How to Divide a Room

Large rooms are easily divided into more usable spaces

Creating usable space from a large room may be accomplished by simply dividing the room into sections. This has become more prevalent with the advent of the "great room" into many home designs. While the "great room" concept is wonderful for its airy feel, the actual application and practicality of it can leave something to be desired. Whether you need to create an office space, an area for children or just a place to sit and relax, there are a number of ways you can divide a room in just a few simple steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Furniture Room divider screens Some muscle for moving furniture

1. Decide what the space will be used for. This will determine how much of the room you will need to divide. Do you want to make a small office? Does your family need a family room - but you would appreciate a quiet spot to entertain? Once you have decided what the areas will be used for, you can consider how much of the space will need to be sectioned off and the best way to accomplish it.

2. Great room separated into living, dining, kitchen spaces - Davis Frame Co., Inc.

   Consider a flexible rather than a permanent option. Permanent room divisions usually entail the building of a non-load supporting wall or some kind of "bar" area. For example, if your "great room" encompasses both your living room and kitchen areas, most often you will see a kitchen bar area that provides some room division between the two areas. If you are not comfortable accomplishing this kind of project, you might want to consider the flexible option.

3. Move furniture to create spaces. Flexibility in the room division will allow for changing hobbies, growing children and various entertainment opportunities. One of the most flexible ways to divide a room is to utilize the furniture already in place to create separate areas in the large room. In the photo above, note how the room has been divided by simply using the furniture. The sofa faces the center of the room while the dining room table resides in the space behind it creating a dining room area. The kitchen area is also separated by use of the bar area.

4. Schoolroom divided by screen creates multiple uses.

   Purchase a room divider screen. A room divider screen or privacy screen can be purchased or made. Its purpose is to divide the room, allowing the occupants on each side of the room to have a relative amount of privacy. In the photo here, the original school room was large and square and needed to be divided into a conference room on one side and a seating area on the other. Using the screen as the divider, the areas are able to be enlarged should one side be utilized and the other not. At the same time, privacy is provided for each side.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish