The Top 43 Best Room Divider Ideas – Interior Home Design
While studios and open floor plans are on-trend, dividing your spaces can make your home move livable.
Sometimes a room is too big or has an awkward layout, and you just don’t know what to do with it. The solution here isn’t to leave it empty or use it as a miscellaneous catch-all room, but to split it up into zones with specific purposes. Whether you’re separating a room into personal areas or designating different parts of a studio apartment, room dividers are a great tool to break up a space.
Read on for some brilliant room divider ideas to help you make the most of your living space.
1. Bedroom Room Divider Ideas
If you live in a studio apartment, it can be difficult to keep certain areas separate. The whole space can start to feel like one big multi-purpose room, making it difficult to focus or settle into a nightly routine. Separating your bedroom from living areas can help you feel secluded and comfortable when it’s time to go to bed. A room divider can also help in a larger bedroom, separating the bed from a vanity or reading nook.
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A lightweight folding screen allows light to pass through, providing separation without making things feel too claustrophobic. This can be useful in smaller spaces or rooms that you don’t want to split completely in two. A built-in glass or otherwise transparent divider could also do the trick.
Using a shelf or bookcase as a room divider has the added benefit of doubling as storage. You could use it as a nightstand, ensuring that your phone, glasses, or whatever else you might need is always within arm’s reach. A basket on the bottom shelf would be a great place to keep toiletries or extra pillows and blankets.
For more bedroom decor ideas, click here.
2. Bookcase Room Divider Ideas
While all the room dividers described here serve as eye-catching pieces of functional decor, using a bookshelf to split up a room adds another layer of function on top of that. You now have somewhere to store books, plants, journals, photos, and whatever else you’ve been struggling to find a home for.
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A bookcase is one of the options that lets you decide how much of the other room you want to be able to see. You could use one with sparse shelves and a few items to allow a good view, or you could pack it tightly to enhance that closed-in effect.
If you don’t have quite enough books to fill the bookcase, varying the items on it and how you arrange them can help fill it out and add visual interest. Stack some books vertically and horizontally and add smaller pieces like candles or decorations of varying heights in groups of three. This engages the eye in a way that feels organic and not overly styled.
For more bookcase ideas, click here and here.
3. Creative Room Divider Ideas
Room dividers are fun to shop for if you love unique pieces. There are so many offerings in so many shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. Bright ceramic tiles, intricately carved wood, or glass panels stylized to look like they’re dripping from the ceiling all make for head-turning pieces of decor.
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Another option is to hang some form of tapestry or woven art from the ceiling. Woven textiles add warmth and interest to any space, and they go well with a boho or indie interior. You could even commission an artisan to make the one of a kind piece you’re looking for. If you can’t find anything that fits exactly what you want, a DIY room divider might be the best solution to get that perfect partition.
4. Curtain Room Divider Ideas
Curtains are a great option for a floor-to-ceiling room separator. Heavier curtains in sophisticated jewel tones or more muted colors add drama and a regal air, perfect for enclosing a sleeping area in a studio apartment. You could also match the curtains to another part of the room, like a burgundy sofa or silver appliances. Make sure the curtains reach all the way from the curtain rod to just above the floor. If they’re too long, they’ll gather dust and pool awkwardly, and if they’re too short, there will be an unsightly gap below.
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One great thing about using curtains as room dividers is that they allow you to customize the level of visibility. You can go for opaque drapes to completely block out the other side or put up a translucent, barely-there curtain and allow light to flow through. You could also get fun patterns or 3D designs to add visual interest. Old sheets or tablecloths could easily come out of storage and find a new purpose as chic room dividers.
5. DIY Room Divider Ideas
Youtube and Pinterest are full of ideas for putting together your own DIY room divider. Building from scratch provides a sense of accomplishment that you can’t get from a store-bought item, along with the pleasure of knowing you have a unique piece that no one else has. After all, even if you’re following a tutorial, you can make little design tweaks to make the piece truly one of a kind.
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Taking this route means you can give your DIY room divider whatever elements fit your room best. A minimalist wood one would go nicely with mid-century modern decor. You can keep the space cohesive by staining it to match your other furniture exactly. You could hang leafy, trailing plants from a frame to compliment an earthy, boho interior.
For more DIY ideas, click here.
6. Hanging Room Divider Ideas
A hanging room divider doubles as a work of art. Securing it at the top and leaving it untethered at the bottom allows it to sway, adding a soothing element of motion. This allows them to work well in doorways, as they can move aside easily and always return to their place. If you want to go this route, choose light beaded or woven strands to hang, so the door frame doesn’t struggle to support the divider.
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If you like plants, hanging them can be a great way to incorporate them into the decor. Put up a hanging shelf and fill it with greenery, allowing trailing leaves to fill in any blank spaces. Alternatively, you could set it up so a row of vines drapes down from the ceiling or stretches upward with the help of some cords or wire.
It’s a fact that spending time among nature does wonders for the mind, reducing stress and increasing pleasant feelings, so a wall of greenery might be just what your home needs.
7. Living Room Divider Ideas
The living room tends to be the site of a lot of activity. It’s where people congregate, play games, and watch tv. Physically separating it from your working, eating, and sleeping areas can help you focus on whatever’s at hand.
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Elaborate wood or metal room dividers help split the room and add a touch of sophistication. They can make a nice backdrop if the adjoining area is the dining room. If the edge of the living room ends with a couch, using a bookshelf to divide the room could be a handy way to keep good reads in reach and eliminate the need for a side table.
If you need to focus on work while keeping an eye on the kids, try setting your desk against a living room wall with pass-throughs. The structured separation that the wall provides communicates the fact that you are in another area, encouraging you to focus fully on the task at hand, but the pass-throughs in the wall provide just enough visibility that you can stay on top of whatever is going on in the next room.
8. Modern Room Divider Ideas
If the rest of the space is in a modern design, you’ll want the room divider to match that. It needs to fit seamlessly into the space it is separating, not stick out awkwardly. Modern room divider design consists of straight lines, geometric patterns, and sturdy materials such as metal and dark wood. Popular colors are white, black, and gold, but you’ll want to go with whatever fits your space best.
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This type of room divider is a great way to separate a dining area from a living room without sacrificing your home’s sophisticated atmosphere. Since they are usually floor-to-ceiling and rarely block the view completely, they allow you to focus in one room without completely losing sight of the other.
Modern room dividers often have thin vertical stripes, diamonds, offset squares and rectangles, or intricate geometric designs. If the divider includes shelves, you could decorate with plants, vases, or large books you’d like to display.
9. Partition Room Divider Ideas
If you’ve got just a corner or a small space that you want to set off from the rest of the room, a room divider is just the thing to take it from awkward to intentional. Place an armchair below a window to create the perfect reading nook, or set up a desk and you’ve got a brand new area designated for working from home.
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A classic paneled room divider is perfect for this. A lightweight rattan one would be a great option if you want the ability to open and close it quickly, or you could opt for an intricately designed shoji screen to add a little flair and convey a stricter separation.
10. Room Divider Design Ideas
While the phrase “room divider” might conjure images of plain panels standing up in the middle of the room, the truth is that anything that breaks up a space into multiple parts can count as one.
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You can stick with an opaque panel or choose a design that doesn’t fully obstruct the view, dividing the room while letting you keep an eye on things. A bookshelf could serve as a functional room divider and provide storage, or you could string up some plants to add a touch of greenery.
11. Sliding Room Divider Room Divider Ideas
When you only want to divide the room part of the time, or if you want to move back and forth between areas easily, a sliding room divider is an ideal solution. It lets you toggle between closed and open floor plans depending on what suits your current needs. This can be helpful if you find yourself going between two rooms frequently, but only at certain times. Maybe you spend equal time in your bedroom and living room early in the day but want to block the world out in the evening. A sliding room divider can help you with that.
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This type of room partition works great with farmhouse style decor. Sliding barn doors or shutters are a great way to incorporate a desire for a rustic atmosphere with a need to split up a room. You could paint them to match the wall they’re set in for a subtle effect, go light gray or powder blue to add a shabby chic feel, or stain them a natural brown to keep things down-to-earth.
Screen doors are another option. While traditionally used as front or back doors, a floor-to-ceiling screen is surprisingly chic when used in an interior.
Room Divider Ideas FAQs
What is a room divider good for?
Room dividers are useful for allowing one room to take on multiple purposes. This might mean separating a playroom so that one side is for computer games and the other is for reading or playing board games, or maybe splitting up a studio apartment so it feels like there are multiple rooms.
What can I use as a room divider?
You could use a standard panel made from something lightweight like wicker or bamboo, or you could go for something more creative. Hanging curtains add an air of drama, while a bookshelf stacked with books, plants, and decorations gets the job done while adding storage.
What should my room divider be made out of?
If you want a sense of total separation, go for a material like solid wood or thick drapes that blocks all view of the rest of the room. Otherwise, lighter materials like rattan, bamboo, or sheer curtains will get the job done. If you only want to block sound, glass or wood with glass panels are both great options.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
