Decorating Guides
How to Create Separation in an Open-Plan Space
Use these tips to minimise noise, delineate space and establish personal boundaries in an open layout
“Open-plan layout” is a generic term used in interior design and architecture for any floorplan that makes use of large, open spaces and minimises the use of small, enclosed rooms. They are, for the most part, free of interior walls or partitions.
Open-plan layouts became popular in the 1970s and have remained so, but over the past year, as people have been isolated at home, all that openness is causing some to reconsider. It turns out those walls, partitions and other barriers are useful for minimising noise and giving a visual and physical sense of privacy. Here are 15 ways you can create that separation.
Open-plan layouts became popular in the 1970s and have remained so, but over the past year, as people have been isolated at home, all that openness is causing some to reconsider. It turns out those walls, partitions and other barriers are useful for minimising noise and giving a visual and physical sense of privacy. Here are 15 ways you can create that separation.
Adding surfaces behind furniture zones can also create a barrier. A console table behind a sofa, as shown here, is a nice way to add height and definition.
The more height you add to your console table in terms of accessories and items you place on the surface, the more of a visual barrier you’ll create. Consider tall vases, high stacks of books and table lamps.
The more height you add to your console table in terms of accessories and items you place on the surface, the more of a visual barrier you’ll create. Consider tall vases, high stacks of books and table lamps.
Lay a rug
Another strong way to create a visually distinct area is through the placement of rugs. These also enhance your décor and add softness to the overall space. Rugs are also great for absorbing noise, which is helpful when multiple activities are happening in one room.
Be sure you select a rug that’s the appropriate size. You should at least be able to fit the main piece of furniture, such as a sofa, on it.
Another strong way to create a visually distinct area is through the placement of rugs. These also enhance your décor and add softness to the overall space. Rugs are also great for absorbing noise, which is helpful when multiple activities are happening in one room.
Be sure you select a rug that’s the appropriate size. You should at least be able to fit the main piece of furniture, such as a sofa, on it.
If you’re unsure of what style of rug to go for, my recommendation would be to go for bold colour to really define the zone and give it a different personality.
Introduce a folding screen
One low-commitment way to divide a space is with a decorative folding screen. These vertical barriers can also inject pattern and colour into a room, and they can easily be moved around to other areas of the home or taken out completely when you’re ready for a full open-plan scheme again.
Notice how the screen here creates an intimate seating area while adding colour and pattern. The striking light fixture carries weight and also helps to define this space. At night, the light will punctuate the zone even more.
One low-commitment way to divide a space is with a decorative folding screen. These vertical barriers can also inject pattern and colour into a room, and they can easily be moved around to other areas of the home or taken out completely when you’re ready for a full open-plan scheme again.
Notice how the screen here creates an intimate seating area while adding colour and pattern. The striking light fixture carries weight and also helps to define this space. At night, the light will punctuate the zone even more.
Accent the ceiling
Sometimes the best ideas come from above. The inset ceiling in this living room is dressed in wallpaper and finished with multiple bulb lights. This feature stylishly characterises the sitting area.
For a more subtle but still effective approach, consider enhancing a ceiling with paint or moulding.
Sometimes the best ideas come from above. The inset ceiling in this living room is dressed in wallpaper and finished with multiple bulb lights. This feature stylishly characterises the sitting area.
For a more subtle but still effective approach, consider enhancing a ceiling with paint or moulding.
Employ a bookcase
I love the idea of using an open bookcase to separate areas, because it serves double duty: division and storage. Be cautious how you dress the shelves, though. I highly recommend you don’t stuff your bookcase to the gills; leave some open space to allow brightness to filter through and highlight the objects.
Also, choose a high-quality, sturdy unit. This is not a piece to skimp on, because you don’t want it to topple over. You should always anchor and secure any freestanding unit you’re using between spaces. Or copy the example shown here, where the bookcase is attached to the ceiling above and a half wall below, ensuring it stays firmly in place.
You could also consider a solid bookcase, which will create a more definitive separation. In that option, you could place two bookcases back to back, so you have storage on both sides, or hang art on the back of one bookcase.
I love the idea of using an open bookcase to separate areas, because it serves double duty: division and storage. Be cautious how you dress the shelves, though. I highly recommend you don’t stuff your bookcase to the gills; leave some open space to allow brightness to filter through and highlight the objects.
Also, choose a high-quality, sturdy unit. This is not a piece to skimp on, because you don’t want it to topple over. You should always anchor and secure any freestanding unit you’re using between spaces. Or copy the example shown here, where the bookcase is attached to the ceiling above and a half wall below, ensuring it stays firmly in place.
You could also consider a solid bookcase, which will create a more definitive separation. In that option, you could place two bookcases back to back, so you have storage on both sides, or hang art on the back of one bookcase.
To keep some sightlines open, a lower storage unit, like the one shown here, may be right for you.
This two-sided, floor-to-ceiling shelving unit offers storage and separation between a living room and kitchen. Anchoring the TV onto the unit helps to really define the areas.
Layout Ideas for an Open-plan Kitchen and Living Space.
Layout Ideas for an Open-plan Kitchen and Living Space.
Hang curtains
Curtains can go far beyond just dressing your windows; they can make a plush room divider, too. It’s a look that will create softness and enhance a room’s ambiance. Because there’s no standard-size curtain and rod for a room application, going bespoke is probably the best route.
Curtains can go far beyond just dressing your windows; they can make a plush room divider, too. It’s a look that will create softness and enhance a room’s ambiance. Because there’s no standard-size curtain and rod for a room application, going bespoke is probably the best route.
You can opt for opaque fabric to add a complete barrier or choose sheers as in this room to keep things feeling airy. Sheers come in a variety of light-filtering options, so you can customise the brightness level you’re going for.
Install a decorative divider
A stylish fixed screen is an elegant way to break up a room. It can also add an arty feature to your space. Consider your surrounding design and architectural elements when selecting the pattern, colour and material. You want it to feel intentional, as if the divider was always part of the space, rather than an afterthought.
Here, classic midcentury modern-style breeze blocks coordinate with the Eames-style chairs and other midcentury-inspired details.
A stylish fixed screen is an elegant way to break up a room. It can also add an arty feature to your space. Consider your surrounding design and architectural elements when selecting the pattern, colour and material. You want it to feel intentional, as if the divider was always part of the space, rather than an afterthought.
Here, classic midcentury modern-style breeze blocks coordinate with the Eames-style chairs and other midcentury-inspired details.
This geometric metal divider pairs beautifully with the clean-lined contemporary kitchen.
Keep in mind that the less dense your pattern, the more you’ll see the adjacent zone, so really think about how you’ll be using the spaces side by side to help inform your design needs for a divider.
Keep in mind that the less dense your pattern, the more you’ll see the adjacent zone, so really think about how you’ll be using the spaces side by side to help inform your design needs for a divider.
The size of your divider is also important for comfort and accessibility. The average opening width considered adequate between spaces is within a range of 105cm and 120cm, so you don’t want a divider to encroach on those pathways.
Incorporate plants
A large leafy tree can add a lively optical barrier. The ficus tree in this home helps separate a living area from a dining spot. Also, notice how the homeowners painted a single wall on the left a different colour than the other walls to signify a transition space.
Find a designer to help design your home
A large leafy tree can add a lively optical barrier. The ficus tree in this home helps separate a living area from a dining spot. Also, notice how the homeowners painted a single wall on the left a different colour than the other walls to signify a transition space.
Find a designer to help design your home
An indoor planter box is also a great way to create some delineation while keeping sightlines open.
Put up a glass partition
A glass partition helps to block noise while letting light pass between spaces. If you want to obscure the view to further separate rooms, consider etched or textured glass.
A glass partition helps to block noise while letting light pass between spaces. If you want to obscure the view to further separate rooms, consider etched or textured glass.
You can also create a full glass wall with doors. This keeps the open-plan feel intact but allows a user to shut the doors to listen to music or take a phone call without disturbing, or being disturbed by, activities in the adjacent room.
Another alternative is vertical glass louvres that can be rotated. If you have nearby operable windows, the louvres can be turned so the breeze flows right through. You can also create moody features with shadows and lighting, depending on how you pivot each panel.
Build a wall
It might seem counterintuitive to put up a wall where one was previously taken down or to add one to a new-build home intended to be open, but sometimes you have to be honest about how you use your home and what your needs are.
You don’t have to add a full wall. Sometimes a half wall or partition wall that stops just short of the ceiling, like the orange one shown here, is enough. Plus, a simple, non-load-bearing wall made with two-by-fours and plasterboard is relatively easy to put up and take down.
Also notice the decorative divider used in this space.
It might seem counterintuitive to put up a wall where one was previously taken down or to add one to a new-build home intended to be open, but sometimes you have to be honest about how you use your home and what your needs are.
You don’t have to add a full wall. Sometimes a half wall or partition wall that stops just short of the ceiling, like the orange one shown here, is enough. Plus, a simple, non-load-bearing wall made with two-by-fours and plasterboard is relatively easy to put up and take down.
Also notice the decorative divider used in this space.
Take it to the next level
Changing the level of a room or creating a sunken area is a method that will definitively separate spaces within an open-plan layout. A level change down from a main floor area can offer increased headroom and a feeling of spaciousness. A level change up will create a more intimate space.
Keep in mind that level changes in homes can be difficult to navigate for people with mobility issues, so always consider handrails or other support structures.
Changing the level of a room or creating a sunken area is a method that will definitively separate spaces within an open-plan layout. A level change down from a main floor area can offer increased headroom and a feeling of spaciousness. A level change up will create a more intimate space.
Keep in mind that level changes in homes can be difficult to navigate for people with mobility issues, so always consider handrails or other support structures.
Create a kitchen island
If your kitchen feels too open to surrounding rooms – for instance, if you’re trying to cook and guests or family members keep coming in and getting in the way – investing in an island could be right for you.
An island forms a barrier that keeps people on one side and the chef on the other. It also visually denotes the separation of spaces. Bar stools will further highlight the boundary point, but also consider placing a small beverage fridge on the outer side or end to let guests grab a drink without needing to come to the main fridge and potentially get in the cook’s way.
For a less permanent option, consider an island on lockable casters, allowing you to push the piece out of the way to create a more open feel as needed.
If your kitchen feels too open to surrounding rooms – for instance, if you’re trying to cook and guests or family members keep coming in and getting in the way – investing in an island could be right for you.
An island forms a barrier that keeps people on one side and the chef on the other. It also visually denotes the separation of spaces. Bar stools will further highlight the boundary point, but also consider placing a small beverage fridge on the outer side or end to let guests grab a drink without needing to come to the main fridge and potentially get in the cook’s way.
For a less permanent option, consider an island on lockable casters, allowing you to push the piece out of the way to create a more open feel as needed.
Design an arty feature
If you lack wall space to hang artwork because of an abundance of windows (not a bad problem to have), consider creating, or hiring an artist to create, an art installation that separates rooms.
In this home, an installation of what appears to be birch trees and trunks cordons off the dining area from the living room. Also notice how the level change defines the spaces, as does the large light fitting over the dining table.
If you lack wall space to hang artwork because of an abundance of windows (not a bad problem to have), consider creating, or hiring an artist to create, an art installation that separates rooms.
In this home, an installation of what appears to be birch trees and trunks cordons off the dining area from the living room. Also notice how the level change defines the spaces, as does the large light fitting over the dining table.
In this apartment, twisted floor-to-ceiling sculptures add drama and designation to the open layout.
Incorporate sliding panels
Sliding doors are popular for fully opening up interiors to outdoor spaces, but the concept could be applied to interior spaces. In this home, for instance, sliding panels can completely shut off or open up a workspace to the main living area.
For this arrangement, you need bulkheads or another system for supporting the tracks from which the panels hang. If tracks are going in the floor, that’s something that will require extra thought and planning.
Also, keep in mind that some set-ups might be more difficult to clean than others, so it’s worth doing your homework. If the panels permanently overlap, for example, it can be hard to clean the space between them. If the tracks are on the floor, dirt and other debris can settle in the nooks.
Sliding doors are popular for fully opening up interiors to outdoor spaces, but the concept could be applied to interior spaces. In this home, for instance, sliding panels can completely shut off or open up a workspace to the main living area.
For this arrangement, you need bulkheads or another system for supporting the tracks from which the panels hang. If tracks are going in the floor, that’s something that will require extra thought and planning.
Also, keep in mind that some set-ups might be more difficult to clean than others, so it’s worth doing your homework. If the panels permanently overlap, for example, it can be hard to clean the space between them. If the tracks are on the floor, dirt and other debris can settle in the nooks.
Construct a two-sided fireplace
A two-sided fireplace is perhaps the cosiest and most inviting option of the bunch. Fireplaces always create a striking focal point, and a two-sided option has the advantage of distributing heat and ambience more evenly to two areas than if it was against one wall at the end of a large open-plan room.
You could also consider bioethanol or electric options that don’t require a chimney.
Read more:
How to Partition Spaces Without Using Walls
Tell us:
Which of these ideas could work in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
A two-sided fireplace is perhaps the cosiest and most inviting option of the bunch. Fireplaces always create a striking focal point, and a two-sided option has the advantage of distributing heat and ambience more evenly to two areas than if it was against one wall at the end of a large open-plan room.
You could also consider bioethanol or electric options that don’t require a chimney.
Read more:
How to Partition Spaces Without Using Walls
Tell us:
Which of these ideas could work in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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This is definitely the place to start when it comes to defining zones for your interior, and it probably won’t cost you a thing.
Turning the backs of chairs and sofas to the rest of a space is an immediate way to signal a separate area. Rearranging your furniture to carefully create cordoned off, intimate sections may be the most powerful tip for redefining an open-plan layout.
For example, if your living room is alongside your dining room, make sure your sofa has its back to the table or that your chairs are facing the fireplace, as in the space shown here. This will create a notion of separateness.
Having textured portions of wall, like the dramatic stone fireplace here, also helps to visually signal different areas.