We researched designs for every purpose, decor preference, room size, and budget. Our favorite is the Red Barrel Studio Niemann Room Divider, a classic shoji-style piece that comes in five colors and six sizes. Check out the best room dividers below. You can choose from five frame colors, including black, light natural wood, deep espresso, red, and white. A black frame contrasting the white paper is the most classic option, but the others are undoubtedly lovely. This room divider also comes in six sizes, with the option of three, four, five, six, eight, or 10 panels. The Neimann is reasonably priced, especially considering the quality of the solid wood frame—and unlike many other dividers, it arrives fully assembled. That said, the larger sizes are somewhat steep. They’re more cumbersome too. For instance, the 10-panel option is 42 pounds, whereas the three-panel model is just 11 pounds. Price at time of publish: $128 You can choose from black or natural and four or six panels. Both sizes are around 20 pounds, so they’re easy to move. One thing to note is that, unlike many higher-end room dividers, this one only hinges in one direction, which makes it slightly less versatile in terms of where and how you can position it. Price at time of publish: $50 Available in green or brown, the acacia hardwood frame features mortise-and-tenon joinery for enhanced stability. This partition arrives fully assembled, but we should note it weighs 65 pounds, so you might need to recruit a buddy when setting it up and moving it around. Price at time of publish: $698 This partition filters light without blocking it completely, offering ambient illumination and privacy wherever you need it. The two-way hinges allow you to position it any which way. But unless you keep it entirely straight, there’ll be a small gap between each panel. Price at time of publish: $198 As a contract-grade piece, the design adheres to the manufacturing standards for both commercial and residential use. The Ida is somewhat heavy (46 pounds) and expensive for the size, but with West Elm, you can definitely count on quality. Price at time of publish: $479 The Varhaug can be used to set up a temporary workspace or guest room. You could also place it in front of a curtain-less window to create privacy or block outdoor light. One potential drawback is that this piece is about 10 inches shorter than most partitions, so it may not conceal a person’s head when standing up. Price at time of publish: $170 You can choose from four finishes (white, brown, black, or natural) and four, six, or eight panels. Just a heads up, there’ll be a slight gap between each panel unless you position the divider completely straight. Price at time of publish: $183 Though this tri-fold screen only comes in white, you shouldn’t have any trouble coordinating it with the rest of your decor. It’s on the pricier side for a room divider, but it arrives fully assembled and should last several years (or more) with proper care. Price at time of publish: $299 There are also 15 sizes available, so you’re sure to find one that fits your space. The grommet top is designed to attach to a tension rod (sold separately). You could also install a more permanent rod for extra sturdiness, then hang the curtain when you need privacy. Price at time of publish: $28 This thoughtfully designed room divider has a cordless four-rail track you can mount virtually anywhere on your ceiling. And you can adjust the width from 46 to 86 inches. The panels are easy to attach with velcro, but you may want to hire a professional to install the track. Price at time of publish: $180
Function
“A room divider falls in that magical category of furniture that marries both form and function,” says Goerzen. If you live in a studio apartment, it can change the entire flow of your space, giving you distinct areas instead of one open room. There are also storage room dividers, including ones with built-in shelves and others that double as bookcases, that offer even more functionality for tiny spaces. If you’re just looking for something decorative, you have more flexibility to choose a divider for its aesthetics. Many options today are upholstered in colorful fabrics, or finished in trendy materials like rattan.
Price
Room dividers aren’t cheap, and you should expect to spend at least $50 on a free-standing one—although most are closer to $100. Prices go higher based on the construction and size, with six-paneled options (unsurprisingly) costing more than three-paneled models. If you really can’t spend more than $25, consider buying a tension rod and curtain instead, to create a similar yet airier effect.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and editor specializing in home improvement and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed Havenly design editor Heather Goerzen and considered a wide range of room dividers, partitions, sliding panels, and curtain separators from various brands and retailers. The featured products stand out for versatility, functionality, adjustability, color and size options, and aesthetic appeal. You can read more of Theresa’s articles on MyDomaine, Byrdie, People, and Travel + Leisure.
You can use one in a great room to section off zones, like the dining area, living room, and kitchen. If you live in a studio apartment, you can place one between the bed and seating area. In a bonus room, you can separate your home office from the homework area or media room. A partition can also divide a kids’ room into two individual bedrooms. The possibilities are truly endless.
There are freestanding accordion-style folding screens with multiple panels. Solid hanging or freestanding screens that consist of a single panel of wood slats or acoustic felt. A bookcase without a back is a common way to divide space while letting light flow through. A room divider may be a temporary wall, a sliding panel, floor-to-ceiling industrial metal and glass partitions that divide space without blocking views or light. Or something as simple as a curtain made from fabric, retro-style beads, string, or a wall of plants perched on a tall freestanding holder.
