Functional & Fabulous Folding Screens

Written on March 3, 2013 at 1:00 pm , by Kate

Remember in the old movies when the ladies would disappear behind the folding screen to change their clothes while continuing a conversation with another character? Folding screens continue to serve the purpose of functional room divider but in this century we use them for more than just privacy – now they serve us in decorative ways to add visual interest to bare corners and walls.

For residences without a dedicated foyer, a partitioning room divider creates an instant entry and convenient drop zone when a hall table is added on one side. 

Folding screens are a creative option for minimizing any part of a room you wish to disguise and when painted a bright color they add a dose of personality too.

Folding screens can be reinvented as unique headboards – an ornate or carved version will introduce an exotic or global vibe into your bedroom space.

Distressed in a cottage style finish, folding screens make charming props for outdoor plantings and add character to covered porches.

You can get creative with basic bifold doors from a home improvement store by attaching a set together with hinges and embellishing as you please with traditional molding or creatively with layers of shims painted a pretty color.

Make a style statement by upgrading a basic room divider with patterned wallpaper.

For an easy DIY project, follow Diane’s great tutorial for making a room divider out of bifold doors. If you prefer a store-bought version, here are six fabulous folding screens from budget to splurge that are sure to bring style to any of your spaces.

blue cottage/carved wood/distressed gray/reclaimed wood/white geometric/gold leaf

Do you decorate with folding screens in your home?  If so, where and in what style?

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