A room divider screen can serve as an accent piece that adds character, divides a space, redirects foot traffic and more. These portable partitions come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles to suit a wide range of decor themes, including minimalist and modern. For the do-it-yourselfer, it’s easy to make a room divider from scratch with a little creativity and ingenuity.
Choosing a room divider screen starts with deciding what type of material is best suited to the overall look and feel of the space. If your room is eclectic or upscale, a rattan divider with caned panels or one covered in a bold fabric might complement the decor. If you prefer a more traditional space, a traditional Japanese shoji screen with translucent or opaque panels can lend a graceful and serene style to any interior.
Another important factor is how much privacy you want from the divider. If you want it to completely block off a room, choose a solid-panel design. If you’re interested in being able to open and close your divider as needed, look for options that hinge together. Finally, consider how you plan to hang your divider (as well as any anchors and anti-tip furniture straps that may be required for stability).
If you’re looking to create a more streamlined, modern look, try a white or grey wall-mounted room divider screen with sleek metal frames and frosted glass. This type of room divider is ideal for urban spaces, lofts and contemporary homes. For a more rustic look, a wood-slatted screen can be dressed up with pictures and plants for the maximalist decorator or left in its natural state for the minimalist.
A room divider can also help to delineate a workspace from an informal living area or home office. By positioning a desk or table in front of a hanging room divider, it’s easier to separate your work area from the rest of the house and signal that it’s time to log off and focus on family or relaxing.
In larger spaces, a long room divider with five or six panels can divide an expansive great room or commercial space into sections that are more practical for multiple users. They’re also an excellent choice for dorm rooms and shared bedrooms in which a single large bed is divided by two or more people.
For a more permanent solution, install a wall-mounted divider with shelves for books and other decor items. It’s also a good option for a home theater or media room because the shelves can hold entertainment equipment and make it easy to find what you need.
If you’re a thrifty DIYer, consider using a salvaged folding screen for this simple yet stylish project. This DIY bifold door room divider is topped with robin’s egg blue chalk paint and can be used to sanction off a crafting corner or dressing area. A thrift store or architectural salvage yard is the perfect place to score these repurposed doors. This neutral geometric DIY divider features stenciled hexagon-patterned peel-and-stick wallpaper for an inexpensive, penny-saving solution to creating a makeshift partition.