Decorating Ideas for Divider Walls

Paint and Faux Treatments

• Because a divider wall is typically an accent wall in your home, you have the opportunity to turn this into a real design feature. Paint is an affordable and versatile way to accomplish this. For example, paint both sides of the wall in a bold color that will complement the color scheme on both sides of the room it is dividing. Along with a bold color, use a high-gloss shine for dramatic effect. Along with flat wall paint, look at some faux treatments, such as sponge painting or Venetian plaster to create interest and texture.

Wallpaper

• Wallpaper is one material that can make a big impact in both spaces. Find a paper that matches your design motif. For example, if your home is French cottage, you might enjoy a toile print featuring pastoral scenes. If your style is more contemporary, choose a vibrant, contrasting print, such as stripes or chevron to cover this surface. To keep the spaces looking unified, paper both sides of the wall to create symmetry and balance.

Artwork

• As with any wall, artwork can define this space. Arrange framed art in the center of both sides of the wall. Or instead of artwork, frame some of your favorite photos of you and your loved ones, and arrange them as a collage on this feature wall. An unconventional option is a tile mosaic. Break pieces of colored tile, and mount them on the wall with thinset mortar. Once you have achieved your desired look, spread grout in between the tile gaps to hold the pieces in place.

Lighting

• Sometimes divider walls can block natural light to one side of the room that it is separating. Lighting fixtures can help balance this. Mount wall sconces flush against the wall, and use them alone as decorations or to spotlight pieces of artwork. If the divider wall is only a half wall, hang recessed or track lighting overhead, and spotlight a collection -- from knickknacks to houseplants -- along the top of the wall.

Shelving

• Give the illusion of built-in cabinetry by mounting shelving on both sides of the divider wall. Use this space to house objects, paperwork, photos, books, magazines or any other items that you want to store. If this wall is between a kitchen and dining room, it is an ideal location for storing table linens, formal silverware or even stemware.