Indonesian Furniture Buying Guide for Expats
Moving to Indonesia offers a unique opportunity to explore a rich tapestry of cultural heritage through its local furniture market. Whether you’re settling in Jakarta or another vibrant city within the country, furnishing your new home with Indonesian furniture not only enhances your living space but also connects you with the local artistry and traditions.
Understanding Indonesian Furniture Style
Indonesian furniture is renowned worldwide for its quality and distinctive styles, particularly those pieces made from native materials like teak. Teak furniture from Indonesia is highly sought after due to its durability, elegant grain, and resistance to pests and weather, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. When selecting pieces such as sofas, dining chairs, and coffee tables, consider the robustness of teak to ensure that you invest in furniture that lasts.
Apart from teak, Indonesian artisans also utilize other materials such as rattan and bamboo, which are woven into stunning designs for items like side tables and decorative pieces. This versatility offers expats a wide range of choices, from the traditional to the modern, to suit any home decor style. There are some materials you need to be aware of too when selecting solid wood furniture, for instance, there are many furniture made out of mahogany wood, suar wood, acacia wood, sungkai wood and mango wood. Apart of that, some furniture may also be made of high pressured laminate (HPL), these are synthetic wood, so they are not the same as solid wood.
Where to Shop for Indonesian Furniture
For those new to Indonesia, understanding where to find quality furniture is key. Jakarta, as the capital city, hosts a variety of furniture shops ranging from high-end boutiques to local markets. High-end stores generally offer a selection of well-crafted Indonesian furniture including luxury sofas and elaborate dining tables that can serve as centerpiece attractions in any home. Some furniture hot spots you can look around are in Kemang, South Jakarta, in Jakarta Design Center or Indonesia Design District in PIK, Tangerang.
On the other hand, local markets can be treasure troves for those looking to discover unique pieces at more affordable prices. Here, you can find vintage handcrafted side tables and coffee tables that add a touch of Indonesian charm to your living space.
Logistics of Buying Furniture in Indonesia
When purchasing furniture in Indonesia, expats should consider a few logistical aspects. Firstly, the size of the furniture should match the living space, particularly for those living in more compact expat accommodations. Additionally, delivery options need to be discussed as many stores offer delivery services, especially in major cities like Jakarta. For instance, some stores, like Urban Quarter, offers free delivery for Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi locations. If customers inquire for a very quick delivery, they can opt for GoBox, Grab Box or Lalamove.
Another factor is the maintenance of the furniture. Indonesian climate can be humid, which affects different materials in various ways. For instance, teak furniture is robust against humidity, but other materials may require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Please inquire from the store regarding the maintenance instructions of the furniture of your choosing.
Customizing Your Furniture
A significant advantage of buying furniture in Indonesia is the option to customize. Many Indonesian furniture manufacturers offer bespoke services, allowing you to tailor dimensions and finishes to your exact specifications. Whether it’s a dining table that needs to fit a certain space, or a sofa with a specific fabric, customization is readily available.
For expats in Indonesia, integrating local furniture into your home is not just about making a living space more comfortable—it’s about embracing the local culture and contributing to the local economy. By choosing Indonesian furniture, you not only gain beautiful and durable pieces for your home but also support the traditional crafts and skills of Indonesian artisans.
Remember, whether it’s choosing the right sofa or finding the perfect dining chair, the key is to enjoy the process of making your new house a home with the unique charm of Indonesian furniture. Find here our range of furniture that are ready stock for your home.
