Give An Open-Concept Floor Plan More Separation Without Compromising Space

Open concept floor plans are one of the most common new home layouts, with large and adaptable spaces that flow naturally into each other, creating glorious multipurpose rooms and open sightlines. These large open spaces, however, can sometimes feel much less cozy than broken-up homes even if homeowners love the space and light they afford. There are, however, some great ways to divide an open concept space to feel more cozy and contained without sacrificing that feel of open flow, spaciousness, and light. Some can even buffer noise and offer privacy. They include creating partial walls, transparent glass panels, and hanging dividers that foster a more closed-off feeling between the various open-space zones.

These strategies keep all the benefits of open spaces while diminishing some of the downsides. To boot, many of these suggestions are very budget and DIY-friendly to construct or install, making them an easy way to transform your space without major construction.

Partial walls are one of the best ways to create a sense of enclosure without blocking views or that sense of openness. This can mean attached or unattached low slung half walls or trendy vertical wood accent walls, which leave light passage and sightlines intact. For taller dividing walls, try a half pony wall with posts or columns that go to the ceiling but still remain open at the top. Or install these removeable ZAQYCM Divider Wood Columns from Amazon. 

Walls with shelves or open bookshelves are another great option to divide a larger room into smaller spaces, giving you a bit of extra storage and display surface at the same time. For a rental-friendly way to divide spaces that is easily moveable, there are low consoles or benches that divide the room with tall panels on top made of metal, acrylic, or glass. Place them on either side of the space to separate one zone from another.

Glass and other transparent materials are a perfect way to create a sense of enclosure without sacrificing views or light. One clever DIY is to build a custom wall and overhead soffit out of lumber and moldings to divide a space with custom panes of glass. If you cannot build out a wall, you can also use movable glass paneled dividers, like this one from Wayfair, or build a DIY divider with hinges and French doors. 

For more modern and contemporary spaces, try making a plexiglass and wood grid room divider. You can use glass film to create the look of stained glass, colored glass, and glass blocks on your divider screen, which offer more privacy but still give the space a light and open feel. For a retro look, build a full or partial wall with vintage-inspired glass blocks, like these Nubio Glass Blocks from Amazon. You can also make a budget-friendly clear or frosted plexiglass room divider by repurposing an old IKEA shelf.

Another great way to divide open concept spaces without adding bulky dividers or building actual walls is to use a hanging divider that suspends from the ceiling and doesn't take up any floor space. You can buy hanging room dividers in many different designs, like metal grating and wooden carved pieces, that look stunning and give a sense of coziness and enclosure in any room.

A couple of great options for hanging dividers that still give a feeling of spaciousness and light include Amazon's BIMIDOT Hanging Dividers and this Felt Fiber Board Room Divider. Most can be bought with adaptable interlocking panels that allow you to customize the shape and size of the divider. Other ideas in a similar vein include installing metal mesh curtains for an industrial vibe or curtains made of beading or macrame to create a more cozy boho-chic space.