Buying furniture in Bali can be an extremely enjoyable venture and a great excuse to be a tourist and soak in some sights along the way, but be warned: you might find yourself frustrated with the sheer vast amount of options finding suppliers that have your perfect pieces.
A walk along the roadsides of the furniture manufacturing districts of Kerobokan or Ubud is a world of potential with buildings spanning often lengths of football fields full of artisan furniture. As overwhelming as it can be if you’re not prepared, we’re here to help give some guiding advice as there are a lot of options to get the most out of your interior design choices.
Overview of the Bali Furniture Market
Indonesian Craftsmanship Legacy
For centuries, Balinese artisans have been honing their skills, passing down techniques from generation to generation. The result? Furniture pieces that often exist in the realm of functional pieces of art. Furniture manufacturers here don’t just make furniture; they pour their heart and soul into the craft; telling a story through wood and weave.
Aside from the skills of the craftsmen, one of the secrets to Bali being a shining star for furniture sourcing is due to the quality of materials including:
- Teak: This sturdy wood is like the superhero of furniture materials. It’s naturally resistant to water, rot, and pests, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor furniture.
- Rattan: Light, flexible, and strong, rattan is ideal for creating airy, tropical vibes in your space.
- Bamboo: Fast-growing and sustainable, bamboo is an eco-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on style.
These materials help hone the designs and styles that really end up doing the talking for your space.
Popular Furniture Styles
When it comes to style, Bali’s got something for everyone. Especially these days in the boom of Bali villa development, you start to see a wide variety of evolving trends, but there’s a few themes that will always be in high demand.
Traditional Balinese – tradition will always hold influence for both older and newer design trends. Think rich colors, patterns, intricate carvings, rich woods, and designs inspired by nature and local mythology. It’s like bringing a piece of Bali’s culture right into your living room. You might hear people referring this to ‘joglo’ stye for these types of pieces which refers to traditional joglo architecture.
Modern and Contemporary – Bali’s not all about the old school. Bali has some of the most cutting edge modern and contemporary designs for both architecture, furniture, interior design and everything in between. You’ll find sleek, minimalist stylish designs that could fit right into a New York loft. Bali truly has some of the most contemporary style on the planet, and it’s no wonder why it’s famous for inspiring trends at a global level.
Bohemian Chic – Often known as ‘BOHO’, this style is more of a beach vibe that’s laid-back, colorful, and a bit eclectic – perfect for creating that carefree feel.
The best Balinese furniture makers find a way to blend styles that represent the old with the new – creating something completely timeless.
(shown above, the Nusantara Alami Range large dining table – a timeless design of traditional and contemporary influence)
Top Locations to Buy Furniture in Bali
When it comes to furniture shopping in Bali, each area has its own unique charm and offerings. While there are many furniture store options available, savvy shoppers know that using a reputable company to save time and ensure quality. However, if you want to explore, here’s what you can expect in different regions:
Seminyak: Modern Elegance
Seminyak is Bali’s hub for contemporary design and upscale furniture. Expect to find sleek, modern pieces with a touch of Balinese flair. Regarding price, Seminyak is generally higher-end, catering to luxury villas and design-conscious buyers.
It’s an easy experience to shop in Seminyak. You can walk around at your leisure safely and enjoy air-conditioned showrooms and professional staff that offers a comfortable shopping experience. Seminyak certainly represents more of the main stream of retailers showcasing finished products ready for retail purchase.
Ubud: Artisanal Treasures
Ubud is commonly known as the cultural heart of Bali. You’ll find Ubud is rich in traditional Balinese designs, intricate carvings, and unique artisanal pieces, especially in rattan furniture. This is a place you can spend ages walking around and touring the different hidden gems all around the area. The prices here vary widely, from affordable market finds to high-end gallery pieces.
It’s a great experience that tends to be more relaxed and slow paced. Take in the scenery while watching artisans at work right in front of you in small workshops.
Kerobokan: Hidden Gems
Kerobokan is the insider’s secret for furniture shopping in Bali. It’s got a mix of everything – from raw, industrial pieces to refined teak furniture. Kerobokan is less touristy, requiring more exploration but potentially yielding
great finds. Here you’re surrounded by shops that are the absolute source of bulk pieces, often tucked away in smaller alleys. Kerobokan is one of the places where the real magic is happening behind the scenes.
Your Homegrown Solution To Keep It Easy
While exploring the different areas can be a fun experience – especially when it comes to possibly finding that perfect piece stashed away in a warehouse somewhere… it can also be best to go with a reputable manufacturing company.
At Nusantara Lifestyle we have been in the industry for years and know exactly what it takes to have the best design, crafted from the best materials, and work with a budget that makes sense for your project. Visit our modern and sustainably produced collections, and contact us for any custom manufacturing inquiries.
Navigating the Furniture Buying Process
How to Ensure Best Bali Furniture Quality
When you’re buying Indonesian furniture, quality should be top of mind. Materials and wood types are something that can already dictate the longevity of your furniture, but there’s other things to be aware of. Here’s how to spot the good stuff:
- Check the wood: For teak, look for a smooth surface with a slightly oily feel. Avoid pieces with knots or uneven grain.
- Inspect the joints: Quality furniture uses traditional joinery techniques, not just glue and nails. Look for dovetail joints in drawers and mortise-and-tenon joints in tables and chairs.
- Feel the finish: Run your hand over the surface. It should feel smooth, without rough spots or drips in the varnish.
- Check for symmetry: Wobbly tables or uneven chair legs are a no-go.
- Smell it: Weird, right? But fresh wood has a distinct, pleasant smell. If it smells musty or like chemicals rather than the raw natural materials, it might not be properly dried or treated.
Remember, minor imperfections in handmade pieces can add character. But structural issues are a different story.. make sure that you are finding furniture that will last the long run and make the shopping efforts worth it!
Logistics: Shipping Indonesia Furniture Internationally
Found the perfect piece but not sure how to get it home? Here’s the lowdown on shipping furniture from Bali, and if you’re looking for more information you can read our full guide on importing furniture from Bali.
- Choose a reputable shipping company: Ask your hotel or local expats for recommendations. We’re happy to discuss details with you for more information.
- Understand the costs: Shipping fees depend on the size and weight of your items, as well as the destination. Get quotes from multiple companies.
- Consider consolidation: If you’re buying from multiple stores, a consolidation service can pack everything together, potentially saving you money.
- Know the customs rules: Research import duties for furniture in your home country. These can add significantly to the overall cost.
- Get insurance: Always insure your shipment. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Be patient: Sea freight can take 6-8 weeks or more. If you need your items faster, air freight is an option but it’s much more expensive.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Furniture Manufacturers
Sourcing Sustainable Materials in Bali
Bali’s not just about beautiful furniture – it’s also leading the charge in sustainable furniture options. This is what our company stringently focuses on as there is it’s essential for preserving Indonesia’s beauty and longevity. Here’s a few quick points:
- Reclaimed Teak Wood: This wood gets a second life, often from old buildings or boats. It’s full of character and totally eco-friendly.
- Bamboo: Fast-growing and versatile, bamboo is the poster child for sustainable materials.
- Rattan: Another fast-growing option that’s light, durable, and biodegradable.
- Seagrass: Often used in woven furniture, it’s renewable and adds a great natural texture.
Some stores to check out for sustainable furniture:
- Nusantara Lifestyle: Of course we want to take this chance to promote our complete sustainable practices that include not only use of sustainable materials, but also our sourcing and manufacturing processes that preserve and protect the local villages and workers; everything has been considered.
- Kuluk: Specializes in reclaimed teak furniture with a modern twist.
- Bamboo House Bali: As the name suggests, they’re all about bamboo, from furniture to entire houses!
- Coco Fibers: Uses coconut husks to create unique, eco-friendly pieces.
Custom Villa Furniture & Personalized Pieces
Ordering Custom-Made Furniture
Dreaming of a dining table that’s juuuust right? Custom furniture is as possible as ever in Bali but might take quite a bit of shopping around and the right connections to find the right source that can understand your needs, give you the right price, and most importantly – be trustworthy and deliver in a timely way! Bali can be full of pitfalls, so you definitely want to know your project is in the right hands.
Here’s a short list of what to look out for:
- Find the right artisan: Ask for recommendations or visit workshops to see their work firsthand.
- Communicate clearly: Bring pictures, sketches, or even 3D models if you have them. The more detail, the better.
- Discuss materials: Make sure you’re on the same page about what wood or other natural materials will be used.
- Get a timeline: Custom pieces can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Plan accordingly.
- Agree on price and payment terms: Usually, you’ll pay a deposit upfront and the rest upon completion.
- Quality check: Visit during the production process if possible, or ask for progress photos.
The beauty of custom furniture? You get exactly what you want, often at a price that’s competitive with high-end store-bought pieces. Plus, you’re supporting local artisans and getting a truly unique item. Win-win!
Wrapping Up
Buying Bali furniture is an adventure and, frankly, a great excuse to play tourist for a while and travel around looking for the best options.
Whether you’re after a statement piece for your living room or a complete furniture overhaul, Bali’s has everything you need to really take your interior design to the next level, even if it takes a little longer to get something custom made or shipped internationally.
At Nusantara Lifestyle, we have furniture collection Ranges that offer a timeless look for any villa or boutique hotel, but also work with custom options if you’re looking for a unique design. Contact us today as we’d love to find your perfect home decor solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of furniture are most popular in Bali? Teak furniture is a big hit, thanks to its durability and beautiful grain. You’ll also find lots of rattan and bamboo pieces, perfect for that tropical vibe. Traditional Balinese carved furniture is popular for those looking for unique, artistic pieces.
- Where are the best places to buy for best quality? Seminyak is great for high-end, modern pieces. Ubud is the go-to for traditional and artisanal furniture. For hidden gems and potentially better prices, check out Kerobokan. Don’t forget to explore local markets and small workshops too!
- Is it possible to ship furniture from Bali to my home country? Absolutely! Many stores offer shipping services, or you can use a third-party shipping company. Just be prepared for it to take some time (usually 6-8 weeks for sea freight) and factor in potential import duties.
- How can I ensure the quality of the furniture I buy in Bali? Inspect the wood closely for any defects. Check joints and finishes. For teak, look for a smooth, slightly oily surface. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the wood source, construction methods, and the types of natural materials used.
- What should I know about negotiating prices in Bali’s furniture markets? Negotiating is expected, but keep it friendly. Start at about 30-40% below the asking price. Take your time, and be prepared to walk away if you can’t agree on a price. Remember, the goal is a fair deal for both you and the seller.
- Are there eco-friendly furniture options available in Bali? Yes! Look for pieces made from reclaimed wood, fast-growing bamboo, or sustainable rattan. Many artisans in Bali are passionate about eco-friendly practices, so don’t hesitate to ask about their materials and methods.
- Can I order custom furniture in Bali, and how long does it take? Custom furniture is a great option in Bali. Timeframes vary, but expect anything from a few weeks to several months for complex pieces. Be clear about your design ideas and timeline from the start, and always get progress updates.
