When it comes to designing open floor plans, creating designated zones within a larger space is an important consideration. These flexible spaces allow for different functions and make the most of the available square footage. One of the most effective ways to divide a room is with furniture arrangements that not only anchor the different areas, but also provide additional storage and seating options.
Designers often use larger furniture pieces, like a rounded bench or a low-profile console table, to visually divide the room. By placing these items strategically throughout the space, they can create a sense of separation without blocking off the areas completely. This approach is especially useful in open-plan layouts, where maintaining a sense of sight and flow is important.
Another way to divide a room is by using shelving units or storage islands. These functional pieces not only provide much-needed storage, but also serve as physical dividers between different areas. By selecting units with a low-profile design, you can maintain a sense of openness and spaciousness, while still defining the different zones.
In addition to furniture, you can use other elements to zone a room. For example, a large area rug can anchor a seating area, while a tall bookshelf can create a visual barrier between the living and dining areas. By selecting items that are both functional and visually appealing, you can create distinct vignettes within a larger space.
Planning is essential when it comes to dividing a room with furniture. Before selecting the pieces, consider the specific needs and functions of each zone. For example, if you want to create a social area for entertaining, having comfortable seating and a coffee table will be important. On the other hand, if you need a quiet workspace, a desk and shelving for storage will be more essential.
Overall, dividing a room with furniture allows you to create a sense of structure and organization within your home. Whether you’re looking to define smaller, more intimate areas or separate larger, multifunctional spaces, there are many ways to achieve a flexible and functional layout. By selecting the right furniture and accessories, you can easily divide a room without sacrificing the open and spacious feel that you desire.
How can I divide a room with furniture
When you’re looking to divide a large or open space into functional areas, furniture can be a great solution. By strategically placing furniture pieces, you can create distinct zones within a room, making it feel more organized and visually appealing.
1. Shelving units
Shelving units are not only great for storage, but they can also act as room dividers. By selecting tall, open shelving units, you can create a sense of separation without completely blocking the line of sight. This is perfect for open-plan layouts, as it allows light to flow through the space.
2. Low-profile furniture
If you have a smaller space or want to create a more discreet division, low-profile furniture can be a great option. Utilize low bookshelves or benches to create a physical barrier while still allowing for a sense of openness.
3. Console tables
Console tables are a versatile option for dividing a room. They provide a surface for display or storage and can act as anchor points for dividing the space. Place a console table against the back of a sofa or as a separation between different seating areas.
4. Islands or tables
If you have a large open space, consider using islands or tables to separate different areas. This can be especially useful in areas like kitchens or open-plan living and dining areas. Use the table or island as a central focal point and arrange other furniture and seating options around it to create distinct zones.
5. Bench dividers
Benches can be a practical and stylish way to divide a room. They can be used as seating options and also provide a physical division. Place a bench between different areas, such as a living room and dining space, to create separation while still maintaining a sense of flow.
6. Vignettes and rounded furniture
Instead of having straight lines and sharp corners, consider incorporating rounded furniture pieces or creating vignettes. This can soften the visual weight of the furniture and give a more organic feel to the space. Use rounded sofas or chairs to create a visual barrier between different zones within a room.
7. High ceilings
If you have high ceilings, take advantage of the vertical space by using tall or floor-to-ceiling dividers. These can be in the form of bookshelves, curtains, or room dividers. By drawing the eye upwards, you can make the space feel larger while still providing separation.
By considering these different furniture options and planning your layout carefully, you can create distinct zones within a room without sacrificing the open and spacious feel. Whether you’re looking to define a foyer area or make a large living room more cozy, furniture can be an essential tool for dividing and organizing your space.
1 Use a sofa to divide an open plan living room
When planning how to divide a large open plan living room, one of the most important things to consider is the furniture placement. Using a sofa as a divider is a great way to create separate zones within a room.
Open plan living rooms are flexible spaces that allow for various activities, such as entertaining guests, watching TV, and relaxing. However, without any physical boundaries, these rooms can often look and feel too spacious and lacking in definition.
By strategically placing a sofa in the room, you can create a sense of separation between different areas while still maintaining an open and spacious feel.
When selecting a sofa for this purpose, it’s important to consider its size, shape, and style. A low-profile sofa with a rounded or discreet design will work well as a room divider, as it won’t obstruct the line of sight or make the space feel cramped.
In addition to dividing the room visually, a sofa can also serve practical functions. For example, you can place a table or console behind the sofa to create a functional surface for displaying decor items or serving food and drinks. You can also use the space beneath the sofa for storage.
By using a sofa to divide an open plan living room, you can create distinct zones and vignettes within the space. It helps to anchor the different areas, making the room feel more organized and cohesive. This approach is perfect for larger rooms or layouts that lack physical walls or partitions.
Overall, using a sofa as a room divider is a great way to divide an open plan living room into multiple zones without sacrificing the sense of spaciousness. It allows you to define different areas within the room and create a more functional and social environment.
2 Zone an a large space with open shelving
In a large, open space, creating zones can help define different areas and make the room feel more organized and functional. One way to zone a large space is by using open shelving. Open shelving not only provides storage but also acts as a visual divider, separating different areas without blocking the view or making the room feel closed off.
Here are some ways you can use open shelving to zone a large space:
- Divide the room into smaller areas: By placing open shelving strategically throughout the room, you can create smaller, defined areas. For example, you can use a large bookshelf to divide the space into a living room and a dining area. This allows each area to have its own distinct function and helps to visually separate them.
- Create vignettes: By arranging objects on the shelves, you can create vignettes that define specific areas within the larger space. For example, you can place a bench and some seating near a bookshelf to create a cozy reading nook. This allows you to use the space in a more purposeful and efficient way.
- Use shelving as a room divider: Instead of using a traditional room divider, such as a folding screen or a curtain, you can use open shelving as a divider. This not only provides storage but also allows light to pass through, making the room feel more spacious and open.
- Anchor larger furniture: In an open-plan space, having large furniture pieces, such as sofas or dining tables, can sometimes feel disconnected. Placing open shelving behind or next to these larger furniture pieces can help anchor them and create a sense of cohesion in the room.
- Select low-profile shelving: When selecting open shelving, it’s important to choose pieces that have a low profile. This will help to maintain a sense of openness and prevent the shelves from overwhelming the space. Low-profile shelving also allows you to see through them, which can make the room feel more spacious.
- Integrate storage and display: One of the great things about open shelving is that it allows you to combine storage and display in the same piece. You can use the shelves to store books, baskets, or other items, while also showcasing decorative objects or artwork. This adds both functionality and visual interest to the space.
- Define entry or foyer: If your large space includes an entry or foyer area, open shelving can be used to define this space and make it more functional. Placing a console table with open shelving near the entry allows you to have storage for essentials like shoes, hats, or bags, while also providing a surface for keys and other small items.
By using open shelving, you can create zones in a large space without sacrificing the sense of openness. It provides a flexible and functional way to divide and define different areas, making the room more organized and visually pleasing. So if you’re looking for ways to zone your spacious room, consider incorporating open shelving into your planning.
3 Use a bespoke storage unit as a room divider
When it comes to dividing a room with furniture, using a bespoke storage unit can be an essential and versatile choice. Not only does it provide storage for your belongings, but it also acts as a visual and physical barrier between different areas of the room.
One way to utilize a storage unit as a room divider is by incorporating seating options into it. By adding seating elements such as benches or ottomans, you can create separate seating areas within a larger space. This allows for different social functions, making the most out of the room’s size and layout.
A rounded console or shelf unit that extends from floor to ceiling can also serve as a beautiful and functional room divider. This type of unit creates a more open and fluid feel while still providing a sense of division within the space. It can be used to anchor different vignettes or display items, allowing for a seamless flow throughout the room.
Another great way to use a storage unit as a room divider is by selecting a unit with discreet shelving. This allows you to store and display items while still maintaining a sense of privacy and separation. By planning the placement of these units strategically, you can achieve a balanced and cohesive look.
Designers Seyie and Odom suggest using a storage bench or a foyer unit with built-in storage as a room divider. This creates a functional and visually appealing way to divide larger open-plan areas without sacrificing valuable space. It also provides a place for people to sit and store their belongings as they enter the room.
Whether you have a large open space or smaller rooms, using a bespoke storage unit as a room divider can be a perfect solution. It allows you to divide the space without closing it off completely, making the room feel more dynamic and versatile. So, consider incorporating a storage unit into your interior design to create flexible and functional zones throughout your space.
4 Use a low-profile bench
When it comes to dividing a room into separate zones, a low-profile bench can be an effective solution. Its scale and shape create a physical anchor that helps define different areas within a larger space.
A low-profile bench is a functional piece of furniture that serves multiple purposes. It can act as a seating area, a table, or even a storage unit. By selecting the right bench, you can seamlessly divide a room without obstructing the open sense of space.
One great thing about low-profile benches is that they can be used in various areas throughout the home. Whether it’s in an open-plan living room, a foyer, or even a bedroom, a bench can be the perfect addition to create distinct zones.
Seating and social areas
In open-plan interiors, a low-profile bench can be used to create separate seating and social areas. By placing the bench strategically, you can divide the space into different seating vignettes where people can gather and interact.
For example, in a living room, a low-profile bench can be placed perpendicular to the sofa, creating a visual divide between different seating areas. This not only helps define the function of each area but also provides additional seating for larger gatherings.
Storage and shelving
In addition to dividing a room, low-profile benches can also serve as practical storage and shelving units. They can be designed with hidden compartments or open shelving to store items like books, magazines, or decorative items.
This is especially essential for smaller spaces where having discrete storage is important. By incorporating a low-profile bench with storage capabilities, you can maximize the functionality of the room without sacrificing style.
Designers like Candace Odom have used low-profile benches to divide spaces and create functional zones in their designs. Whether you’re looking to define different areas in an open-plan layout or create distinct vignettes throughout your home, a low-profile bench can be the perfect solution.
5 Divide a kitchen with a freestanding island
In open-plan homes, dividing rooms without using walls is essential to create separate zones for different functions. One great way to divide a kitchen from other rooms is by using a freestanding island.
A freestanding island acts as a visual and functional divider, separating the kitchen from the rest of the space while still allowing for an open and spacious feeling. It serves multiple purposes, providing additional countertop space for food preparation, storage for kitchen essentials, and even seating arrangements for casual dining or socializing.
Designers often recommend selecting a freestanding island that complements the overall design of the kitchen. The scale and style of the island should align with the needs and aesthetics of the space. For example, a smaller kitchen may benefit from a low-profile island, while a larger kitchen can accommodate a larger and more elaborate island.
There are several ways to incorporate a freestanding island into the kitchen layout. One option is to place the island perpendicular to the kitchen bench, creating an L-shape arrangement. This allows for easy movement between the two areas and provides additional storage and countertop space.
Another option is to position the island parallel to the kitchen bench, creating a galley-style layout. This arrangement is suitable for narrower kitchen spaces and allows for efficient movement between the two areas.
Some designers also recommend using the island as a focal point by adding decorative elements or functional items on top. This can include vignettes of carefully curated kitchenware, plants, or artwork. These elements can help to visually define the kitchen area and add personality to the space.
Additionally, freestanding islands can be customized to meet specific storage needs. Incorporating shelves, drawers, or cabinets into the island provides additional storage options for kitchen essentials and can help keep the space organized and clutter-free.
When planning the placement of a freestanding island, it is essential to consider traffic flow and ensure that there is enough space for movement around the island. The island should not obstruct the natural flow of movement throughout the kitchen and other adjacent areas.
Overall, using a freestanding island to divide a kitchen is a versatile and flexible option. It allows for efficient use of space, provides additional functionality, and creates a defined zone within an open-plan layout.
6 Use chairs with light frames
When it comes to dividing a room with furniture, chairs with light frames can be a great option. The arrangements of chairs can help define the different zones within a flexible space.
Having chairs with light frames is essential for creating a social and open atmosphere. The lightness of the chairs allows for easy movement and rearrangement, making it perfect for flexible spaces.
One way to use chairs with light frames is to anchor them to create physical vignettes. These vignettes can serve as smaller islands or dividers within a larger open-plan space.
By selecting chairs with light frames, you can create discreet seating areas throughout the room. This allows for different functions and needs within the space without making it feel crowded or closed off.
Around a table, lightweight chairs can give the feeling of spaciousness and flexibility. They allow for a clear line of sight throughout the room, making it visually appealing and functional.
Chairs with light frames also add a sense of weightlessness to the room. This is especially important if you’re dividing a smaller space, as heavy furniture can make it feel cramped and tight.
When planning the layout of your flexible space, consider incorporating chairs with light frames to divide the areas. This will not only make the room feel larger but also provide functional seating options throughout.
In summary, chairs with light frames are a great tool for dividing a room with furniture. They create visual and physical zones within a flexible space, making it easy to define different areas and functions. Whether you’re a designer or a homeowner, consider using chairs with light frames to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your space.
7 Create separate seating areas
When you have a larger room and want to create distinct seating areas, you can do so without building physical walls. By strategically placing furniture, you can create separate zones that serve different purposes and give the room a more flexible layout.
One way to create separate seating areas is to use a bench as an anchor piece. A bench can be placed in the middle of the room and act as a divider between two seating areas. It can also provide extra storage space if it has built-in storage units.
Another option is to use low-profile furniture that allows you to see through it. This creates a sense of openness and doesn’t make the room feel too crowded. Designer Seyie Odom suggests using low-profile furniture like low console tables or discreet storage units to create separation without obstructing the sightlines.
Large islands or oversized coffee tables can also be perfect for dividing a room into separate seating areas. They provide a physical barrier and define the space while still allowing for a sense of continuity in the overall design.
When selecting furniture to create separate seating areas, consider the scale and layout of the room. Larger pieces can be used to anchor the different vignettes, while smaller pieces can be used to define the space and add functionality.
In open floor plans, creating separate seating areas is essential to define different functions and give the room a more organized and spacious look. By using furniture strategically, you can divide the room into distinct zones without the need for physical walls.
How do you divide a room with furniture
Dividing a room with furniture is a great way to create separate spaces and zones within a larger area. By strategically placing and selecting furniture items, you can effectively divide the room while still maintaining a sense of openness and flow. Here are some ways to divide a room with furniture:
1. Scale and arrangements
When dividing a room with furniture, it’s important to consider the scale of the items and their arrangements. Choosing furniture that is proportional to the size of the room will create a more cohesive and balanced look. Arranging the furniture in a way that defines the different areas will help visually separate them.
2. Low-profile furniture
Using low-profile furniture can help create a division between spaces without visually closing off the room. Instead of using large, heavy pieces, opt for furniture with a lower height that allows for an open sightline throughout the space.
3. Functional units
Incorporating functional units, such as bookshelves or storage cabinets, can be a practical way to divide a room. These units can serve as both a visual and physical barrier, while also providing additional storage and organization.
4. Ceiling-height furniture
Using furniture that extends all the way to the ceiling can help create a more defined division between spaces. This is especially effective in rooms with high ceilings, as it visually separates the different zones and draws the eye upwards.
5. Entry console table
Placing an entry console table near the entryway is a great way to divide a room and create a designated entry space. This not only gives a sense of purpose to the area but also provides a practical surface for dropping keys, mail, and other items.
6. Seating arrangements
Strategically placing seating arrangements can help divide a room while still maintaining a sense of cohesiveness. By positioning furniture in a way that encourages conversation and social interaction, you can create distinct seating areas within the larger space.
7. Vignettes and visual cues
Using vignettes and visual cues is a subtle way to divide a room without the need for physical barriers. By carefully arranging furniture, rugs, and accessories, you can create distinct zones that fulfill different functions within the room.
Remember, when dividing a room with furniture, it’s important to consider your needs and the overall layout of the space. By planning and selecting the right furniture pieces and arrangements, you can create functional and visually appealing divisions within the room.