7 Space-Saving Altar Designs That Won’t Alter Your Home’s Aesthetic!

Flawless fits for any interior style: altar edition.

Having an altar at home is a great way to connect with your faith and make space for the respective practices and rituals.

There are plenty of design possibilities to incorporate one at home while considering the space limits, whether you want a simple set-up, a multi-functional space or a dedicated area.

Need some ideas to get started? Check out how these altars fit seamlessly with these home interiors, plus save space!

1. Make space for an altar in a multi-functional built-in

We love flexible fixtures that do double (or triple!) duty for different purposes, like this built-in by the main entrance that conceals the household shelter.

With ample depth and warm lighting, this altar is undoubtedly the focal point of the built-in. There’s also plenty of space for display/storage, and even a spot to sit when putting on/taking off shoes.

We also love the handy pull-out tray in this home, which you can use for incense, flowers and other offerings.

Here’s another multi-purpose built-in by the entryway, where the owners can store their must-haves in the lower half.

While you don’t always have to design your built-ins all the way up to the ceiling, it certainly helps to visually enlarge a small space, like this slim-profile Catholic altar.

2. Or, fit an altar… along the corridor!

When we think of an altar, we wouldn’t usually imagine one along the corridor or at the centre of the house, but this home pulls it off!

The arched niche is reminiscent of intricate church architecture that emphasises curves and arches – its simple yet elegant design fits seamlessly into the home’s aesthetic without creating a harsh contrast.

It’s a great way to make do with a structural column too, since you can’t hack it down.

Don’t forget to install recessed lighting within the niche so that your altar is well-lit!

3. Build a hidden altar with pocket doors

At first glance, this unsuspecting built-in doesn’t look like anything more than an extension of the dry bar/breakfast counter…

But lo and behold, it opens up to a carefully-arranged altar niche with sufficient space for images and other items related to your faith.

With such an altar design, you’ve also got the flexibility to keep it open/closed as and when you need, such as when you have guests over.

4. Try an altar that doubles as an entryway partition

If you’re thinking of doing up an entryway partition to stop your neighbours/passers-by from sneaking glances of your living area, why not try one that doubles as an altar from the inside?

From the outside, this perpendicular stretch of cabinetry looks like an opaque privacy screen but on the inside, it’s a generous space for a brightly-lit altar and plenty of storage.

Here’s another way to do it, if you prefer to keep your altar looking more subtle: a no-frills curved niche in the entryway partition, paired with a wooden shelf.

5. Use a wall-mounted shelf for your altar to maximise space

If you’re strapped for space though, go for a wall-mounted shelf, like the owners of this 2-bedroom condo with 76sqm of floor area did.

This altar blends in perfectly with the sleek and clean interior, adding visual interest with its rounded design.

You can’t go wrong with an altar as timeless as this!

6. Carve out space for a prayer nook

For those of you who devote time – and space – for worship regularly, consider carving out a dedicated area for your altar, like in this resale HDB flat. This way, you get to repurpose part of your communal area without using up a whole room for it.

The owners built a slightly elevated prayer room of sorts that is almost fully walled off, complete with a suspended cabinet surface and an elevated shelf for Buddha statues.

It’s an ingenious idea, to say the least!

7. Set up an altar in the bedroom

You don’t have to confine yourself to the living room or the entryway/hallway when you’re considering where to set up your altar; you could always have it in your bedroom.

Unconventional, yes – but it can be a great solution if you’re trying to maximise a tiny living room space, like the owner of this 2-room BTO.

We might have come to the end of the list, but the ideas don’t stop here: check out even more ideas to save.

Ultimately, it’s all about creating a relaxing and comfortable space that helps you and your family express and connect with your faith – with space constraints and the rest of your interior decor in mind!

This article was originally published on 31 October 2022 and last updated on 13 March 2025.

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