Interior Design Tips for Maximising Small Spaces in Singapore HDB and Condos
Living in Singapore often means adapting to compact spaces, especially if you’re in an HDB flat or condominium. But small doesn’t mean limiting. With the right interior design approach, your apartment can be both beautiful and functional. Whether you live in a 3-room BTO or in a studio condo, space-saving design strategies can dramatically improve comfort, aesthetics, and lifestyle.
In this guide, we share practical interior design tips for small apartments in Singapore, so you can make the most of every square foot without sacrificing style.
Why Small Space Design Matters in Singapore
Urban homes in Singapore are typically designed with efficiency in mind. However, without thoughtful design, even well-built apartments can feel cluttered or cramped. Smart interior design:
- Optimises functionality
- Improves storage
- Enhances visual spaciousness
- Supports better movement and flow
- Reflects your personal style despite size limitations
At Interior Diary, we believe good design begins with understanding how people live. Let’s look at how you can apply this to your own home.
1. Start with Smart Space Planning
Before choosing furniture or colour schemes, proper space planning is essential. Map out:
- Key zones: sleeping, working, eating, relaxing
- Traffic flow: ensure enough clearance between furniture
- Vertical vs horizontal space usage
In smaller homes, open-concept layouts work well. Knock down unnecessary partition walls (with HDB approval), and blend spaces together, for example, a kitchen island can double as a dining table and prep zone.
✅ Tip: Use floor plans or digital room planners before purchasing large pieces.
2. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
In compact homes, every piece of furniture should earn its place. Choose items that serve multiple purposes:
- Storage beds or platform beds with hidden compartments
- Sofa beds for guest use
- Extendable dining tables for flexible seating
- Wall-mounted desks that fold away when not in use
Look for modular furniture, such as stackable stools or nesting tables, that can be easily reconfigured based on your needs.
✅ Pro Tip: Built-in carpentry custom-designed for your layout can add hidden storage and reduce visual clutter.
3. Maximise Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, think upwards. Tall ceilings are often underutilized in small Singapore apartments.
Design strategies:
- Tall shelves for books, decor, or pantry storage
- Overhead cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms
- Vertical hanging systems in service yards or wardrobes
✅ Tip: Use open shelving selectively, too much can look messy. Combine with closed cabinets for balance.
4. Use Mirrors and Glass to Create Depth
Mirrors are one of the oldest tricks in interior design—and they work particularly well in small apartments.
How to use them:
- Place a large mirror opposite a window to reflect light
- Use mirrored wardrobes to visually double the space
- Install mirrored backsplashes in kitchens or vanities
Glass partitions are another way to divide areas (like study nooks or kitchens) without losing openness.
✅ Design Inspiration: Japandi-style interiors often use clean lines and reflective surfaces to keep things airy and light.
5. Go Light and Neutral with Colours
Dark, heavy tones tend to make rooms feel smaller. Stick to:
- Whites, off-whites, and soft neutrals for walls
- Pastels or greige tones for warmth and versatility
- Accent with light wood or earthy textures to bring life to minimal palettes
This doesn’t mean everything has to be bland—use bold colours in small touches like throw cushions, artwork, or a feature wall to create visual interest without shrinking the room.
✅ Colour Tip: Consistent flooring across rooms can help unify the space and avoid visual “breaks.”
6. Let in More Natural Light
Natural light makes any space feel larger and more welcoming. But in many Singapore flats, window positioning or neighbouring buildings can limit direct sunlight.
What you can do:
- Use sheer curtains or day blinds instead of heavy drapes
- Keep window areas clear of bulky furniture
- Choose light-reflective paint finishes and glossy tiles
✅ Lighting Tip: Add layered artificial lighting, such as recessed ceiling lights, pendant lights, and LED strips under cabinets, for depth and ambience.
7. Declutter & Conceal
Visual clutter is the number one enemy of small space design. The goal is not just to have less stuff (especially if shopping brings you joy!), but to organise better.
Key tactics:
- Use hidden storage: benches with lift-up lids, coffee tables with drawers, etc. (hide your shoes, bags, remote controls etc.)
- Cable management for TVs and workstations (no more ugly wires, Ikea has some good options)
- Custom wardrobes with dividers, trays, and pull-out solutions (uniform colors and style plus custom built dimensions for your things)
✅ Design Rule: “Everything has a home.” Build this into your storage strategy.
8. Personalise with Intention
Small spaces don’t mean you have to give up personality. In fact, well-designed small homes often feel more thoughtful and cohesive.
How to personalise without overwhelming:
- Create gallery walls with a consistent colour palette
- Use plants to add life and soften edges
- Choose 1–2 statement pieces (e.g., artwork, a designer light fixture) instead of lots of small decor items
✅ Tip: Stick to a theme, Japandi, Scandinavian, or Farmhouse to maintain coherence.
9. Use Sliding or Pocket Doors
In narrow hallways or tight rooms, traditional swing doors take up unnecessary space.
Alternatives:
- Sliding barn doors
- Pocket doors that disappear into the wall
- Glass sliding panels to maintain visibility and light
✅ Bonus: Sliding doors also help segment spaces flexibly, perfect for multipurpose living areas.
10. Work with an Interior Designer Who Understands Compact Homes
A professional interior designer can help you:
- Identify hidden potential in your layout
- Create custom carpentry tailored to your lifestyle
- Optimise lighting, materials, and colours
- Stay within your budget while achieving your dream aesthetic
At Interior Diary, we specialise in transforming compact apartments into stylish, functional homes. From space-saving solutions to bespoke interiors that reflect your style, we help homeowners across Singapore design smarter, live better.
Final Thoughts
Maximising a small apartment in Singapore isn’t just about fitting things into a tight space, it’s about thoughtful design, intentional living, and making every element count. With smart planning, multi-functional furniture, and the right use of colour and light, even the smallest home can feel spacious and inviting.
If you’re ready to transform your space, contact Interior Diary for a personalised design consultation. Let’s reimagine what small-space living can look like.
For more ideas on smaller homes, here’s a guide on how to re-imagine a 3 room HDB flat.