Today's dividers come in a variety of styles that give...

Today's dividers come in a variety of styles that give you more decorative possibilities. Credit: Dreamstime

Homes were once made up of a series of boxes. Each box, or room, served a purpose but often felt cut off from the rest of the house. Today's homes are open and enable more togetherness and a feeling of spaciousness. However, there are times when you might want a cozier feel but still crave the sense of open space. The decorative answer? A room divider or partition.

Today, dividers have come a long way from old three-panel, paper-style folding screens. Dividers come in a variety of styles and options that give you more decorative possibilities and function. Their unique textures also are a big design plus. Of course, the standard three panel divider is always a good option for portable privacy. But dividers don't have to be the solid, hinged panels of yesteryear.

Outside the box

For something a bit out of the divider box, consider an open-style panel divider. A pair on either side of a living room opening says something intriguing awaits. Such a divider can also be used to create a reading nook or a private conversation area that doesn't feel cut off.

Added drama

To create sections or areas of a room and preserve views and light, a grouping of panels can be made as large or small as you like and create a unique space delineating option. Certain styles can provide a dramatic design statement that makes the divider appear to float in the air and retain an airy open look.

Distinct design

To give your room real panache, look for unique materials such as glass, tile, wood or metal. A chainmail curtain could be at home in an industrial loft or a contemporary design.

Give your dining room style and privacy with a single cable wine rack. These cables hold wine bottles that appear as if they're floating in place. Place five single lines in the center of the dining room to create a wall effect, or hang one or two lines on either side of the opening. For something with more body, there are floor-to-ceiling metal wine racks where bottles act as the divider.

DIY

Create a rustic look with slatted wood partitions. They're budget friendly and a great DIY project. Slats can be made any size you like and placed vertically or horizontally to help provide room. If you're extra skilled, slats can be made to swivel open or closed for complete privacy.

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