Do you ever gaze at your ever-growing collection of books and knick knacks, wondering where on earth it’s all going to go, especially when space is already an issue in your HDB flat?
We’ve all been there, but fret not – be it stacks of novels or Popmart figurines, here are the best HDB-friendly bookshelves designed to create a haven for your literary treasures and, well, whatever else brings you joy.
1. Living room book wall
When it comes to creating the perfect home library, floor-to-ceiling shelves are a cult classic. These spacious surfaces allow you to showcase your entire collection, maximising storage capacity without sacrificing precious floor area.
Book walls can be built-in, customised to fit alcoves or odd corners, or modular, allowing for a personalised layout in any home.
This homeowner opted for a custom-made oak laminate bookshelf with built-in cupboards to hide work folders, maintaining a clean, Instagrammable look in her 5-room flat.Strategically placed brushed gold track lights further elevate the shelf, giving prized possessions their rightful glory.
2. Japandi ladder open bookshelf
Image Credit: Inspire 90s
The Japandi aesthetic, a harmonious blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality, has swiftly become a cornerstone in Singapore’s interior design scene. Its principles adapt perfectly to home libraries, where open bookshelves are constructed from natural materials and embrace minimalist designs, such as this one with its moveable ladder.
Particularly suited for smaller HDB flats, this design allows light to penetrate, making the room feel larger. Additionally, the ladder, a key element, adds a touch of utility by providing access to higher shelves, while also injecting a distinctive industrial flair.
It is also important to be mindful when styling these open shelves – focus on variety in texture, colour, and height to add visual interest. Group similar items together, and leave ample negative space to avoid clutter and maintain the essence of Japanese minimalism.
3. A custom full-length TV console bookshelf
Image Credit: @daniel.koh
There isn’t always space in a HDB flat for a designated home library, so combining a bookshelf with your TV console is an excellent option for some homeowners. These homeowners decided to fashion a full-length, multi-functional TV console that includes open shelving to display their memorabilia, closed storage to hide clutter as well as a drop-down table top storage cabinet that can also double up as a standing bar.
To achieve a visually harmonious look, ensure that the material and design of your open shelves complement the existing style of the room. Opt for darker wood tones for Mid-Century Modern settings, while lighter shades better suit Japandi or Muji-inspired homes.
4. Harry Potter-inspired curved reading nook
Image Credit: The Local INN.terior
A captivating choice, this unique bookshelf seamlessly integrates into the curved, double-volume airwell – a distinctive feature of specific maisonette HDB blocks in the Lorong Ah Soo area.
Inspired by the cosy alcoves and secret passageways of the Harry Potter universe, this home library features a statement-making 5.5-meter-tall bookshelf. Deep-toned wood shelves against a brick wall backdrop reinforce the wizarding world aesthetic.
5. Backlit accent bookshelf wall
Image credit: Free Space Intent
Level up your home library game with a backlit accent bookshelf that bathes your books in a warm and inviting glow. Backlighting highlights the texture and colour of books, enhancing their visual appeal. This creates a subtle daytime accent and transforms the bookshelf into a focal point at night, even without additional lighting.
To best copy this look, opt for LED strip lights – they’re energy-efficient, generate minimal heat, and offer a wide range of colour options. You can choose warm white for a classic look or experiment with cooler tones for a more modern ambiance.
However, do keep in mind that the key to successful backlighting lies in ensuring the light source remains discreetly hidden. Effective options include installing the LED strips behind the shelves or within a cove at the top of the bookshelf.
6. Minimalist string shelving system that can be customised
Many are obsessed with the lean lines and versatile, uncluttered designs featured in minimalist bookshelves, and Bedok resale flat owners Peiying and Jiahong are no exception. Proudly displayed behind their dining table is the String System shelves from Danish Design Co, an elegant open bookshelf that channels a light and airy feel into the space.
With modular shelves, you can also adapt the layout to accommodate different book sizes, create display areas for special pieces, or even leave space for sculptures or artwork.
Bonus: Japandi lattice wall that doubles as a bookshelf
Image Credit: Ascend Design
This artsy 4-room HDB flat features a home office equipped with a unique Japandi birch bookshelf wall.
Inspired by traditional Japanese shoji screens, the lattice design adds visual interest to the space, all while acting as both a decorative wall treatment and a bookshelf.
Furthermore, lattice bookshelves also channel some serious zakka vibes – a maximalist aesthetic that blends rustic charm with vintage items.
Best HDB bookshelves & shelving systems
So, there you have it–from floor-to-ceiling titans to space-saving Japandi marvels, this list of real HDB bookshelves will serve as inspiration for your dream home library.
Choose a style that inspires you, curate your collection with love, and create a haven where you can lose yourself in the magic of reading.
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Cover image adapted from: @daniel.koh, Free Space Intent
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