How to Create a Bonus Area With a Room Divider

There is always the need for more space in a home! Many times, my clients with large living rooms or family rooms have a corner or side of the room that is just not used. You may have this same situation, so instead of creating another seating area that might not get used at all, do what I have them do: cut out a small room as your bonus area. You can use it as an office, a sewing room or an arts and crafts area for the kids--and the bonus of having this bonus space is that it will be shielded from the rest of the room, allowing you to leave projects out on the table without creating clutter!

The best way to accomplish this is with a room divider or screen. The hard surface lends itself to feeling more like walls, thus giving it a more permanent feel, whereas drapery hung from a ceiling-mounted rod tends to look a bit more makeshift. Here are my tips for sectioning off an area with a room divider.

Instructions

1. Let us create a workspace by choosing the room divider based on your taste, furnishings and space you are trying to create. You can purchase one at any furniture store or you can create a custom divider out of a variety of materials, depending on whether you want a modern or more traditional look, or even a softer or more masculine look. There are also companies online that have a great selection of dividers in various styles and materials.

2. Configure the divider in the room so as to create the most quiet workspace.

3. Put in your desk and chair, but do not add too much clutter or the space will feel too confined.

4. Add touches like lighting, pictures and artwork to create a warm, inviting space within the space and also give it personality. Create an office feel with items such as books, magazines and a laptop.

Tips & Warnings

• Bookshelves could also be used as room dividers by turning the shelving to the inside or outside of the room and then covering the backs with padding and fabric or a large piece of framed art.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish