Guest Picks: Dramatic Arts for the Big Screen
Like a director's pet project, room screens are primed for designers to get creative and go grand. Here, 25 high-design dividers to inspire
With the Oscars coming up on February 24, I couldn't resist this little play on words, especially because I think that a screen is probably one of the most dramatic decor elements in a room. There are many gorgeous and interesting screens from numerous galleries and big-ticket design sources, and I think you will be astounded by the creativity in the designs. As far as I can see, there is a screen to inspire every type of home decor environment. And now, I welcome you to cast your ballot for one of the options below. — Gail from Dezignlicious
Art Deco–Inspired Five-Part Lacquered Screen
I am a big art deco fan, and this fanciful five-panel screen would do justice to any sophisticated living room.
Softwall
Modern design is always seeking ways to reinvent how we function in a space. This felt Softwall was created to divide up an area in a room or office and to function as a storage wall for small, infrequently used objects. Pretty clever, no?
Phillip Lloyd Powell Pierced 'New Hope' Floor Screens at
If your design bent is art nouveau, these screens are just the thing for you. The sinuous tendrils are hand-carved out of walnut by noted woodworker Phillip Lloyd Powell.
Venini Suspended Murano Glass Elements Screen
This is yummy Murano elegance in a 1960s multicolored glass screen from Venini. This would make me ooh and ah if I saw it hanging in a room.
Picasso Theme Folding Screen
There's no need to go to the museum for a Picasso fix. Just put this creative floor screen in a corner of your living room and voilà!
Rondelay
A Higgins Glass Rondelay wall screen is a delight to behold. The glass pieces were all made in the 1960s, so this piece has some history. Letting it hang from the ceiling creates a mesmerizing room divider for all to behold.
Gaetano Pesce Screen
This room divider has yellow lacquered shelves that tilt out. It's sort of a screen-meets-bookshelf. Designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1982, there is a lot of design bang for the buck in this little beauty.
Cubist Screen
I love a screen made of movable pieces. It lets the light softly pass through and creates a really interesting vertical wall. This one is made out of brown mahogany.
Screen #0410012
Here is another version of a screen with movable panels joined together. The clean white lacquer squares are really striking.
Piero Fornasetti Pompeiana Folding Screen
If you do not know about Piero Fornasetti and his wonderful designs, here is a great place to start. The whimsical reality in this folding screen definitely makes this a collector's item.
Undulating Large Screen Floor Lamp
This undulating screen also functions as a floor lamp! It's kind of a cool, sexy combination, don't you think? The screen is made of woven rattan covered in a soft fabric that allows the light to shine through.
Four Panel Folding Screen
This French folding screen from the 1960s has a boldly colored checkerboard motif that is fantastic. It would be so fun mixed into a contemporary room.
Ateliers Jean Prouvé Screen
Just imagine this gorgeous movable partition in a large loft apartment. How dramatic would that be? It's much more interesting than a Sheetrock wall if you ask me. This was designed in the 1950s by the famous French architect Jean Prouvé.
Vintage Midcentury Screen With Hard Edge Painting
This screen is painted in what is called a Hard Edge style. I was surprised to see it attributed to the 1960s, but that doesn't take away from its unusual styling and impact.
Ultra Chic Modernist 6-Paneled Mirrored Screen
There is nothing more classic than a beveled mirrored screen. Chic and sophisticated with modernist overtones, this one would literally shine in a living room or dining room. It has a stunning silver-leafed backside as well.
'Mercury Rising' Screen
This floor screen takes the prize for artistic originality. Designed by British artist Sophie Coryndon, it is an outstanding example of Japanese lacquer techniques and gold leafing. The fabulous alligator baying at the moon is non-stop wonderful.
Mobile Elements Screen
This screen is part of a modern furniture grouping from Cassina called "Mobile Elements." The designer, Antonio Citterio, wanted to create simple pieces that could easily be moved around the office or home to create privacy. I love the bright orange color and think the concept is just so very clever.
Woven Straw Screen
Nada Debs comes from Morocco, and her floor screen has a bit of an exotic touch. The woven straw texture filters light gently while still maintaining a sense of privacy.
Bordoni Leather Screen
I just had to share with you a traditional leather screen with nailheads. This Bordoni leather screen is an excellent example of traditional design. Screens of this type are always considered in good taste by one and all, and they can look gorgeous in modern and traditional homes.
Studded Screen
How chic is this studded patent leather screen? It is screaming 1970s "razzamatazz" all over!
Screen or Five-Set Wall Panels
One of my haunts for art deco–style furnishings in Los Angeles is Anne Hauck Antiques. I was delighted to come upon this set of five wall panels executed in the style of Jean Dunand, another rather famous art deco furniture designer you should be aware of. The black lacquer and gold leaf variations are stunning.
Wood Screen by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
A re-issue of a famous designer's work can be a way to purchase something in perfect condition at a much more affordable price point. Herman Miller did just that with an original folding panel wood screen design from legendary designers Charles and Ray Eames.
Modernist Folding Screen
Simplicity meets elegance in this 1950s modernist folding screen made of fabric and metal. I think this would slip beautifully into a country house or a wonderful house at the beach.
Pair of Asian Wall Screens or Room Dividers
These floor screens/room dividers were created out of wood and are replete with Asian design symbols. The peeling paint adds to their mystery and charm. I would love to see these in a contemporary room as an unexpected contrast to sleek modern furnishings.
Spring Screen
This hanging room divider, composed of metal springs, is a free-form design that can be customized to fit your home. Truth be told, I used one just like it to separate a dining room/living room area in an apartment in New York City. It looked smashing!
Next: 10 Great Ways to Use Room Screens
Next: 10 Great Ways to Use Room Screens