Do you have an awkward entryway that leaves you stumped? Like one where you walk in the front door and you’re right in the room with no definition or separation?

Or do you have a large living room that you'd like to divide into different functional areas?

Stylish room dividers can be the perfect solution to these common design dilemmas.

Whether you're looking to create a home office within your living room, or a family room and playroom combination, room dividers can be a versatile and non-permanent solution.

Does this sound like your space?

There are many options like bookshelves, curtains, etageres, glass panels, and more, that can help you create a stylish and functional space to meet your needs.

In this post, I'll tell you about the many benefits, and a few creative hacks, for using room dividers to get some functional separation for your awkward spaces.

Let’s dive right in.

Divide and Conquer: Creative Ways to Separate Spaces

1. Privacy Screens

They’re a great way to get some separation and privacy in a room without making any permanent changes.

Privacy screens come in lots of materials, colors, sizes, and styles, from simple folding screens to decorative panels that can serve as art pieces.

Placed anywhere in the room, and they can be easily moved or stored when not in use.

If you want to create a cozy reading nook or a small workspace in your living room, a privacy screen can do the trick.

2. Bookshelves

Bookshelves aren’t just for books. They can also be a stylish room divider, especially if they are designed to be freestanding and open on both sides.

You can put them in the middle of a large room to create two smaller areas or use them perpendicular to a wall to create a cozy corner.

Don’t forget to display your favorite decorations, like vases, picture frames, or sculptures, to add a touch of personality to your space.

3. Etageres

Etageres are like bookshelves, but they’re more decorative and often have glass or mirrored shelves.

Because they’re open on both front and back, they’re perfect for dividing a room while still allowing light to pass through. That means they’re not too solid or clunky to float in the middle of the room.

You can use them to display your favorite treasure, like books, plants, or collectibles, and create a focal point in your space.

Etageres are also versatile and can be used in different rooms. So don’t hesitate to use them in the living room, dining room, or bedroom, if you want a bit of separation.

4. Curtains

Curtains are one of the most popular and versatile ways to divide a room. They’re easy to install and take down, which makes them the perfect non-permanent room diving solution.

You can install them with a rod or wire.

Tip: Curtain hardware that can be installed above any window can be flipped to attach to the ceiling making it easy to add curtains to any area in a room. So, you can have a custom, fabric wall wherever you need a little privacy or separation.

You can also use them to hide an unsightly spot, like a storage closet or a laundry area.

5. Glass or Acrylic Panels

If you want to create a division without sacrificing light and visibility, glass or plexiglass panels are a great option.

They can be used to create a partial or full wall between two areas, like the kitchen and the dining room or the bedroom and the home office. They can also be etched or frosted for added privacy or decorated with vinyl decals or stickers for a personal touch.

Glass or acrylic panels are usually more expensive than other options, but they can add value and elegance to your home. The investment translates to a unique and custom feature that could entice future buyers when it’s time to sell your house.

6. Other Creative Options

If you're feeling adventurous, there are many other creative ways to divide a room.

For example, you can use a folding door or a sliding screen door to separate two areas while still allowing easy access.

You can also use a large piece of furniture, like a sofa or a dresser, to create a visual barrier that separates one space from another. A sofa, used this way, can designate the seating space in an open concept layout from the dining space, for example.

How about using a plant wall, hanging sculpture, or a large mirror to create an illusion of separation?

These tricks can get you some much needed separation without heavy or permanent obstructions that could diminish the feel and function of your rooms.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right partition for your space:

• Measure your room and determine the size and shape of the area you want to divide.

• Consider the function of each area and how much privacy you need.

• Think about the style and color scheme of your room and choose a partition that complements it.

• Decide on your budget and look for affordable options that fit your criteria.

• Experiment with different ideas and layouts before making a final decision.

So, non-permanent partitions, like room dividers, are an affordable and flexible way to transform an awkward room into a functional and stylish space (or spaces.)

Whether you choose privacy screens, bookshelves, etageres, curtains, glass or plexiglass panels, or other creative options, make sure to consider your style, budget, and needs before deciding.

How about you?

Did you ever have an awkward space like a completely open entryway or weird spot that you wanted to partition off in your house?

What did you do to make that happen?

Leave me a comment below and tell me all about your genius solution that made all the difference!

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.