Work wonders with room dividers

Got a small, open-plan space but still want room for spontaneous sleepovers, a spot of work and some alone time? Check out our five simple ideas on how to create a room within a room.

A DIY room divider that displays photos and cards is built from IKEA MYRHEDEN frames.

Two ELVARLI open shelving units divide the living room and kitchen in this home.

1. Separate your space but stay social

Use some airy shelves that double as extra storage space. You don’t need a wall, just attach the posts to the ceiling. Keep clutter hidden in boxes with lids. An extra tray table is easy to pull out when guests come over.

A clothing rack supports climbing plants to create a living room divider in a bedroom.

2. Get flexible with a movable green screen

Pimp a clothes rack with climbing plants (one with wheels is a plus so you can move it around). Use your favourite species or mix and match different greens in standing and hanging pots. Fasten a few vines to the top bar with thread.

A see-through room divider made of MYRHEDEN frames.

3. Personalise and partition with deco

Display your favourite things and divide the room at the same time. Fasten wire mesh frames to a curtain rod hanging from the ceiling and use the clips to attach your stuff. Use colour to highlight the different ‘rooms’ — we went with grey and light green.

A black-brown IKEA KALLAX shelving unit being used as a room divider to create a separate workspace in the living room.

4. Divide for deep(er) focus

Create a semi solid wall with a smart storage unit. This KALLAX shelf is accessible from both sides, but you still get the feeling of two independent ‘rooms’. Use different inserts to organise your stuff and free up desk space.

Two IKEA sofa beds in a living room with one light blue and one dark blue wall.

5. Use fabric to split an on/off bedroom

Fasten some fabric to a curtain rod attached to the ceiling. Close the curtain to retreat from the world (and your room mate). In the day, two compact sofa sections form a seating area. When night falls, grab the stored bedding and fold out the beds.

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Made by
Interior designer: Rita Mestre
Photographer: Henrik Petersson
Writer: Anna Blom