Just because you don’t have enough space in your house to build an additional room doesn’t mean you can’t divide a room into two.
Many rooms in homes are just one large room. And sometimes people want them divided so they can have their own private spaces. But how do you divide up one large room into two smaller spaces without building a wall?
Believe it or not, walls aren’t necessary! Here are some creative ways to divide your big space that won’t leave you having to tear out part of your home.
13 Ways to Divide a Room into Two without Building a Wall
- Place Furniture Strategically
- Use Mirrors
- Install Hanging Beads or Other Wall Hangings
- Install a Large Projector Screen to Divide a Room
- Use a Sliding Barn Door
- Hang a Hammock to Divide a Room into Two
- Hang Lamps and Plants
- Add a Decorative Screen
- Create a Shelf Wall
- Rearrange Closets and Cabinets
- Bring in Some Curtains
- Line Up a Bookshelf
- Use Plywood to Divide Room
1. Place Furniture Strategically
Dividing your room without building a wall is as simple as strategically placing your furniture. If you’re dividing a small dining area, for example, it’s best to place two armchairs on either side of a fireplace.
This creates two rooms, even though there are no physical walls dividing them. In addition, some homeowners choose not to divide their space based on walls, but rather by architectural features like staircases or doorways.
2. Use Mirrors
One of the easiest ways to divide a room into two without building a wall is by using mirrors. Mirrors are much more versatile than many people realize, and they work great in home design.
They can be used as accent pieces or as room dividers. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to divide a room without having to build walls, adding mirrors is one of your best options. It’s also relatively easy to install them on existing walls.
3. Install Hanging Beads or Other Wall Hangings
One of my favorite ways to divide a room is by adding an additional layer of artwork. Hang floor-to-ceiling beads on one side of your room.
At first glance, it may not seem like beads and strings could divide two areas of a room, but there are numerous ways you can do it.
You can fill in an archway or window with hanging beads to create a curtain-like divider. Tuck beads above cabinets on one side of your kitchen, for example, and hang more on rods below cabinets on another side.
4. Install a Large Projector Screen to Divide a Room
Projectors and screens come in all shapes and sizes. Most modern models are portable and easy to install, making them perfect for dividing up a room without having to build walls.
If you’re renting your apartment or house, make sure you confirm with your landlord that it’s okay to permanently install any screen of your choosing.
Otherwise, opt for a temporary model (e.g., like those used at film festivals) that can be rolled up and down or removed when not in use.
5. Use a Sliding Barn Door
Sliding barn doors are an easy way to divide a room without building walls. The best part about them is that they’re relatively inexpensive, and you can usually find one that matches your existing décor.
The space behind them doubles as extra storage space, so it’s an efficient choice! All you need is enough room on both sides of your entryway—roughly 32 inches—to slide it open and closed easily.
6. Hang a Hammock to Divide a Room into Two
Putting up a hammock can serve as an excellent way to divide two rooms in your home. If you have enough space, hanging multiple hammocks can also be used as decoration and a place for your family or children to relax and enjoy their time.
7. Hang Lamps and Plants
Many vertical surfaces in your home are natural dividers. These dividers work especially well if they can also serve some function, like by holding accessories or plants.
The lamp on your desk divides two areas of your office, but it can also provide lighting, which means it’s multi-functional.
Hang potted plants or lamps on these surfaces and you can divide space with furniture that adds some flair to your home at the same time.
8. Add a Decorative Screen
A screen is an easy way to divide a room into two without building walls. Because these screens are temporary, they’re fairly cheap, and they don’t disrupt anything.
They create an extra room within your home that you can use for privacy or as an alternative space.
For example, if you want one half of your bedroom to be more intimate than the other, it could make sense to install a decorative screen instead of permanently dividing up space.
9. Create a Shelf Wall
One of the easiest ways to create divisions in your room is with shelves. Not only are they portable, but they’re also versatile.
You can make them as wide or narrow as you want and keep them close together or spread them out for bigger shelving units.
Plus, shelf walls can be used in almost any room—from bedrooms to offices and dining rooms.
10. Rearrange Closets and Cabinets
One of my favorite ways to divide a room is by simply turning closets or cabinets into two separate spaces.
You can do it without even changing them at all. Just push back that half of your closet/cabinet and fill up those shelves with books and miscellaneous items.
When you need privacy, just close that door! It’s totally low-budget, easy, and effective.
11. Bring in Some Curtains
Curtains divide rooms with style, and they don’t cost much. You could invest in custom-made drapes, but that’s expensive.
Instead, buy some fabric from your local crafts store or discount chain store, and create your own curtains on a small scale (dividing two small rooms).
Before purchasing any fabric, make sure it has plenty of giving. Use a tape measure to check how much space you have to work with.
12. Line Up a Bookshelf
If you’re lucky enough to have access to an existing bookshelf, place it against a wall so that one shelf is facing inward and away from everyone else.
By strategically placing items like plants or framed art on each shelf, you can visually separate one part of your home from another. (For example, try painting different colors on different shelves.)
13. Use Plywood to Divide Room
When you need to divide an open floor plan, consider using plywood panels. With straight cuts and simple screwing, these boards can serve as barriers for doors or can provide privacy between sitting areas in an open floor plan.
The added bonus is that they are removable. In case of damage from renters or guests, you can replace them easily rather than repainting or repairing drywall.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, with these 13 simple tips, you can divide your room into two spaces without getting a contractor involved.
Best of all, it will only cost you an afternoon of work and $0! Whether it’s for separation or privacy, dividing a room is easy if you follow these guidelines.
We’ve talked about many different ways to split up a space that doesn’t involve tearing down walls or breaking out saws and hammers. It just takes some creativity and some ingenuity (and maybe some sweat equity).
And once your project is complete, take some time to sit back and enjoy what you created: You deserve it!
Renovation Service You Can Trust
If you’re worried about renovating your apartment, consider hiring VALET WORKS. We take care of renovation services at affordable prices. So whether you have renovation needs like paint or wall repair, or if it’s something else, contact VALET WORKS today.