Room Dividers Blog

It’s that time of year where we find the most Unique Room Dividers out there, something new and fresh, something that doesn’t fall into the traditional folding screen categories.  I have a few to share here and I want to hear from you - what new and interesting room screens have you seen on the market lately.  OR, what is the whackiest room divider idea you have ever seen?  Topping my list this week has to be the Titanic Mirror Room Divider.  That’s right, the Titanic, as in the boat that sunk tragically so many years ago.  I’m not entirely sure why it is called this, but I’m guessing that it has to do with the port hole window style mirrors that you would see on cruise ship like the titanic, built into the room screen panels.  So this room screen would be a great choice for those going for a nautical or seaside theme in their living room, bedroom, office, or wherever else one might need some privacy!  Another style this would work well with is, quite simply, antique decor.  The beautiful wood panels have a very deep antique style finish and very subtle distressing.  That combined with the dark wood and throwback cruise ship window style accents makes this a sure fit for antique styled home decors.  Antique not your thing?  On the opposite end of the spectrum we have the Geometric Screen Room Divider.  This folding screen is a piece of modern art all on its own, with a retro flair.  Accent your home with the right room divider for the right space for privacy, decorative purposes and to define a certain space.

A new room divider has caught my eye this week - it has sort of a Frank Lloyd Wright vibe going on, and reminds me of the inspired stained glass silk scarves that were popular during a certain decade (not to be mentioned here), but this version is more elegant and does not have the cheesy colors.  I love the Greenwich Folding Screen because it is a totally new style of room divider that I have not yet seen.  It breaks free of the Asian inspired themed room screens that we are so used to seeing, whether they are shoji screens or rice paper with flower shadows on them, let’s face it, there are a lot of Asian room dividers out there so it’s nice to see something new.  It’s also different from all of the contemporary folding screens that are so popular these days, the ones with bright colors and modern art painted on both sides.  This room divider makes a statement of its own, but it does so with its architectural details, not with bright colors.  This screen has three panels which is the most versatile size, what most people need for use at home or the office.  The wooden frame features a very dark, black finish, a great contrast to the off white fiber paper panels on the insides.  Additional structural elements are added at the bottom and top using thin rectangular wood frames, giving it that stained glass look minus the color.  I can only imagine how beautiful this room divider would look with a light behind it, casting a soft glow through the fiber paper  - I think the rectangular designs would almost look like a city skyline when used this way!  Have fun with this elegant new room divider by Adesso!

Choose a bookcase style Room Divider for maximum storage and style!

A new type of room divider is becoming ever more popular.  These room screens differ from the traditional styles in a few ways, yet still offer many of the same benefits. Instead of a three or four panel solid room screen that folds, this new room divider option features a shelving design. This is a great choice for many areas of the home.  Obviously, it doesn’t offer the same amount of privacy as a shoji screen, so it shouldn’t be used to create a dressing area or to block out a door less bathroom.  But, these Room Divider Shelves offer something that traditional folding screens don’t: storage.  They are available in different forms, sizes and styles.  Most are designed, though, to display books and collectibles.  The difference between these and bookcases, however, is that they don’t have a back on them, so they can be placed anywhere in the room, they are not limited to the walls.  Use these unique room dividers to add maximum visual appeal to any space, with added storage as a bonus.  In the main living area, a bookshelf style room screen can separate a large living room into a conversation area and entertainment area.  Or use it to separate the dining room from the living room.  The benefit is that you can actually see through the screen, creating a more seamless separation of the spaces.  Another benefit is that you get the style and decor on both sides of the divider.  Whether you are sitting in the dining room or the living room, you can still see your collectible items stacked neatly on the shelves.  Use this beautiful modern Room Divider Shelving Unit to display your favorite vases, bowls of potpourri, framed photographs and coffee table books.

Should a Room Divider be a focal point or something more discreet?

Of course this is a question of individual style and needs. A room divider can either be a very bold design element, or it can simply perform a needed task, say to cover up a messy desk, act as a window shade, or divide a large room into separate, defined spaces.  So, what should you look for when you want your room divider to be noticeable?  And what should you look for when you want your room divider to blend in?  Here are some tips on choosing the right room divider for your style and needs.
First,  a Room Divider as a  Design Statement.  There are many ways to go with this.  Obviously color is a great place to start.  But, you don’t have to choose a floor screen that is bright red, orange or blue all over (although those certainly have a place in the right decor, too).  This cherry blossom shoji screen is really the best of both worlds.  With four panels, it’s wide enough for even the largest hiding jobs, and most of the colors are plain, black and white.  However, this screen has added a twist with beautiful bright pink cherry blossoms.  This splash of color is sure to draw the eyes of guests when they arrive, a great way to add a touch of Asian themed decor to the home. 
Second, a Discreet Room Divider.  This is a little bit trickier, since a floor screen, by definition, is a large piece of home decor.  If you want your room divider to blend in with your decor rather than stand out, I would stick with very muted, single palette color themes.  A natural screen with white panels is a great idea – it is unlikely to draw attention to the area you wish to hide.  Another option is a fully wooden screen, as long as the screen is all the same color, and the color is mellow (light and medium browns work very well).  Enjoy!