Singapore’s iconic Tan Boon Liat Building, a labyrinthine blue tower in Outram that has served as the city’s definitive furniture shopping destination for decades, may soon enter its final chapter. The 15-story industrial complex—built in 1976—has reportedly been sold en bloc for $950 million to a subsidiary of Kingsford Group. However, the deal remains tentative, pending approval from the building’s owners. For shoppers and tenants alike, the message is clear: nothing is finalized, and the beloved landmark isn’t vanishing overnight.
The news of the potential sale sent ripples through design-loving circles, sparking fears that this hidden gem of independent showrooms, vintage dealers, and niche cafés would soon disappear. But tenants have been informed that the transaction is still subject to a collective owners’ vote. Even if approved, any redevelopment will take years, meaning the building’s maze of furniture boutiques, lighting specialists, and pottery studios will remain open for the foreseeable future. For now, it’s business as usual.
Still, with the clock potentially ticking, now is the time to explore—or revisit—this quirky shopping hub. Below are seven standout stops that define the Tan Boon Liat experience.
Razor Sharp
Home cooks and professional chefs flock here for premium Japanese knives, whetstones, and expert sharpening services. Whether you’re investing in your first serious blade or simply curious about cutlery craftsmanship, this tiny shop is a sharp detour worth making.
Journey East
A longtime anchor tenant, Journey East offers a curated collection of beautifully restored vintage furniture, mid-century modern icons, and contemporary designs. It’s the kind of place where each piece tells a story.
Rooma
If warm woods and woven textures speak to your aesthetic, Rooma specializes in handcrafted rattan and solid wood furniture made in Indonesia. Its pieces strike a balance between tropical-resort relaxation and modern home functionality—without feeling overstyled.
The Beuro
For those who prefer sleek, gallery-worthy European furniture, The Beuro stocks statement pieces that look as though they belong in a curated exhibition. Think clean lines, bold forms, and a touch of art-world drama.
Singapore Trading Post
This boutique is a nod to heritage charm, offering cottage and colonial-inspired furniture, home décor, and timeless black-and-white bungalow aesthetics. If old-world romance is your style, this is your spot.
Mud Rock Ceramics
Not strictly a retail store, Mud Rock Ceramics is a pottery studio and workshop where you can get hands-on. Learn wheel throwing or hand-building techniques, then take home a piece you’ve created. Resident artists also sell handmade ceramics for those who prefer to skip the clay.
Cloudfields
After navigating the showrooms, refuel at Cloudfields, an all-day brunch café tucked in the building’s annex. The menu, crafted with input from a Michelin-starred chef, includes a standout fried chicken and shiso linguine ($26)—a wafu-style dish inspired by oyakodon. It’s the perfect pit stop before another round of browsing.
What’s next? While the sale could signal the eventual transformation of this furniture mecca into something new, the process is far from immediate. For now, the building remains a vibrant ecosystem of independent retailers and makers. If you’ve been putting off a visit, consider this your final nudge—before the era truly begins to close.
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