Maximise Your Singapore Flat Space Without Losing Style
When the housing market climbs, the rooms you live in shrink. Every square metre you free up becomes gold, especially in tiny living spaces. Luckily, you can blend style with smart storage in a few clever ways.
1. Bed With Hidden Niche
Choose a bed that hides a little storage under the frame. A nicely built drawer or a stackable bin can hold blankets, books, or extra linens without taking up the whole room.
2. Versatile Shelving
- Alternate between wall‑mounted shelves and freestanding units that double as furniture.
- Use unique shapes—think hexagonal or tiered—to catch the eye.
- Keep the shelves low to make the room feel bigger and keep essentials within arm’s reach.
3. Multi‑Use Furniture
Opt for sofas with built‑in storage, ottomans that open up for ID cards or mugs, or dining tables that convert into a workspace. Fewer pieces mean more clear space.
4. Smart Closet Layout
Install a sliding door closet with a stepladder or a custom ladder beneath it. Vertical space is best exploited, leaving floor space for your favourite shoes or cute décor.
5. Keep Accessories Light
Declutter by rotating accessories. Only showcase a few pieces in a frame or shelf at a time, then switch them out. This keeps the house lively but not overcrowded.
6. Creative Use of Corners
Completely don’t ignore corners. Set up a small walk‑in closet or a portable shelving unit, turning hard‑to‑reach spots into functional storage.
Use these tricks and your Singapore flat can feel larger, warmer, and still totally stylish. You’ll look back and be amazed at how much space you made that you didn’t even know existed.
In the living room
Turn your sofa into storage
Why Your Sofa Might Be a Sleuth’s Secret Stash
Picture this: you’re lounging on a comfy couch, and beneath the soft cushions lies a hidden treasure trove of stuff you never thought you’d have. It’s not a plot twist from a mystery novel—this is the secret life of modern sofas.
Space‑Saving Magic 101
- Hide and Seek – Store your extra cushions, broken magazines, or that secret stash of snacks where strangers can’t find it.
- Arm‑Rest Appeal – Some armrests double as a built‑in shelf for your favorite coffee mugs or remote controls.
- Ottoman Surprise – Pair it with an ottoman that hides a drawer for socks, gaming controllers, or midnight snack supplies.
Get Inspired by ‘Absolute Sneakiness’
Check out the BedandBasics Massimo Multifunction Sofa Bed with Storage – priced at $499, it turns minimalism into a clever art form. The hidden drawers under the cushions are practically a magician’s curtain. And the armrest shelves? Pure convenience.
Affordable Options That Won’t Break the Bank
- FortyTwo’s Offering – Their storage sofa beds are budget‑friendly and convert into guest beds in a snap.
- Easy Setup – Fold them out for overnight guests, and you’ll never need another extra mattress.
- Multi‑Tasking – These sofas keep room clutter at bay while giving you a space-saving, functional design.
So next time you’re cleaning up the living room, remember: those comfy cushions could be hiding more than just your hand‑grabbing sofa. Embrace the practicality, add a touch of humor, and let your couch be the hero of your interior design story.
Double up with a room divider
Turn Your Open‑Plan Space Into a Personal Oasis with Modular Shelves
Got a sprawling living room that feels more “airplane cabin” than cozy living area? Don’t toss the idea of a wall in your mind just yet. Modular shelving—especially those no‑back, open‑grid designs—can act as a stylish room divider while giving you ample storage.
Why Use the Shelving Unit as a Divider?
- Light‑laden – Because nothing says “I love you” like letting sunlight stream through stacked boxes.
- Creates cozy corners – Perfect for a reading nook or a coffee‑time retreat.
- Easy to re‑arrange whenever seasons change or you suddenly crave a different vibe.
Picture this: you set the unit between the living and dining areas, a funky way to carve out that TV zone, or just to give the walls a bit of personality without locking in a permanent partition.
Give It Some Edge with Urban Mood
If you want your storage to double as a statement piece, Urban Mood offers just the thing:
- Cynara Modern Modular Display Shelf – Only $40, and it’s insane! Think sleek rows of tilted cubes that look like a miniature work of art.
- GALLERY Modern Display Shelf – For a bit more glam, this gold‑accented wünderkind costs $310 and makes every eye in the room go, “Wow!”
Drop the shelves in your home, and you’ve got yourself a “pop‑up” design that serves both function and flair. It’s the kind of thing that turns your storage into the talk of the town.
Want More Storage Secrets?
Check out 8 discreet ways to boost your storage needs around your home—the ultimate cheat sheet to keep your space tidy without losing that stylish edge.
In the kitchen
Get an extendable dining table
When Hosting Turns Into a Space‑Saving Puzzle
Picture this: you’ve got a big, happy family dinner planned, but your kitchen looks like a game‑of‑Tetris. A colossal dining table is the star of the show—people love it, you love it, everyone loves it—but it’s also the reigning king of floor‑space, hogging every inch of your everyday kitchen.
Enter the Master of Swap: The Extendable Dining Table
Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for your dining room. With a few light pulls or pushes, the tabletop stretches out to greet a parade of guests. Once the party is over? Fold it back, and you’re looking at a sleek, tidy space that works for your daily dinners. It’s the perfect mix‑and‑match solution for clans who love both style and practicality.
Need a Nod of Scandinavian Chic?
- Danish Design Co. brings a sleek spectrum of options—glossy lacquered slabs, rounded surfaces with smart folds, and a whole lot of minimalist flair. Their range feels almost pun‑fully extensive.
- Spaceman. has the extra‑off‑the‑wall tables that telescope out to comfortably seat ten or more. Think of a space‑rocket that shrinks back to a salad‑tray when it’s time for coffee.
Bottom Line
So if you’re tired of temporarily sacrificing your kitchen’s soul just to accommodate a handful of friends, consider an extendable table. It keeps the home’s comfort top‑tier while still giving you the flexibility you need. From Scandinavian minimalism to space‑savvy designs, there’s an option for every kitchen that wants to say, “Yes, I love guests but no, I do not love a table that feels like a permanent landlord!”
Suspend your shelves
Get Your Kitchen to Hang Tight on High Rock
Ever feel like your kitchen’s a maze of cluttered cupboards and endless maze‑bits of equipment? You’re not alone – the floor is often the battle ground for every pan, pot, and pantry item. The fix? Let’s lift your storage game into the sky.
What’s the Big Deal with Vertical Storage?
- Space Saver: Think of vertical shelves as a secret haven that keeps your countertops clear for that DIY chopping board you love.
- Design Dash: Hanging shelves add a sophisticated splash of style; a touch of industrial or a splash of Nordic chic could turn a plain kitchen into a gallery.
- Showtime: Let your fancy crockery & wine glass collection shine like a trophy, and keep a potted plant or two awake, sprouting that extra flair.
Going Up: Quick Ideas to Get Started
Got a ceiling‑mounted rack? Don’t try to do the install yourself – that’s a job for a pro. Once you have the basics, your kitchen can transform in minutes!
Picture this: a Nordic style shelf that balances pale wood with stark iron that screams “industrial chic.” Or a Sorbus pot & pan rack that juggles your cookware with hooks that keep everything orderly. Both of these are practically a “wow” factor in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Pro Tip: Keep This Space Closet-Like
To maintain instant walkways you need to use the vertical lines wisely. Too many items? Trim! Too many hooks? Divide them out and label them. By doing this, you’ll keep your space breezy for cooking, serving, or just snooping around.
Case in Point: A Daily Discovery
Imagine sliding your favorite champagne glasses up a polished metal shelf that glows under your island’s pendant light — that’s a daily occasion to flaunt that glassware while rescuing your floor from a pile of leftover pears and whiskers of pastry.
Your Next Step: Get Crafty
- Find a shelf that suits the vibe you want (minimalist, industrial, cute).
- Hire a pro for ceiling installations to keep safety on point.
- Keep the floor free. A walkway‑friendly kitchen is a walkway‑friendly kitchen!
So, next time you hit the sink or glance at the island, think “future layout.” Hang it up, light it up, love it. Your kitchen will never feel cramped again, and you’ll be ready to throw in that extra “wow” factor without compromising your culinary carousel.
Max out your cabinet space
Open Up Some Space with Hangers! Never miss a chance to make your kitchen feel like a well‑organized dream
We all know how quickly a cabinet can turn into a cluttered cave. Instead of scrambling for more space, gives those trusty hangers a go. They add a few inches of magic storage right where you need it.
Why Hang? House-Rules That Keep Life on the Right Track
- Over‑Door Perfection: Grab those doors and transform them into a storage haven. A simple ring or a set of hooks can hold anything from aprons to spare towels.
- Cabinet Chaos Controlled: Attach hooks on the inside for your gloves, chopping boards, or even the stray kitchen sponge that appears out of nowhere.
- Under‑Cabinet Chic: Towel holders and sleek bins slide underneath cabinets or right under the sink—making sure that even the smallest item catches its place.
Get Inspired with Style Degree
Their latest hanging organisers are more than just practical—they’re a game‑changer. Think of rows of hooks that look like a minimalist gallery, or slim bins that fit gracefully underneath your sink. These little details turn everyday household chaos into a visual delight.
Putting It All Together
Picture this: aprons hanging by the door, gloves in the cabinet corners, and your spare towels neatly stacked under the cabinet. All of this without needing to reclaim ceiling space or add a new racks.
Try It Out
- Select the right hook style for each item.
- Plan the layout—choose over‑door for high‑usage items like aprons.
- Install the holes or nails with a quick drill.
- Enjoy the newfound order—and say hello to a kitchen that feels almost too tidy to believe.
With a mix of clever hooks and a dash of style, your cabinets will not just store— they’ll wow every time you walk through the kitchen. Happy organizing!
In the bedroom
Storage under the bed
What’s Going On With the “Hidden‑Under‑Bed” Revolution?
We all know the classic trick of tucking stuff under the bed to keep the floor clear. But if you’re tired of living in a mini‑locker that only opens when the mattress is removed, there’s a slick, gloriously neat alternative: storage bed frames that actually make use of the space under and around the mattress.
Two Main Designs—Which One Wins?
- Lift‑Up Frames—Lift the whole frame up and you’ll find hidden pockets right behind the mattress. It’s like a secret drawer that never asks for a key.
- Built‑In Drawer Frames—These models bring a little drawer platform above the bed. Think of it as a mini attic where you can slide out everything from yoga mats to those “I’ll only use it once” tote bags.
Either style is a lifesaver for bulky gear that hates to clutter the living room.
Designer Spotlight: Blåfink’s High‑Tech Storage Bed
Blåfink (yes, that’s a cool name) ups the ante with custom‑fit upholstered beds that come with layers of storage. Their flagship model, the Storage Bed with Lift Assist and Drawers ($1,315), offers:
- Under‑mattress pockets for those “big baddie” gym essentials.
- Easy‑access drawers for your smaller, everyday items.
- Whisper‑quiet lift assist—so you won’t feel like you’re pushing a boulder.
Ok, it’s pricey, but if you’re serious about keeping the floor free and having everything at arm’s reach, this is the real deal that turns your bedroom into a sleek warehouse.
Budget‑Friendly Choice: BedandBasics
Need something that won’t break the bank? BedandBasics has got you covered. Their range includes:
- Japanese‑style wooden frames that look like a minimalist sculpture.
- Velvet‑lined beds for the vibes that scream “I’m a chic couch potato.”
- Drawer options that are as functional as they are fun.
So whether you’re splurging for that little “secret” bedroom or looking for a friendly price tag, the market has something that fits.
Bottom Line: No More DIY Theft of Space
Say goodbye to the archaic “under‑bed” vaults that only open with a flashlight‑bright, “excuse me” moment. With one of these smart storage beds, your bedroom’s clutter problem will be a thing of the past—while you keep your gym gear, vacation bags, and that dusty sci‑fi volume all in check.
Work smart with a murphy desk
Why Murphy Desks are the New Heroes of Tiny Homes
Remember when the pandemic made everyone a remote worker? If you’re still stuck in a cramped apartment or only get to leave the house on gym days, a full‑size desk might feel like swapping the couch for a piano. That’s where Murphy desks, also called “floating” or “wall‑mounted” desks, swoop in like a Swiss‑Army knife.
Space‑Saving Magic on a Roll
Think of these desks as a secret compartment that unfolds when you need to work and collapses back into a neat, almost antique‑style trinket when you’re done. Because they’re slim and usually put in corners, they’re ideal for those who only need a quick workstation hours at a time.
- Item in Focus: Willingham Wall‑Mount Folding Laptop Desk by SEI Furniture – priced at $682.
- Features: Four compartments, a drawer, and a corkboard – plus a corkscrew for your dry‑erase needs.
- Design: It looks like an artisanal piece when folded, and it’s small enough that you can double it as a nightstand (yes, you’ll nap next to your work).
Need a Simple Alternative?
If the Wilt and the board feel heavy, we recommend a plain wooden Murphy desk. It’s so compact that you could use it as a bedside table.
In short, Murphy desks give you the flexibility to turn your living room into the ultimate office and then hide it away like a magician’s curtain. Time to make the most of your limited square footage without sacrificing comfort or style.
Think high
Elevate Your Space: How to Keep Your Walls from Turning into Storage Shelves
Ever notice how those towering racks and cabinets can make even a cozy room feel cramped? The trick? Think higher! Moving your storage up above eye level gives the room a whole new, lighter vibe.
Step One: Picture Long Perimeter Shelves
- Slide shelves along the walls—just above where you can’t see them.
- Give yourself a runway for books, figurines, photos, and whatever else you love.
- Enjoy those white walls—your space feels airy and bigger.
Step Two: Find the Right Look
When hunting for shelves, you’ve got a sweet spot:
IKEA – The go-to for sleek, minimalist wall units. Easy to assemble, perfect for a tidy, modern look.
HipVan – If you’re craving a bit of personality, they’ve got everything from cubist shapes to quirky, eye‑catching designs.
Bonus Tip: Mix and Match
Don’t be afraid to blend styles. A funky side shelf next to a clean, straight runner can add visual interest while keeping the room uncluttered.
Final Thought
By letting your shelves play to the ceiling, you’re not just saving wall space—you’re crafting a room that stretches out and breathes. So lift those prizes higher and watch your walls transform into a blank canvas!
