Shopping for rugs in Singapore: Where to find pretty and affordable floor coverings for the home
We’re not big complainers, but we’ll be honest: Finding a decent (and affordable) rug in Singapore is no walk in the park. After too many epic hunts for the perfect rug, we’ve put together this survival guide for fellow foragers. From sisal and jute, to flat woven and plastic rugs, here’s where to shop for the best rugs and carpets in Singapore that will add an extra oomph to your living space. No more rugging it!
Local stores
IKEA
It’s a no-brainer that IKEA is our default go-to for all things furnishings – the furniture giant is where we can now prattle on about catalogue prices and name who’s got what in which room of the house. The rugs here are not unique options, but they are cheap and cheerful – perfect for refurbishing on a budget.
IKEA, Stores in Tampines and Queenstown.
Bungalow 55
Furniture enthusiasts would be more than familiar with Bungalow 55; it’s home to the island’s most unique and quality homewares sourced from around the world. The selection fuses both traditional and contemporary looks in neutral tones, and rugs here range from woven outdoor fibre rugs to printed wool carpets.
Bungalow 55, #01-05A Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259760.
Departures & Arrivals
We’ll let you in on a little secret; our go-to retailer for one-of-a-kind rugs is Departures & Arrivals. Handpicked from India, D&A’s ethnic-chic designs are inspired by exotic destinations such as Casablanca, Corsica, Santorini, and Riviera. Think beautiful patterns in rich Mediterranean hues, vibrant chevron, and geometric patterns reminiscent of Africa and Latin America that will make great statement pieces for the home. Not just easy on the eyes, D&A’s environmentally-friendly collection of rugs will also stand the test of time – made from high quality jute, hemp, flat weave wool, or cotton, which are resistant to wear and tear.
Departures & Arrivals, #02-61 Oxley Bizhub 1,65 Ubi Road 1, Singapore 408729, p. 8511 3584. Open Tue-Sat 12-7pm, Sun 1-7pm.
Ruby Slipper
If you’re in search of the perfect statement rug, Ruby Slipper is the name to remember. Rugs here are fully customisable – yup, you read that right. Hand loomed and made to order in India, you can choose from 27 contemporary designs – including trendy Trellis, stunning Jodhpur or the locally-inspired Love Knot design – as well as different sizes, and over 120 colours to get the perfect floor rug catered just for your living space. How’s that for unique? And if you need a helping hand, owner, Lucy, also goes to extra mile to offer customers her expertise in choosing which designs and colours work best for your home.
Ruby Slipper, e. info@rubyslipper.com.sg, p. 9116 4471. Showroom (viewing by appointment) is located at 80 Grange Road, Singapore 249585.
Crate and Barrel
We’ve always nursed a soft spot for Crate and Barrel; the American furniture giant is our wonderland of Pinterest-worthy furnishings, including its high-pile large area rugs that won’t break the bank. The Olin striped flatwoven rug is a universal bestseller that works everywhere from the kitchen to the bedroom. Bear in mind that while the rugs are cheaper online, the larger sizes aren’t eligible for international shipping and delivery fees can get pretty hefty. Worth the savings? You decide.
Crate and Barrel, Stores in orchardgateway@emerald and ION Orchard.
Irugs
With over 35 years in the biz, it’s no surprise that Irugs has an absolutely massive inventory of carpets (over 14,000 at last count!). While we’re fans of the usual shag pile and trellis variety, the Persian and Oriental rugs here stole our hearts with their playful patterns and bright colours. Bonus: Free express delivery is included in prices, so you can update your boudoir on the quick.
Irugs, info@irugs.com.sg.
Affordable Style Files
Founded by style-whizz, Hong Henwood, Affordable Style Files is chock-full of lush homewares. Like its name suggests, the store’s big on affordability, with its most expensive rug priced at $199. Aside from being versatile enough for indoor and outdoor use, they’re also lightweight and easy to clean – simply shake or hose off to get it good as new again.
Affordable Style Files, 6A Dempsey Rd, Dempsey, Singapore, 247661.
HipVan
It’s no secret that this local startup’s got fab taste in spades – great quality and designs make up its vision after all. For times when you’re stuck between designer (read: four-figure) carpets and low-quality rugs, HipVan’s your answer. Prices are fair, with the cheapest starting at only $35.
Our favourite’s got to be the wool trellis hand woven rugs, though we suggest letting the eye-catching geometric patterns be the star.
HipVan, e. hello@hipvan.com.
Online stores with reasonable shipping fees
Pottery Barn
We don’t blame you for being overwhelmed through Pottery Barn’s massive range of Persian-style rugs. But allow us to draw your attention to the handcrafted custom sisal rug options (the sand and toffee colours are our faves!) that are incredibly affordable. You pick the dimensions here; say goodbye to ill-fitted carpeting!
Overstock
Overstock is exactly what it sounds like – a website with excess stock (i.e. great discounts). You can find some of the cheapest rugs here, but expect to root about before landing the perfect one. Reviews are hit and miss – we haven’t personally ordered from overstock, but we haven’t heard any nightmare encounters from friends we know.
Urban Outfitters
We know what you’re thinking: Home interiors don’t immediately come to mind when it comes to Urban Outfitters. But bear with us for a sec; the fashion chain actually has a pretty ample section for home decor. The rugs here range from round, printed ones to expertly crafted, Moroccan wool ones.
Node
Sure, Node’s pretty expensive (from £150-250 per square metre). But carpets here aren’t just customisable; the non-profit social biz delivers high quality, Fair Trade rugs made from Tibetan wool. Employees are taught literacy and skills, and proceeds from Node sales support a school of 260 children and an orphanage of 19. Delivery to your door is included in the price quotation.