As life becomes increasingly more expensive a growing population are finding themselves downsizing to smaller living spaces. This is the time to be the most creative when creating our own little private nooks in our abodes.
Although Shoji screens are one great option to create a moveable partition wall (Read my article, http://www.examiner.com/interior-design-in-new-york/decorating-the-abode-with-the-use-of-shoji-screens), there are many other alternatives to create privacy areas.
Repurposed old doors and windows work great as privacy screens.
Salvaged windows or french doors are great choices. Being creative there are several ways in which to make your partitions.
- Remove the glass and mullions. Paint the wooden portion of the window. If the window has a natural wood finish you can sand it down and stain it instead, or just add a coat of polyurethane. Fit inside the frames with homemade fabric curtains finished on front and back and shirred on a bottom and top with tension rods.
- Tape off all glass portions of the window and paint or stain the wood. Use a permanent marker to draw out a decorative design on the glass. Now fill in the design with a glass paint or folk art enamel paint.
stain the glass in an old French Door and repurpose as a lovely folding screen
- Hinge the door or window panels together to create a standing screen or hang the panels from the ceiling with hooks and a chain. Screw an eye hook into both ends of the top of the panel. Screw hooks into the ceiling at the appropriate places. Hang the panels from the ceiling hooks with an adjustable chain so that you can adjust the height.
window frames repurposed as room divider
- Wood window shutters and hollow core doors make great screens as well. Paint the window shutters. The doors can be painted or covered with a wall covering or fabric. Attach hinges for a standing screen or hooks to hang them from ceiling.
Purchase a rigid insulation (which is either blue or pink in color and can be anywhere from 1″ to 2″ thick) from a building supply store such as Lowes, or Home Depot. These come in 4 foot by 8 foot sheets. Paint or cover in fabric. These should be hung from the ceiling with hooks. You may need to trim the 8 foot boards down a couple of inches in order to fit properly when hung (most ceiling heights are 8 feet so you will need some space to accommodate your boards).
Enjoy your space and be appreciative of your abode’s shelter. Never be afraid to dance!
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