Open Office vs Closed Office Layouts

Office interior design sg
5 days ago
4 min read

Choosing the right office layout is more than just picking between desks and doors, it’s about shaping how your team works, communicates, and feels in the workplace. In today’s ever-evolving work culture, many business owners find themselves asking: Should we go for an open office or stick with a more traditional, closed layout? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal layout depends on your team’s work style, the nature of your business, and even your office culture. Let’s explore both options in depth and help you decide what works best for your space.

What Is an Open Office Layout?

An open office layout is designed with minimal walls and few (if any) private rooms. Workstations are often arranged in clusters, rows, or shared tables, with common areas for meetings or casual breaks. These spaces are meant to encourage collaboration and a free flow of ideas, and they’re often seen in startups, creative industries, and tech companies.

Pros of an Open Office Layout:

Better Collaboration: With fewer physical barriers, team members can easily talk, brainstorm, or ask quick questions. It creates a sense of togetherness.
Modern Aesthetic: Open offices often feel trendy, vibrant, and contemporary, perfect for brands that want to reflect a progressive culture.
Cost-Effective: Fewer construction needs (like walls or doors) mean open layouts are typically cheaper to set up and maintain.
Flexible Use of Space: Furniture can be rearranged as teams grow or change, making it a good option for companies in a state of growth.

Cons of an Open Office Layout:

Distractions and Noise: One of the biggest complaints is the lack of privacy and constant background noise, which can reduce productivity.
Lack of Personal Space: Without dedicated workstations or rooms, employees may feel like they don’t have their own “spot” at work.
Not Great for Sensitive Work: Private calls, HR conversations, or focused tasks are harder to manage in open environments.

What Is a Closed Office Layout?

A closed office layout consists of individual offices, cubicles, or separate rooms. Each employee or department has a dedicated space, which helps reduce interruptions and maintain privacy. This layout is common in law firms, finance companies, or any business that values confidentiality and quiet working environments.

Pros of a Closed Office Layout:

Privacy and Focus: Closed layouts offer quiet environments ideal for focused, deep work or private conversations.
Confidentiality: If your business handles sensitive data or regular client meetings, private rooms are a must.
Personalised Spaces: Employees can personalise their workspace, which often boosts comfort and morale.
Fewer Distractions: With doors and walls in place, outside noise and movement are kept to a minimum.

Cons of a Closed Office Layout:

Can Feel Isolated: Employees might feel disconnected from their co-workers, which can hurt collaboration.
Less Flexibility: Rooms and walls make it harder to adapt or change layouts quickly.
Higher Costs: More building materials and square footage are often required, increasing renovation and maintenance costs.

Which Layout Is Better?

The real question is: Which layout is better for your team and your business goals? If your business thrives on collaboration, creativity, and flexibility, an open layout might serve you best. On the other hand, if your work requires concentration, client privacy, or frequent calls and meetings, a closed office may be the smarter choice. That said, more and more companies in Singapore are choosing hybrid layouts, combining the best of both worlds. This means creating open areas for teamwork and energy, alongside quiet rooms, meeting pods, or enclosed spaces for focus.

What Do Your Employees Really Want?

Not every employee works the same way. Some people love the buzz of an open space, while others need peace and quiet to do their best thinking. It’s worth asking your team what they prefer, a simple survey or open discussion can reveal surprising insights.

You can also consider flexible features like:

Acoustic panels to reduce noise in open spaces
Private phone booths for calls or video meetings
Hot desks and quiet zones to let people choose where they work

By offering a mix, you cater to different work styles while encouraging productivity and comfort.

How Layout Affects Office Culture

The way your office is designed reflects your brand and company culture. An open layout may signal a youthful, fast-paced, and transparent environment. A closed layout, meanwhile, might give off a more serious, structured, or professional vibe. There’s no wrong message, it just depends on the identity of your business. Whether you're a law firm or a marketing agency, your layout should support the values and daily routines of your team.

Why Expert Advice Matters

If you’re still unsure, speaking with a top interior designer who understands office planning can make a huge difference. They’ll assess your space, listen to your needs, and create a layout that matches your business vision without compromising comfort or efficiency. Interior designers also help you avoid costly mistakes like poor lighting, ineffective acoustics, or awkward desk placements. With their guidance, even a small office can feel spacious, inspiring, and highly functional.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between an open or closed office layout isn’t about following trends, it’s about knowing what helps your team work better. Whether it’s an open plan buzzing with collaboration, a calm and focused closed office, or a smart hybrid setup, the best design is one that supports your people and your goals. Remember: your office isn’t just a space, it’s a tool. Design it thoughtfully, and it can boost morale, productivity, and business success.