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The 16 Best Room Dividers of 2024

Separate your space with style

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In This Article

Room Dividers

The Spruce / Brian Kopinski

A room divider is a great way to optimize your living space, allowing you to designate distinct areas within a single room. Whether you’re looking to create a secluded nook for work, carve out a cozy reading corner, or section off a sleeping area, you can easily adjust the layout to suit your specific needs. The majority of our picks are freestanding, so you can quickly transform a room without having to do any permanent installation or modification. 

In addition to its practical uses, a room divider can enhance the aesthetic of any living space. With a variety of materials, patterns, and configurations to choose from, you can infuse style into your decor and increase functionality at the same time. 

Common styles include shoji-style screens inspired by the traditional Japanese design, sleek, modern panels, and large, open bookcases and shelving units. We’ve rounded up the best room dividers to suit your personal style and zoning preferences.

Inspired by traditional Japanese shojis, this room divider is a great way to create privacy without blocking ambient light. It’s available in eight neutral colors and five different sizes, so you're guaranteed to find one that fits your space perfectly. The double-hinged panels further enhance its versatility, allowing you to arrange them in both directions. 

For added convenience, this partition comes pre-assembled, and its foldable design allows for easy storage. It’s worth noting that the shoji lattice design is only featured on the front, while the back is simply unadorned rice paper.

Dimensions: 70 x 51 inches | Screen Material: Rice paper | Frame Material: Wood

While it’s not the most stylish option on this list, this simple privacy screen gets the job at a fraction of the cost. You can choose between beige, black, gray, and three or four panels. The screen is made of waterproof polyester fabric that’s easy to clean, while the metal frame keeps it nice and sturdy. 

The double-hinged design allows you to turn the divider in any direction, and the panels fold flat for compact storage. Since it has an industrial feel, we think it’s well-suited for sectioning off a home office or media room.

Dimensions: 102 x 20 x 71 inches, 36 x 20 x 71 inches (2 sizes available) | Screen Material: Polyester | Frame Material: Cast iron 

Featuring elegant carvings inspired by the lotus flower, this room provides a captivating focal point. It's handcrafted from high-quality wood, adding a touch of sophistication to any room while boasting impressive sturdiness. This piece comes in various colors and patterns to complement your existing decor. 

It can extend up to 80 inches in width, and the 12 folding hinges allow for flexible positioning in both smaller and larger spaces. Weighing just over 48 pounds, it's bulkier than similar options on this list, which attests to its sturdiness but might make it harder to move. 

Dimensions: 80 x 72 inches, 60 x 72 inches (2 sizes available) | Screen Material: Wood | Frame Material: Wood

This single panel is ideal for separating a small space without overpowering it. The screen is made of bamboo with cotton trim, which gives it an airy feel, while a dark frame provides an eye-catching contrast. You can choose from two colors, both of which are neutral enough to blend in with modern or classic decor. 

It’s good to note that this divider requires assembly and attaches to the ceiling via a tension rod, which you can adjust to suit your space. This piece is a more permanent solution unlike many of our freestanding options.  

Dimensions: 38 x 68 inches | Screen Material: Bamboo/rattan | Frame Material: Metal

Equipped with eight 6-foot-tall panels, this room divider is a great way to break up a large space. It features a mesh, handwoven design and comes in six neutral colors, adding style without overpowering a room. 

Despite its generous size, this piece is surprisingly lightweight at 23 pounds, making it easy to move. Double hinges let you position it in either direction, and the panels fold up for convenient storage. This partition comes in two smaller sizes— four and six panels—to suit various needs. 

Dimensions: 130 x 69 inches | Screen Material: Polypropylene | Frame Material: Wood

At 96 inches tall, these sliding panels are a perfect floor-to-ceiling option in rooms with 8-foot ceilings. Made from a blend of polyester and paper, they effectively filter out light without making the room too dark. 

These panels are designed for DIY installation and are easy to attach with hook-and-loop fasteners. The cordless four-rail track can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, and the width is adjustable from 45.8 to 86 inches. Plus, the panels are trimmable for a custom fit. 

Dimensions: 96 x 86 inches (adjustable width between 45.8 and 86 inches) | Screen Material: Paper and polyester | Frame Material: Not listed

Featuring rattan panels in a natural finish, this room divider is a simple yet stylish way to break up your space. In addition to its decorative appeal, the rattan cane screen allows for partial light filtration. 

At just over 16 pounds, the lightweight material allows for versatile placement. The legs feature adjustable levelers to accommodate different floor heights. As an added convenience, the panels fold flat for compact storage. 

Dimensions: 39.5 x 10.4 x 69 inches | Screen Material: Rattan | Frame Material: Wood

This room divider from IKEA offers a contemporary design that combines modern and minimalist elements. The sturdy frame is made from solid pine, while the screen allows ample light to filter through. This piece is over six feet tall and seven feet wide, giving you plenty of privacy while maintaining a bright and airy atmosphere.

Thanks to folding panels, this piece is easy to store when not in use. However, it’s worth noting that the screen only hinges in one direction, making it less versatile to position. This unit requires assembly, but the process is simple and straightforward. 

Dimensions: 72.8 x 85 inches | Screen Material: Polystyrene | Frame Material: Wood

If you’re a fan of farmhouse style or country chic, this rustic room divider will instantly transform your space. Made from solid wood with a distressed finish, the design provides plenty of privacy.

For those looking to divide a large space, it’s also available in a wider, six-panel version. The panels can be folded in any direction thanks to two-way hinges for versatile placement. Although this piece doesn’t require assembly, it comes with detachable legs for added stability if needed. 

Dimensions: 72 x 67 inches, 108 x 67 inches (2 sizes available) | Screen Material: Wood | Frame Material: Wood

With over 100 eye-catching patterns to choose from, these elegant screens from The Inside offer a world of possibilities for transforming your home. Whether you love subdued florals, timeless velvets, or bold animal prints, you can create a truly unique look. 

The fabric is a blend of linen and cotton, while the frame is made from sturdy hardwood pine. According to the manufacturer, this divider can withstand up to “50,000 rubs,” and it’s backed by a one-year warranty. 

Here’s another perk to this small home furnishings brand: You can custom-order other pieces of furniture in the same fabric, such as throw pillows, benches, or even a platform bed, to reflect your style throughout your home.

Dimensions: 72 x 49 x 1 inches | Screen Material: Linen, cotton | Frame Material: Hardwood pine

This room divider, featuring tiered built-in shelves, enhances the functionality of a small space, like a studio apartment. Constructed from sturdy paulownia wood, it’s available in four and six panels and seven finishes—from rustic hues to a more contemporary, all-white aesthetic. 

The shelves can store a variety of decorative pieces, including photos, vases, and books. The two-way hinges allow for flexible positioning, and the panels fold up for easy transport and storage. Plus, it arrives fully assembled. 

Dimensions: 63 x 70 inches, 96 x 67 inches (2 sizes available) | Screen Material: Wood | Frame Material: Wood

Made from high-quality fir wood, this rustic room divider can break up a large space or add some much-needed privacy. We like that the shutters can be angled to adjust airflow and light filtration. Two-way double hinges allow for versatile positioning and easy storage, plus it arrives fully assembled for quick setup. 

The only caveat is there’s a slight gap in the center of the divider that allows light to come through. This unit is available in four finishes (white, brown, black, and natural) and you choose from four, six, or eight panels.

Dimensions: 67 x 63 inches, 67 x 94.5 inches, 67 x 126 inches (3 sizes available) | Screen Material: Solid fir wood | Frame Material: Solid fir wood

A curtain is a simple yet elegant way to divide a room, allowing you to open and close your space as needed. This attractive panel is made of soft triple-woven polyester, and it’s available in 15 colors to match virtually any decor. It also comes in a staggering 27 sizes to ensure a proper fit. 

Since this curtain is designed to darken a room and block out sunlight, it’s ideal for bedrooms and other sleeping areas. The grommet top is designed to attach to a tension rod, which is sold separately. You can also opt for a permanent curtain rod that will provide more stability. 

Dimensions: Multiple sizes available | Screen Material: Polyester | Frame Material: Polyester

This shelving unit makes an excellent room divider/ bookshelf hybrid while amplifying storage space. It features 16 open cubby holes, which you can personalize with inserts and boxes if you prefer to keep your items concealed. 

Available in four colors, this divider features a clean design that will add contemporary flair to your space. Since this piece is about 10 inches shorter than most partitions, it offers less privacy than other options on this list. Please note that the shelving unit arrives in multiple pieces and requires assembly. 

Dimensions: 57.6 x 57.9 x 15.4 inches | Screen Material: Not listed | Frame Materials: Particleboard, fiberboard, acrylic paint, honeycomb structure paper filling (100% recycled), plastic edging

This room divider has two unique features that set it apart from the competition: a mirror and individual frames to display your favorite photos. This screen consists of three panels with a dark wood frame. 

Please note that it is not opaque, so it won’t completely block out sunlight or provide total privacy. However, it can hold two 4 x 4-inch and forty-two 4 x 6-inch photos, which are protected by plexiglass. This freestanding unit folds up easily for compact storage when not in use. 

Dimensions: 65 x 42.125 x 0.625 inches | Screen Material: Plexiglass, mirror and paper mat | Frame Material: Wood

If you want a room divider that allows you to jot down important notes and household reminders, consider this one with four chalkboards. It’s also an ideal surface for displaying artwork, and the chalk can be easily wiped away with a clean, wet cloth. This durable partition is made of solid wood and has shutters along the bottom that allow air and light to pass through. 

The flexible hinged panels allow for versatile placement, and they fold up compactly when not in use. Though the natural wood should blend in nicely with most decor schemes, we would have appreciated a few more color choices.   

Dimensions: 64 x 68 inches | Screen Material: Wood | Frame Material: Wood

How We Picked the Room Dividers

For this list, we selected room dividers in a variety of sizes and styles to suit individual needs and aesthetic goals. If functionality is more important than looks, we recommend the Rantila Room Divider, a simple way to section off a space at an affordable price point. 

For those looking to make a bold statement or infuse personality into their space, we’ve included options like The Inside Modern Screen, which is available in over 100 custom-printed fabrics. Some panels allow natural light to filter through, while others block out light to varying degrees. The Highland Dunes Suniga Folding Room Divider offers the best of both worlds because the shuttered design allows you to adjust airflow and light filtration.  

Since size was an important consideration, we included compact options like the Lapierre Metal Single Panel Room Divider as well as expansive, eight-panel screens. We also included products with special features, such as built-in shelves, picture frames, and chalkboards.

For example, the Red Barrel Studio Glarus Folding Room Divider features a mirror and 44 individual frames for photos. To improve usability, most of our picks offer a freestanding design for versatile placement and panels that fold up for easy, compact storage when not in use. 

What to Look For

Size

The first step in choosing the right room divider is to make sure that it fits in your space. Start by measuring both the height and width of the space you want to separate. It’s also crucial to check the ceiling height, especially if you’re considering a taller divider. 

Room dividers come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to create a cozy nook or define a spacious area. For example, the Lapierre Metal Single Panel Room Divider is a compact option that is ideal for areas with limited space. Wider partitions, like the Sorbus Room Divider, have up to eight panels, making them highly effective for dividing large spaces. 

Purpose

Room dividers serve a variety of purposes, whether you’re aiming for privacy, sound control, or light filtration. Some dividers are designed to let light filter through, while others block it out. 

A translucent screen is the best option for maintaining an open and airy environment. Conversely, if you want to darken a room or reduce glare, opt for an opaque screen or a room-darkening curtain such as the RYB Home Wall Divider Privacy Curtain

If you want to control the amount of light that enters your room, we recommend the Highland Dunes Suniga Folding Room Divider, which features adjustable shutters. 

Some room dividers have built-in shelving or cubbies to provide extra storage space. We like the IKEA Kallax Shelf Unit because it can double as a bookcase, increasing the functionality of a small space. If you just want to display a few decorative items, the Ecomex Room Divider has several shelves where you can place smaller pieces like books, vases, and photo frames.   

Material

Room dividers are available in various materials, including wood, rattan, bamboo, and upholstered fabric. Wood is popular because it is sturdy and long-lasting, making it well-suited for high-traffic areas. Many wooden dividers come in a variety of finishes to enhance a room’s aesthetic appeal, and some have a natural grain to achieve a more rustic look. 

Room dividers made from rattan and bamboo are relatively lightweight, making them easy to move and reposition as needed. These types of screens tend to be more breathable than solid wood options, allowing for better air circulation and light filtration. For example, the West Elm Zeze Room Divider offers a casual, boho aesthetic—plus it’s extremely portable at only 16 pounds. 

An upholstered room divider is ideal for adding a soft, plush texture to your space. The Inside’s Modern Screen comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, providing creative and customized design opportunities. Additionally, a fabric partition can help dampen sound. 

Style

Room dividers come in a variety of styles to suit individual needs and aesthetics. Folding screens are the most versatile option because they can be positioned to your liking—plus they come in a wide array of decorative patterns and materials. 

Shelving units and bookshelves serve as practical dividers and provide additional storage space. They are also ideal for displaying artwork, photographs, and other personal items.

Curtains can create a softer ambiance and add a flowing element to your space. Our top choice in this category, the RYB Home Wall Divider Privacy Curtain, comes in a stunning array of colors and sizes to suit your style. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Sage McHugh, a commerce writer for The Spruce and home design enthusiast. For this roundup, she researched today’s best-selling room dividers, carefully evaluating products on their size, materials, purpose, style, and special features. McHugh has written numerous design-inspired articles, including best desks for small spaces and best string lights for bedrooms

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