Delineate Space and Add Storage with Living Room-Dining Room Dividers
Open concept floor plans have grown in popularity over the years. While they create a sense of spaciousness and flow, they can also present challenges when it comes to delineating separate functional areas like the living room and dining room. This is where strategic room dividers come in handy.
Dividers allow you to carve out distinct spaces within a larger open area for privacy, noise reduction, and zoning different activities. They can take various forms - from floor-to-ceiling partitions to hanging curtains. With creative customization, they become an integral design element enhancing your home's form and function.
Different Materials to Use for Dividers
Glass Dividers
Glass is a versatile material that allows natural light to filter through while still providing privacy. Frosted, tinted, or patterned glass options add visual interest. The transparent quality prevents enclosed feeling. Incorporate shelving or cabinet storage seamlessly into glass dividers to maximize functionality.
Wood Dividers
Wood dividers infuse spaces with warmth and timeless elegance. The natural material offers unlimited customization potential - stain, paint, carve to match your interior design vision. Open shelving, coat racks, message boards integrate seamlessly into wood partitions. The variety in wood types and finishes make it suitable for any style.
Metal Mesh Dividers
Metallic mesh lends an industrial edge as a non-permanent divider option. The open weave allows continued air circulation between rooms while subtly delineating spaces. Incorporate baskets, racks, pegboards for open storage needs. Metal mesh dividers channels loft, urban chic aesthetics, perfect for modern interiors.
Hanging Curtains
Curtain divider screens generate cozy, soft borders between living and dining zones. Easily drawn back or layered when more openness is desired. Hanging rods or tracks harbor storage potential - install shelves, cubbies to organize items. Weights and trims refine curtains into decorative focal points complementing room designs.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Divider
Shelving & Storage Elements
While delineating spaces, dividers can multitask by housing storage needs. Open, closed, or hidden storage solutions allow you to organize items appropriately. Match shelving finish and material to your interior design vision - rough wood boards for rustic style, sleek glass for modern. Storage integrated dividers consolidate function flawlessly.
3D Accents and Textures
Move beyond flat panels by incorporating enticing textures and dimensions. 3D wall tiles, metal fretwork, wallpaper murals turn dividers into artful showpieces. Unexpected materials like penny tiles, bamboo shoots, tree branches create organic interest. Or stick with simple frameless glass to let your prized possessions shine.
Greenery
Plants breathe life into any space. Cluster succulents, ferns or your favorites onto a vertical garden divider backdrop. The living wall filters air, reduces noise and conjures an indoor oasis vibe. Alternate hanging planters with open shelves for a play on hard and soft elements.
Lighting
Strategic lighting transforms dividers from purely functional to distinctive design features. Backlight shelving, highlight architectural facets with LED strips or directional bulbs. Wall sconces generate ambient glow while pendant lamps centered on partitions create intimate yet open spaces. Illumination reimagines dividers into lighting showpieces.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Divider
Noise Reduction
Living and dining zones harbor distinct activities that may clash audibly in an open concept home. Acoustic divider panels with sound-absorbing materials keep music, chatter, clanging controlled to appropriate activity areas for peaceful, privacy-supported experiences.
Flexibility
Evaluate your space usage needs before selecting permanent versus movable dividers. Sliding or folding panels, drapes and screens offer adaptable transformations, opening or compartmentalizing spaces as required. Fixed floor-to-ceiling partitions on the other hand provide clearly defined everyday boundaries.
Blend with Decor
Dividers share border space with existing living and dining room decor. Ensure aesthetic cohesion by coordinating materials and finish. For example, refract light off a glass divider to illuminate a sparkling chandelier. Or pick neutral curtain colors to spotlight vibrant furniture.
Air Flow
While defining spaces, dividers should allow refreshing air circulation throughout the open area. Perforated panels, mesh screens, and drapes prevent closed-in feeling. Strategic gaps above head height maintain continuity between zones. Plants filter air naturally for healthy, ventilated environments.
Room dividers unlock potential in open concept living spaces by allowing blended multi-zoning. Get creative with materials - wood, metal, glass and beyond. Integrate storage, captivating textures, plants or lighting for enhanced aesthetics. Consider soundproofing, flexibility and air flow needs for optimal divider functionality that complements your lifestyle.
With a variety of options, dividers can transform open floorplans into engaging live-work spaces. Delineate while opening up spaces simultaneously with the versatile room divider solutions.