How Do IKEA's Modern Room Dividers For Added Privacy Compare To Big Box Stores?

Room dividers are a great way to separate your space in style, and they can also add functionality, privacy, and a decorative touch to any room. You don't need to spend a fortune on a high-quality divider for your home or patio — IKEA has an inventory of modern room dividers to suit all types of needs, budgets, and aesthetics. IKEA's outdoor dividers offer stylish and renter-friendly privacy solutions for backyards, gardens, and balconies. As for indoor-friendly room dividers, the Swedish furniture chain sells options that range from practical and noise-cancelling to simple and boho chic. We compared IKEA's online selection of room dividers to big-box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart to help you figure out where to shop. The advantage of big-box stores is the variety of choices, particularly for those who are willing to spend a bit more on a room divider made of high quality materials or wider sizes for bigger rooms. You'll also find unique options like hanging privacy dividers mounted to the ceiling and partitions with unique built-in features. 

However, more choice is not always a good thing. Though big-box stores sell many more room dividers than IKEA, a smaller  selection can make it easier to pick one without the stress of sifting through hundreds of options. You may find that what IKEA has in stock is perfectly suited to your needs, and you won't be tempted to spend $400 on an extravagant hand-carved partition made of mango wood and pine. For something as straightforward as a room divider, simplicity can be a smart choice. Let's compare IKEA's selection to big-box stores so you can find the best fit. 

IKEA has a great selection of privacy dividers for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can block out noisy neighbors on your patio or create cozy, separated spaces in your home. Among the top-rated options is the RISÖR room divider, made of solid wood black and white panels that offer privacy while still allowing light into the space. IKEA has a variety of other choices dependent on your desired uses. For example, the TOLKNING handwoven rattan room divider is more decorative than functional, while the VARHAUG divider acts as a movable wall made of sound-absorbing material to reduce outside noise. There are also more creative and versatile pieces, such as full-wall shelving units that serve as a privacy divider and storage area in one.

As for outdoor options, the NÄMMARÖ divider is a popular IKEA find that adds privacy to any outdoor space. Made of durable pre-treated acacia slats, it can be used as a patio divider or a climbing plant wall. The NÄMMARÖ is also available with a built-in storage bench for added function. Another outdoor option is the LUNGÖN privacy screen made of off-white steel that works well in a garden or on a patio. Both options have small gaps in their design, meaning they offer partial, rather than complete, privacy.

Big box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart sell privacy dividers that are similar in style to IKEA's selection. However, these stores offer much greater variety online that range in quality, price, size, style, and functionality. Home Depot, for example, has options that range from $40 to nearly $1,000 depending on the material and design. In addition to folding freestanding dividers, Home Depot also sells hanging partitions that are mounted to a track, like this sliding room divider by Godear Design. 

Walmart sells many privacy dividers online that are relatively on par with IKEA's price points. The retailer's website has hundreds of choices and customers can filter their search based on the best-selling options. One of these is a partition room divider that comes in customizable sizes of four, six, and eight panels. Another top-rated option is the Jostyle Room Divider, which is similar to IKEA's rattan divider but larger and more affordable, with wider sizes also available. Lowe's is also an excellent resource for high-quality room dividers. The online store has close to 200 available options ranging from $100 to $400. Some of the best selling options include the Costway 4-Panel Folding Wood Divider for just over $100 that offers a contemporary farmhouse vibe. Another room divider by Costway comes with blackboard panels that can be used for drawing, perfect for both privacy and play in a kid's bedroom.