Partition Wall – The Complete Guide to Types, Designs & Uses in Singapore

Do you want to stop those awkward Zoom interruptions by turning your living room into a home office? Or perhaps your open-concept HDB flat feels more ‘open’ than ‘cozy’? That’s where the partition wall comes in. It’s a simple yet budget-friendly way to instantly redefine your interiors.

These temporary walls are more than just a room divider. They effectively increase your privacy, organise your spaces, and adapt to any room’s aesthetics and needs.
Whether in HDB flats, condos, or office settings, they are becoming increasingly popular for their flexibility and design potential. In fact, in Tampines, Singapore, almost  85.9% of HDB flats’ residents use temporary walls to optimize living spaces.

What Is a Partition Wall?

It’s a wall built inside a building to divide the space into rooms or sections. It’s also sometimes called a dividing wall. These walls don’t support the building’s weight. They are only used to separate areas inside.

Unlike a load-bearing wall, which holds up the structure of a building, temporary walls don’t carry any load from the floors or roof. This makes it lighter and easier to build or remove.

Here are some key points about temporary walls:

• Non-structural: They are non-load bearing wall. They don’t support any load from the ceiling or upper floors. It simply divides rooms to create privacy or functional areas.
• Flexible: Some interior partitions are built to stay in place. But, most of them can be moved or adjusted. Movable walls are great for flexible areas like offices or conference rooms.
• Dividing space: They are also known as “dividing walls”. Most of the time, they are used to divide rooms, areas, or functions within a single space.

These walls are particularly common in homes, offices, schools, and commercial buildings. They’re a smart and simple way to organize space without making big changes to the building structure.

Common Types of Partition Walls

There are several types of dividing walls. Each has a different design and features. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of dividing walls:

1. Glass Partition Walls: They are made of clear glass. It allows natural light to flow through while still dividing spaces.
   It makes the room appear larger and brighter.  These walls are great for creating open and bright office environments while keeping rooms separate.
2. Operable Walls: Operable walls are movable. You can easily change the layout by adjusting it to the room’s size.
   These walls are great for areas that need flexibility, like conference rooms or event spaces. You can slide them open or closed depending on how much space you need.
3. Collapsible Dividers: Collapsible dividers are lightweight walls. When you are not using them, you can easily fold or stack them.
   They are great for temporary divisions or spaces that need to be adjusted frequently. They are commonly used in homes or smaller offices, schools or exhibitions.
4. Drywall or Gypsum Walls: One of the most common types, drywall partitions are made of plasterboard or gypsum. They are affordable, durable and easy to install.
   You can paint them or finish them in different ways. These walls are often used in homes and offices to separate rooms.
5. Wooden Partition Walls: They adds a natural and warm touch to any room. They can be used in both residential and commercial buildings.
   They add texture and a sense of coziness while still maintaining separation between spaces. Wooden panels or planks create a stylish division while offering some soundproofing.
6. Metal Frame with Panel: These walls are made of a metal frame with panels of different materials, like glass, wood, or fabric. They are sturdy and durable. It’s commonly used in offices, retail spaces, or as a more industrial-style room divider

Each type of temporary wall has its unique benefits. You should choose your temporary walls based on your room’s needs, aesthetics, and what kind of flexibility it reqires.

Functional Benefits of Partition Walls

Interior partitions are not just about dividing areas. They have a lot of advantages that make them a highly practical and flexible design feature. Here are some of the key benefits of using a temporary wall:

• Space Separation: Dividing walls are an easy and simple way to separate different areas within a room or building. For example, in an office, you can use them to divide large open areas into smaller, more manageable spaces. This makes the space more organized and efficient.
• Flexibility in Design: A Flexible room divider has amazing design flexibility. They can be both permanent and movable. You can adjust or even change the layout of a room easily with foldable partitions.
  It’s perfect for spaces like event halls or coworking offices. You can easily adapt the space as you need for different activities, purposes or your personal preferences..
• Privacy: One of the key reasons people install temporary walls is to create privacy. Whether in a shared office or in a home, dividing walls can easily create personal space.
  They help prevent distractions, noise, and interruptions. This is particularly useful in offices or bedrooms. You can easily work or relax in peace.
• Acoustics: They can also help with soundproofing. These are designed to absorb noise and reduce it between rooms or offices.
  They are perfect for study rooms, bedrooms, studios or offices. By reducing noise, soundproof partitions create a more comfortable and productive environment for everyone.

These benefits make temporary walls an essential element for each home and office. They improve both the functionality and comfort of a space.

Partition Wall Design Ideas for Modern Spaces

Modern interior design emphasizes both functionality and aesthetics. They focus on adding style and creativity to contemporary spaces. Here are some popular design ideas that are both useful and good-looking:

1. Frameless Glass: Frameless glass gives a clean, modern look. They are great for offices and co-working spaces. They allow natural light to flow through. These walls divide the spaces while still keeping them open and bright.
2. Sliding Partitions: Sliding walls are perfect for saving space and adding flexibility. You can slide them open or close them depending on how much space you need.
   These are popular in homes with open floor plans and in small cafés where space is limited. You can easily and quickly adjust them to your room’s size and needs.
3. Accent Wall Integration: You can turn your interior partitions into an accent wall. You can use bold colors, patterns, or materials like wood or stone.
   This works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or even trendy coffee shops. It not only divides the room but also becomes a beautiful eye-catching design feature of the room.

With these ideas, you can easily transform a simple interior partition into a functional and stylish element of the room. You can instantly add style, function, and personality to your space.

Why Partition Walls Are Popular in Singapore

Interior partitions are becoming a popular choice for both homes and offices. They are a practical solution for space optimization. It helps you make the most out of your limited space.  Let’s take a closer look at why they are so popular, especially in Singapore:

• Space-Saving and Modular Living: Interior partitions are a great way to divide a room into smaller sections. They helps you create more functional spaces without taking up extra room. You can easily design your living areas to suit your needs.
  Whether it’s a home office, a reading room, or a small bedroom, temporary walls give you flexibility in organizing spaces. You don’t have to expand the actual area. These modular wall helps you make the most of your space stylishly and efficiently.
• Popular in HDBs and Condos: In Singapore, most people live in HDB flats or condos. These are known for their compact designs. Temporary walls are commonly used in these homes. They improve privacy and separate different functions of the space.
  For instance, in a studio apartment, dividing walls can separate the sleeping area from the living or dining area, making the home feel more spacious and organized.
• Great for Small Office Setups: These are also great for small office spaces in Singapore. These walls can create private areas for meetings or workstations.
  They improve productivity while making the office feel less crowded. The flexibility of  temporary walls are great for businesses that need to adjust their space as they grow.

Overall, dividing walls are a simple, cost-effective way to address space challenges in Singapore’s urban living and working environments.

Partition Wall vs. Dividing Wall: Is There a Difference?

When talking about dividing spaces, people often use both of these terms interchangeably. However, they are not exactly the same. By understanding their difference you can choose the right one for your needs. Here’s what makes them different:

• Partition Walls:  These are lightweight, non-load-bearing wall that divdes a large area into smaller sections. They are usually not a permanent structure. They often made from materials like drywall, glass, or lightweight panels.
  They are flexible and easy to move. They are great for homes, offices, or spaces where you might need to change the layout often. You can use them to improve privacy or organize spaces without a full construction project.
• Dividing Walls: The term “dividing wall” refers to a permanent, solid structure. It’s usually made from brick, concrete, or similar heavy materials. Dividing walls are built to last longer and provide soundproof partition.
  You can use them in houses or buildings for long-term separation between rooms. It’s commonly found in places like in traditional homes or commercial buildings.

While both walls serve similar purposes, one is a foldable partition and easier to adjust, while dividing walls are stronger and more permanent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, partition walls are a flexible, space-efficient solution for modern home and work environments. They’re perfect for both homes and offices. You instantly change your room’s layout without any permanent changes. If you’re considering temporary walls, check out our blogs on different types to find the perfect fit for your space!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a partition wall?
   It’s a flexible room divider used to divide or segment a space. It can be movable or permanent.
2. What are the different types of partition walls?
   Common types include glass partitions, drywall partitions, and collapsible dividers.
3. How is a partition wall different from a dividing wall?
   Both terms refer to similar concepts; however, a dividing wall may sometimes refer to structural elements, whereas the other is typically a non-load-bearing wall.
4. Which partition wall design is best for small spaces?
   Sliding or collapsible temporary walls are ideal for small spaces as they are flexible and easy to adjust.
5. Can partition walls be installed in HDB or condo units in Singapore?
   Yes, you can install them in HDB flats and condos to make the most out of your space and improve your privacy.
6. Are partition walls soundproof?
   Some soundproof partitions are designed to reduce noise and provide soundproofing.
7. How much does it cost to install a partition wall in Singapore?
   Its cost in Singapore varies depending on materials and design, but it typically ranges from S$3.30 and S$4.00 per square foot