3-Room HDB Design Ideas for 2025: Stylish & Space-Saving Solutions in Singapore

Item: Renozone Interior Design
Rating: 4.8
Author: Joyce Lee

A 3-room HDB flat is a preferred choice for many Singaporeans due to its affordability and versatility. However, with its compact 60–65 sqm layout, many homeowners find it challenging to transform their 3-room HDB into a stylish yet functional home. Renozone is Singapore’s leading interior design firm that has helped hundreds of homeowners in Singapore to maximise space in their flats while reflecting modern aesthetics. Whether you are renovating a BTO or resale 3-room HDB flat, this article will help you explore the top 3-room HDB design ideas for 2025, that will blend trending styles, space-saving solutions, and HDB-compliant craftsmanship to create the home of your dreams.

2025’s Trending 3-Room HDB Design Styles in Singapore

Although you can incorporate any design style into your HDB flat, there are a few trending interior design styles for 3-room HDBs in Singapore that are very popular in 2025.

Scandinavian Elegance with a Modern Twist

Scandinavian interior design remains a favourite for 3-room HDBs, mainly because of the airy, minimalist, and earthy aesthetic that it offers. In the Scandinavian design style with a modern twist, you can expect a bolder take with light wood furniture, neutral tones (white, grey, oatmeal), and include pops of colour like sage green or navy. Add in a few cosy textiles, such as wool throws and linen cushions, to add warmth to small spaces in your Scandinavian 3-room HDB interior design. Furthermore, you may use mirrors to reflect light and enhance the airy vibe in your 3-room BTO.

Japandi: Minimalist Zen for Serenity

Japandi design style is a fusion of Scandinavian simplicity and Japanese warmth. This style is perfect for homeowners of 3-room HDB BTOs who seek calm, clutter-free spaces. This style uses earthy hues (beige, brown), rattan accents, and low-profile furniture to create a zen-like atmosphere. You may opt for built-in benches with storage to maintain Japandi’s clean lines while saving space and creating an airy feel.

Biophilic Design: Nature-Inspired Living

Biophilic interior design brings nature indoors. It is ideal for 3-room HDBs with limited outdoor space. In 2025, this trend features indoor plants, bamboo finishes, and large windows to maximise natural light. Textured walls (e.g., limewash) add a calming, organic feel to the space. To combat Singapore’s humidity, use moisture-resistant materials like bamboo.

Smart Home Features for Tech-Savvy HDBs

Smart home technology is a game-changer for 3-room HDBs in 2025, offering convenience and space efficiency. A smart home features voice-activated lighting, smart thermostats, and foldable furniture like motorised Murphy beds to offer convenience and comfort. You may also integrate USB-enabled outlets for seamless device charging in small spaces.

Space-Saving Tips for 3-Room HDB Interior Design

In this section we discuss some practical space-saving strategies that you can incorporate into your 3-room HDBs to maximise space.

Embracing Multi-Functional Furniture

In a 3-room HDB interior design, maximising space is key. Multi-functional furniture is a crucial tool that will allow you to fulfil multiple needs without sacrificing precious space. Here are some excellent multi-functional furniture options that are well worth considering.

Sofa Bed: The ultimate space saver, a sofa bed gives you comfortable seating during the day and transforms into a sleeping space for guests at night. For maximum benefits, choose one with built-in storage for blankets, pillows, and linens.
Folding Coffee Table: Folding coffee tables can be tucked away when not in use so you can free up floor space whenever you like.
Nesting Tables: A set of nesting tables offers versatility in setting up a central space for larger gatherings or separating them for use around the room as side tables or laptop stands.
Ottomans with Storage: Ottomans is a smart pick for creating extra seating, a place to rest your feet, and hidden storage compartments for toys, games, or anything else that you want to tuck.
TV Unit with Storage: Opt for a TV unit with shelves or drawers to store electronics, books, movies, or games.

Utilising Vertical Space to Make the Most of a Small Flat

Living in a 3-room HDB flat requires some creative thinking, especially when it comes to maximising space. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative space-saving tricks that’ll transform your space. Here are some clever ideas to get you started:

Adding Storage to Your Living Room

Ditch the bulky TV stand and opt for a sleek floating shelf. This frees up floor space and creates a lighter, more modern feel. Decorate the remaining shelves with books, artwork, or other decorative items. You can also get creative with the shape and layout of the floating shelves like the designers have done in the following interior design.

Blk 328 Hougang Ave 5

Install cabinets above the sofa or along an empty wall to store books, games, and anything else you want to tuck away. A sleek option like the storage solution in the following image makes the space organised and modern.

Storage Solutions for the Bedroom

Floor-to-Ceiling Wardrobes: Invest in built-in wardrobes that utilise the full height of your wall. This will give you ample storage space for clothes, shoes, and other pieces you want to tuck away.
Headboard with Shelves: Skip the traditional headboard and add built-in shelves instead. This is an ideal way to display books, photos, or small trinkets while adding personality to your space and providing additional storage.
Pegboards: Install pegboards near the entrance or in your closet to hang bags, hats, scarves, or jewellery for added space.

Smart Solutions for a Kitchen

Floating Shelves: Similar to the living room, it’s essential to utilise floating shelves above your countertop for storing spices, cookbooks, or mugs.
Hanging Pot Rack: You can free up counter space and showcase your beautiful cookware with a hanging pot rack mounted on the ceiling.
Magnetic Knife Strip: Keep your knives organised and readily accessible with a magnetic knife strip mounted on the wall.
Vertical Spice Racks: Utilise the back of your pantry door or dedicated wall space for vertical spice racks. This keeps spices organised and saves precious counter space.
Utilise the space above the washing machine: You can utilise the vertical space above the washing machine in your kitchen by adding storage cabinets or shelves.

Open Concept Interior Design Ideas for 3-Room HDB Flat

While an open concept can be a sleek design, making it work in a 3-room HDB flat requires careful planning. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Partial Openness: Consider a partial open concept approach. For example, remove a section of the wall between the living room and kitchen to create a breakfast bar.
Strategic Furniture Placement: Use furniture placement to define separate zones within the open space. A strategically placed sofa can visually separate the living room from the dining area.
Strong Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen area to minimise cooking smells from permeating the entire living space.

Alternatives to Open Concept

If a fully open-concept isn’t ideal for your lifestyle, consider these alternatives:

Multi-Functional Rooms: Designate specific rooms to serve multiple purposes. For example, a bedroom can double as a guest room and home office with clever furniture choices and room dividers.
Sliding Doors and Screens: Sliding doors and screens can separate areas when needed and give you the option to open them up for a more connected feel.

Ultimately, the best layout for your 3-room HDB flat depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Before you jump into a major remodel, carefully consider your needs for privacy, noise control, and functionality when making your decision.

Creating a Seamless Flow Between Rooms (With or Without an Open Plan)

Whether or not you opt for an open layout in your HDB, you can create a sense of spaciousness and connection while maintaining functionality. Here are some clever approaches to consider.

Low-Profile Furniture: Opt for low-profile furniture like sleek coffee tables, low-backed sofas, and streamlined armchairs. This creates a sense of visual openness and allows for a better flow of natural light.
Light and Airy Palette: A cohesive colour scheme is key. Opt for light and airy colours like white, beige, pale grey, or light blue throughout your flat. This creates a sense of spaciousness and reflects natural light, which makes the entire space feel brighter and more connected.
Lighting Strategy: Add layered lighting throughout your space. Incorporate ambient lighting with overhead fixtures, task lighting with lamps on desks or near seating areas, and accent lighting to highlight artwork or architectural features.
Unify the Space: Use the same flooring material throughout connected rooms (excluding bathrooms and kitchens) to create visual continuity and a sense of flow. Wood laminate, light-coloured tiles, or vinyl flooring are all popular choices for HDB flats.
Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space, further enhancing the feeling of flow.
Declutter Regularly: Clutter is a flow-breaker. Regularly declutter your space to maintain a sense of openness and visual connectivity between rooms.

Room-By-Room Design Inspiration for 3-Room HDBs

While a 3-room HDB design can feel compact, there is still plenty of potential for creating a comfortable and stylish home. Here, we discuss one of our 3-room HDB portfolio that can inspire you to create an old, rustic interior with a nostalgic touch. We will offer room-by-room guidance that will give you affordable 3-room HDB renovation Singapore tips to create a home that maximises functionality and creates a sense of openness.

3-Room HDB Living Room Design

Since most 3-room HDB flats have a combined living and dining area, it is important to prioritise conversation flow and create a natural flow. To make the space work for you, arrange your living room furniture around a central coffee table. Position your sofa facing the entrance or a TV console on the opposite wall. If possible, consider a wall-mounted TV to free up floor space or opt for a low-profile TV console to maintain a sense of openness. When it comes to the sofa, look to a two-seater sofa or a loveseat instead of a bulky sectional. These tips can help you create a practical and stylish 3-room HDB living room design.

If you love hosting gatherings, embrace an open floor plan. Push the sofa against a wall and position the dining table nearby. This makes it easy to chat without all having to crowd into one space. To keep the space from feeling disconnected, define the separate areas with area rugs. Put one under the coffee table and another under the dining table.

As can be seen in the following HDB 3-room interior design portfolio, a simple and comfortable sofa has been placed right next to the wall to maximise space in the living room. A small window above the sofa provides easy access and a communication channel between the living room and the room behind it.

Blk 328 Hougang Ave 5

HDB 3-Room Flat Small Bedroom Design

Since bedrooms in HDB 3-room designed flats tend to be compact, this is an especially important place to prioritise space-saving furniture. Invest in a platform bed with built-in drawers for storage and look to vertical space with wall-mounted shelves and cabinets. If you are designing a child’s bedroom, consider a loft bed to free up floor space for a study area or play area. Opt for sleek furniture and storage shelves, as seen in the following image, to prevent the room from appearing cluttered and cramped.

Blk 618 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4

Working with a multifunctional space? If your HDB bedroom is also an office or kids’ space, you’ll definitely want to maximise every square metre. Look for solutions like a Murphy bed that folds into the wall when not in use, and choose a multifunctional desk that can be used for work, study, or as a vanity. If you squeeze it in, consider a room divider to define separate areas within the room, like a sleeping area and a workspace, or opt for an open layout.

3-Room HDB Kitchen Design

When you have a small HDB kitchen, it’s essential to maximise wall space with cabinets that reach the ceiling. Floating shelves or slim cabinets above windows or doorways can be additional storage solutions. Utilise pull-out shelves, lazy susans, and dividers to make the most of cabinet space. And get creative with unused spaces! Consider a rolling cart with shelves that tuck away when not in use or an over-the-sink cutting board that creates additional prep space. If you have storage in another room, use it for appliances or dishes you don’t use every day. As seen in the following image, you can have plenty of storage shelves incorporated in the kitchen and place all the extra appliances and kitchenware inside the shelves to create a clean and decluttered space.

Blk 549 Hougang Street 51

To divide your kitchen and dining space without losing light, consider a partial wall. By only doing a partial wall with glass panels on top, you can have maximum storage space as well as open and bright living space.

Start Your 3-Room HDB Transformation Today

Your 3-room HDB flat has endless potential to become a stylish, spacious home in 2025. With Renozone Interior Design Studio, you can expect amazing interior design ideas and solutions, HDB-compliant renovations, and a seamless process backed by 25+ years of experience. From Scandinavian elegance to smart home innovations, our team will bring your vision to life within your budget. Talk to the experts at Renozone today. Renozone is here to make your renovation journey smooth, whether you’re planning a 3-room HDB makeover, an elegant condo renovation, or a landed property redesign. Our team’s expertise ensures your home reflects your personality and lifestyle while enhancing functionality. Discover how Renozone can transform your space with design ideas that suit any HDB interior designs or condo designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 3-room HDB renovation cost in Singapore?

3-roomHDB renovation costs can range from $20,000–$50,000, depending on design, materials, and scope of the project.

What are the best space-saving ideas for a 3-room HDB?

Use multi-functional furniture (e.g., Murphy beds), sliding doors, and vertical storage like ceiling-high cabinets to maximise space in your 3-room HDB.

Do I need an HDB permit for a 3-room BTO renovation in Singapore?

Yes, HDB permits are required for wall hacking, electrical upgrades, or door changes. Renozone handles all permit applications to ensure compliance, offering you peace of mind and convenience.

How long does a 3-room HDB renovation in Singapore take?

A 3-room HDB renovation typically takes 6–10 weeks, including design, permits, and construction.

Can I live in my 3-room HDB during renovation?

For minor works, yes, you can live in the HDB while it is being renovated. However, for major renovations, temporary accommodation is recommended to avoid dust, noise, and other disturbances

What interior design styles suit a 3-room HDB flat?

Scandinavian, Japandi, biophilic, and smart home designs are ideal for 2025, balancing style and functionality.

Est. Since 1998

Renozone Interior Design

Renozone Interior Design is one of Singapore's reputable interior design companies since 1998. With our well-tested professional capabilities, client-oriented service, and attention to detail, we ensure our client needs are fulfilled and met beyond their expectations. Our extensive portfolio comprises high-profile projects in both residential (HDB, condo, landed properties) and commercial interior designs.