Tips For Dividing A Large Living Room

According to experienced designers, dividing a large room is the definition of making your home more comfortable. Room divider ideas are most of the time expensive and time-consuming, but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful.

That’s why we prepared a list of useful tips for dividing a large room, aimed to serve those who want to organize space that way, and even more – to do that properly.

So, how to divide a large living room? Let’s check it!

How to break up a large living room

Columns and half-walls to divide a large living room

Image source: Duffy Design Group

A simple, yet great way to distinguish areas in a large living room is to install half-walls using columns. Half-walls are powerful enough to restore the charm lost by building conventional walls to divide space, and it is probably the most modern solution for large and open rooms.

Image source: Peter A. Sellar – Architectural Photographer

Half-walls are supposed to start from the top of a wall’s outer side, running down from the ceiling. They can either be plain, or covered with tiles to make the place feel natural and comfortable.

At the same time, you can use them to personalize your room by arranging meaningful family portraits, or elegant details such as personal art collections. Whatever you decide to do with them, half-walls will always look sophisticated.

Use curtains to decorate a large living room

Image source: Adeeni Design Group

As a traditional homeowner, you probably think curtains are meant to do nothing more but to cover windows and doors. Modern interior design, however, prescribes them a different purpose.

Curtains are by far the simplest and easiest means to divide space, and will therefore help you define the area in a snap.

Furthermore, they won’t cost a fortune, and you’ll count on the fact that you can remove them whenever you decide. At the same time, curtains can be closed to give you some privacy, or wide open to restore space for bigger events.

Metal dividers

Image source: DTDA pty ltd

Dividing a living room is not necessarily a practical solution that will ensure privacy and storage, but also a creative process that will make your room look more elegant.

A popular and modern solution is to divide space with metal dividers, in particular breathtaking trellis and similar artistic designs.

Dividing a room with furniture

Dividing a room looks best when ‘spontaneous’, namely when space is divided using furniture pieces. Those could be entertainment units, shelving units, a couple of back-to-back sofas with separate coffee tables, or even simple rugs.

In fact, having more than one visible conversation area is the best way to indicate that a room is arranged to serve multiple purposes.

So, look through IKEA living room sets and see what you can use from there.

Bookshelves

Image source: Robbins Architecture

Instead of investing in new walls, you can separate rooms completely using long, freestanding shelves, or such that are attached to a wall on one side.

You can obtain an even better look by filling the bookshelves with different objects representing both sides.

Natural dividers

Image source: Betty Wasserman

Why not making your home a bit more natural, and using twigs and tree branches to divide space between your living room and dining room? You can either look for creative ideas, or come up with your own DIY project likely to produce an original solution.

Sliding doors

Image source: Jaque Bethke for PURE Design Environments Inc.

Sliding doors are an awesome idea because they offer multiple structuring possibilities, and a chance to obtain multiple looks.

They can be built in the walls, suspended, hidden, staged, etc – it would be enough to close any of them to enclose an area and to define it visually, but they can also be plain or transparent to keep all areas well lit.

Doors are a perfect idea because they come in all colors and materials, and you can easily find ones that suit the needs of your space.

How to use a TV tower to divide a room

Image source: Abramson Teiger Architects

The room divider can easily become the focal point in your room: build a central TV tower, and conceal it with a couple of sliding doors enclosing it from the side. The solution is both handy and fashionable.

Bisect spaces with fireplaces

Image source: jamesthomas Interiors

Who sad that you have to keep to conventional fireplaces? Double-sized floor-to-ceiling fireplaces can easily create two rooms out of one, conveying at the same time a personal and powerful message.

The fire will be beneficial for both sides, but the room will look far more welcoming.

This would most likely be used for luxury living rooms.

Cubby wooden separators

Image source: Rhodes Architecture + Light

Freestanding wooden cubes placed inside metal frames make for the most interesting room dividers, being at the same time a recognizable motif you can repeat through your entire place.

Temporary folding screens

Browsing for a traditional solution will almost certainly lead you to folding screens, available in all styles and designs, and above all – practical.

They can be modified and removed easily, which makes them the ideal choice for creative homeowners who like to do magic with just few pinewood sheets, a bit of paint and fabric.

You can even make few different panels and hinge them together to make the partition perfect.

Cabinets

Image source: Kipnis Architecture + Planning

Another practical way to divide large spaces is to use built-in cabinets, because they’re both decorative and very practical.

The most appropriate place for them is a common living/dining room, where you could use them to store glasses and tableware.

Eco-friendly dividers

The truth is that literally every oversized item can play the role of a room divider, meaning that a bit of creativity can give you both: a unique room, and a safe budget.

If lacking ideas, visit a flea market or a garage sale, and you will discover a variety of elements to repurpose and to use as one-of-a-kind room designers.

Reclaimed wooden pallets, window sashes tied with metal hinges, and even vintage doors can add a novel flair to your otherwise contemporary environment, and you can even connect them to replicate freestanding panel partitions.

Old windows, for instance, are cut for rustic and industrial environments, both when the glass is there and when it is not. In addition, you can distress the look by painting the frame with your favorite color.

Sliding panels

Image source: Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA) Casey Dunn Photography

Sliding panels have two distinctive advantages over static ones: they make the space look more open, and they cost less. Installing them is fairly similar to installing sliding doors, but the difference is that you can hang them literally in every part of the room.

All it takes is to install a rail for them to move, and to attach fabric, window-like panels, woven, or even moving mirrors. Replacing them won’t cost a fortune, and the looks of the room will be absolutely different.

Built-in storage with extra room for the TV

Room dividers are ideal to mount the TV on, especially if facing a sitting area. In addition, you can install storage elements to keep utilities out of sight.

Decorated floors

Image source: Margaret Donaldson Interiors

Did you consider that dividing a room is also possible without adding physical dividers? At the end of the day, the main point is to make division visible, not necessarily to stumble on columns and misplaced cabinets.

Designers considered this circumstance, and came to the conclusion that decorated floors can make an equally powerful statement, painted differently in distinct activity zones.

All it takes is to define and measure the area, and to apply patchwork on checkerboards different than the rest of the floor.

In fact, you won’t even have to mess with the material: adding a simple rug in the defined perimeter will be enough to indicate that the room is divided. Needless to say, it will ensure soft landing for bare feet, something that is far more important than appearance.

FAQs about dividing a large living room

1. What are some effective ways to visually divide a large living room?

Using area rugs or carpets is a good method to visually divide a large living space. To establish distinct zones, place a larger rug in the middle of the room and smaller rugs on either side. Utilizing contrasting wallpaper or wall colors to separate spaces is an additional choice. You can also utilize room dividers like curtains, tall bookcases, and room dividers to create separation.

2. How can I divide a large living room without making it feel smaller?

Use furniture as dividers to separate a huge living room without making it appear smaller. A sizable sectional sofa, for instance, can divide the living room and dining room. While allowing light and air to easily circulate, using open shelf units can also give the impression of separation. Tall indoor plants can also be used to add a natural barrier while preserving a sense of openness.

3. What are some creative ideas for dividing a large living room without using walls or partitions?

Using different flooring materials, such as wood and tiles, to form different zones is one imaginative method to divide a huge living area. Another suggestion is to utilize elegant-looking decorative screens that can be moved quickly, such folding screens. Using large paintings or tapestries can help visually divide rooms.

4. How do I create separate zones in a large living room?

Consider employing various lighting options, such as floor lamps or pendant lights, to illuminate each section in a large living room to create distinct zones. To create a warm ambiance in each zone, you can also employ various sitting arrangements and accent items, like throw pillows and blankets. A natural divide between spaces can also be achieved by using built-in bookcases or shelves.

5. What types of furniture are best for dividing a large living room?

Sectional sofas, console tables, and bookcases are examples of furniture that divides a large living room well. By using this kind of furniture, a physical barrier may be built while still allowing light and air to pass through the space. To establish isolation, you can also utilize tall indoor plants or curtains.

6. What colors and patterns should I use to create a sense of separation in a large living room?

In a large living room, using contrasting colors and patterns can give the impression of separation. Using a strong, patterned rug to designate the seated area and a rug in a solid color to designate the dining room, for instance, can clearly separate the two spaces. Another choice is to paint the entire space a neutral color scheme while adding accents of color to each zone.

7. Are there any Feng Shui principles I should consider when dividing a large living room?

Consider employing natural building materials, such wood and stone, for room dividers to create a harmonious living area in accordance with Feng Shui principles. Do not use separators, such as tall drapes or enormous bookcases, that restrict the movement of energy or light. Yin and yang energy can be balanced to produce a harmonious living environment.

8. Can lighting be used to help divide a large living room?

A huge living room can be divided into different zones using lighting. To draw attention to a dining area, use pendant lights or chandeliers, and to create a pleasant reading nook, use table or floor lamps. While preserving a sense of coherence, various lighting fixtures can help define and distinguish each zone.

9. What are some cost-effective options for dividing a large living room?

Using room dividers that can be readily moved or removed, such as bookcases or screens, is an affordable way to separate a large living area. Another choice is to create various zones by using area rugs or carpets. Utilizing furniture with many uses, like a storage ottoman, can also help you make the most of your space while establishing separation.

10. How do I balance functionality and style when dividing a large living room?

A large living space should be divided in a way that balances aesthetics and functionality. Choosing furniture with many uses, such as a room divider with storage space is one way to achieve this.

Choosing furniture that goes well with the existing decor can also assist give the room a unified appearance. It’s also crucial to think about the room’s flow and make sure that any separators or furniture placements don’t obstruct traffic or provide awkward dead spaces.

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