Thankfully, there are room dividers available that provide a straightforward and elegant solution to make your home more adaptable. Furthermore, you have the freedom to customize your partitioning preferences according to your unique requirements and lifestyle. Take a glimpse into an array of 23 captivating ways to effectively divide and conquer, while adding beauty to your space!
Open-and-close room divider ideas
These partition screens are perfect for scenarios where you desire a seamless and swift transformation between segregating and expanding your area.
Folding Screen
For centuries, folding screens have been a distinct feature of Asian design, embodying simplicity, elegance, and practicality. These versatile room dividers consist of multiple panels hinged together, ranging from three to four or even more. They offer the choice of translucent screens, known as “shoji” in Japanese, which allow gentle diffusion of light, or opaque screens called “fusuma.” Whether you opt for the ethereal beauty of shoji or the privacy provided by fusuma, folding screens add a touch of charm to any space. A basic four-panel shoji screen can be acquired for approximately $100, making it an affordable and stylish addition to your home.
DIY Folding Screen
Create your own foldable partition by securing a cherished fabric onto frames using staples. Remember to mount hinges on alternating sides while attaching the panels to allow for easy folding. For more detailed information, refer to this blogger’s comprehensive list of supplies.
Barn Door
If you find that a curtain lacks the desired sturdiness, consider joining the popular trend of barn doors, all for a budget-friendly price of less than $200. Alternatively, you can embark on a DIY journey with the assistance of Mark Powers from This Old House, who will provide expert guidance on building your very own barn door.
Simple Sliding Door
To create an uncomplicated sliding door endeavor, construct a frame using 2x2s. Attach Masonite sheets to the frame by either nailing or gluing them. Install wheels at the bottom and hinged loops at the top, and then suspend the door from a plumbing pipe affixed to the wall.
Accordion doors are commonly employed in commercial or professional environments such as meeting rooms. These doors hang from an overhead track, deliberately excluding a floor track to prevent any potential tripping hazards. They are typically crafted from materials like vinyl, laminates, wood, aluminum, or acrylic.
Wood Divider Screen
You can create your own wooden partition screens for a budget-friendly price. Instead of spending around $200 on a ready-made screen, opt for a do-it-yourself approach. All you need are three sheets of plywood measuring 16″ x 64″, along with twelve pieces of 3/4″ x 2″ lumber for the frame. Half of the lumber should be 16 inches long, while the remaining pieces should be 6 feet long. Begin by constructing the frame and then attaching the plywood boards. To personalize your screen, paint the plywood in your preferred shade. Finally, hinge the boards together for a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing result. Remember, investing in high-quality hinges not only enhances stability but also elevates the overall appearance.
Storage Room Divider Ideas
Certain areas, such as a communal bedroom for children or a temporary home workspace, can greatly benefit from the addition of a partition that offers convenient storage solutions. Here are a few innovative suggestions to fulfill this purpose:
Bookcase
When positioning a bookcase as a room divider, its perpendicular placement against a wall offers an immediate partitioning effect. However, it is crucial to prioritize safety by properly securing it. Begin by attaching metal L brackets to the top of the bookcase, connecting them to a wall stud. Subsequently, drive a few screws through the side of the bookcase, securing it into the same stud. To provide additional stability and prevent tipping, it is recommended to anchor the bottom of the bookcase.
Bookcase with locking wheels
Incorporating locking wheels into a bookcase offers unparalleled versatility, particularly in expansive areas such as lofts or basements. Effortlessly roll and secure it in your desired location to partition the space at hand today, and effortlessly relocate it to a different spot tomorrow.
Tall, Wide Bookcases
The more expansive the bookshelf, the enhanced the level of seclusion it offers. Arrange a pair of lofty and spacious units, positioned back to back, to establish storage on either side of the partitioned area dedicated to housing books, toys, trinkets, and more.
Cubbies
Create a lower setting with cubbies (also known as cube storage) to establish a defined boundary on the ground, all the while preserving an open area above. This exceptional eight-cube organizer garnered enthusiastic praise from a customer who purchased a pair—one positioned horizontally for storing toys and the other vertically for showcasing decorative pieces.
If you prefer to construct your own cubbies, Kevin O’Connor from This Old House presents a straightforward family project tutorial demonstrating how to make them using uncomplicated square cuts and straightforward assembly and finishing techniques.
Headboard
An eye-catching headboard featuring shelves on either side can define a designated sleeping space while providing practical storage solutions.
Open Shelving
Open shelving serves the dual purpose of creating a physical division within a room while also permitting the passage of light, thereby providing abundant versatility. The potential for installing a flat-screen TV on a pivoting base is an added advantage, contingent upon the size of the shelves.
Columned Room Divider
Create a stylish room divider with columns for the entrance of your home, effectively guiding visitors toward a specific area. Constructing this appealing feature requires proficient mitering abilities, but our comprehensive guide will assist you every step of the way.
Best Room Dividers to Let in Light
Certain areas, such as a dedicated exercise or meditation space, often require a full-height partition that effectively illuminates the room while maintaining privacy.
Macrame
Craft a captivating suspended partition using the timeless technique of macramé, an art form that involves skillfully weaving and knotting ropes to fashion exquisite textiles. For a detailed step-by-step guide on creating your own macramé room divider, take a look at this fantastic blog that demonstrates the process using a generous 700 feet of premium cotton rope.
Linen Fabric
Achieve both simplicity and elegance effortlessly by hanging a delicate linen fabric. Opt for a subtly neutral hue that complements any decor or dare to make a bold statement with vibrant colors, such as this striking red shade. Seam the fabric with a hem at the top and bottom, then insert a rod into each end. Use one rod to suspend the divider gracefully from the ceiling, while the other rod adds the perfect amount of weight to prevent excessive movement in the presence of a gentle breeze.
Wooden Slats
“Slat it up! If you happen to have a collection of timber planks in your workshop, why not transform them into a slatted divider? This involves arranging the boards in a linear fashion with intentional gaps every few inches. Opting for straight, top-notch lumber ensures a robust outcome, but don’t fret over imperfections—they can actually enhance the appeal of the partition. Pro tip: To minimize the visibility of gaps caused by bowed or warped wood, consider spacing them further apart.”
Wooden Blocks
Allow the fundamental elements of design to distinguish your space in both literal and metaphorical senses. In this instance, the creator employed robust beech squares and rectangles to craft a two-faced divider, effectively dividing a den from a dining room. The outcome exudes a welcoming and natural ambiance while maintaining a contemporary and stylish appeal. Furthermore, thanks to its sturdy construction, this partition offers much more stability than the ever-shifting blocks of a Jenga game.
Best Room Dividers for Salvagers and Upcyclers
If you have a knack for transforming discovered items or bargain finds into new creations, explore these engaging projects that can redefine your living space:
Folding Screen Made from Doors or Shutters
Create your very own folding screen by repurposing discarded doors or shutters as individual panels. Customize the panels to suit your decor by staining, painting, or preserving their original condition. Once prepared, attach hinges to seamlessly connect the panels together.
Tree Branches
Infuse your indoor space with a touch of nature by creating a distinctive room divider using branches sourced from fallen trees. Embellish a sturdy foundation with carefully selected branches, opting for the elegant beauty of birch for a stunning visual impact. To further enhance the organic aesthetic, incorporate stones at the base, evoking a natural allure. Alternatively, weave delicate twinkling lights around the branches to evoke a magical ambiance reminiscent of an enchanting forest straight out of a fairy tale.