Open layouts seemed to be a good idea and they are for some families but many of us understood we need some privacy. Separating an open layout into zones will let us get that privacy and will make every space a bit cozier. So, what are the best ways to divide an open layout into zones without compromising on the style?
Curtains
Curtains are the most affordable and quick fix you can make. Attaching rods and hanging curtains won’t take much time but will make your sleeping zone more private. Depending on the curtains you choose, you can have more or less light blocked out. If you need more privacy or a certain style, pair up curtains with glass walls or screens.
Advantages: budget-friendly, fast to make, quite effective. Various styles of curtains are available to match any space.
Disadvantages: no sound blocking, curtains require to be removed and washed from time to time.
A glass screen with black frames perfectly matches the style of the space. (via bloglovin).
A French wall is always a good idea that separates the spaces in a subtle way.
A sleek cabinet paired with a sheer curtain separate the spaces very well.
Sheer curtains are always a good idea if you need some privacy and not to block out the light.
Curtains are the easiest solution to separate spaces, and you can change them if you need more or less light.
The master bedroom and nursery are separated with a blush sheer curtain to keep an eye on the kid.
Glass Screens
An elegant French glass screen is always a good idea that matches almost any space and style. It can be a fully glass screen, a screen paired with a storage unit as its base or just a piece of usual wall but all of them have their pros and cons.
Advantages: no light blocked, stylish look that can be quite versatile to match a space.
Disadvantages: no sound blocking, not much privacy achieved, quite expensive.
A sheer curtain looks very breezy and doesn't block out the light or sounds.
This little corner sleeping space is done with a storage bed, a floating nightstand and white curtains that hide it.
A French glass wall is a chic idea and it doesn't block out the light, a curtain will add more privacy.
A black French wall is a chic idea to separate a small sleeping space in the corner.
This large black wall with glass panes is a stylish idea that looks cohesive in the space.
A clear glass wall divides the spaces very delicately and lets light in both zones.
This black frame wall separates the spaces subtly but the color of the frame makes a statement and adds color to the room.
This glass screen is placed on a kitchen cabinet, and this is a great idea to avoid grease and dust in the next zone.
A black cabinet with a glass screen on top is a functional idea as it provides storage space and doesn't block out the light.
This half wall paired with glass panes is a nice way to divide zones and the stained wood matches the decor of the space.
A glass wall is paired with a curtain to achieve more privacy in the space.
A wall with glass panes and a white curtain are a nice solution to separate spaces but in a gentle way.
Plant Stands
A nice way to enliven a room and delicately separate the spaces is placing a plant stand or a trellis with real or fake plants.
Advantages: the amount of light and view blocked is regulated by the amount of plants. Quite a budget-friendly idea that allows you to show you passion to plants and your favorites. An unsusual idea that will help you stand out.
Disadvantages: no sound blocking, not much privacy achieved, quite expensive.
A plant and a trellis are a nice way to separate spaces and make it lively.
Three trellis screeens with faux plants are an easy and fresh way to separate the sleeping zone from the rest of the room.
A trellis with fresh or fake plants is always a good idea to divide spaces as it's airy and brings a fresh feel.
This lightweight plant stand separates the spaces in a delicate way and makes it lively.
Storage Units
This is the most functional idea of all because it gives you not only privacy but also some storage space. There are many units from small dressers to floor to ceiling shelves to choose from.
Advantages: the amount of light and view blocked is regulated by the piece you choose. Quite a budget-friendly idea that is functional and adds decorative value to the space.
Disadvantages: no sound blocking and might be expensive if you get a customized unit.
A mid-century modern bookshelf is a practical way to separate the spaces.
This tall plywood bookcase is a functional idea for separating the spaces.
The reading nook is separated from the rest of the space with open shelves that create an ambience.
The white cabinet is a shoe storage space, and a glass screen doesn't block out the light.
This a storage unit hold glass panels on top, and this is a delicate way to separate the bedroom and the nursery.
An IKEA Kallax unit is a smart way to separate spaces as it gives you storage space.
A Kallax piece placed on legs is a nice way to get vertical storage and separate a home office from the rest of the room.
Fake an entryway placing a dresser or a shoe storage unit as a space divider.
A storage piece and a stained screen that is a plant stand are a cool combo for dividing spaces.
A storage piece paired with a glass screen is a perfect way to separate the spaces.
A storage shelf at the bed foot is a cool idea to hide the sleeping zone.
Open shelves will separate the spaces very well visually giving you a chance to store and display.
An open storage unit and a framed glass screen are a functional solution for any space.
This customized open shelving unit is a lovely way to separate the spaces and add decorative value to them. (via bedthreads).
A black Kallax unit with wicker boxes is a cool way to separate the spaces getting storage space. (via popsugar).
This IKEA piece helps to fake an entryway in the big open layout.
An open shelving unit with a glass screen are great to hide a sleeping space but still leave some light coming.
I love these built-in shelves that allow you regulate how much the zone will be separated placing more or fewer objects.
Such a storage unit with a rotating TV is a very smart idea for a small space.
A tall storage unit and a curtain hide the small corner sleeping zone very well.
This vertical open shelf separates the spaces and highlights the attic ceiling.
Headboards
If we speak about bedrooms, a headboard is a nice choice to separate the sleeping zone and the closet. You can take a floor to ceiling headboard for that or a lower one if you want. The headboard can also feature some storage compartments.
Advantages: the light and view are blocked completely, the look is very stylish. A perfect way to separate zones in a bedroom.
This tall storage headboard is a perfect space divider for the bedroom and closet.
This low storage headboard divides the sleeping zone and the home office.
A sleek and tall storage headboard works perfect for separating a bedroom and a closet.
Disadvantages: might be expensive but worth it.
Other Ideas
Sliding screens, slatted screens, whole walls and many other ideas are available to separate the spaces and get maximum of each zone, get inspired!
If you need a proper space divider, a wall is your choice. It will separate the zones, block out the light and partly sounds.
A slatted screen like this one can be DIYed and can be decorated with various stuff: photos, art and plants. (via designeraffair).
White sliding bamboo screens are a lightweight and airy alternative to a sliding door. (via jipsecostudio).