How to Choose a Metal Room Divider
Room dividers make an excellent solution to many home design needs: They can delineate space in open areas, cordon off a corner, hide a closet or storage area, or even serve as stand-alone decorative elements. Metal room dividers are prized for their versatility, portability and durability. They come in a variety of metals, colors, finishes, design styles, heights and weights. As with any home decor selection, take your time and choose carefully. You might have to live with your decision for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Consider the purpose of the divider. Perhaps you want to add or conceal storage, or to add a crispness to the overall room decor. Perhaps you want to foster intimacy or impress your neighbors with a unique conversation piece. Consider all the purposes you want the metal divider to serve.
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2
Survey the room's existing decor. Though most metal is neutral enough to complement most color schemes, take into account what style of divider will suit the room. For example, if you have a floral, romantic theme in your living room, a starkly modern metal divider is unlikely to fit in well.
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3
Research types of metal and metal finish, types of panel design (open, solid or mesh), design style (geometric, floral or other), as well as divider height and weight. The Internet is a good place to start, and print catalogs also are a good place to look. You can also shop at brick-and-mortar home decor, home improvement, furniture and discount retailers.
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4
Narrow your selection. Whether you have been researching online or in person, choose two or three metal room dividers you feel will best serve your needs and suit the room's existing decor.
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5
Visualize your choices in your space. Now that you have two or three selections in mind, imagine how they will look in your room. Will they add to, detract from, or practically disappear into the existing decor? Will they serve the purpose you identified in Step 1?
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6
Try out your two or three choices. If the retailer allows returns--and your budget allows for the expense--purchase the two or three choices and try them out in your space. It might be worth the temporary expense to see how the pieces will work in your home.
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Make a final selection. You have theorized, researched, visualized, and possibly, physically tried out your two or three choices. Consult family, friends, and anyone else you feel has valuable input. Make the final decision at your own pace.
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Tips & Warnings
You might want to consult an interior designer to help in the selection process. But no matter how much you respect her opinion, in the end, the decision is up to you.
Metal room dividers can weigh as much as 70 pounds. Especially if you have children or pets, be sure to take the weight and stability of the divider into account.
