Large, open rooms are the trend in many new homes. However, that can present a challenge when trying to define spaces for specific purposes. You don’t have to build a wall to separate activities. You can use furniture to divide the space. Let me show you how.
• Sofas, Sectionals, Settees and Chaises
Open great room plans are so popular in new home designs. The ability to see between the kitchen or dining area and the living room is a plus for families trying to spend more time together. Mom or dad can cook and still talk to the kids or guests while they relax on a sofa.
However, it can present a problem if you want to distinguish the eating space from the seating area. Here’s an easy solution. Arrange your sofa or sectional so that the back of the piece faces your eating space. Although it’s not a traditional wall, it will visually divide the two spaces creating one section to sit and another to dine. You can even accomplish the same thing with a settee or chaise in the room.
• Wall Units and Book Shelves
Here’s a natural – use a wall unit or book shelf to separate a living room from a kitchen or a bedroom from an office. It’s an easy way to creating a tall separation of spaces. You can use open units where you can see through to the adjoining space or closed units if you’re trying to create a little privacy. It’s the perfect solution for a studio or loft space.
• Wine Racks
For those folks who have an extensive wine collection, but don’t have anywhere to build a dedicated wine cellar – why not install a floor-to-ceiling wine rack between two spaces. You’ll get a visual division of space and a great place to hold a ton of wine.
• Create a TV Wall
With todays new, slim line TVs, it easy to create a makeshift room divider. Build or purchase a simple TV cabinet, then add a small wall partition to the top to set behind the TV. It can hide the TV and audio component wiring and create a mini wall to separate your living and dining spaces.
• Just Add Drapes
Here’s a brilliant idea for separating two spaces and creating a dramatic entry between the two. Set two tall cabinets on either side of the room to divide the space; then mount a large curtain rod between them. Install drapes with tiebacks on both sides and you’ll have a beautiful entry between living and dining areas. You can even pull the drapes closed if you want a place to retreat for a private conversation.
Check out pictures and inspiration for this article in the Dividing Your Rooms with Furniture ideabook on Houzz. You’ll see ways to divide your rooms in style.
Enjoy more home decor ideas from Terry Mulligan:
10 Tips to Take Your Next Decorating Project Over the Top
Fabulous Choices for Decorating with Throw Pillows
Budget-Friendly Dollar Store Finds Anyone Can Decorate With