There is nothing that makes a house feel more like a home than filling it with things that tells a story of thoughtful craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced import goods, purchasing locally-made furniture and home accessories are also a great way to support and celebrate Malaysian creators.
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If you're outfitting your home or looking to replace your outworn furniture with something new, scroll through these independent local makers' online shops that sell everything from wooden wall art to rattan peacock chairs. You might find an item you’ve been looking for to freshen up your home, and if you’re just browsing, you can save a ton of ideas for future home renovation!
1. MAD3 Studio | Instagram: mad3studio
Source: @mad3studio
MAD3 Studio was formed in 2015 by three friends who share a common interest and love for handcrafted furniture. The trio believed in preserving and rediscovering traditional handwork, the old way of doing things and yet keeping the design contemporary, thus forging a link between old and new.
Bulat Lounger RM390
MAD3 studio sells a modern version of string lounger chairs and stools that is based on a popular design from the 1960s. Offering various vibrant colours, these string chairs will surely be a show-stopper in your home!
2. Rotan Lot | Instagram: rotanlot
Source: @rotanlot
If you’re Malaysian, chances are you would have had at least one rattan furniture in your home growing up. The Rotan Lot aims to reclaim and refresh this old tradition with modern rattan furniture pieces at reasonable prices so everyone could appreciate and own this traditional home staple once again.
Rattan media console RM1490
Rotan Lot offers many designated collections from the evergreen rattan bench to relaxing daybeds, unique-looking headboard, room partition and many more. Their Instagram account is a goldmine of interior design ideas that will inspire you to redecorate your entire living room!
3. Lain Furniture | Instagram: lainfurniture
Souce: @lainfurniture
If you're in the market for hand-crafted wood furniture, check out Lain Furniture online shop that sells unique custom made pieces such as coffee tables, benches, dining table, cake stands and more.
Koi and Mekar Coffee Table
Founded by Hani Ali, Lain originates from a Malay word which means Unique and Exquisite. This homegrown brand sells wooden furniture that reflects the multicultural and multiracial aspect of Malaysia. Each product is individualised and personalised preserving its own uniqueness focusing on attention to detail that can withstand time and trend.
4. Rattan art | Instagram: rattanart_handmade
Source: @rattanart_handmade
Rattan Art has been around long enough to call themselves the oldest rattan furniture maker in Malaysia. Their story begins in 1954 when founder, Tay Wee Kean made and sold rattan handicrafts such as rattan baskets and other small items. Now the business is run by the fourth generation family member, Tay Cek Xin who decided to expand their family business in 2004 to rattan furniture and create a series of rattan furniture with other combinations of materials.
Rattan single bed frame RM1800
The family-owned business sells a wide selection of rattan furniture like bar stools to hanging chairs and cabinets, including pieces from the kids’ rooms like baby cot and chairs that would perfectly complement a modern contemporary home!
5. Kedai Bikin | Instagram: kedaibikin
Souce: @kedaibikin
Founded by Farah Azizan, Adela Iskandar and Imaya Wong, Kedai Bikin is a homegrown furniture store that sells contemporary furniture with a mix of traditional designs made by local artisans and craftsmen. Taking its name from a Malay word “bikin” which stands for “make”, each item sold at Kedai Bikin are made out of indigenous materials, such as rattan, steel, rubber and even salvaged timber balusters from old shop lots in Penang.
Vintage Glass RM20
Kedai Bikin online store is the perfect place to shop for modern designed furniture such as marble side tables and the steel armchair or contemporary remakes of classic ’50s and ’60s Malaysian furniture, such as the Granddaddy Lounger and string chairs. You can also follow Kedai Bikin on Instagram to know more about their latest collection and deals.
6. Fine Grit Studio | Instagram: finegritstudio
Source: @finegritstudio
Fine Grit Studio was founded in 2014 by two friends; Daniel Salehuddin and Khairul Asyraf who are passionate about building and creating high-quality custom made furniture and home furniture using mostly local woods, metal and glass.
Square Clock RM98
You can browse furniture pieces such as TV consoles, cabinets, dining table, cake stands and more via their online shop and Instagram account. Besides showcasing some of their unique handmade products, their IG feed also takes you on a journey of how these products are being produced!
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