Navigating Home Furnishing in Kampala

Moving to a new city can be exciting but also daunting. Especially when it comes to finding furniture for your home. You want to create a comfortable and cosy space, but you also don’t want to spend a fortune or waste time. Luckily, Kampala offers a variety of options for furnishing your home, depending on your budget, taste, and needs. Here are some tips on how to choose between going local, going commercial, or going custom.

Going Local: The Thrill of the Hunt

If you love bargain hunting and supporting local artisans, then going local is the way to go. You can find a range of furniture items on the side of the road, from hand-woven baskets to wooden bed frames. The best place to look for carpenters is on Ggaba Road in Nsambya, near the US Embassy. You can expect to find couches, chairs, desks, dressers, and more. Don’t be shy about bargaining and asking for a lower price, especially if you’re buying in bulk. Going local is the cheapest and fastest way to furnish your home, but be prepared to compromise on quality and durability.

Going Commercial: The Convenience of the Mall

If you prefer a more convenient and reliable option, then you might want to check out the large shopping mall chains like Doğtaş Exclusive Global Uganda and Nina Interiors. These stores carry imported furniture items that are more expensive than the local ones but also more durable and modern. You can find everything from beds, couches, tables, office furniture, outdoor furniture, and even mattresses, linens, and rugs. Doğtaş Exclusive Global Uganda and Nina Interiors also offer a variety of décor items, such as mirrors, clocks, shelving, and lighting. You can also find fabric and curtains at Nina Interiors. Going commercial is a good option if you want to save time and hassle, but be ready to pay more and have less variety.

Going Custom: The Luxury of Design

If you have a specific vision for your home and want to invest in high-quality and unique furniture, then you might want to consider going custom. There are several talented carpenters in Kampala who can make your designs come to life, whether you want a log home, a banana fibre sofa, or a sleek kitchen. Two of my favourite places to go are Kyaninga Homes and Wasanii Living. Kyaninga Homes is run by a British craftsman who specialises in interior, outdoor, and kid furniture made from wood and banana fibres. It’s located in Nakasero, next to Yujo Japanese restaurant, and has absolutely stunning wooden and woven furniture made from banana fibres. Wasanii Living is run by two expats who bring a fresh and modern edge to the interior design scene in Kampala. They have both imported and locally made furniture items that are stunning and stylish. Going custom is the most expensive and time-consuming option, but also the most rewarding and satisfying.

Conclusion: Mix and match.

Furnishing your home in Kampala can be a fun and creative process, as long as you know where to look and what to expect. You don’t have to stick to one option, but you can mix and match according to your budget and taste. Whether you go local, commercial, or custom, the most important thing is to create a home that reflects your personality and makes you happy. Happy shopping!