Open-concept living spaces are known for their flexibility and open feel, but they can sometimes lack the structure needed to define different areas. Divider screens offer an excellent solution by providing functional, stylish partitions. Having collaborated with homeowners and designers over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how the right divider can enhance a space. Here are 28 divider ideas, backed by real-life examples, that will inspire you to rethink your open living areas.
- Freestanding Wooden Panels
Source @ornamentalmoulding
Wooden panels are a classic and versatile choice when looking for a divider that exudes elegance and warmth. One of my clients used intricately carved wooden panels to separate their living and dining spaces subtly. The natural grain and unique patterns in the wood brought a sense of character to the home. At the same time, the freestanding nature of the divider allowed for easy reconfiguration as their needs changed. Wooden panels are ideal for creating a refined yet adaptable boundary between spaces.
- Sliding Glass Doors
Source @themarvinbrand
For a modern, sleek look that doesn’t compromise on natural light, sliding glass doors are an excellent solution. In a project I completed for a client, we installed frosted glass sliding doors to create a semi-private workspace within an open-plan home. The frosted glass maintained a sense of openness and light while providing the necessary privacy for focused work. These doors can be customized with various finishes to align with your design preferences, making them a flexible option for contemporary spaces.
- Bookshelf Dividers
Source @modernshelving
A bookshelf divider serves a dual purpose: it divides a space while also providing storage. I’ve used tall, open bookshelves to separate living areas from home offices, creating both a functional and aesthetic barrier. The shelf can display books, plants, or decorative items, making it a stylish yet practical solution. For clients, custom-built shelving units can be designed to fit specific needs, maximizing space and style.
- Hanging Plants as Dividers
Source @houseofbotanical
For a softer, natural feel, hanging plants can serve as a living divider. In one project, I worked with a homeowner who wanted to separate their living room from the kitchen without sacrificing the open atmosphere. We hung cascading plants from the ceiling, creating a partition that felt organic and vibrant. This solution works particularly well in spaces with plenty of natural light, allowing the plants to thrive while adding a touch of nature to your interiors.
- Foldable Screens with Fabric
Source @sunfishnyc
For renters or anyone who enjoys changing the layout of their space frequently, foldable screens with fabric panels offer a portable, flexible solution. One of my clients used a fabric screen to section off her home office from the rest of the living area. The screen provided privacy when needed and could be easily folded and tucked away to open up the space. The fabric panels also added a pop of color and texture, enhancing the overall design.
- Open-Frame Metal Dividers
Source @aurusbyv4
For those who favor industrial or minimalist designs, open-frame metal dividers can add an edgy, modern touch to any room. I created a custom divider for a loft-style apartment using black steel frames and wooden accents. This design subtly separated the kitchen from the living area while maintaining an open, airy feel. The combination of metal and wood brings durability and visual appeal, making it a great choice for contemporary spaces.
- Macramé or Beaded Curtains
Source @lfernan2
Macramé or beaded curtains provide a bohemian and artistic way to divide a space. In my college years, I crafted a macramé curtain to separate my bed from my desk area, giving the space a cozy, textured feel. These curtains allow light and airflow to flow freely, making them ideal for spaces that need a touch of whimsy without becoming too enclosed. You can customize the design to match your style, and it’s also an enjoyable DIY project.
- Reclaimed Window Frames
Source @distrangeddesign
Reclaimed window frames offer a charming, vintage-inspired option for creating a divider with character. I worked with a client who sourced old window frames from a flea market and transformed them into a beautiful partition for her farmhouse-style home. The window frames preserved the open feel of the space while providing a unique and eye-catching design element. This approach is perfect for those who appreciate vintage, rustic elements in their interiors.
- Frosted or Patterned Glass P
Source @profildoors_ae
Frosted or patterned glass panels are ideal for maintaining privacy without blocking light. In a recent project, I helped a client install frosted glass panels between her open-plan bathroom and the rest of the home. The panels offered a subtle separation, providing privacy while maintaining the clean, modern aesthetic of the space. These panels are also an excellent choice for living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms where privacy is desired without sacrificing openness.
- Shutter Screens
Source @securitytx
Old shutters can be repurposed into creative, functional dividers. I painted and distressed a set of shutters for a beach house project, giving the space a relaxed, coastal vibe. The adjustable slats on shutters allow for control over light and visibility, which makes them a versatile choice for different areas of the home. Shutter screens can also provide a vintage charm, adding character while maintaining a sense of openness.
- Barn Doors on Tracks
Source @barndoorz
Sliding barn doors can be both functional and stylish, making them a statement piece in any home. I installed a set of barn doors for a client’s home office, enabling them to easily close off the space when they needed privacy. The rustic appeal of barn doors pairs well with modern and industrial designs, adding a touch of charm while offering the flexibility to open or close off areas as needed.
- Rope Partitions
Source @daisukemotogi
Rope partitions are minimalist and contemporary, offering a subtle yet effective way to divide spaces. Recently, I worked with a couple who wanted to separate their home office from the living room. We installed vertical ropes, creating a light, airy barrier that didn’t overwhelm the space. This design works well in modern interiors and can be customized with different rope materials and patterns to fit the aesthetic.
- Mirror Screens
Source @_studioarchives
Mirror screens serve a dual purpose: they divide a space and visually expand it. In a project for a compact apartment, I installed mirrored panels to divide the living and dining areas. The reflective surface enhanced the sense of space and light, making the room feel larger while maintaining a functional partition. Mirror screens are a great option for small spaces where you want to maximize light and create the illusion of a bigger room.
- Curtain Dividers
Source @sirohome
Curtains are a classic, simple solution for dividing spaces, especially when floor-to-ceiling options are used. A client of mine used luxurious velvet curtains to separate her reading nook from the main living area, creating a cozy, intimate space. Curtains also offer sound insulation, making them ideal for spaces where you want to reduce noise or create a sense of privacy.
- Wicker or Rattan Screens
Source @rattanhousebn
Wicker or rattan screens add a natural, organic touch to any interior. I used a rattan screen to separate the sunroom from the rest of the home, creating a cozy, inviting seating area. The lightweight nature of wicker or rattan screens allows for easy repositioning, and their textured surfaces bring warmth and character to a space without overwhelming it.
- Slatted Wood Screens
Source @buildingandint
Slatted wood screens provide a stylish way to divide spaces while maintaining an open feel. I worked with a client who wanted to separate different seating areas in a large living room. We used vertical slats to create a partition that was visually interesting and cohesive, while still allowing light and airflow to pass through. This type of divider is perfect for those who want to add texture and definition to their space without making it feel closed off.
- Decorative Screens with Art Panels
Source @jwlumber
Decorative screens featuring custom art panels can serve as both a functional divider and a statement piece. For one client, we commissioned a geometric-patterned screen that complemented their modern décor. The artwork turned the screen into a focal point, adding a personal touch to the space while dividing it into distinct zones. This is a great option for those who want to showcase their personality and taste.
- Lattice Screens
Source @kdcarchitecture
Lattice screens are a great way to blend indoor and outdoor spaces. I’ve used them to separate patios from living areas, incorporating climbing plants to create a lush, green divider. The open structure of lattice screens allows for a light, airy feel while still providing some separation. These dividers are ideal for creating semi-private areas in large open spaces.
- Brick Half-Walls
Source @commomydecor
Brick half-walls can add texture and a sense of permanence to any space. In a mid-century modern home, I worked on a project where a half-wall was used to separate the kitchen from the dining area. The exposed brick added visual interest and warmth, becoming a striking design feature in the room while still maintaining an open, connected feel.
- Reclaimed Doors
Source @thevintagedoorcompany
Reclaimed doors can be transformed into unique, foldable dividers that add character and charm. I once helped a client hinge together three vintage doors to create a divider for her open-plan living space. The distressed wood and intricate details made it a conversation piece, offering both practicality and style.
- Steel and Wood Combination
Source @shopskout
A combination of steel and wood can bring industrial chic to any room. For a client’s open kitchen, I designed a custom divider using black steel frames and oak wood panels. The combination of materials added structure and definition to the space while maintaining a contemporary and cohesive look.
- Textured Wall Dividers
Source @mazeconcept
Textured wall dividers, such as those made from stone, reclaimed wood, or concrete, can serve as a natural focal point. In a client’s mountain retreat, we used reclaimed barn wood to create a warm, textured divider that added dimension to their open living area. This approach is ideal for creating a visual anchor in larger, open spaces.
- Acoustic Panels for Sound Control
Source @indigoff.design
In spaces with high noise levels or open offices, soundproof divider panels can be a functional addition. I recently installed acoustic panels in a client’s media room to minimize sound bleed into the adjacent living space. These panels not only help control noise but can also be customized to match the décor, adding a practical yet stylish touch.
- Geometric Screens
Source @celestile_boutique
Laser-cut geometric screens are modern, bold, and highly customizable. One of my clients used a geometric screen in their entryway to subtly divide the space while adding visual interest. These screens are perfect for creating partitions that serve as a statement piece in contemporary interiors.
- Plywood Panels for Minimalist Spaces
Source @furmories_interior
Plywood panels are an affordable, minimalist option for those who want to maintain a sleek, modern aesthetic. I used plywood panels to create a reading nook in a Scandinavian-style home. With the right finish, plywood can look polished and sophisticated while providing a clean, understated divider.
- Hanging Frames or Artwork
Source @rainerarts
Large artwork, framed and suspended from the ceiling, can serve as a dynamic and artistic divider. In a gallery-style home, I used hanging frames to divide the space, allowing the artwork to be the focal point while also offering functional separation. This approach is perfect for homes that prioritize art and creativity.
- String Curtains
Source @casazoya
String curtains are a light and elegant option for dividing spaces. I’ve seen them used in yoga studios and meditation areas, where they create a subtle boundary without closing off the space entirely. String curtains are ideal for creating soft partitions in spaces that require an airy, open feel.
- Living Walls as Dividers
Source @mazeconcept
Living walls, or vertical gardens, can serve as both a divider and a sustainable design element. In one project, I worked with a client who wanted to separate her living area from a dining nook. We installed a lush vertical garden, creating a natural partition that added beauty and functionality. Living walls bring an eco-friendly touch to any home and can be tailored to suit your specific space and style.
