9 Multi-Functional Partition Ideas (AKA Design Hacks for Small Homes)

Pulling double duty.

Sometimes, it feels like you can’t win. On one hand, too many walls can make a small home look dim and cramped. On the other, a space completely free of them can come off bare and exposed!

A perfect compromise between two extremes, lightweight partitions help to divide and add a sense of privacy – without taking much physical or visual room. And unlike plain ol’ concrete walls, they can be customised to any theme while being multi-functional, just like these 9 ideas!

1. A partition + sliding door for a flexible living room extension

Necessity (read: needing more space) is the mother of innovation, and we’re thankful for whoever invented the space-maximising hack of replacing the walls between the living room and adjacent bedroom with sliding/foldable doors.

When open, your living area instantly increases in size. When closed, these partitions afford privacy, be it as a nursing room, study, or guest room.

2. A partition + shoe-changing area

Demarcating spaces while adding a sophisticated touch, this entryway partition comes with a fluted glass screen that allows light to pass through but prevents prying eyes from peering.

Plus, this screen conveniently also doubles as a fetching back rest for the settee-slash-shoe-cabinet piece that it’s attached to. Perfect, if you’re constantly fumbling with strappy heels or shoelaces when you get home.

3. A partition + swivel TV console

Older flats that come with linear layouts often feel narrow and crammed. To open up the space without forgoing the owners’ privacy, the designer of this resale flat replaced a bedroom wall with a partition.

But it’s not your average partition. It’s a swivel TV console so that the owners can watch their favourite shows from the comfort of the sofa and the bed. Way to fully utilise the ever-increasing Netflix subscription fees!

4. A partition + bicycle storage area

Leaving a bicycle randomly lying around your living room is an eyesore. But turning bicycle storage into a design feature? Genius.

Aside from partitioning the living area and kitchen, this built-in bicycle storage unit also has fluted sliding doors that can be used as a privacy screen whenever they wish to leave the main door open for ventilation.

5. A partition + shelving unit

Greeting visitors with its show-stopping façade, an open shelving system built from floor to ceiling makes for a convenient divider between the living and dining area in this walk-up apartment.

But more than just a fancy feature ‘wall’, it’s a space for the homeowners to display their memorabilia and leafy greens too!

6. A partition + open wardrobe

Want a wardrobe that does more than store clothes? This is it. An open wardrobe system neatly splits the room into two, all while encouraging seamless flow throughout the space. A unique way to create some privacy for the bed behind, we think.

7. A partition + headboard + vanity + cabinet

Singaporeans love all things 3-in-1, but this next example takes it up a notch with a 4-in-1 partition, headboard, vanity and cabinet.

Notice how it spans the width of a queen-sized bed and has walkways on either side? Such a layout will allow you to get ready with minimal disturbance to your other half if he/she is still asleep, yet still maintains an open flow within the bedroom.

8. 8. A partition + walk-in wardrobe

Alternatively, flush your bed to the side and build a walk-in wardrobe – no hacking required!

Even though doing so visually splices the room in half, there are a few tricks you can learn from this Tengah BTO, like using a full height mirror and layered lighting to make the space appear larger than it actually is.

9. A partition + light-up display cabinet

“They’re not toys, they’re collectible figurines.” If that’s something you’ve said before, this last idea is for you: replace your study room’s wall with a glass display cabinet to show off your prized collection. Then, add LED strip lights to make it really pop.

This article was originally published on 2 July 2018, and last updated on 9 September 2025.

This article was originally published on 2 July 2018, and last updated on 9 September 2025.