Room Divider Ideas: How to Make the Most of Your Space

Sometimes overlooked, room dividers are among the best interior design secrets out there — and some of our best options serve multiple purposes. As such, dividers are also a great way to introduce dimension, a pop of color or a bit of texture where your home needs it. Call it space flow or feng shui — either way, every space can be converted to best benefit its user, regardless of size. All you need are some good room divider ideas!

As far as practical ideas for defining space go, room dividers are it: they come in all shapes and sizes, can serve a multitude of purposes on top of compartmentalizing an area while adding that extra layer of oomph to a room.

So, whether your room could use a textile screen, a floor-to-ceiling bookcase divider or a flowy curtain smack in the middle of it, we have a few room divider ideas designed just for you. But first:

Why Divide a Room

It all comes down to purpose. According to Martin Orefice, founder of Rent to Own Labs, “By segregating the space, you’re able to define different parts of the room based on the purpose they serve. This cuts the hassle and makes your room more manageable.”

However, the benefits of room dividers range from functional to esthetic to everything in between. “Dividing a room helps define the space and create separate zones,” said Andra DelMonico, interior designer for Trendey. “It also creates more of an intimate and cozy feeling.”

Sure, dividers are great for compartmentalizing. But, they work just as well as a way of elevating your home’s design. In fact, sometimes they even end up as the main focal point. So, here are some quick and easy room divider ideas to help you make the most of your living space:

Folding Screens Maximize Space

Open floorplans have been all the rage in recent years. But, it’s important to note that room dividers aren’t just for large rooms that you want to use for multiple purposes. Smaller rentals and apartments can also get a boost from dividers to create the illusion of a larger space. And, the cherry on top is the bonus privacy you get — especially when living with roommates. “Dividing a space helps you live comfortably with someone else without getting in each other’s way,” DelMonico said. And, she’s right, particularly when it comes to portable dividers.

Another great thing about folding screens is that they come in handy when you want to conceal certain items — such as gym equipment or children’s toys — right before you have guests over.

Folding screens are also the best way to recreate your space as often you want (or depending on your needs or your mood). Options range from classic folding wood or vintage textile panels to modern screen renditions. There’s something out there to suit everyone.

Shelves to Store & Display

Functionality goes a long way with room dividers. And, perhaps no divider better represents that than the good old bookcase in the middle of a room. While this visual is a great way to understand the form and function of a room divider, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a heavy bookcase — any type of open furniture is a great way to store and display items, while also helping to compartmentalize a space.

Additionally, shelves are also an appealing dividing option — especially for renters requiring their divider to serve as storage space — as long as they don’t require nailing to a wall.

“If you’re renting, there’s probably a high probability you don’t want to be putting too many nails in the walls as you’ll pay to have them repaired as you leave,” said Thomas Jepsen, founder of Passion Plans. “Room dividers can add decorative elements that may have otherwise required that you affect the integrity of the wall.”

Curtains Create a Mood

How you divide a room often relies on your personal taste. For example, if your personal space is more industrial or minimalist, you might overlook one of the oldest and most practical dividers ever: curtains.

Curtains are actually more versatile than you might think, and they can do wonders to close off certain areas of the house. Furthermore, you don’t need a specialist to install curtain rods all over the house because putting one up is pretty easy — not to mention budget-friendly — if you have a wire. Meanwhile, textures and colors are up to you: a flowy drape can go well with a boho interior, while beaded curtains can be a cute, retro eye-catcher.

Plant Dividers Liven Up the Room

Sometimes, a splash of color and texture isn’t enough if you want your room to pop. This is where greenery partitions come in.

If you’re thinking of zoning the open-plan layout of your home, there are tons of options involving plants, which are suitable no matter how green your thumbs are. For instance, vertical gardens take up little space to produce amazing results. You can even use small succulents or cacti to ensure your divider is evergreen. Or, consider investing in tall, slim plants — such as bamboo planters, which give off a chic vibe — or go for a living wall designed especially for you.

Slides Form Separate Areas

Just because your home came with an established floorplan doesn’t mean you can’t play with it and adapt it to your needs. And, if you want to achieve the layout of your dreams, slides are your answer.

Slides are what typically come to mind when we think of room dividers. Sturdier than a folding screen, slides need to be set on two tracks — on the floor and on the ceiling. They also work best in alcoves or doorways and are an asset in smaller apartments that tend to have a multitude of purposes within the same space. In fact, slides are perfect for creating the illusion of privacy, whether you need to separate your home office or the kids’ play area from the rest of the house.

Transforming your living space is easy with these simple room divider ideas. Fortunately, depending on your interior design goals, you can use dividers to go from dull to snazzy and from a studio to a 1-bedroom. It’s time to rethink the benefits and appeal of room dividers!