Room Dividers for Sharing a Room

Screens

• People have used screens to divide their rooms for centuries. Some of the oldest room dividers date back to 3rd or 4th century Japan, according to Japan Shoji. Shoji screens still find popularity in modern times, but there are many other types of divider screens available. These include screens with places for photos as well as screens covered with fabric to match the decorating style in the room. Divider screens work well for both home and office use.

Furniture

• Sometimes the best room dividers aren't traditional partitions, but rather the furniture you already have in the room you're dividing. If you have a large space and it seems too open, take a look at how you've placed your furniture. By moving a few pieces around, you'll create a more distinct space for each activity you do in the room. Use a large free-standing bookcase to partition off the space between the den and the dining room. Lay down rugs in front a fireplace and flank the rug with furniture. Position card tables and other craft activities around a different rug in the room.

Architectural Features

• Many homes have architectural features that will double as space dividers. Elements such as the wood beams in the ceiling or partial door archways can function as visual room dividers. In the case of the wood ceiling beams, line up a couch or a large rug so that they're parallel with the beam. This creates an imaginary line from the ceiling to the floor. If the room has a partial archway in the ceiling, use this architectural feature to create a room divider for the people sharing a room.

Fabric

• Fabric room dividers offer you one of the simplest and least expensive ways to divide a space you're sharing. If the room you're sharing is small, buy a long tension rod and a curtain long enough to stretch all the way across the rod. Stretch the rod between the two sides of the room you want to divide. For wider rooms, use eye hooks and wire to put up a curtain between the two sides of the room. Select fabric that matches your decorating style and colors.