These 35 Simple Room Divider Ideas Are Truly Transformative (2024)

This guest bedroom in a Toronto loft by Natalie Chong features glass separators extending between the partial wall up to the ceiling so that it feels somewhat private and distinct from the rest of the home while still letting in natural light.

Jeannette Whitson made this home library extra cozy by closing it off from the nearby sitting room with pocket doors. The glass doors allow for privacy, while the deep Hague Blue walls and tented ceiling give it a distinct personality from the adjacent rooms.

In this small living room by Melanie Turner, the mirrored folding screen bounces light, making it feel larger and more open.

Rodney Lawrence carved a foyer out of a larger living room by hanging shelves by Zanini de Zanine from the ceiling. They distinguish the entryway and can actually hold books and accessories even though they look delicate.

Heather and Matt French splashed this media room in bold pattern, dramatic color, and tons of texture, then crowned the design with a curtained trundle bed and added closed door, trellis-inspired cabinets.

An indoor trellis is the perfect room divider between the sunroom and sitting area in this home by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. It ties the greenery and decor scheme together seamlessly.

Here's another example of an outdoor feature used as interior decor. In this New York City dining room by Shawn Henderson, stained treillage introduces texture and dimension. Down the line, it could also be used as a folding screen room divider.

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 in the same color, which could feel like too much of a commitment or simply be too bold, opt for a vintage screen that features it.

If your front door opens right up into the living room—and space allows—create a small makeshift entryway with a floor-to-ceiling folding screen. 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.

This primary bedroom in a Berkshire, England, home by London-based architecture and interiors firm McLaren.Excell has a few great room separator ideas packed into it. First, take note of the barn door. It's much simpler to install and takes up less space than a classic door. The partial wall behind the bed frame also helps enhance the sense of intimacy and privacy.

A blush pink upholstered folding screen in this living room by Lisa Tharp is cleverly disguising an exposed pipe while also bringing a nice sense of dimension and depth by the cozy window nook. 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.

An A-frame chalet in Collingwood, Ontario, by Sarah Richardson has an open and airy feel to it, but Richardson wanted to create a few intimate moments within the open floor plan. A two-way fireplace helps separate the dining and living spaces while also giving both a cozy vibe.

Kristin Fine made her family room feel separate from the open plan by placing an 18th-century Swedish long table slash bench behind the custom sofa. If you're similarly floating your sofa, this is a great way to visually separate it from the rest of the space.

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.

Upholstered in an iridescent, geometric fabric, the folding screens flanking the moldings frame in this living room by Frank de Biasi create a nice symmetry and provide the room with a subtle sense of movement.

Not all room dividers are folding screens. Leanne Ford got crafty with a drapery rod and basic curtain to make this attic office nook serve double duty as a guest room.

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 with an upholstered or solid version but doesn't block the light.

This eclectic living room 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.

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 living room 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.

Folding screens, especially antique ones, tend to feature intricate designs and textural elements. This means they can function as sculptures and works of art too. In this living room by Tasmin Johnson, the room divider in the corner transforms the entire space, infusing it with personality.