Alternative to Screen Room Dividers

Wall

• If you want to permanently separate two spaces in one large room, erect a wall. Obtain some estimates, and hire a contractor to put up wood frames to outline where the new wall should go. The contractor can insulate the wall, cover it with drywall and you can add a door as well. Plan exactly where the wall should go beforehand so that you don't end up with two rooms that can only be accessed by one doorway. You don't want to have to always walk through one room to get to the other room unless you like that setup.

Curtains

• Install curtains that you can open and close to divide a space without using screen dividers. Measure the room first, put up a pole the length of the room and hang your curtains. Alternatively, install a curtain track. You can separate a living room from a dining room or make two small bedrooms for children out of one large room. Choose a fabric that looks good from both sides.

Strategically-placed Furniture

• Divide a large space using big pieces of furniture. If you have an open concept, for example, but want to create a division between the kitchen and living room, place a large sofa with its back to the kitchen. Use a large wall unit to separate a living room from a dining area. Using a tall hutch or high shelving unit as a divider will create a visual and physical division between two separate areas of the home.

Storage Solution and Room Divider

• Get creative in making your own room dividers, such as using storage shelves to act as a divider and to provide extra storage. You can stack them horizontally or place them on end vertically. Use precut rectangular countertops in dark brown or black, and position them side by side and on their ends. Insert aluminum strips on the seams to join the pieces together for a sleek, modern look.