How to Make a Retractable Room Divider

Use fabric to create a retractable room divider.

Retractable room dividers are useful when you want to cordon off an area temporarily. Having one installed can be costly, so save some money by creating your own. Curtains or large fabric pieces provide a low-cost solution. Select colors and textures that match the room’s upholstery. Keep several different fabric pieces on hand to change the look of the area if desired.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric pieces or curtains
• Stud finder
• Drill
• 2 20-pound eyehooks
• High-tension curtain wire
• 2 wire-rope clips
• Curtain clips

Instructions

1. Measure the room’s width at the point where you want the retractable divider. Measure the height, from floor to ceiling as well. Use the measurements to select the properly sized curtains or fabric pieces.

2. Locate wall studs at the points where you'll install the retractable room divider by running a stud finder across the surface. Mark the location. Create a small pilot hole in the wall, 1 inch below the ceiling in the stud. Make another pilot hole on the opposite wall, also in a stud.

3. Screw one eyehook in each pilot hole. Use eyehooks that can accommodate at least 20 pounds.

4. Measure the length between the two opposite eyehooks. Add 8 inches to the number. Measure and cut a piece of high-tension curtain wire to this length.

5. Insert the end of the high-tension curtain wire into one eyehook, fold it over 4 inches and use a wire-rope clip to secure. Repeat the process on the other eyehook, pulling the wire tight.

6. Hang the curtains or fabric from the wire by clipping them in place with a row of curtain clips. Pull the fabric out to divide the room and pull it back to retract.

References

• Apartment Therapy: How To: Hang Curtains Across Any Space