Dividing up space in your home can be important for providing a sense of coziness and privacy. However, brick walls may not always be the best solution – they can restrict ventilation, block natural light and hinder communication.
Finding a happy medium could help your home to feel cozy, while also feeling somewhat connected. Below are just some possible ways in which you may be able to divide spaces in your home without using walls.
Glass
Glass dividers may help to muffle sound and provide a physical barrier. You may even be able to use frosted glass or patterned glass to reduce visibility between spaces. At the same time, you’ll be able to keep natural light flowing through your home. The likes of FGD Glass Solutions can help to manufacture decorative glass dividers for your home. You may even be able to use glass doors.
Curtains
It may be possible to cordon off areas with curtains. These can be great temporary divider options that could be used to provide privacy to a bedroom area or make a living space cozier. Such curtains are sometimes found in hotels as a means of separating two beds – you could consider doing the same in a guest bedroom. Light thin curtains will allow light through while also enabling ventilation, while dark thick curtains will block out light and provide insulation.
Beads
Strings of beads hanging from the ceiling can also make an effective divider. Bead curtains are often used to create a Bohemian look. They can also be a fun feature in kids’ bedrooms (although should be avoided in very young kids’ bedrooms where they could be a choking hazard). This guide at Shop Wild Things offers more information on how to use bead curtains.
Shoji screens
Shoji screens are paper dividers often found in traditional Japanese homes. These screens are very easy to install and allow some light through while still providing privacy. This can make them excellent alternatives to walls. Shoji screens can be plain if you want to keep your decor minimal or they could be patterned if you want them to be a statement feature.
Wood panel dividers
Wood panel dividers could provide a rustic touch. These were traditionally used for getting changed behind, but they can be incorporated anywhere in your home. Such dividers also tend to fold and can be moved around – give you the freedom to reposition them if you change the layout of your furniture.
Shelves
You may be able to separate spaces by adding shelving units. Not only will these shelves provide a barrier, but they’ll also double up as storage. Many people place shelving units behind sofas to help divide a living room space. A shelf full of books could also be used to divide a study area or an office.
Plants
You may even be able to use some living foliage to divide areas of your home’s interior. Large potted plants can help to break up space with their leaves. Houseplants can have many other benefits too such as purifying the air and providing a sense of calm. Make sure that plants are within a suitable distance from windows so that they’re getting enough sunlight and be prepared to trim back leaves if they get out of control.
