How to Divide a Room Off With a Bookcase or Sofa

Select a bookcase that is no more than 48 inches wide. This leaves enough space for occupants to walk from one part of the room to another, which encourages fluidity.

Use the height of the ceiling and other proportions of the room to determine the height of the bookcase. For instance, pick a bookshelf that is no higher than chest level if the ceiling is low and the room is small, and select a tall shelf if the ceiling is high and the room is long.

Pick a bookcase that does not have legs for a more built-in appearance. If you want to promote a feeling of openness in the room then also pick a shelf that is open on both sides.

Determine the size and function of the two rooms you will create with the bookcase. For instance, you may wish to create a family entertainment area and a quiet reading area. Ideally, the entertainment area should be bigger than the reading area, since it must accommodate various electronics and enough furniture to suit the family. Place markers on the floor, such as a long piece of wood, to test out different room sizes. This will help you determine a combination that is comfortable and a suitable demarcation line.

Pick an area along the division line you have selected on which to place the bookshelf. You may place it in the middle of the line or place one side of the shelf flush against a wall. Avoid placing the bookcase in the middle of a footpath. If the bookcase has openings on one side only then turn the open side toward the part of the room in which it will be most useful.

Pick a sofa as a room divider instead of a bookcase if there is limited seating or the bookcase does not suit the decor. Sofas are available in many shapes, lengths and styles including those that allow seating on both sides.

Place the sofa on the demarcation line and turn it toward the part of the room where it is needed. For instance, turn it toward the entertainment room instead of the bar area. The sofa cannot be placed against a wall, unlike the bookcase. Ensure that there is enough allowance on either side of the sofa for traffic. Place the other furniture pieces close to the sofa, in an arrangement that is conducive to the function of the new partition.