Frequently Asked Questions

Showroom & Consultations

Do I need an appointment to visit the Journey East showroom?

Our Outram Road showroom, located within the Tan Boon Liat Building, is open to the public daily. While walk-ins are always welcome to explore our curated collections of vintage and contemporary furniture, we recommend scheduling a consultation if you require dedicated guidance for spatial planning or specific architectural lighting requirements.

What international design houses are represented in your collection?

We serve as a primary destination in Singapore for authentic, contemporary design. Our curation includes definitive seating and living pieces from United Strangers and dBodhi, architectural lighting by Tala, alongside distinct decor from Qeeboo, Gangzai, and Pappelina. Every piece is an original, sourced directly from the respective design houses.

Do you collaborate with interior designers and architects?

Yes. We actively partner with industry professionals, interior designers, and architects across Singapore and the region. Our trade program provides dedicated sourcing for residential and commercial projects, from fulfilling high-volume contemporary seating requirements to securing specific Midcentury vintage centerpieces.

Orders & Delivery

What are the delivery lead times for online purchases?

Local deliveries within Singapore typically require 7 to 10 working days, depending on inventory availability. Upon checkout, our team will coordinate directly with you to schedule the arrival of your pieces. For comprehensive details, please review our Delivery and Storage guidelines.

Can Journey East store my furniture before delivery?

Yes. We provide complimentary storage for a limited period to accommodate your renovation or relocation schedule. View our Delivery and Storage page for exact terms.

How do I purchase an item viewed at the Outram Road showroom that is not listed online?

If a specific piece from our curated international brands or vintage collection is absent from the webshop, we facilitate remote purchases via bank transfer. Reach out to our team through the contact form to secure items directly from the showroom floor. Reach out to our team through the contact form to secure items directly from the showroom floor.

Does Journey East export designer furniture internationally?

Yes. While we do not process heavy international freight directly through the webshop, we routinely coordinate global shipping. Please contact us with your desired pieces and location, and our team will assist to coordinate a tailored export quote.

Sourcing & Provenance

Are your vintage collections considered traditional antiques?

While we respect traditional antiquities, our sourcing focuses strictly on restored vintage furniture spanning the 1920s through the 1960s. This encompasses authentic Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and original Dutch-Colonial profiles from Java. These pieces offer clean geometric lines and grounded proportions that integrate seamlessly into modern interiors, diverging from the heavy ornamentation typical of traditional antiques.

Does Journey East purchase second-hand furniture from the public?

We do not. Our vintage furniture collection is entirely proprietary, individually sourced through our own established networks. Beyond the meticulous sourcing process, our master carpenters dedicate extensive hours to gently restoring each piece, ensuring it retains its historical provenance and structural integrity.

What makes recycled teak a premium material?

Wood naturally expands and contracts with moisture. Recycled teak, sourced from repurposed architectural structures and railway sleepers, contains significantly less moisture than freshly harvested timber. This results in a structurally sound, warp-resistant material with a tighter, more pronounced grain. Preparing this wood requires meticulous manual labor to remove vintage nails and fittings, but the environmental yield is substantial. Utilizing reclaimed teak eliminates the need to harvest new trees and actively supports sustainable community networks.

Did Journey East have a cat?

Ginger was the Ambassador of Journey East, and was one of the longest-living cats we knew, delighting us for an amazing estimated 29 human years.

Ginger passed away peacefully in September 2019, though he will always live on in our hearts and memories. He was dearly loved, and we know he loved us very much too.

The beautiful moments of his life are still preserved on his Facebook account, as well as on Instagram.

Material Care & Maintenance

What is the recommended maintenance for reclaimed wood furniture?

To maintain the integrity of reclaimed wood, dust the surfaces regularly and wipe with a slightly damp cloth. We advise keeping the wood moisturized with a high-quality wax, such as Gilly Stepenson’s cream polish with beeswax, available at our Singapore showroom. 

Apply the cream in light coats and buff with a soft, lint-free cloth. In tropical climates, repeating this process every three months preserves the wood's structural warmth. Note that direct sunlight can shift reclaimed wood to a silver-grey patina; use window treatments to regulate exposure.

How do I prevent watermarks on solid wood or dBodhi furniture?

Our solid wood collections, including the sustainable lines from dBodhi, are designed for active daily use. While every scuff adds distinct character to the piece, preventing condensation damage is straightforward. dBodhi furniture utilizes natural wood without a synthetic seal, leaving it vulnerable to moisture from cold beverages. The consistent use of absorbent coasters is the most effective way to prevent permanent watermarks and preserve the natural grain.

Will my recycled wood furniture adapt to a temperate or dry climate?

Because upcycled and reclaimed wood already possesses a lower moisture content, the risk of extreme expansion or cracking is significantly reduced. However, as it remains a natural material, we advise using a humidifier during the initial weeks of relocation to help the wood acclimate to a drier environment. Regular application of a premium wood wax will ensure the material remains conditioned.

How should I care for natural marble tables and surfaces?

Marble is a porous natural stone that requires specific attention to maintain its architectural finish. For daily care, remove surface dust with a dry cloth, followed by an even wipe with a damp cloth. Dry the surface immediately to remove excess moisture. Spills—particularly acidic substances like wine, mustard, or citrus—must be addressed instantly. Acidic liquids left longer than 10 minutes will compromise the stone. Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth before proceeding with routine cleaning.

What are the safety and usage guidelines for tempered glass tables?

Our ISO-compliant tempered glass surfaces are engineered to withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius. However, to ensure longevity and dissipate sudden heat, we require the use of thick cork pads or trivets beneath hot cookware. Tempered glass provides a critical safety advantage: in the rare event of a fracture, the material is designed to shatter into blunt fragments rather than hazardous shards.