Do you need some privacy in your shared space? Or do you want to add some texture to the space? Nothing works better than a room divider. There are several options available in the market, from foldable to sliding screen, etc, that offer privacy and also define a space and create distinct zones.
Room dividers have been used for more than 2,000 years - they date back to China in 200 BC. They add a touch of glamor and chic and also act as a functional element. They can enhance the beauty of any space and can also be made at home, which is a cost-effective solution. This blog discusses 15 different types of DIY room dividers and how to make one.
15 DIY Room Dividers Ideas You Can Incorporate in Your Home
Curtain Room Divider
Curtain room dividers are an affordable, renter-friendly option. They are also great for people living in small spaces. If you need something that can be changed later, this solution is best for you. There are several options, such as black-out, sheer, luxury, and budget curtains. You can also DIY them at home using fabric, and they need little to no sewing.
Macrame Room Divider
In addition to serving as wall art, it can also be used as a room divider to add texture to the space. It can give you little privacy, and the best part is - you can arrange and design the macrame room divider in your preferred way.
Barn Door Room Divider
If you are a farmhouse-style home enthusiast, a barn door room divider might be your optimal choice. You can DIY it to suit any space, and it can also be customized to create a walk-in closet.
Geometric Fretwork Divider
If you need a divider that creates some separation while maintaining airiness, a geometric fretwork divider is the best. Though these dividers are costly, you can DIY them at home using wood, hinges, and nails. However, it requires proper measurement to get the fretwork right.
Books and Bookcases
Books and bookcases can also be used as room dividers. Books can absorb sound, which means you won’t have to worry about external noise. Also, you can display the books in color, random rainbow, spines inwards, lined up, or stacked. If the bookshelves are not open, the backside can be used as a wall.
Interior Window Divider
An interior window divider can create a historical charm. They introduce a stylish design element and allow natural light to filter through. It also helps reduce noise. The window sashes can be created using wood or metal and can be finished in various colors, such as - traditional ivory or bold black. If you want enhanced privacy, consider painting the glass, which slightly dims the light while maintaining an overall aesthetic.
A Folding Screen Divider
Folding screens are considered the best room divider. This is because it can be used to create an entryway or a space for yoga and meditation. They can also be used to conceal the backside of the furniture. You can DIY it easily at home and can add charms by incorporating small artwork, mini succulents, or a pretty, lightweight throw blanket.
Open Shelving
An open shelving room divider serves as a purely illusory element. This divider functions like a wall and preserves visibility in the space beyond. It also allows the air and light to flow. Incorporate larger, heavier items on the lower shelves, but be mindful of what you display to prevent a cluttered look.
Window Nook
You can convert any space into a charming built-in reading nook. You can incorporate whimsical wall coverings and a queen-size bed. Also, you can add storage to the cabinetry beneath. However, you can DIY and customize the nook as per your preference, depending on your home style.
Use Existing Closets
You can use an unused closet to turn it into a compact home office or creative nook. Add a small desk, floating shelves, and a pegboard for hanging supplies. The door separates the workspace from the rest of the room. It also helps in maintaining a neat and tidy space as you close the doors once the workday ends.
Hang a Salvaged Window
A salvaged window brings historical charm to your home. This is very easy to DIY because all you need is to attach two eye bolts to the window, install matching eye bolts into the ceiling beam, and suspend the window using wire or chain. This divides the room in the best way possible while letting light flow through.
Wallpapered Divider
The wallpapered divider gives out a whimsical, Renaissance-inspired vintage art. You can also customize a modern one, depending on your choice and the style of your home. It is also the best option if you don’t want to stick wallpaper to the entire room.
Workspace Folding Screen
If you are struggling to section off a workspace in your home, a workspace folding screen can help you create a cozy yet isolated space for a desk and a chair. This can easily be DIY-ed, and for more functional use, you can add a bulletin board and a chalkboard for your important papers and reminders.
Leaf Motif Divider
You can create a seasonal leaf motif screen by painting screens and frames. The leaf silhouettes can be photocopied and mounted on fabric-covered backings. Add ribbons to the frame edges with a glue gun and hang frames depending on the season.
Memento Screen
Memento screens can be personalized and easily made at home. Add ribbons in a crisscross pattern and use it to tuck in your favorite photographs to cherish forever. It can also be used as a step-and-repeat at your next party.
How to Build a DIY Room Divider?
The method to build a room divider depends on the type of room divider you want for your home. Before you start, you’ll need the following supplies -
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Three rolls of wallpaper (total measured in 61.5 inches wide and 118 inches tall)
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Two ¾ inches MDF panels
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Wallcovering adhesives
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Butt hinges
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Primer
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Black semigloss paint
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Paintbrush and roller
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Sandpaper
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Box cutter
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½ inches felt furniture pads
Here’s how you can make a vintage-inspired wallpapered DIY room divider -
Get Precut Screen Dividers
If you live in a small apartment and don’t have much room for DIY, getting a precut room divider screen can be the best idea.
Sand, Prime and Paint
Lightly sand and prime each panel before painting. Once done, paint the edges and one side of each panel with a black semigloss paint.
Apply the Wallpaper
Next, you can apply glue to the wallpaper on the other side. You can also opt for peel-and-stick wallpapers, as this can save you an additional step to apply adhesive. But if you are working with adhesive, here’s what you need to follow -
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Work in foot-long sections.
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Once you’re done painting the adhesive, line up the wallpaper and smooth it down.
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Repeat the process until all the panels are covered.
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Trim around the edges.
Add Furniture Felt Pads
Once the wallpaper adhesive is dried up, add the two furniture felt pads to the bottom of each panel. The MDF boards can be heavy, so adding these felts makes it easier to glide them across the floor.
Add Hinges
Adding hinges can be complicated, but it’s not challenging. However, it is recommended to do so carefully. So, here are a few steps to follow to add hinges to the wallpaper room divider -
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Place the panels flat on the floor and stack them up in the order they would appear when completed. Identify which side of each panel will face the front (showing the wallpaper when the screen is open) and which side will face the back (showing the paint when the screen is open).
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Next, screw in the hinges to attach the panels. You can use matching butt hinges to match the color of the paint. It is advisable to alternate using the back and front sides of the panels.
There might be some trial and error when making the divider. Always ensure not to screw the hinges in the wallpaper. Though there are several room dividers readily available in the market, making one on your own gives it a personal touch. With a little bit of color and texture, you can always give the room divider a super high-end flair.
