In a world where modern consumerism often celebrates the new, there remains a deeply emotional and sustainable choice — to repair and restore. From vintage couches that hold decades of family memories to dining chairs that have witnessed countless conversations, furniture carries a story. And for many, that story is worth preserving.
As Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Founder of the BAB Group of Companies and the visionary behind 28 Credentials of Entrepreneur (28COE), shared,
“I always love the things I use — whether it’s my couch, a dining chair, or my living room furniture. I prefer repair and reupholstery over disposal. These pieces hold memories, and keeping them alive gives me comfort.”
Dr. Bilal’s reflection beautifully captures a universal sentiment — our furniture is not just a collection of wooden frames, foam, and fabric; it’s a silent companion in our daily lives.
The Emotional Value of Restoration
When we choose to repair rather than replace, we make a conscious decision to honor the emotional and environmental significance of our belongings. Each scratch, dent, or faded color tells a story — of time, family, and living. Repairing furniture is, in many ways, an act of love.
Dr. Bilal believes that restoring furniture helps us preserve our personal history. “We live in an era where things are easily replaceable, but some things deserve to stay. Restoration reminds us of gratitude and sustainability.”
A Conversation with Easy Furnishing Founder, Mr. Thomas
Recently, Dr. Bilal met with Mr. Thomas, Founder of Easy Furnishing, a reputed name in Furniture Repair & Reupholstery Services based in Selangor, Malaysia. Their conversation sparked inspiration — not just about business, but about purpose.
Mr. Thomas’s passion lies in breathing new life into old furniture. “Our mission,” he explained, “is not only to repair but to recycle and repurpose spoiled furniture. We want to contribute to a sustainable planet and reduce waste. Every restored piece means one less item in the landfill — one more step toward saving Mother Earth.”
His philosophy resonated deeply with Dr. Bilal, who has always championed sustainability, innovation, and empowerment through entrepreneurship.
From Vision to Venture — The Seed of Ideas
Inspired by this conversation, Dr. Bilal decided to take the concept further — turning the passion for furniture restoration into a global opportunity.
“I realized that this idea — of repairing, reupholstering, and recycling furniture — could evolve into a global movement. Why not connect the dots? Why not make it a global startup?” he said.
Through his initiative Seed of Ideas (SOI) — a platform designed to nurture innovative ventures — Dr. Bilal plans to create an ecosystem for entrepreneurs who share the same vision. This initiative aims to:
- Support startups specializing in sustainable furniture repair and reupholstery.
- Promote circular economy practices in the global furniture industry.
- Provide mentorship and business support for small artisans and craftsmen.
- Build awareness about reducing furniture waste through education and collaboration.
With this vision, Seed of Ideas becomes more than a platform; it becomes a global incubator for sustainable craftsmanship.
Furniture Repair & Reupholstery — The Unsung Heroes of Sustainability
The furniture industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste. Millions of tons of furniture end up in landfills every year — often because of minor damages that could have been repaired. Choosing restoration over replacement not only saves money but also significantly reduces carbon footprint.
Reupholstery services, for instance, allow individuals to renew their furniture’s appearance while maintaining its original frame. It’s a process that blends art, skill, and sustainability — giving old furniture a new soul.
Mr. Thomas’s team at Easy Furnishing specializes in such transformations — from reviving faded fabrics to fixing broken frames. “Each repair is a story of renewal,” he shared. “We’re not just repairing furniture; we’re restoring comfort, nostalgia, and pride.”
The Furniture Times – A New Era of Global Visibility
As part of his ongoing mission to empower industries through visibility and collaboration, Dr. Bilal announced his upcoming global initiative — “The Furniture Times – Bringing Furniture Brands into Global Spotlight.”
This digital news media platform will:
- Feature stories of passionate furniture makers, restorers, and innovators.
- Showcase sustainability-driven projects and eco-conscious brands.
- Provide industry insights, event coverage, and networking opportunities.
- Help furniture brands enhance their online visibility, credibility, and reach.
“The Furniture Times will not only tell stories — it will connect them,” said Dr. Bilal. “We’re building a global digital bridge where ideas, brands, and craftsmen can meet, inspire, and grow together.”
A Future Built on Purpose
From a heartfelt conversation in Selangor to a global initiative in motion, this journey reflects the true essence of sustainable entrepreneurship — connecting passion, purpose, and people.
Dr. Bilal’s decades-long experience in the furniture industry fuels this mission. Having witnessed both the artistry of furniture making and the challenges of waste, he aims to create an ecosystem where sustainability and craftsmanship coexist in harmony.
“The beauty of repair,” he concluded, “is that it teaches us resilience. Just like furniture, we, too, can be restored, renewed, and repurposed for something greater.”
Conclusion: A Call for Conscious Living
Furniture repair and reupholstery go beyond craftsmanship — they represent conscious living, emotional connection, and environmental responsibility. Whether it’s a family heirloom sofa, a dining chair passed through generations, or a beloved armchair, restoration gives it a second life.
Thanks to visionaries like Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat and dedicated entrepreneurs like Mr. Thomas, the movement toward sustainable restoration is gaining global momentum. Together, they’re not just fixing furniture — they’re reshaping mindsets and building a future where beauty and sustainability coexist.
As The Furniture Times rises to connect this global community, one message stands clear:
Repair, Restore, Reuse — and Respect the stories that your furniture holds.
