How to Build an Accordion Folder Room Divider

Place the reclaimed wooden window shutters on a work surface. Brush the shutters with a wire brush to remove any loose debris from the surface. Always brush with the wood grain to avoid scratching the surface.

Wipe the shutters off with a tack cloth to clean the surface of any dust. Spray 2 coats of spray lacquer on the shutters. Allow 4 hours between coats and 24 hours after the final coat for the lacquer to dry completely before handling.

Position the shutters flat on a work surface so that they are side-by-side and oriented vertically. Place a hinge 6 inches in from the top and bottom ends of the shutters at each joint between the shutters.

Align the hinges with the adjoining edges of the shutters and drive screws through the mounting holes in the hinges into the shutters, using a screw gun. Alternate the direction in which the hinges move between each adjoining set of shutters. For the first joint, face the pin side of the hinges towards the back side of the shutters. On the next set of adjoining shutters, face the pin side of the hinges towards the front side of the shutters. Continue in this pattern so that the shutters will fold in an accordion-style manner.

Hammer the furniture feet into each bottom corner of each of the shutters with a hammer. The furniture feet will protect the floor as you slide and reposition the room divider within your space. Stand the divider upright and fold the shutters in a slight accordion pattern so that it stands up.