Plaza Furniture Mall
7500D Beach Road (Next to the Plaza Hotel)
In keeping with the mega-store trend in Singapore, the Plaza Furniture Mall is a humongous collection of dozens of furniture and furnishing retailers selling pretty run-of-the-mill stuff.

Stamford House
39 Stamford Road (next to the MPH Building)
The new kid on the block, Stamford House is an alternative to Park Mall if you're looking for more up-market and expensive furniture.

Did you know that up to half the weight of freshly sawn wood is water? Furniture is crafted from wood that is carefully dried, retaining just enough moisture for the furniture to properly acclimate to the relative humidity in your home. The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air, shrinking and expanding in response to changes in relative humidity.

Like your own skin, solid hardwood furniture's natural response to extremely dry air is to lose moisture and shrink a bit The halves of an extension table may part slightly or a few tiny openings may appear on a solid wood surface. This will correct itself as the relative humidity rises, and the wood absorbs enough moisture to expand slightly.

In Singapore's humid weather, you need to have an air conditioner or dehumidifier to prevent your home's relative humidity get too high. It is very common for your wood furniture to absorb excess moisture from the air and expand, perhaps causing drawers to stick. Once again, this will correct itself as your home's relative humidity decreases. The furniture's quality and sturdiness are not affected by these natural changes.

Here are some ways to ensure your solid hardwood furniture's longevity:

• For your comfort, as well as to protect your furniture, use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity at 25 to 35 percent.

• Don't expose hardwood furniture to continuous direct sunlight. Draw the curtains occasionally.

• Store table leaves as close as possible to the table. Keep them in an upstairs closet rather than in a damp basement, so that the table leaves are adjusting to the same relative humidity.

TENDER LOVING CARE

It's surprisingly simple to protect and enhance hardwood's natural beauty. All that's needed is some tender loving care. Here are a few tips from the experts:

• Read the manufacturer's care directions carefully and keep them handy for future reference.

• Dust with a soft cloth by following the grain pattern of the wood. Use an old T-shirt, baby diaper or cheesecloth that's been laundered to remove the sizing.

• Dust often to remove everyday abrasive particles from wood surfaces. Before dusting, moisten cloth lightly with a spray product. A dry cloth can leave hairline scratches on the finish.

• Surfaces also can be cleaned with a mild non-alkaline soap and water. Use the suds on a damp sponge or cloth, but be sure to pretest the solution on an out-of-sight-section to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Dry immediately with a soft cloth and buff lightly, following the grain.

• Wood finishes benefit from an occasional waxing or polishing. A paste wax can be applied every six to twelve months. Remove old wax first with a mild non-alkaline soap and water solution.
  Avoid waxing urethane-finished furniture. Waxing these surfaces causes them to gather dust and dirt rather than repel it. 

REPAIRS MADE SIMPLE


Minor damage to solid hardwood furniture can be repaired quickly and effectively with the right materials, a bit of elbow grease, and some careful attention to detail. More complex repair or refinishing jobs are best left to professionals, especially if the piece has one of todays "super finishes".
 

1. Scratch and Nick First Aid

When preparing to repair small nicks or scratches, always test an inconspicuous area of the furniture first to make certain the mixture won't damage the finish.
 

2. Stain Removal

These common stains often can be treated with do-it-yourself furniture first aid. But bear in mind: always test your remedy on a small area to see if it removes the stain without disturbing or damaging the finish.

During everyday use, your hardwood furniture may be subjected to mishaps and spills which temporarily mar its finish.

4. Keep Your Furniture Looking Great

Furniture is made to be used and enjoyed and accidents happen, especially when there are small children at home. Take these steps to keep damage from everyday life to a minimum:

• Unless your furniture has a new "super finish" to protect it, use coasters to prevent spills, stains and damage from hot dishes. Blot all spills immediately. Keep solvents, alcohol, nail polish and polish removers away from your furniture surfaces.

• When dusting, always lift lamps and other objects - don't slide then across the furniture's surface.

• Always lift furniture to move it - don't drag it.

• Open and close doors, drawers and lids gently.