For Singapore homeowners who cherish reading—and face the challenge of maximizing space in compact homes—custom home library storage solutions aren’t just about organizing books. They’re about creating a personal sanctuary that blends functionality, style, and sustainability. As a leading premium custom furniture brand in Singapore, MRETTY specializes in high-end, ENF-grade OSB and aluminum honeycomb solutions tailored to local needs. Whether you live in a 500 sq ft HDB flat or a 1,200 sq ft condo, our team delivers storage that works withyour space—not against it.
Step 1: Audit Your Space & Curate Your Reading Lifestyle
Before diving into design, we start with a custom home library storage audit—a process unique to MRETTY’s approach. We measure every inch of your room, analyze natural light, and ask targeted questions:
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How many books do you own (and how often do you access them)?
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Do you need space for magazines, vinyl records, or family heirlooms?
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What’s your “reading ritual”? (e.g., morning coffee with a book, evening reading nook)
For example, a client in Tampines with a 400 sq ft apartment wanted to convert a corner into a library but needed to keep her toddler’s toy zone nearby. Our solution? A low, open shelving unit for kids’ books (easy to reach) paired with a tall, closed cabinet for her adult novels—separated by a plush rug to define zones.
MRETTY Pro Tip:Use our free online space planner tool to map out ideas before booking a consultation.
Step 2: Zone Your Library for Function & Flow
A great home library isn’t just shelves—it’s a system. We divide your space into functional zones to avoid clutter and boost usability:
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Reading Zone: A comfortable chair, side table, and task lamp (we recommend warm LED bulbs for eye comfort).
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Primary Storage: Floor-to-ceiling shelves for frequently accessed books.
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Display Zone: Glass-fronted cabinets for collectibles or art.
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Utility Zone: Hidden drawers for remotes, bookmarks, or charging cables.
MRETTY’s modular design system lets us mix and match these zones. For a client in Bukit Timah, we combined a reading nook with a built-in desk—perfect for working from home while surrounded by their favorite novels.
Step 3: Material Matters—Prioritize Durability & Wellness
Singapore’s tropical climate (high humidity, frequent rain) and strict environmental standards demand smart material choices. At MRETTY, we never compromise on quality:
Why Our Materials Stand Out for Custom Home Library Storage
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Feature |
Benefit |
|---|---|
|
ENF-Grade OSB Panels |
Formaldehyde emission: <0.025mg/m³ (well below Singapore’s NEA limit of 0.08mg/m³). Eco-friendly and resistant to warping. |
|
Aviation Aluminum Honeycomb Core |
Lightweight yet 3x stronger than particle board. Prevents swelling from humidity—critical for long-term use. |
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E0-Grade Five-Coat Paint |
Odor-free, scratch-resistant, and safe for families. We offer 12 muted tones (from oak beige to charcoal) to match Singaporean interiors. |
Competitors often use E1-grade materials or cheap MDF—these emit more formaldehyde and warp within months in humid conditions. MRETTY’s commitment to ENF/E0 standards isn’t just about compliance—it’s about peace of mind.
Step 4: Smart Features That Elevate Your Library
Generic storage solutions fail at detail. MRETTY builds in features that solve real Singaporean problems:
Custom Home Library Storage Must-Haves
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Hidden Hinges: Our European-made hinges are completely concealed—no unsightly screws, and they withstand 100,000+ open/close cycles.
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25mm Thickened Shelves/Doors: Standard shelves bend under heavy books; ours hold up to 50kg per shelf without sagging.
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J-Groove Design: Subtle vertical grooves on door panels add texture andprevent dust buildup—ideal for Singapore’s dusty environment.
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Fully Aluminum-Enclosed Cabinets: For areas near sinks or windows (common in Singaporean kitchens/ living rooms), this prevents panel expansion.
One client in Marine Parade had a small library adjacent to their kitchen. We used aluminum-enclosed cabinets for the lower section—two years later, no warping or water damage.
Step 5: Soft Furnishings & Visual Harmony
A library isn’t complete without ambiance. MRETTY offers free soft furnishing mockups and 3D renderings to help you visualize the final look. We consider:
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Lighting: Warm LED strips in shelves, a statement floor lamp, or adjustable table lamps.
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Textiles: A plush rug to absorb sound, linen curtains to filter light.
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Accents: Wooden trays for remotes, brass bookends, or a small plant (pothos thrive in Singapore’s humidity!).
For a client in Orchard, we paired dark walnut shelves with gold-framed art and a velvet armchair—creating a cozy, sophisticated space that feels like a retreat.

MRETTY vs. Competitors: Why Choose Us for Custom Home Library Storage?
To help you decide, here’s how MRETTY stacks up against generic local brands and international chains:
|
Criteria |
MRETTY |
Generic Local Brands |
International Chains |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Material Grade |
ENF OSB + Aluminum Honeycomb |
E1 Particle Board |
E1 OSB + MDF Core |
|
Coating |
E0 Five-Coat Paint |
Standard Latex Paint |
Low-VOC Paint |
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Hardware |
Hidden European Hinges |
Exposed Hinges |
Basic Hinges |
|
Service |
Free Design + 3D Renderings |
No Customization |
Limited Local Support |
|
Moisture Resistance |
Fully Aluminum-Enclosed Cabinets |
Prone to Warping |
High Import Costs + Delays |
Real Client Case Study: A Marine Parade Family’s Dream Library
Meet the Tan family: parents (both lawyers) and two young kids, living in a 750 sq ft condo in Marine Parade. Their goal? A library that holds 300+ books, displays their kids’ artwork, and stays clutter-free.
The Challenge
Small space, high humidity, and a need for kid-friendly storage.
MRETTY’s Solution
We designed a L-shaped custom library that wraps around their living room:
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Upper Section: Open shelving for adult books and kids’ artwork (secured with non-slip ledges).
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Middle Section: Closed cabinets with hidden compartments for toys and board games.
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Lower Section: 25mm thickened shelves for heavy encyclopedias—plus aluminum-enclosed base cabinets to avoid water damage from a nearby window.
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Soft Furnishings: A neutral linen rug, brass floor lamp, and wall-mounted reading lights.
The result? A functional, beautiful space where the kids can access their books independently, and the parents have a quiet corner to read. “MRETTY didn’t just build shelves—they built a part of our home,” says Mrs. Tan. “The materials are safe for the kids, and the design fits our tropical lifestyle perfectly.”
Why MRETTY Is Singapore’s Choice for Premium Custom Libraries
As a Singapore-based brand, we understand local needs better than anyone:
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Small Space Expertise: Modular designs that maximize every square foot.
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Sustainability: All materials are FSC-certified—we source wood from responsible forests.
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Local Service: Free on-site measurements, 3D renderings, and installation—all handled by our Singapore team.
Our FSC certification ensures that every custom home library storage solution you get from MRETTY is not just beautiful—but ethical.
Ready to Build Your Dream Library?
If you’re tired of cluttered bookshelves and want a storage solution that works foryou, MRETTY is here to help. Our team of designers will work with you to create a library that reflects your style, fits your space, and lasts a lifetime.
Book a Free Consultation Now—our experts will visit your home, listen to your needs, and present a custom design proposal—all at no cost to you.
About the Author
Yang Song, Lead Designer at MRETTY, brings 12 years of experience crafting bespoke furniture for Singapore homes. His award-winning project, “Tropical Minimalist Library,”was featured in Home & Decor Singapore(2024) for merging functionality with local aesthetics. Yang specializes in balancing storage needs with elegant design—making him a trusted name for high-end custom solutions. When he’s not designing, Yang volunteers with local NGOs to promote sustainable furniture practices.
At MRETTY, we don’t just build furniture—we build spaces that matter. Contact us today to start your journey to the perfect home library.
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