Why you should get one: Installing zip blinds has skyrocketed the functionality of my balcony, ensuring that I have a place to host or a studio space no matter the weather conditions and protecting my guests’ privacy. I got my zip blinds from mc.2, specifically the ALTEX™ SecureZIP. The ALTEX™ SecureZIP is relatively affordable, being similarly priced to generic Chinese offerings but also significantly cheaper than Australian Ziptrak models. Furthermore, mc.2 also provides a 5-year warranty on its zip blinds (with labour fees waived for the first two years), which nicely covers the 5-year MOP period.

Price: Those interested in purchasing zip blinds (or curtains) from mc.2 can quote the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” in-store or when making their appointment to enjoy 5% off all purchases. Given that zip blinds cost well into the four figures, a 5% discount is quite substantial.

Review: I reviewed the mc.2 ALTEX™ SecureZIP here.

2) ErgoTune Hexon Standing Desk

Next is my standing desk, which I use for hours daily.

Why you should get one: I mostly work from home, so owning a good desk was paramount for me. Thus, I opted for the ErgoTune Hexon, which is undoubtedly the best standing desk that the brand has introduced to date. Its Wire Cabin allows users to declutter their workstations by hiding unsightly wires, while the modular nature of the accessories increases personalisation. The Hexon is great for workaholics-people who care about organisation and productivity. If you’re more of a mass-market user, then consider the (cheaper) ErgoTune Max.

Price: Those interested in purchasing the ErgoTune Hexon can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy $20 off. The promo code is combinable with existing promotions, so the Hexon would cost $1179 after the discount code.

Review: I reviewed the ErgoTune Hexon Standing Desk here.

3) ErgoTune Vesby Ergonomic Chair

I tend to get back problems, so having an ergonomic chair was one of my first priorities.

Why you should get one: Having an ergonomic chair (with proper back support) does wonders for your back. With that in mind, I chose the ErgoTune Vesby ergonomic chair, which took three years to develop and is undoubtedly the best ergonomic chair ErgoTune has introduced to date. It smokes its competition in the sub-S$800 price point and gives pricier alternatives (such as the Herman Miller Aeron) a run for its money. Ultimately, it is a more mature version of ErgoTune’s previous offerings and represents a significant step up for the brand.

Price: Those interested in purchasing the ErgoTune Vesby can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy $20 off. The promo code is combinable with existing promotions, so the Vesby would cost just $779 after the discount code.

Review: I reviewed the ErgoTune Vesby Ergonomic Chair here.

4) Empire Prestige Pro Massage Chair

To further alleviate my back problems, I also got a massage chair.

Why you should get one: I don’t have a couch at home, so I mostly nua/relax on my massage chair, which is from the local massage chair label Empire. It’s very impressive – the design is compact and space-saving, an important consideration for smaller spaces like mine. There are also intelligent features, the heated leg massager and the AI body scanner system, both of which help enhance the overall massage experience. The Prestige Pro is genuinely one of the best massage chairs that I’ve tried, and I believe it smokes most alternatives in the same price range. It’s now a “visitor’s attraction” in my house – guests almost always make a beeline for the massage chair whenever they visit.

Price: Interested readers can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to get an exclusive extra $50 off any Empire full-body massage chair. This discount is stackable with existing promo codes, allowing you to get the best bang for your buck. After the discount, the Empire Prestige Pro Massage Chair is just $1849, making it great value for money. As the icing on the cake, there’s also a one-year warranty and free delivery.

Review: I reviewed the Empire Prestige Pro Massage Chair here.

5) Raslok HCM-T8 Water Purifier and Dispenser

Another essential item for my health is a water purifier and dispenser.

Why you should get one: I grew up drinking filtered water, so I can attest that there is a taste difference between filtered water and regular tap water. While Singapore’s tap water is safe for consumption, it is treated with chlorine and fluoride, which gives it a distinct taste. In contrast, water purifiers remove most foreign matter in drinking water, resulting in cleaner-tasting water. Specifically, the HCM-T8 uses UV LED sterilisation that Raslok says will kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. The Raslok HCM-T8 ticked all my boxes – I was searching for an affordable, compact water purifier with temperature and volume settings, and the HCM-T8 delivers on all fronts.

Price: The Raslok HCM-T8 is currently available for $799. Those interested in purchasing from Raslok can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off their website offerings. After the discount, the HCM-T8 would cost just $720, making it one of the most affordable compact water purifiers (with a touchscreen) on the market.

Review: I reviewed the Raslok HCM-T8 Water Purifier and Dispenser here.

6) Zinus Orthopedic Supreme Zero-Motion Mattress

I spend over 1/3 of my time asleep, so having a decent mattress is incredibly important.

Why you should get one: I had a limited budget but knew I wanted a full-foam mattress (which is typically more expensive than spring mattresses). After much searching online, I finally found one—the Zinus Orthopedic Supreme Zero-Motion Mattress. Make no mistake—the chief selling point of the Orthopedic Supreme Zero-Motion Mattress is its affordability—it starts at just $249 for a Single and goes up to only $499 for a King size. Yet, despite its low price point, the mattress is packed with features and competes evenly with mattresses twice, sometimes thrice its price. It also comes with a ten-year warranty, thus providing (literally and figuratively) ease of mind.

Price: Those interested in purchasing the Zinus Orthopedic Supreme Zero-Motion Mattress (or the pillows) can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off (valid till the end of 2024). After the discount, my particular set-up (a Queen-size mattress with two pillows) costs just $456.

Review: I reviewed the Zinus Orthopedic Supreme Zero-Motion Mattress here.

7) Bedtribe Iced Bamboo Sheets

Of course, the bedsheets are equally important.

Why you should get one: The iced bamboo sheets from Bedtribe are the best sheets I’ve slept on, and they feel even more comfortable than sheets from my 5-star hotel stays. The sheets are incredibly smooth and cool to the skin, and I love sliding underneath the bamboo duvet cover after a long night. And although I’ve only slept on them for about two months, I’m heartened they are billed to be more durable (and sustainable) than traditional cotton bedsheets.

Price: Those interested in purchasing the Iced Bamboo Sheets can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off Bedtribe’s entire webstore. After the discount, the complete set of Iced Bamboo Sheets would cost just $134 for Single/Super Single sizes and $179 for Queen/King sizes.

Review: I reviewed the Bedtribe Iced Bamboo Sheets here.

8) LUMOS Auro V2 Projector

Although my living room doesn’t have a TV, I wanted a big-screen viewing experience, so I got the LUMOS Auro V2 Projector for my bedroom.

Why you should get one: I wanted a wide screen for cinematic movies/Netflix and chill sessions, so I searched for a compact projector for my bedroom. I’m mightily impressed by the LUMOS AURO V2 projector—it ticks a lot of boxes. First, it is compact and space-saving, easily fitting into tight spaces. Second, the projector is relatively affordable, with a sub-$500 price point. For comparison, the cheapest home models from traditional brands such as Canon and Epson still cost upwards of four figures. Thirdly, the AURO V2 delivers crisp and bright visuals, with a theatre-esque surround sound system that punches way above its price point. Lastly, the AURO V2 projector also has a few nifty features, such as in-built screen mirroring and web browsing, which further enhance its utility.

Price: Those interested in purchasing the AURO V2 can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy a $55 discount off LUMOS’ entire webstore. After the discount, the AURO V2 would cost just $443, making it a terrific value for money.

Review: I reviewed the LUMOS Auro V2 Projector here.

9) Starke Wasserfall™ Rain Shower

I’m the sort who takes long (~30-minute) showers, so naturally, I desired a rain shower.

Why you should get one: I’ve always wanted a rain shower—I’ve written multiple times in my hotel reviews that it’s something I always look forward to. The Starke Wasserfall™ Rain Shower set provides a hotel-esque shower experience without breaking the bank. It has three functions (rain shower, handheld shower, and sprout) and a variety of water modes. Despite the affordable price tag, the rain shower looks premium and even comes with three years of warranty.

Price: Those interested in purchasing from Starke can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 5% off Starke’s items storewide. After the discount, the Starke Wasserfall™ Rain Shower would cost just $759, making it an affordable way to zhng your shower experience.

Review: I reviewed the Starke Wasserfall™ Rain Shower set here.

10) Nefertum Fragrances Scented Candle

Last but not least, I enjoy lighting up a scented candle to brighten (literally) the space.

Why you should get one: As I typically enclose my house with Zip blinds, the air can get a tad stale. To combat that, I like to light a scented candle to freshen up the space. I particularly enjoy the Thai Indulgence Spa candle from Nefertum Fragrances, which uses lemongrass essential oil. It has a fresh, citrusy smell, with sweet and earthy notes that help to relax the senses. I light the candle either at my computer desk (when I’m watching a movie) or at my balcony when I have guests over. Nefertum’s scented candles are also long-lasting, with a burn time of around 60 hours – though the brand recommends burning the candle in 2-3 hour sessions for an even burn.

Price: Those interested in purchasing from Nefertum Fragrances can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off the entire webstore. After the discount, the scented candles would cost just $31 each.

Review: I reviewed Nefertum Frangrances’ scented candle here.

Conclusion:

That rounds up this list of essential household items. I use the abovementioned items daily and have since grown reliant and appreciative of each of them. If you’re moving into a new home – or simply looking to upgrade your existing living environment – I suggest checking out some of the offerings above. All of them are relatively affordable, and present good value for money.

Other Listicles

If you found this tailoring listicle helpful, do check out some of my other listicles below:

P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.

P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!

P.P.P.S: If you haven’t already, do follow my social media channels on Facebook here, on Instagram here, and on Youtube here.

P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Conclusion:

Other Listicles

Most popular