The Vintage Solution To Divide Up Rooms And Add Visual Interest

If you have an open concept floor plan or a multi-use room, you may have been thinking about ways to divide up the space. While there are a number of renovations or time-consuming projects you could take on to solve this, it's also worth looking to the past for an easy solution that has stood the test of time. Decorating with a folding screen may feel old-fashioned, but this vintage element can help you maximize your space while incorporating your own personal touch of flair.

Folding screens, also called room dividers, can serve several purposes in your home. Originally, they were designed to offer privacy while dressing and to block drafts. These days, you can use folding screens to divide up a room without needing to build a wall or make any permanent changes. With a folding screen, you can tuck your home office or workout space out of sight, or use it as a unique and customizable alternative to closet doors. You can even hide indoor trash cans with this beautiful design solution. And if you want to open your space back up, it's easy to fold the screen and slide it out of the way.

While folding screens have a range of practical uses, they can also provide visual interest, warmth, and depth in your space. It's believed they originated in China around the second century BC, and artists often turned the screens into art with intricate carvings and paint.

Today, modern folding screens can come in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes, and designs. Historically, folding screens were made using natural materials like bamboo and wood, but some contemporary designers use materials like fabric, acrylic glass, or lightweight metals. Depending on the size of your space, you can choose a low-profile screen with just a few panels, or opt for a showstopping eight-panel screen. Of course, if you're on a budget, you can easily DIY a room divider with a $20 Ikea hack.

Like in second-century China, folding screens can function as an art piece in your home, too. As designer Marty Dykas told House Beautiful, "It can be a minimal support backdrop or a decorative focal point. A folding screen can make a statement with special finishes and colors, but without taking over the space." Whether you want to invest in a splurge-worthy statement piece or are looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to divide your room, folding screens are a solution for combining function with fashion.