Whether you live in a small studio apartment or a large home with an open-plan design, there will be times when you want some personal space.
Although the trend towards open-plan rooms is still strong, private areas are of great value and allow you to retreat from the world. Room dividers, styling and arrangement ideas are your best best. Below we've looked at a variety of different options to divide the spaces in your home, ensuring a balanced and harmonious effect is maintained and does not limit access.
In a large, open-plan living space, use the centre of the room, rather than arranging pieces along the perimeter, so it doesn't feel empty.
Lighting is a subtle way to section a room. Lamps and candles provide soft, dim light, which illuminates only a small area, while downlights can be directed on particular focal points, such as a painting on the wall. Pendants or chandeliers are a feature in themselves, so be sure to position them for maximum effect.
For a subtle alternative, your choice of flooring is an effective way to define a space. By grouping your furniture on or near a rug, and by using rugs in varying shapes and sizes, you can demarcate a particular area of a room. Rugs are also a great way to soften hard, cold floors.
While they're a necessity, bookshelves can sometimes be a bit tricky to position in a room. All books are beautiful and should be made into a feature. A double-sided bookshelf is the perfect option in many ways - it provides two faces to line with books and can also become a temporary wall.
First, decide on the most practical way to divide your room in terms of function. If you want to completely dissect a room and create two areas, consider hanging a curtain from the ceiling. By attaching a curtain track to the ceiling and hanging a beautiful piece of fabric fitted with curtain hooks, you can use the rest of the room for another purpose, such as a guest bedroom.
For a more flexible and movable option, a temporary partition, such as a screen or room divider, is a great idea. By making your own screen you will have the chance to create exactly what you desire, and you can change it whenever you like by adding a splash of paint or a roll of wallpaper.
Sanderson rug 160x230cm in Ivory Multi, $199 (usually $699), Myer
A neutral base and jewel-toned accents make this tufted wool rug a soft statement piece fit for any living space. Demarcate your separate spaces with warmth, luxury and comfortability underfoot.
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French flax linen curtain set in Natural, $193.50 (usually $215), I Love Linen
Section out your different spaces for some privacy with these gorgeous linen curtains - a natural colour makes it perfect for any aesthetic, and their slight sheerness will make sure you're not enveloped in darkness!
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Kojo 3 panel rattan room divider, $299 (usually $130), Temple & Webster
When you think of room divider ideas, the trusty screen can do no wrong. This lovely piece from Maddison Lane is made of bamboo and rattan, with iron hinges to ensure ultimate privacy and durability.
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Boston 5 tier oak shelving, $839 (usually $1199), Adairs
This funky shelving unit is the perfect piece to divide your rooms with elegance. Crafted from European oak and designed in Australia, stack with your favourite books, trinkets and knickknacks to give this gorgeous shelf some character.
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Shoal terracotta wall sconce, $119, Temple & Webster
This unique sconce is the perfect lighting feature if you're someone who likes changing up the division of your space. Rotate to whichever orientation suits, and enjoy its warm, rich ambience.
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