{"transform":"v4","repo":"proj-2502-limited-space","theme":"light","header":{"mode":"custom","bg":"#1B4352","headline":"How to make the most
of small spaces in Singapore","deck":[""],"byline":"BY [ALYSSA MUNGAL](https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/alyssa-karla-mungcal), [CHARLENE CHUA](https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/charlene-chua), [CHEE WEI XIAN](https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/chee-wei-xian), ERNEST ONG AND SAMUEL GOH | PUBLISHED: JULY 20, 2025","datetime":"2024-07-20T00:00:00+0800","steps":[{"p":"Congrats, home owner!
Here are the keys to your flat.","time":"1.1","type":"scroll"},{"p":"This is it – a 90 sq m flat
to call home.","time":"7-8.1","paddingTop":"30vh","type":"appear"},{"p":"Not huge, but with the right planning,
it can be just what you need.","time":"9.7-10.1","paddingTop":"10vh","type":"appear"},{"p":"","time":"10.3","isheadline":"true","type":"scroll"}]},"credits":{"source":"Studio Zeros, Spatial Anatomy","producedby":["Chantal Sajan","Charlotte Tan","Roman Sverdan"]},"relatedarticles":{"articles":[]},"lang":"en","title":"How to make the most of small homes in Singapore | The Straits Times","meta":[{"content":"How to make the most of small homes in Singapore","name":"title"},{"content":"From efficient layouts to smart lighting, here is how to get them right.","name":"description"},{"content":"Singapore news","property":"article:section"},{"content":"How to make the most of small homes in Singapore","property":"og:title"},{"content":"From efficient layouts to smart lighting, here is how to get them right.","property":"og:description"},{"content":"https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/assets/facebook_images/2025/07/designing-small-spaces/designing-small-spaces.jpg","property":"og:image"},{"content":"https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2025/07/designing-small-spaces/index.html","property":"og:url"},{"content":"ARCHITECTURE, HDB, DESIGN, SMALL HOMES, LIMITED SPACE, CLIFF TAN, PUBLIC HOUSING, INTERACTIVE GRAPHICS, ST DISCOVER","property":"article:tag"},{"content":"ARCHITECTURE, HDB, DESIGN, SMALL HOMES, LIMITED SPACE, CLIFF TAN, PUBLIC HOUSING, INTERACTIVE GRAPHICS, ST DISCOVER","name":"news_keywords"},{"content":"How to make the most of small homes in Singapore","name":"twitter:title"},{"content":"From efficient layouts to smart lighting, here is how to get them right via @straits_times https://str.sg/viz-small-spaces","name":"twitter:description"},{"content":"https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/assets/facebook_images/2025/07/designing-small-spaces/designing-small-spaces.jpg","name":"twitter:image"}],"sections":[{"class":null,"components":[{"type":"paragraph","value":"Designing a home is no easy task, and it gets trickier when space is limited. In Singapore, the average size of a four-room flat ranges from 90 to 110 sq m, typically comprising three bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room.","dropcap":"true"},{"type":"text","value":"However, small spaces don’t have to feel small."},{"type":"text","value":"The perception of space is more important than the absolute floor area, says Mr Calvin Chua, founder of design firm Spatial Anatomy."},{"type":"text","value":"Beyond aesthetics such as materials or colours, good design is about rethinking how the space can support the way a person lives, he adds."},{"type":"text","value":"The Straits Times spoke to three Singaporean architects to get their top tips for designing small homes. We grouped their advice into three key areas: spatial planning, maximising storage and lighting."},{"type":"icontimeline","align":"spread","value":[{"img":"icons/spatial-planning-circle.png","title":"SPATIAL PLANNING","p":"What is the best way to position your furniture?"},{"img":"icons/maximise-storage-circle.png","title":"MAXIMISING STORAGE","p":"How can we go about decluttering our space?"},{"img":"icons/lighting-circle.png","title":"LIGHTING","p":"How can different types of lighting impact the space?"}]},{"type":"text","value":"First up: spatial planning. Mr Cliff Tan, known to over 3.3 million TikTok followers as [

@dearmodern](https://www.tiktok.com/@dearmodern), walks us through how to place furniture effectively in a small space, such as a bedroom in an HDB flat. Scroll down to find out more."},{"type":"stickynav","value":[{"item":"Spatial Planning","before":""},{"item":"Maximising Storage","before":"maximisingstorage"},{"item":"Lighting","before":"lightingmodel"}]},{"type":"layoutconstructor","value":{"steps":[{"step":"0","p":"

Spatial Planning

Let's find the best place to position our furniture! Enable audio for a better experience.

"},{"step":"1","p":"Here is a basic bedroom, roughly 2.9m by 3.4m in size. If you are a 25-year-old single who is looking for love, where would you place your bed?"},{"step":"2","responses":["Oh no, that's not going to work. The door is close to your face, which might leave you feeling a little exposed.","Oh no, that's not going to work. The bed is lined up with both the window and the door, which invites light and makes you feel exposed.","Oh no, that's not going to work. With your back to the window and your feet facing the door, this layout leaves you feeling exposed and vulnerable.","Oh no, that's not going to work. Sleeping with your head against a window can make you feel exposed, and light or noise may disrupt your sleep.","Not bad! But not quite the best. The bed’s pushed all the way into the corner – not exactly inviting if you want to share your life with someone.","You nailed it! That’s a great spot. It is also the command position – the place where you feel most comfortable and protected, yet can see everything happening around you, according to Mr Tan."]}],"cliffcomment":[{"step":"3","validsrc":"audios/cliff-explanation.mp3","valid":[{"time":"0-4.5","text":"Don't place your bed with its head in the line of the door, as there is “too much energy hitting your face”"},{"time":"4.5-10","text":"This is better, but not by much, because you are still caught in the “line of fire between the door and window”"},{"time":"10.5-15","text":"Never point your feet to the door because this is the “coffin position (in fengshui) and means that you will die”"},{"time":"15.5-22.5","text":"Never sleep with your head against an open window because it makes you feel exposed and the “birds and monkeys will attack you from behind” when you sleep"},{"time":"23-32","text":"Ideally, have your bed on the furthest wall so it gives support from behind and you are far from the door. But this does mean you’ll be “single for life” (in fengshui) as there’s no space on either side"},{"time":"32-41","text":"So this is the best option, in the command position with your head firmly against a wall, furthest from the door, while still having space on both sides so you can “invite love into your life”."}]}]}},{"type":"text","value":"Flats in Singapore are laid out in a fairly standard manner, so finding the best spot for the main piece of furniture in a room – such as the bed in a bedroom – is usually straightforward. However, things can get complicated when you start adding more furniture."},{"type":"text","value":"Take the bedroom, for instance. It is not just a place to rest, but it often doubles as a study too. “You might need to fit in a desk, a dresser, maybe even a chest of drawers,” says Mr Tan. “Once you start adding all these things, you can’t always place them in the ideal spots any more.”"},{"type":"text","value":"That is when compromises have to be made, and that is when design questions start to come up, he adds."},{"type":"furnitureplacer","value":{"steps":[{"step":"0","p":"Now, let’s say you have to fit a desk and a bed into the room. Where would you place both items?","selectedP":"Pick another option!"},{"step":"1","responses":["When you are seated at the desk, you get a lot of natural light. However, your back is against the door, so you might feel exposed.","Your desk is in the corner so you don’t feel exposed. However, you don't get as much sunlight."]}],"cliffcomment":[{"step":"2","validsrc":"audios/cliff-explanation-2.mp3","valid":[{"time":"0-6","text":"It depends on which one you prefer. There is no right or wrong. Sometimes it is about understanding the situation."}]}]}},{"type":"text","value":"Mr Tan designs with fengshui as a guiding principle. He gained popularity on TikTok in 2020 for his videos, which often feature miniature 3D-printed furniture – like a pocket-size bed – being moved around hand-drawn floor plans to explain optimal layouts using a blend of basic Western concepts and fengshui principles."},{"type":"text","value":"While there are different forms of fengshui, he practises the foundational type of fengshui, also known as the “Form School”. This particular form is focused on the landscape, orientation and environment. It is often used by architects and interior designers to create balanced spaces."},{"type":"text","value":"Fengshui is about creating an environment that puts people in the right frame of mind to achieve what they want, he says. While it is sometimes seen as superstitious, there is a logical reason behind every fengshui principle, he adds."},{"type":"text","value":"For example, a classic rule of fengshui advises against pointing your feet directly towards the door in a room because that creates too much “chi” – or energy – directed towards you. But the logical reasoning behind it is that the position makes you feel exposed and vulnerable, since anyone entering the room sees you immediately. This isn’t ideal for a bedroom, which is meant to be a cosy space to rest."},{"type":"text","value":"However, there is no one-size-fits-all layout, and those rules should serve as guidelines. After all, people have different needs and preferences, and how you feel in a space should be your ultimate guide, he adds."},{"type":"graphtitle","value":"Here is how the same bedroom would be designed for **different life stages**"},{"type":"svgfolder","align":"container","value":"layout","source":"3"},{"type":"text","value":"There are other factors to consider, such as the orientation of the room, as well as personal preferences, says Ms Charmaine Wong, founder and principal architect of architectural firm Chalk Architects."},{"type":"text","value":"Each unit has a different orientation, which affects how much natural light you get, she says."},{"type":"text","value":"In one project, she placed the bed in front of the window, as the home owner enjoyed waking up to sunlight. To balance the brightness, she installed a blackout roller blind that can be raised or lowered as needed. But this set-up may not suit late risers."},{"type":"svgfolder","align":"inline","value":"neptune","source":"2","footnote":"PHOTO: BENNY LOH/STUDIO ZEROS"},{"type":"subtitle","mode":"h2","value":"The one thing most Singaporeans need in their homes? Storage space."},{"type":"text","value":"With the same bedroom that we have just designed, let’s explore how it can be elevated with some tactics to maximise space."},{"type":"maximisingstorage","value":{"steps":[{"p":" $\"\"$

Maximising Storage

This bedroom is already cosy, but here is how we can make it better.","keyframe":"5"},{"p":"Create extra vertical storage by using **Kallax shelves** from Ikea, without taking up much floor space, says Mr Chua. Their modular design makes them easily adaptable and they are relatively affordable too.","keyframe":"110"},{"p":"Built-in **vertical cabinets** are another option that can be tailored to your space, though they tend to be more costly, he adds.","keyframe":"144"},{"p":"These cabinets can also be customised to form **recessed nooks** for the bed and desk, helping to further maximise space.","keyframe":"310"},{"p":"By **raising the floor**, you can tuck away extra storage underneath – great for things you do not need often, like winter jackets.","keyframe":"470"},{"p":"**Sliding doors** take up less room than hinged ones — a simple way to free up floor space.","keyframe":"600"}]}},{"type":"text","value":"The same design principles can apply to areas outside the bedroom. You can thicken the walls so that they become storage space, says Mr Chua, who is also an associate professor of practice at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)."},{"type":"text","value":"In one of the projects he designed, called [Dover Apartments](https://anatomy.sg/Dover-Apartment), he hacked down the walls and replaced them with wooden cabinets, ranging from 30cm to 1.2m thick, to maximise the amount of storage space. These cabinets now define the spaces instead of walls, giving him the flexibility to adjust room sizes and configurations."},{"type":"graphtitle","value":"This five-room HDB flat is wrapped up with **wood cabinets** with extensive storage hidden behind the panels."},{"type":"photo","value":"dover-1.jpg","modern":"true","hasdesktop":"true","credit":"PHOTO: FABIAN ONG"},{"type":"photogrid","value":{"id":"customid","class":"customclass","layout":"spread","photos":[{"src":"dover/dover-2.jpg","hasDesktop":"true","credit":"PHOTO: FABIAN ONG"},{"src":"dover/dover-3.jpg","hasDesktop":"true","credit":"PHOTO: FABIAN ONG"}]}},{"type":"text","value":"In one two-room HDB flat, Ms Wong took a slightly different approach to maximising vertical spaces and decluttering."},{"type":"text","value":"Built-in carpentry can eat into a room’s width and depth, especially in smaller spaces, she says. For one project, called [White Canvas](https://www.chalkarchitects.com/pointwoods), she chose to expose all the storage with open shelving units running along both sides of the home. Everyday items are displayed on the shelves, while belongings that are less frequently used are consigned to the storeroom."},{"type":"graphtitle","value":"This two-room flat is a photo studio by day and cosy bedroom by night."},{"type":"photo","value":"punggol-1.jpg","modern":"true","hasdesktop":"true","credit":"PHOTO: BENNY LOH/STUDIO ZEROS"},{"type":"photogrid","value":{"id":"customid","class":"customclass","layout":"spread","photos":[{"src":"punggol/punggol-2.jpg","hasDesktop":"true","credit":"PHOTO: BENNY LOH/STUDIO ZEROS"},{"src":"punggol/punggol-3.jpg","hasDesktop":"true","credit":"PHOTO: BENNY LOH/STUDIO ZEROS"}]}},{"type":"text","value":"However, it is a disciplined way of living that requires a certain mindset and consistent habits. “We try to apply design ideas based on our understanding of the home owner,” says Ms Wong. “Since the flat was for a photographer with an eye for aesthetics, we felt he could manage an open-shelving concept.”"},{"type":"subtitle","mode":"h2","value":"Another tricky part is lighting – one of the hardest things to get right."},{"type":"text","value":"The first challenge? Choosing the right lighting and where to place it."},{"type":"text","value":"Many Singaporeans like bright fluorescent ceiling lights, says Mr Tan. While that is not wrong, they often create harsh shadows and make the room look smaller. The goal is to have multiple sources of light, to highlight different things based on the mood you want to create, he adds."},{"type":"lightingmodel","value":{"steps":[{"p":" $\"\"$

Lighting

Multiple light sources can help define distinct zones in a room based on how you use the space. Let’s check it out.","type":"firstcard","keyframe_":"40","keyframe":"0"},{"p":"While **ceiling lights** brighten the whole room, they can also draw attention to clutter and create unwanted shadows. However, they can be useful when you need to find something quickly.","keyframe_":"80","keyframe":"20"},{"p":"Instead, opt for **cove lighting**, an indirect light which bounces off the ceiling. It minimises harsh shadows and creates a more inviting atmosphere for a relaxing space like the bedroom.","keyframe_":"140","keyframe":"194"},{"p":"A **task light**, such as an LED strip above the desk, can improve focus when studying or working. Many also come with dimming features, allowing you to adjust the mood of the room, says Ms Wong.","keyframe_":"240","keyframe":"270"},{"p":"Soft **ambient lighting**, such as LED strips…","keyframe_":"300","keyframe":"345"},{"p":"...and wall lights can also help with creating a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. Scroll to play with the different types of lighting.","keyframe_":"340","keyframe":"420"},{"p":"","keyframe":"540"}]}},{"type":"text","value":"When designing lighting, a lot of thought goes into the placement of light switches from a user’s perspective, says Mr Chua. For example, if the room is for a couple, how does one access the light switch when going to the bathroom at night, without waking your partner?"},{"type":"text","value":"“Instead of how expensive the lights are, we are more interested in understanding how you move through the entire space,” says Mr Chua."},{"type":"subtitle","mode":"h2","value":"The second challenge? Choosing the right tones and colours."},{"type":"text","value":"You can invest in quality materials and finishes, but if the lighting isn’t right, it all goes to waste, says Ms Wong. Instead of harsh LED lights, she recommends warmer tones, such as a warm white light with a colour temperature of around 3500K."},{"type":"text","value":"It also depends on what you are lighting, says Ms Wong. Different spaces call for different types of lighting. For example, in the bedroom, warm white lights will be preferred to create a cosy atmosphere. But in task-oriented areas such as the bathroom or storeroom, brighter white lights with a colour temperature of around 4000K are more suitable.","class":"stickynav-space"}]},{"class":"diy-section","components":[{"type":"subtitle","mode":"h2","value":"So, now you know! Good spatial planning, maximising storage and smart lighting."},{"type":"text","value":"Designing a home depends on the needs and lifestyle of the person who lives in it, but there are a few rules to use as guidelines. Here is a quick recap."},{"type":"icontips","align":"spread","value":[{"img":"icons/spatial-planning-circle.png","title":"SPATIAL PLANNING","p":["The most important piece of furniture should go in the **command position** - the spot where you feel most in control of the space.","Adding more than one key piece of furniture often requires **compromise**."]},{"img":"icons/maximise-storage-circle.png","title":"MAXIMISING STORAGE","p":["Maximise vertical storage by adding **built-in carpentry** or **floor-to-ceiling shelves**.","Replace hinged doors with **sliding doors** to maximise floor space."]},{"img":"icons/lighting-circle.png","title":"LIGHTING","p":["Use **multiple light sources** to brighten the space.","Use **warm white lights** (around 3500K) to highlight furnishings and create a softer atmosphere."]}]},{"type":"svgfolder_","align":"spread","value":"tips","source":"2"},{"type":"diy","value":{"warningtext":"Not enough space for a","displayname":[{"id":"armchair","text":"armchair"},{"id":"beanbag","text":"beanbag"},{"id":"bearbrick","text":"bearbrick"},{"id":"bed","text":"bed"},{"id":"bookshelf","text":"bookshelf"},{"id":"cabinet","text":"cabinet"},{"id":"catbed","text":"cat bed"},{"id":"chair","text":"chair"},{"id":"doublebed","text":"double bed"},{"id":"drawer","text":"drawer"},{"id":"lamp","text":"lamp"},{"id":"mirror","text":"mirror"},{"id":"plant","text":"plant"},{"id":"rack","text":"rack"},{"id":"sidetable","text":"side table"},{"id":"stuffedtoys","text":"stuffed toys"},{"id":"table","text":"table"},{"id":"vanitytable","text":"vanity table"}]}}]}]}

How to make the most of small spaces in Singapore

How to make the most
of small spaces in Singapore