Ideas for Room Dividers

Room dividers are helpful for a number of reasons. Sometimes kids must share a bedroom, or in some cases a portion of a living room must be used for a home office. No matter the reason, it is possible to divide a room without going to the expense of adding a wall. Flimsy folding panels do not constitute a quality way to divide a room. Consider the following easy and stylish ideas for room dividers, and transform a single room into two separate areas. With these easy and stylish ideas the room will look like it was meant to be two separate spaces all along.

Ideas to Divide and Conquer with Sturdy Floor Units

Shelf units make fantastic room dividers, but not all shelf units are ideal for dividing a room. Shelves that are too narrow and top-heavy are dangerous, but those with a wide base can be used to divide a room in stylish ways. Make a narrow self unit more stable by adding a wider base, or select a shelf unit with a wide storage cabinet along the bottom. Select a second or third heavy wide-base piece of furniture to place alongside. They do not have to line up side by side. Bring the center piece forward or backward depending on the look you want to achieve. Well-chosen pieces will look like a short wall that will adequately divide the space while looking like a built-in part of the home.

Ideas for Adding Color to Room Dividers

Painting units to divide a space is a great way to combine different styles and make two or more pieces look like one. Select paint the same color as the walls, or choose an accent color for the shelves. For example, if you like an accent color in a beautiful wall hanging, make that color more apparent than ever by painting a room divider the same hue. This solid moveable divider will provide much needed privacy while separating one space from another in a single room. It will also provide additional storage space.

Another way to embellish book shelf dividers and freestanding cabinetry is by adding multiple shades of various colors. Paint the background of room dividers a different shade than the shelves and frame. Choose the color according to the hue of the shelves and frame and the color of the objects you plan to display. White will greatly highlight almost any color, and it will go well with any other hue, but the possibilities are endless.

Ideas for Decorating and Adding Practicality to Plain Shelving Backs

The backs of shelf units used as dividers are often flimsy and not meant to be viewed. They can be easily strengthened by attaching quarter-inch wood sheeting. Measure and cut the wood to the appropriate size, and nail it into place. Paint the wood to match the rest of the dividers, and use the backing to hang works of art or sturdy peg hooks for hanging coats, hats, or decorative items.

Folding panels meant to divide rooms are expensive, but they are flimsy and not at all necessary. Visit local flea markets and discount stores to find bargains on room dividers. Sturdy, stable shelving, paint, and home decor are all you need to create room dividers that will look like they belong.

Source: Education in Advanced Art and Decorating