As working from home and not travelling have become the norm in Hong Kong, it’s a great time to relaunch that home reno project that you planned and subsequently procrastinated on for years.
“The pandemic has elevated the importance of the home as a place to host friends, work and, also, to express yourself. We are simply spending so much more time in our homes so people are making sure that they’re not compromising on the space and decorating the space really nicely,” says Aaron Chin, founder and CEO of the Editors Company.
A Hong Kong-based interior styling company, the Editors Company believes that building a beautiful home doesn’t equate to breaking the bank.
“There is a myth that good interior design services have to be expensive and are reserved for expensive apartments that you own,” says Chin. “This is not the only way to create a space that you feel cosy and inspired. Sometimes, switching a few key pieces of furniture and styling your home differently would make a huge difference.”
Whether you’re buying furniture for a new rental or upgrading some accent furniture, here are five affordable furniture shops – that aren’t IKEA.
Miranda.M Furniture Store
Miranda.M Furniture Store builds beautiful hardwood furniture at a reasonable price.
While there are different woods to choose from, its dark American walnut wood dining tables are our favourites. The style is mostly mid-century modern.
For standard items, prices are listed on their Instagram page. They also offer customised design services, from a mini console table for the hallway to a bar cabinet for an odd nook.
The owner/designer is responsive and generous with wood care knowledge.
Every item is made-to-order. It usually takes around a month, depending on logistics, to order and deliver.
Book an appointment before visiting.
Address: H1, 14/F, Shield Industrial Centre, Chai Wan Kok St, Chai Wan Kok, Tsuen Wan West
Ziinlife
Founded in Shanghai in 2011, Ziinlife’s Nordic-inspired furniture is playful and sleek.
Its Dali table series has a folding end design that inclines to the wall – perfect for Hong Kong’s small apartment. The Up Desk can be adjusted to different heights, perfect for both kids and adults.
If you’re a fan of IKEA’s flat-pack furniture, you will have the same satisfaction with Ziinlife. Most of their furniture comes in a flat pack. You can choose to build them yourself or add a small sum (usually around HK$250.00) to have it built for you on-site.
Lead time is about two to three months.
Zara Home
The fashion brand also has a home department that sells equally affordable furniture and accessories.
Zara Home stocks both big and small home items from rugs to coffee tables to photo frames. While not all items are sturdily built, everything is easy to match and Instagrammable.
Some of the items are only available online and not available at their Festival Walk shop in Kowloon Tong.
Baby Central
From minimalist Babyletto gliders to elegant Danish baby cribs by Leander, Baby Central is the go-to website for nursery furniture and more. Who doesn’t want a comfortable and safe swivel rocking chair to read in?
Kids’ furniture aside, it is also a great place to buy beanbags, cute poufs and machine-washable rugs (that look like a Monstera Leaf).
The online-only shop stocks quite many items in Hong Kong which can be delivered quickly in a few days. Although there is no showroom for you to see the actual product, the service is trustworthy and responsive.
The Editors Company
Less common in Hong Kong compared with traditional interior designers, home stylists are like having a personal stylist instead of going through plastic surgery.
The Editors Company, one of the few styling companies in Hong Kong, collaborate with clients from creating a floor layout to curating furniture and décor from various brands. The service charges a flat fee of HK$2,600.00 per room.
There is no additional markup on the furniture they have recommended. But it is a great way to save time and energy, especially if you don’t know where to look.
Check out their websites for more information. There is a free style quiz service to find out what’s a suitable interior style for you.
