What is a partition wall?

A partition wall is a partial, non-load-bearing wall that creates designated sections in a space without completely closing it off, allowing for flexible and functional rooms. There are several different options for partition walls, and your exact layout will ultimately depend on the effect you’re trying to achieve.

Partition walls can be an excellent solution for people with hybrid work schedules or for families who might need some designated “kid spaces” that are still part of the main living area.

Another part of the appeal of breaking up spaces is that it also makes your larger home a little easier to decorate and work with. When you have a large, square room with no delineation, it can be hard to figure out where to group seating and dining areas, and it can feel like the furniture is adrift. Creating nooks with partition walls can help give each spot a purpose and create a pleasant flow in your space.

DANE TASHIMA

Is a partition wall right for you?

Before adding a partition wall, you’ll need to assess if it would really be a solution to your design dilemmas.

If you want privacy for an office for confidential calls or a guest bedroom where visitors need their own space, a partition wall is likely not enough. This would be the time to call in a contractor and put up a full, non-load-bearing wall to create a separate room.

However, if you have a multifunctional space or just need to divide things up a bit, then the partition wall makes a whole lot of sense. One way to implement a partition wall is to secure a row of vertical panels to the ceiling—how close together the panels are affects how much the space will feel separated from the main living area. You might also choose to have the panels swivel—like a shutter wall!—or work on tracks so you can open and shut them or move them to create more of a modular room effect. This way, you can close the space off when you’re using a nook as an office and then retract the wall to reveal more open space when you’re in entertaining mode.

Some partition walls also incorporate glass to maintain sight lines and allow sunlight to continue through your home while still cutting down on noise and giving a sense of separation. By choosing materials like wood and glass paneling, you can create designated spaces plus an interesting design element.

If you’re not ready for a permanent commitment, or if you rent your home, there are ways to cheat a partition wall, too. You can use tall bookcases to section off space—just make sure to anchor them to the wall if you have small children or rambunctious pets around! This hack is particularly nice for an office or study area. Another solution is to use rice paper or wooden screens as room dividers. You can paint them to match your decor or purchase some with art included to enhance the room’s overall design.

Finally, you can also use curtains to break up the space. If you want to keep things light and airy, choose sheers. To completely block off an area and create something like a movie room, thick velvet curtains will not only block out light but also help dampen sound.

However you decide to break up your living areas, a little separation can go a long way in creating usable rooms for your whole family to enjoy. And the ability to choose when you need some space to be apart can make the time you spend together that much more enjoyable!