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Work with what you've got.
As someone who once lived in a bedroom without a door, I know firsthand how transformative a room divider can be. Though I definitely would've appreciated some actual privacy, the antique folding screen I used at least created the feeling of having my own space. But room partitions aren't just useful—the right one can introduce texture, dimension, and color into a room. Whether it's the illusion of privacy, some decorative personality, a small-space solution, or a strategic layout you're after, these room divider ideas might be just what your space needs. From folding screens to ceiling-high bookcases and even some makeshift rooms, read on for 27 ingenious (and, of course, stylish) room divider ideas and shopping tips.
The cream walls are the perfect off-white tone to complement the warm marigold ceiling in this living room by Casey Smith. Instead of painting the walls the same color, which may feel like too much of a commitment or simply be too bold, opt for a vintage screen that features it.
Check out 1st Dibs for high-quality antiques and collector treasures, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Florentine Vintge Screen, $1,350
An indoor trellis is the perfect room divider between the sunroom and sitting area in this home designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. It ties the greenery and decor scheme together seamlessly.
Check out Amazon for all your home decor needs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Versaille Copper Arch, $150
Soft, organic curves give this corner screen an easy elegance. For an extra punch of character and style, the artwork is secured directly to the screen instead of the wall. It's offbeat and unique without being too visually domineering.
Check out Macy's for all your home decor needs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Rattan Folding Screen, $88
If your front door opens right up into the living room—and if space allows—create a small makeshift entryway with a floor-to-ceiling folding screen. Designer Juan Carretero used the textural intrigue of a screen inspired by a collage of found objects to create a small, intimate sitting area. It's the perfect place to greet guests when they walk through the door.
Check out Design Within Reach for classic investment pieces, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Eames Molded Plywood Folding Screen, $3295
Upholstered in an iridescent, geometric fabric, the folding screens flanking the moldings frame the living room designed by Frank de Biasi They create a nice symmetry and provide the room with a subtle sense of movement.
Check out West Elm for all your home decor needs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW West Elm Tiered Scalloped Screen, $549
Not all room dividers are folding screens. Interior designer Leanne Ford got crafty with a drapery rod and curtain to make this attic office nook serve double duty as a guest room.
Check out Wayfair for an endless range of furniture options, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Eider & Ivory Blackout Curtains, $90
Here's another great room divider idea for anyone who wants to incorporate indoor plants. An open folding screen brings the same dimension you'd get for an upholstered or solid version but doesn't block light.
Check out Amazon for all your home decor needs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Deco Room Divider, $126
This eclectic living room designed by Montreal-based Les Ensembliers feels open and airy, thanks to the large windows, high ceilings, and bright white paint. The printed drapes, dark coffee table, navy geometric rug, and mural folding screen with a black backdrop ground the space to prevent it from feeling one-dimensional.
Check out Wayfair for an endless range of furniture options, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Panel Folding Room Divider, $257
Customized or not, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf can function as a room divider while also providing extra storage and display space. In this open space designed by Hecker Guthrie, the sculptural wall unit speaks to the geometric motifs throughout, so even though it breaks up the room nicely, it doesn't mess with the flow or feel out of place.
Check out Crate & Barrel for timeless staples, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Crate & Barrel Modular Bookcase, $754
Folding screens, especially antique ones, tend to boast intricate designs and textural elements. This means they function as sculptures and works of art, too. In this living room designed by Tasmin Johnson, the room divider in the corner transforms the entire space, infusing it with personality.
Check out Chairish for one-of-a-kind vintage finds, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Vintage Hand-Wrought Faces Folding Screen, $725
Hang curtains from the ceiling to create a canopy bed effect—you can even use tiebacks when you want to keep your "doors" open. This trick is perfect for drawing attention to high ceilings and is an especially good call for creating sections in multi-purpose rooms and studio apartments.
Check out Anthropologie for pretty hardware and accents, and shop our room divider accessory pick below:
BUY NOW Anthropologie Madison Tieback, $38
In this space designed by Arent & Pyke, an average corner is elevated to gallery status thanks to the dreamy room divider with a silver-brushed ground and painted weeping willows. Even the angles are well-thought-out: the bends in the divider look like they're embracing the chaise.
Check out Home Depot for all your home decor needs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Beaumont 4-Panel Folding Floor Screen, $219
In a studio apartment, create a little wardrobe/ dressing room by folding the screen and sanctioning off a corner. You can hang your outfit for the following day there, too, to speed up your morning routine.
Check out Smallable for on-trend accents and furniture, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW HKliving Cane Webbing Room Divider, $544
If you're not sure how to start the decorating process, choose a large artwork or one statement piece of decor with multiple colors in it. In this bedroom designed by Arent & Pyke, the elaborate room divider sets the tone for the color scheme. The designers pulled out the marigold, navy, and burnt orange-red hues, then softened things up with a cool white ceiling, gray carpet, and rattan accent chair.
Check out 1st Dibs for high-quality antiques and collector treasures, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Colé Floral Pattern Decor Divider, $2245
In interior designer Max Sinsteden's studio, he made his sleep zone feel separate from the rest of the room by hanging a super high curtain and then suspending a floating painting to break it off even more. "I hate seeing a bed from the front door, so I added a curtain to partition that space. When you close it, you honestly feel like you're in a Parisian hotel," he tells us. This means you can entertain, too, without feeling like everyone's hanging out in your bedroom. "A small space doesn't hamper me from inviting 50 people over. It's very Breakfast at Tiffany's—I always make room for people and keep plenty of ice."
Check out Walmart for all your home decor needs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW RoomDividersNow Ceiling Track Divider Kit, $102
Corners have a tendency to look awkward when empty, and folding screens are an easy way to liven them up. Then add large plants. To make sure it's not just your floors getting some love, hang a plant high up on the corner wall. It's all about creating dimension.
Check out The Inside for hip, customizable home decor, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW The Inside Shibori Scalloped Screen, $429
Similarly, room dividers can be fastened to the wall (or simply leaned if it's tall enough) for wall decor that brings more dimension than a simple framed piece of art. In this living room designed by Nick Olsen, a hand-painted screen sets the tone.
Check out Cost Plus World Market for reasonably priced, stylish goods, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Cost Plus Hand-Carved Wood Screen, $100
Installing curtains won't just come in handy in a makeshift guest room. In this dining room designed by Sarah Richardson, the reading nook becomes its own cozy little space thanks to the whimsical curtains.
Check out Ikea for all your home basics, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW IKEA Panel Divider Curtain, $10
Just lean a carved-wood piece directly against the wall to bring more textural intrigue into the space. In this bedroom designed by Cathy Kincaid, the wall divider drives home the Moroccan-inspired aesthetic. The designer actually cut the screen in half to flank each side of the bed for a symmetrical look.
Check out Urban Outfitters for stylish decor and small-space solutions, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Urban Outfitters Carved Wood Room Divider, $299
Wooden slats that partially section off the room into two areas offer a more open effect than a solid screen. In this home designed by Ray Booth, it partitions the stairwell from the living area nicely—and there's still a sense of flow and easy movement from section to section.
Check out Burke Decor for chic contemporary designs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Ferm Living Black Wooden Shelf Unit, $655
When you want to break up an open loft or studio apartment but can't (or don't want to) install permanent dividers, just use a folding screen. Designer Maureen Footer also accentuates the vertical space in this apartment, drawing our attention up with a super tall bed canopy. "There's no room to be timid" in a small space, she reminds us.
Check out One King's Lane for beautiful furniture and accents, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Iron Wrought Screen, $699
When you want to block off a door-less frame without actually having to install a door, consider fabric, crochet, or beads, depending on the style of the space.
Check out Etsy for handmade designs and fun vintage finds, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Large Macrame Door Curtains, $179
Whether it's random household supplies or an architectural quirk like a door to nowhere that throws off the layout, a strategically placed folding screen is a sneaky, stylish way to hide it.
Check out France & Son for on-trend contemporary designs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW France & Son Avidan Mirrored Screen, $423
If you don't mind a bit of an investment, install sliding doors for a more effective sense of privacy in a studio apartment (or this guest house designed by Vern Yip). Sliding doors don't take up any space since they don't swing open; leave them open for a more spacious feel when you're not asleep.
Check out Lowe's for all your home decor needs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Dogberry White Wood Barn Door, $577
Have we mentioned the infinite functional value of folding screens yet? Though this gorgeous bedroom (Sister Parish's retreat at her family's summer compound in Maine) has curtains to block out the morning light, the folding screen will guarantee beauty sleep. Plus, it adds to the nice cozy, layered style.
Check out Target for tons of options for all your decorating needs, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NO White Folding Screen , $141
In the bedroom, dressing room, or bathroom, fold a screen so it opens up onto a small desk or vanity table. If it's structurally sound, you can even turn it into a vanity by adding a small shelf. Keep your eyes out for a three-paneled design where the center panel is the widest. We're digging the sexy color scheme in this boudoir designed by Studio DB, too.
Check out Finnish Design Shop for stylish pieces from up-and-coming designers, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW Muuto Shelf Divider, $1695
If only one part of the room is windowed (and privacy isn't an issue, try a glass-paneled screen)—it adds just enough visual separation to a space while still allowing plenty of light to flow through.
Check out Ikea for all your home basics, and shop our room divider pick below:
BUY NOW IKEA Pair of Sliding Door Frames, $225