Buying luxury furniture from Europe is a dream for many homeowners in Singapore. European craftsmanship, exclusive designs, and high-quality materials make it an attractive option. However, importing furniture from overseas comes with its challenges, from customs regulations to logistics and potential risks.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from why you should buy European luxury furniture to how to import it seamlessly to Singapore, including key pitfalls to avoid.
Can I save money buying by buying Luxury Furniture in Europe and importing it directly into Singapore?
You would be surprised by the numerous advantages of ordering your furniture from Europe directly.
The main advantage we are all searching for is getting the best furniture at the best price.
While importing furniture directly from Europe is not an inexpensive operation, if you optimize your purchasing and importing procedures, you can aspire to enjoy illimited options among Europe’s premium furniture brands and use your budget in the best possible way. It is possible to even purchase premium furniture at a lower price than if you bought it directly from a Singapore luxury furniture shop or retailer.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when considering to purchase directly your luxury furniture in Europe:
1) Cost per cubic meter
The total volume and weight of the furniture shipment will have a direct impact on its cost. This is logical of course but the takeaway is that the first cubic meters are much more expensive than the additional ones. If you can purchase several units of an item or several items, then the cost of transportation (sea-freight, EU export & Singapore import procedures, delivery to your doorstep logistics, etc.) per item will be reduced considerably.
As an example, consider that importing two chairs can cost as much in transport and logistics as importing 8 chairs.
How is that possible?
The reason is that many operations that are required are billed identically regardless of the number of items (the fees that freight forwarders and customs agents will charge for the handling of goods at the port as well as for clearing customs)
Sea-freight costs per cubic meter will decrease significantly every time you double the amount of cubic meters (importing 8 chairs instead of 4 for example)
2) Retailer with extensive experience shipping overseas to private and business clients
If your European furniture merchant is experienced in international shipping and delivery, he will find the best solutions to optimize your freight, cargo and transportation costs using only professional services he is knows are reliable and most cost-effective.
If you try to organize the entire flow…purchase in Europe, export clearance in Europe, sea-freight to Singapore, import clearance upon arrival at PSA International (formerly the Port of Singapore Authority) and Jurong Port, and, finally, delivery to your home, inevitably, the costs and the complexity of logistics and customs procedures will be overwhelming.
3) Packaging and insurance adapted for international shipping
It is crucial that your furniture is correctly packaged in Europe to withstand the numerous transits and transfers from one vehicle to another, from the truck to the container and then to the ship, etc.
By choosing an experienced merchant, he will insure your goods are correctly packaged (wooden crating, technical protections, etc.) as well as fully insured so that you can rest peacefully while you wait for your imported furniture to be delivered to your home in Singapore
4) Less middle-men, better prices
Your local Singaporean luxury furniture resellers & retailers have to cover a significant amount of overhead and monthly costs. Consider the prime locations they need to be at in order to sell their high-end furniture. Importing furniture wholesale to supply a showroom or a shop entails many limitations and the ever pressing need to be profitable by covering huge rental costs and location-specific costs. Once the furniture has been imported, they will push for their stock to be sold so you might be nudged towards deciding for the products they need to sell and not have the freedom of choosing from multiple brands and options.
Another issue is that most retailers depend on agents and other intermediaries to complete the import process, this leads to decreasing margins for them and higher prices for the end-client.
Here are some relevant and exclusive furniture shops in Singapore, please do compare prices between them and the option of importing directly from Europe on your own initiative:
Proof Living – Vanguard Building, 71-77 Stamford Road, 178895
Danish Design Co – Century Warehouse, #08-01, 100E Pasir Panjang Road, 118521
Black & Walnut – 43 Keppel Road, 099418
Finn Avenue – 8B Admiralty Street, #02-21, 757440
Castilla – Upper Bukit Timah Road, 729677
Christopher Guy – Lady Hill Road, Singapore
Abitex @ Paragon Shopping Centre – 290 Orchard Road, 238859
Why Buy Luxury Furniture in Europe?
Europe is home to some of the world’s most renowned furniture designers and manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for French antiques (classical furniture), Italian contemporary masterpieces, or Scandinavian minimalism, Europe offers furniture that is:
Authentic & Timeless – Many European furniture houses have been producing designs for centuries.
High-Quality Craftsmanship – Artisans use traditional techniques and premium materials.
Exclusive & Bespoke – Many luxury brands offer made-to-order furniture tailored to your home.
Cost-Effective for High-End Brands – Purchasing directly from Europe can sometimes be cheaper than buying imported versions in Singapore.
Some of the most prestigious European furniture brands include:
Roche Bobois (France) – Luxury contemporary and classic pieces.
Poltrona Frau (Italy) – Known for high-end leather furniture.
Boca do Lobo (Portugal) – Handmade, artistic furniture pieces.
Why is it beneficial for a private individual to import European luxury furniture directly?
Premium furniture from Europe is available to you in Singapore in a much easier fashion than you would imagine. Access the world of high-end and luxury European furniture brands and get it delivered to your home in Singapore by following the easy steps detailed in this guide.
You will be surprised to learn that you can purchase exclusive furniture directly in Europe and not only have access to furniture you will not find directly available at a reseller in Singapore but even more important, the total price including your import and transport costs may sometimes be lower than if you purchased directly in Singapore.
In this post we will illustrate this with a concrete and recent example (as of January 2025).
Logic mandates that you do not import one unique piece (i.e.: a single chair) unless it is a stand-alone piece with a considerable value (intrinsic or added) for your project. The cost of transportation per cubic meter decreases exponentially when you increase the quantities purchased and imported.
Why is it beneficial for an architect, interior designer or interior design studio to import European luxury furniture directly?
As a professional of the interior design and luxury living space, wouldn’t you want to create a “Wow!” effect in your clients’ perception of your work? In order to impress you need to be able to choose from the best furniture producers and not be constrained by what you may be able to source locally through Singapore’s network of furniture resellers (even if they offer imported European furniture).
By considering the entire European furniture sector, you can deftly and knowingly choose the best matching furniture for each of your projects, there will be no limits to how much you can “Wow!” your clients.
Why Invest in Premium European Furniture?
1. Unmatched Craftsmanship and Design
European furniture artisans are celebrated for their dedication to quality and innovation. Investing in European pieces ensures:
Superior Materials: Use of premium woods, metals, and fabrics.
Innovative Designs: Pioneering aesthetics that set global trends.
Longevity: Durable constructions that stand the test of time.
2. Access to Exclusive Collections
Europe is home to iconic furniture designers whose creations are coveted worldwide. For instance:
Martin Ballendat: Known for the Spin Designer Armchair in Walnut, which combines ergonomic comfort with sleek design.
Quasar Khanh: Creator of the Nervure Armchair, a piece that exemplifies avant-garde artistry.
Whatever the style of furniture you are looking for, be it luxury classical furniture or modern and contemporary luxury furniture, we have you covered. If you are looking for a luxury sofa or a luxury dining table, we can help you acquire it in Europe and have it delivered to your doorstep. The most exclusive dining chairs made with premium materials and original designs can be shipped from European furniture factories directly to your location in Singapore.
3. Personalization Opportunities
Many European manufacturers offer bespoke services, allowing customization to align with individual preferences and interior themes.
4. Showcasing Exemplary European Furniture Pieces
To illustrate the allure of European luxury furniture, here are some standout pieces:
Design: Features a contemporary aesthetic with clean lines and a sleek gray finish, enhancing any outdoor space with modern elegance.
Materials: Constructed from high-quality, weather-resistant materials, ensuring durability and longevity in various outdoor conditions.
Ideal For: Patios, gardens, and outdoor lounges seeking stylish and comfortable seating solutions for relaxation and entertainment.
Where to Buy Luxury Furniture in Europe?
1. Visit Showrooms & Boutiques
Paris, Milan, and London are key cities for luxury furniture.
High-end districts like Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Paris) or Brera Design District (Milan) offer unique finds.
2. Attend International Furniture Fairs
Some of the best events for luxury furniture shopping include:
Salone del Mobile (Milan, Italy) – The world’s most prestigious furniture fair.
Maison & Objet (Paris, France) – A hub for luxury interior design and décor.
3. Explore Antique Markets for Unique Pieces
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (Paris, France) – One of the largest antique markets in the world.
Mercanteinfiera (Parma, Italy) – A paradise for collectors of rare furniture.
4. Buy from Trusted Online Retailers
1stDibs – A curated marketplace for luxury furniture.
Pamono – Specializes in vintage and contemporary design.
Imagine Outlet – Official distributors of major European luxury furniture brands
Logistics & Shipping: How to Get Your Furniture to Singapore
Choosing a Shipping Provider
Luxury furniture requires expert handling at each and every step of its long trip between Europe and Singapore.
Work with:
Specialized Furniture Movers – Companies that deal exclusively in high-end goods.
White-Glove Delivery Services – Ensures careful transport and installation.
Shipping Methods: Air vs. Sea Freight
Air Freight – Faster but expensive (ideal for small, high-value pieces).
Sea Freight – Cost-effective but takes 6-8 weeks for delivery.
Specialized Packaging & Crating
To prevent damage, ensure:
Professional Crating – Custom wooden crates for fragile items.
Shock-Absorbent Packing – Foam and padding to prevent impact damage.
Climate-Controlled Containers – Prevents humidity damage to delicate woods and leathers.
How much does it cost to purchase and import luxury European furniture to Singapore? Real example!
The main difficulty is to align all reliable operators to they work together in a seamless and cost-effective manner.
Real example and verified costs of importing luxury furniture from Europe to Singapore
Real example and verified costs of importing luxury furniture from Europe to Singapore
Here is the main logistical sequence of operations from the furniture factory to your doorstep. We will use one real-life example: the purchase of 8 Spin chairs in walnut and leather, produced in Austria and delivered to our client’s home in Singapore.
Transport from the furniture factory in Austria to our container freight station in Lyon (France): this land and truck transport can be negotiated and carried out by the furniture manufacturer thanks to our solid partnership
Loading of the furniture at the container freight station, truck transport of the container to the sea-port for loading on to the ship heading for Singapore
EXPORT: customs procedures and clearance at the French port of Fos-sur-mer (Marseille)
Sea-transport from Europe (France) to Singapore
IMPORT: Unloading of container and customs clearance at Singapore port
Last-mile delivery: pick-up at Singapore sea-port cargo-zone, uncrating and white-glove delivery to our client’s address
Here are the supporting documents that enable us to complete all the above steps, from 1 to 6, from door to door.
Having identified all the costs, for this shipment, the total amount invoiced to our client is reflected in this document (pro-forma invoice):
Our Singaporean client has thus paid the following amounts to import 8 luxury solid walnut designer chairs from Europe to Singapore:
Pro-forma invoice containing all door-to-door costs: 8.070 euros
9% GST (General Sales Tax) on CIF (cost-insurance-freight) value => 726,30 euros
TOTAL cost of purchasing in Europe and importing to Singapore: 8.796,30 euros
In comparison, a local EU (European Union) client would have paid for the same purchase and delivery to his home: 7.310 euros which is only 16% less than our Singaporean client. Please note that purchasing more chairs would have decreased the cost of transport per chair…this would have made the import operation even more profitable
With this other quote, we can even optimise further the logistics and customs clearance costs by exporting with CFR incoterm from France, Europe and then allowing our Singaporean partner to take over the entire import procedure once the boat arrives to Singapore.
Comparison of costs between importing furniture from furniture with the price listed on a local Singaporean luxury furniture retailer
If we take a look at this chair listed on a Singaporean website, we can see that the regular price for the Couture chair from Cattelan Italia (model A with soft leather upholstery option) is 1.859 SGD (1.325,85 EUR) and it drops to 1.389 SGD (990 EURO) when on sale (-25%):
We can confirm that the current purchasing price when purchased directly in Europe (excluding European VAT as the chairs will be exported) is 689 euros:
Hence, if you purchased 8 of these chairs in Europe directly and had them shipped over to your home in Singapore, your costs would be:
Purchase of 8 chairs: 8 x 689 euros = 5.512 euros
All transport and logistics costs: 1.690 euros
GST 9% on CIF value: 648,18 euros
TOTAL COST: 7850,18 euros
The cost per imported chair will thus be 981,27 euros which is less than the discounted special sales price of 990 euros offered by the local Singaporean luxury furniture dealer and much less than the regular sales price of 1.385 euros by almost 25%.
Customs & Import Regulations in Singapore
Taxes & Duties
Goods and Services Tax (GST):9% (as of 2024) applies to all imported goods.
Furniture valued above SGD 400 will require customs clearance.
Required Documentation
Invoice & Proof of Purchase
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Customs Import Permit (Handled by shipping provider)
Material Restrictions
Endangered Wood Species (CITES regulations) – Some rare wood types require special permits.
Animal-Derived Materials – Items with exotic leathers or ivory may be restricted.
Compliance with Safety and Quality Standards
Singapore mandates that imported furniture meets specific safety and quality benchmarks:
Consumer Protection Regulations: Furniture must comply with the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations, ensuring products meet international safety standards.
Labeling: Products should have labels in English, providing essential information such as the country of origin, manufacturer details, and any necessary safety warnings.
Navigating the Import Process to Singapore
Bringing European luxury furniture into Singapore requires adherence to specific regulations and an understanding of logistical considerations.
1. Understanding Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST Rate: As of January 1, 2024, Singapore imposes a 9% GST on all imported goods, calculated based on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value.
Exclusive residential and corporate districts in Singapore where European luxury furniture can be delivered
Luxury furniture from Europe imported to Singapore can cover all residential needs for living spaces such as: dining-rooms, living-rooms, kitchen, bedrooms, home-office, home-cinema, etc.
Extensive ranges of high-end office and corporate furniture can be imported for the most exclusive offices, corporate headquarters and for places such as: meeting-rooms, conference-rooms, board of Director’s meeting-rooms, corporate or company canteen or restaurant, individual desks and working spaces, etc.
Singapore has several ultra-exclusive residential and corporate districts known for luxury living, high-end amenities, and proximity to key business hubs. Here’s a breakdown:
Exclusive Residential Areas:
Sentosa Cove – The only place in Singapore where foreigners can buy landed property. This waterfront enclave features luxury villas, private berths for yachts, and exclusive country clubs.
Orchard Road (Ardmore, Nassim, Tanglin, Cairnhill) – Home to ultra-luxury condos like The Marq, Nassim Hill residences, and Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) in Nassim.
Bukit Timah & Holland Road – Known for large landed properties, GCBs, and top international schools.
Bishopsgate & Chatsworth Park – GCB enclave near the embassy district, highly sought after by high-net-worth individuals.
Marina Bay & CBD (Marina One, The Sail, Wallich Residence) – Luxury condos with stunning skyline and sea views, favored by expatriates and executives.
East Coast (Tanjong Rhu, Meyer Road) – Upscale beachfront condos with a relaxed vibe and proximity to the city.
Exclusive Corporate & Business Districts:
Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) – The heart of Singapore’s financial district, housing global banks, hedge funds, and MNCs.
Raffles Place – Traditional CBD with iconic skyscrapers and prime office spaces.
Shenton Way & Tanjong Pagar – Emerging financial and commercial hub with Grade A office buildings and luxury residences.
One-North (Fusionopolis, Biopolis, Mediapolis) – Singapore’s innovation and R&D hub, housing tech giants, biomedical research, and media companies.
Changi Business Park – Hub for tech, finance, and logistics, with companies like IBM and DBS.
Science Park & Buona Vista – Home to R&D firms, life sciences, and deep-tech enterprises.
2. Customs Documentation and Procedures
Customs Permit: Required for all imports, accounting for tax payment and compliance.
Submit the customs permit application via Singapore’s TradeNet system.
Ensure all documentation is accurate to prevent delays or penalties.
Pitfalls & Risks of Buying European Furniture
1. Beware of Counterfeit Pieces
Always verify authenticity when purchasing antiques or designer furniture.
Request a certificate of authenticity for branded items.
Buy from reputable dealers and certified showrooms.
2. Damages During Transport
Improper packaging can lead to scratches, dents, or breakage.
Always opt for full insurance coverage for expensive pieces.
Check condition upon delivery and report damages immediately.
3. Unexpected Costs & Delays
Customs clearance delays can extend shipping times.
Currency fluctuations can impact your final cost.
Some brands may not offer international warranties – clarify this before purchase.
4. Extended waiting period
Luxury European furniture is made to order so while you can choose exactly the finishings, dimensions and variations that suit you, production of your order will take from 8 to 12 weeks.
International shipping will require the following legs to be completed:
Transport by truck from the furniture factory to the shipping port for export from the European Union (EU)
Container loading and transfer to the ship
Sea-freight (time on sea)
Offloading of container and import customs procedures at Jurong port
Pick-up of your order at the port, uncrating and delivering to your home
This can take another 4 to 6 weeks.
5. Scams and unreliable websites
Many European websites are available online so it is difficult to tell which ones are trustworthy and reliable partners for your furniture purchase and import to Singapore
Beware of discount stores that unofficially sell major brands at discounted prices through parallel networks. The most obvious risk is purchasing a fake item but even if it were to be an original item, these vendors will not reply once the sale is done and you have encountered any kind of issue late on. Risks of encountering an issue are greater due to the long transport chain which can lead to breaking or damaging your furniture
Currency Exchange & Payment Considerations
1. Fluctuating Exchange Rates
Monitor EUR/SGD or GBP/SGD rates before making large payments.
Use a multi-currency account to minimize conversion fees.
2. Payment Methods
Many luxury brands require full payment upfront.
Some dealers may accept installment plans or financing.
Credit cards may have foreign transaction fees – check with your bank.
Engaging Professional Services
Given the complexities involved, collaborating with experienced importers or customs brokers can facilitate a smoother process. These professionals can assist with:
Navigating regulatory requirements.
Coordinating logistics and shipping.
Ensuring compliance with all local laws and standards.
Final Tips for a Smooth Import Process
✅ Work with a professional importer – They handle customs, taxes, and delivery. ✅ Consider hiring an interior designer – They can coordinate furniture selection and logistics. ✅ Inspect all items upon arrival – Address issues before final acceptance. ✅ Verify electrical compatibility – Some European furniture (e.g., motorized recliners) may require voltage converters.
Conclusion
Purchasing luxury furniture from Europe is a fantastic way to bring timeless elegance into your home. While the process involves careful planning, the result is unique, high-quality furniture that enhances your space.
By selecting trusted sellers, ensuring proper shipping logistics, and navigating Singapore’s import regulations, you can successfully bring home European luxury furniture with confidence and peace of mind.
English 
Français 
Español 
