How to choose the right room divider

Today it seems to be all about open plan living, but sometimes you just want a little bit of privacy. You might want to create smaller zones in your space, separate your living area from your dining area, create a reading area or simply set aside a tranquil spot in which you can just relax.

This is where the room divider can work its magic! An easier and more time-effective alternative to building new walls, and a cost-effective way to separate areas of your large room, well-chosen dividers can make it feel more comfortable. Another benefit of dividing your large space up into functional areas for all the family to use is that you don’t feel on top of one other! Here are some ideas we have found to give you an idea of what can be achieved in your own room:

Open shelving
This can double up as a bookcase, or to show off your favourite accessories. This is great for separating your living and dining area, and because you can see through it, it still lets valuable light through to both areas and so still has a feeling of open plan.

Clever ideas
Why not hang some plants from a clothes rail to make a room divider? In a bedroom space the mood-boosting greenery creates a practical partition between sleeping and studying. You can also use a shelf unit and put it on its side to create a divider, and having a divider at a lower height separates the area while still keeping the space open and light.

Built-in room dividers
Focusing more on bespoke solutions at a higher budget, these dividers can provide a stunning effect in any room. Creating a more permanent divide to your area, but still allowing the space and light you require, you can choose from either an open slat design or closed slats to give more privacy. Whichever you opt for, you can create the desired effect of dividing your room and having a design-led focus at the same time.

As Leigh Hall confirms, with any interior design decision, it's important to choose the solution which fits your space and your personality. 'We're working with lots of clients who are looking to make the most of their space,' comments Leigh. 'And as an interior designer, I believe that it's my role to guide clients in the right direction. Large rooms are wonderful, but I do feel that there's always an opportunity to create different zones at relatively low cost by introducing dividers. We're all craving that open-plan feeling, but that doesn't mean that we can't section areas off for different actitivies.'

Strive for Design founder Leigh Hall is an interior designer in Cambridge and offers virtual styling, telephone consultations and on-site appointments, so please call us on 01223 622 688 for an initial discussion.