When I first moved into my New York City studio apartment, I didn't mind the fact that everything was in one room. I thought having my living area be steps away from my desk and across the room from my bed was cozy in a way – just the New York lifestyle, I figured.
But now I've been here for a few weeks, and the idea of living, sleeping, working, and eating all in one small room has put me in a state of panic. I've come to realize that I need a home with a closed layout and defined sections in order to keep me sane. I need to zone my life, and that means zoning my layout.
The most reasonable, affordable solution that I knew could make a difference in minutes was a room divider. After looking at what felt like thousands of room divider ideas that were either too big, too visually heavy, or simply not as stylish as I'd like them to be, I came across the winning pick – the ever-popular IKEA's TOLKNING Rattan Room Divider.
This room divider from IKEA features three panels that are tastefully handwoven with rattan. Hooked together with hinges, this room divider can conveniently expand or collapse to your liking, and it can even fold flat. Easily movable between rooms, this divider can stand anywhere you need it, and since its rattan weave is porous, light can still pass through, which was a feature on my must-have list.
Size: 67" H x 59" W
One of the reasons why this specific room divider caught my attention is due to how light it is – not just in terms of its physical weight, but its visual weight, too. Since it's made from rattan with an open, airy weave, it doesn't add to much bulk to my space – I didn't want a solid wall in the middle of my studio. On the contrary, it makes my small studio feel more spacious and open while simultaneously sectioning it off.
Even the rattan material itself makes this room divider a desirable pick. While some associate the material with coastal decor styles, I'm a firm believer that decorating with rattan is a timeless way to bring natural elegance into your home – regardless of your interior design style. Rattan is fresh, natural, and highly versatile, adding warmth and textural charm to a space in no time.
As far as where to position this room divider in your home, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps you place it between your desk and your bed to create a makeshift home office in your small bedroom, or maybe you style it between a kitchen and a living room to make your open-plan home feel more defined. Personally, I've decided to position it between my bed and my couch, which are next to each other on the same wall in my studio. This way, the divider stylishly separates my sleeping space from my lounging space without making the room feel smaller than it is.
Shop More Chic Room Dividers
These are my picks that only just came second to the Tolkning. Your small space lifesaver awaits you, below.
Leave it to Lulu and Georgia to fashion a room divider that looks this good. Between its curved shape, its dark wood frame, and its linen panels, this room divider is like a work of art. When not in use, stand it against a bare wall to create some dimension in a room.
Size: 69" H x 60" W
With its arched shape, its light frame, and its textured wood panels, this room divider is a chic and elegant pick. Since its width is a bit smaller than other options, it would be most useful for concealing small household eyesores like a messy storage corner, a wall electrical panel, or a freestanding trashcan.
Size: 73.5'' H X 50.5'' W
I just love the retro look of this room divider from West Elm. Similar to my IKEA pick, this room divider has porous panels – it won't weigh down a space, and it'll let light pass through. If your living room is designed with retro style, consider adding this room divider to the space. Not only will it help create more definition, but it'll add some stylish flair, too.
Size: 67.75" H x 60.4" W
Room dividers can double as art, especially when they look as decorative as this one. Reminiscent of traditional Japanese screens, this room divider has a level of soft sophistication to it. If you don't need it for room division, consider standing it in the corner of a room to stylize the space.
Size: 70" H x 50" W
I love the fabric panels on this room divider – they can invite a level of softness to any space. Plus, the dark wood frame of each panel is exceptionally tasteful. I'd position it in a bedroom to act as a stylish dressing screen.
Size: 72" H x 51" W
If you're looking for something contemporary to add to your space, this room divider is the pick for you. I love the geometric look of each panel, and even the contrast between the black and white is so chic. At 85" in width, this is a great size for extra privacy.
Size: 72 7/8" H x 85" W
I was initially unsure about adding a divider to my small apartment. My concern was that, while yes, it would technically zone the open plan room, by doing so, it would make the space feel cramped. However, the size and design of the IKEA room divider has meant I can separate off sections of my room, while still allowing light to flow through.
