Dividers for Modern Living
How to Create Some Private Zones Within Your Open-Plan Design
Open floor plans are becoming more common as older homes are renovated and new homes are designed. Families love to be together in one big open space while doing different tasks. But privacy — or at least semi-privacy — is still desired at certain times. These room dividers illustrate how you can create a little separation without hurting the original open plan.
The simplest element you can have constructed is a partial-height wall. It creates a physical wall separation between spaces but doesn't cut off sight lines. Each side of the wall can be used to anchor furniture placement. You can easily communicate the height and width of the partial height wall to your contractor without hiring a designer or needing a permit.
Shelves can provide the floor-to-ceiling separation and storage, while still connecting spaces via openings in the back. This beautifully made example creates an entry vestibule separate from the living area of the home.
Horizontal wood slats are being used on both exterior and interior applications, and I can't get enough of the rustic, natural and modern touch they provide. Here they create a simple semi-transparent wall that is elegant and playful.
An artistic flourish to the wood-slat wall is accomplished by changing up the distance between the slats in each component of the wall. The divider wall becomes a point of interest in the room beyond its functional capabilities of division and extra storage (notice the drawers).
If you are sick of horizontal wood slats but like the transparency the spacing creates, there are always vertical wood slats for a more conservative look. Here they separate different areas of an upscale public restroom.
A sliding panel can create division and privacy when needed, and return the space to its open plan the rest of the time. We can see two examples here: a sliding screen with both wood and decorative glass elements to block the stairs, and a pocket door for the room beyond.
In smaller homes lacking plentiful windows, a large frosted glass sliding screen is a great alternative to solid walls. It creates the division between rooms but allows the available light to infiltrate the darker corners.
A non-sliding frosted glass panel provides division, semi-privacy, and the flow of natural light throughout the bathroom areas.
Here's another example of a glass panel in a bathroom to separate zones, but this one is textured instead of frosted for a different feel.
Here's a clever division for a large bathroom: A plumbed partial-height wall allows the installation of vanities and mirrors on both sides, freeing up perimeter walls for windows or other plumbing fixtures.
More: 10 Great Ways to Use Room Screens
Designing With Wood Slats
Material Choices: Translucent Glass Doors
More: 10 Great Ways to Use Room Screens
Designing With Wood Slats
Material Choices: Translucent Glass Doors