A WHILE, I like to change up the look of my home—whether it is a small refresh or a full makeover. I find that decluttering and redecorating provide me with a creative outlet—whether it’s adding new furniture, swapping décor or adding festive touches; each brings a sense of renewal and novelty to my space.

Decades ago, before mass production, people relied on carpenters for home essentials, focusing on quality and durability to create pieces that last generations. While this practice continues, there are also many stores now that provide ready-made pieces for convenience, efficiency and affordability.

When it comes to furniture and décor shopping in Penang, there are many fantastic stores that cater to diverse preferences. These are some of my top picks, where functionality and lifestyle blend seamlessly.

IKEA

IKEA in Batu Kawan offers minimalist Scandinavian designs that fit homes of all sizes. Its practical flat-pack concept reduces shipping costs, keeping prices affordable without sacrificing style. The furniture is designed for easy assembly with basic tools and no specialised skills, ideal for DIY enthusiasts or those seeking hassle-free furnishing.

IKEA also emphasises sustainability, with many products made from renewable and recycled materials. For functional, stylish and budget-friendly options, IKEA delivers a comprehensive and eco-conscious shopping experience—complete with in-store dining.

HOOGA

Another great spot for minimalist Scandinavian designs is HOOGA, located in Gurney Plaza. Inspired by the Danish word and culture of hygge (pronounced hue-ga), which describes a coziness brought on by comfort, this Singapore-based brand specialises in home décor and accessories such as bedding, bath accessories, storage solutions and decorative items like vases and mirrors, as well as smaller pieces of furniture like bean bags, floor cushions and side tables.

Many of their bedding products feature TENCEL fabric, known for its sustainability, softness and breathability. The displays, thoughtfully arranged with scented candles and diffusers among other decorative knick-knacks, provide customers with inspiration on how to decorate their homes with their products.

NITORI

Colloquially called the “more affordable Muji”, Nitori at Gurney Paragon combines Japanese minimalism with practicality.

Their N-Cool series is a game-changer for Malaysia’s hot and humid weather, using special fabric made from materials like polyester, nylon or TENCEL, which absorbs body heat and releases it, maintaining a cooling sensation. Available in multiple cooling levels, the range includes bed sheets, pillows, pet beds and blankets, ensuring better and more comfortable sleep.

Furthermore, the N-Click Furniture Series uses Threespine click technology, which allows furniture to be assembled without screws or fittings—parts just click together—leaving no visible holes. Another standout is the Digital Multifunction Clock Pirouette, offering four functions—calendar, temperature display, timer and alarm—activated by simply rotating the clock.

Other innovations include storage beds, highly absorbent diatomite mats for safety and the customisable Resume Cabinet. Nitori’s commitment to quality and safety has been recognised with a special product safety award from the Japanese government.

DAD’S WOODS

The antithesis of fast furniture, DAD’s WOODS preserves artisanal craftsmanship with a focus on bespoke solid wood furniture designed to last for generations. Founded by siblings Khoo V-Ho and Giselle Khoo in memory of their late father, the brand uses locally sourced woods from Peninsular Malaysia, including teak, merbau, mahogany and raintree wood, with chengal or timber, known for its natural durability, as their signature wood.

Customisation is available by appointment for stools, chairs and tables. In fact, DAD’s WOODS prides themselves on their personalised services and tries to tailor furniture to suit their customers’ personality and needs. While their sofas are not custom-made, clients can select the length, colour and fabric.

Featuring dark, beautifully textured, luxurious wood, their designs fit perfectly in the local context. Their latest Archipelago Collection 2024 features pieces like the Bangku Penang, Rempah Coffee Table and Perahu Congkok, celebrating Malaysian heritage by blending traditional aesthetics with modern design.

RUMA

The Ruma store at 1st Avenue features a labyrinth-style layout, where you can browse showrooms, snap pictures of your selections and place your order at the counter. Your items are then delivered directly to your home, as they do not hold stock in-store.

Ruma offers a diverse collection of eco-conscious, locally made furniture that blends contemporary chic with bespoke-quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price. While they don’t provide full customisation, their made-to-order programme allows you to choose from a selection of sofa fabrics.

SSF HOME

SSF Home is a prominent Malaysian retailer offering a wide range of furniture, home décor and home living products. With over 45 outlets nationwide including in Penang, SSF Home caters to various budgets and tastes. Their selection includes living room, dining and bedroom furniture, storage solutions, lighting, and essential home products like kitchenware and bedding.

Known for balancing affordability with quality, SSF Home is a go-to destination for stylish and functional furnishings.