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Living overseas

Whether you're considering emigrating or an expat abroad, you'll find likeminds on this forum.

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Original poster

Sofas In Asia

12 replies

begonyabampot · 25/02/2011 21:41

Moving to Singapore and need to buy a new sofa. Any others who live in that sort of heat and humidity what do you think is better - leather which is easy to clean but can e really sticky in the heat or material with loose washable covers?

OP posts:

BaggedandTagged · 26/02/2011 01:24

I dont think it matters- you're probably going to have the air con on 24/7 anyway, and possibly dehumidifiers as well.

I live in HK and most people have fabric.

FrottageCod · 26/02/2011 01:34

We had fabric in SEA. I think leather can go funny out there esp if you are economical with the ac.

alfabetty · 27/02/2011 00:51

Fabric. We were told to avoid leather seats as they can be sticky. And you don't really want to have to use the a/c all day every day.

Can you wait until you arrive to buy? Save on the shipping costs and most furniture is cheaper than the UK.

Original poster

begonyabampot · 27/02/2011 01:03

trying to check out the prices where we are going to compare but even Ikea doesn't seem to list them. The pound has dropped so much in the past few years - everything there is much more expensive. Shipping won't matter as it will fit in the container anyway - I hope. Had a leather sofa there before (had brought it from the UK) and it was sticky but easy to clean. Just worried how dirty fabric will get what with sweat, etc. Been looking at those with the washable loose covers.

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alfabetty · 27/02/2011 01:14

www.ikea.com.sg/en/catalog/list.asp?cat=livingroom,seatntable,sofa

Here are some IKEA prices.

But we'd looked at expat-type furniture shops (so not cheapest by a long way!) and decided to buy out here. Even with the weaker pound it is not too bad - I think furniture in the UK is pretty pricey. Ikea's probably a bad comparison as it is more likely to be price-matched with the UK.

We were told that many shops get their leather dining chairs returned to be covered in fabric as they are too sticky for sitting on! But a sofa is different, I suppose, as you shift about a bit more on it.

Original poster

begonyabampot · 27/02/2011 16:12

I looked at that site alfa (thanks for the link) but couldn't see prices for the sofas i was comparing to the UK site. Plenty of prices for sofa covers but not the sofas. Maybe I'm just being a bit thick - will have another look!

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papooshka · 28/02/2011 06:33

We are in Singapore and we used to have fabric, but when the kids arrived we got leather for the ease of cleaning. We have aircon on about 50% of the time and its fine when we just have the fans on too...don't really see the problem

ChunkyPickle · 28/02/2011 06:55

Had leather in Singapore, and was stingy with the aircon - had a nasty mouldy surprise when I shifted them away from the wall to move out of my apartment!

Leather was fine, just keep it six inches away from the wall so the air can circulate.

Original poster

begonyabampot · 28/02/2011 13:09

well, I did have leather before (no mould problem) but we used to stick to it - that's why I wondered if fabric was the preferred choice. if I was staying in the Uk, I might opt for leather again.

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Merlion · 01/03/2011 04:17

We have had both in Singapore and no problems with either (we bought a leather sofa with us from London). We got one that we bought here re-covered to have washable covers once DS arrived. Can recommend an upholsterer if you need one! Also worth checking out www.expatauctions.com.sg for furniture bargains as this is stuff being sold by expats relocating/returning home who can't take everything with them.

slim22 · 03/03/2011 09:14

I sold lots through expat auction when we left (a roche bobois modular for instance) so they often have GOOD stuff, definitely worth checking before you head to IKEA.

Mould on leather not a problem if well ventilated as advised before. I have a friend with leather club chairs sitting outside in a black and white in the middle of the jungle. No probs at all, they oil them occasionally.

Leather not my favorite as sticky on bare skin (which will be your new attire most of the time)

There are some great upholsterers around that will copy a B&B italia for under $5000, fabric included.

If you get there by June, run to the shops, some great bargains in the sale and you can literally lift them off the floor rather than wait 6 to 12 weeks.

I bought a fab sofa in Sg before we moved to HK (believe it or not far less choice here).

Original poster

begonyabampot · 03/03/2011 11:40

yes, we had a leather one before - no mould but it was sticky. Most of my friends seem to have fabric, that's why was wondering if that's better - some with those washable covers. Thanks for replies - fabric it is then.

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