Skip to main content

Room Divider Bookshelf

to
4
44
22
56
10
1
37
9
3
2
1
1
56
11
1
44
9
1
19
17
7
59
29
20
12
10
29
26
26
11
10
67
57
58
6
4
3
2
2
Sort By
Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf
By HG Furniture
Located in Kensington, MD
Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf Additional information: Material
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Folding Room Divider / Book Shelf by Evans Clark for Glenn of California
By Glenn of California
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare folding room divider / bookshelf with sliding panels. Designed by Evans Clark for Glenn of
Category

Vintage 1950s Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Brass Bookshelf / Room Divider, 4 Drawers
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Mid Century mODERNIST sideboard, shelf unit, room divider, designed by Paul McCobb circa 1950’s
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Rare Mid Century sideboard, shelf unit, room divider, designed by Paul McCobb as part of the
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Pyramidal Bookshelf / Room Divider by John Van Koert for Drexel, USA, c. 1950's
By John Van Koert
Located in Deland, FL
a stand-alone wall unit, book shelf, display or room-divider) this sculptural Étagère can blend
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Poul Cadovius Wall Unit or Room Divider
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Cadovius, open bookshelf or room divider, metal, Denmark, 1960s This sizable and minimalist
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Poul Cadovius Wall Unit or Room Divider
Poul Cadovius Wall Unit or Room Divider
H 73.04 in W 95.67 in D 14.18 in
Cover Curtain, a Room Separator/Bookshelf, 4 Lines+18 Rulers by Vantot
By Vantot
Located in Breda, Noord-Brabant
curtain, a spatial room divider meets a bookshelf. Showcasing your favorite book covers as a rhythmic mood
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Art Deco Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Bookshelf by Pieter De Bruyne, 1957
By Pieter De Bruyne
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This bookshelf and room divider was designed by Pieter De Bruyne in 1957. It was designed for a
Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Ash

Bookshelf by Pieter De Bruyne, 1957
Bookshelf by Pieter De Bruyne, 1957
H 60.63 in W 39.38 in D 11.82 in
Vitra Planophore Bookshelf Roomdivider Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby Jean Prouvé
By Vitra, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby
Located in Munster, NRW
divider and bookshelf. Its open sides create a horizontal emphasis underscored by the solid shelves with
Category

2010s German Modern Sideboards

Materials

Aluminum

Multi-Functional Sofa with Walnut Frame and Built-In Storage
By Wewood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
surrounding wooden frame doubling as a bookshelf or room divider, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Multi-Functional Sofa with Oak Frame and Built-In Storage
Located in NEW YORK, NY
surrounding wooden frame doubling as a bookshelf or room divider, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Fabric

File Rack by Pierre Jeanneret, Low Cupboard, D.I.H. 074, Chandigarh, 1957-58
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Antwerp, BE
; 1958; 1950s; India; Cabinet; Shelving Unit; Mid-Century Modern; Bookshelf; Sideboard; Room Divider
Category

Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Wood

File Rack by Pierre Jeanneret, Low Cupboard, PJ-050202, Chandigarh, 1957-58
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Antwerp, BE
; India; Cabinet; Shelving Unit; Mid-Century Modern; Bookshelf; Sideboard; Room Divider; This double
Category

Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Bookshelf Room Divider with Storage
Located in New Hyde Park, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern walnut bookshelf and room divider with lower tambour door for album
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

A Large Lightly Cerused Room Divider/Bookshelf by Michael Taylor
Located in Pasadena, CA
A large two sided room room divider/bookshelf with three lightly cerused wood tiers and framed
Category

Vintage 1960s American Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Cane

Milo Baughman for Glenn of California Midcentury Room Divider Bookshelf
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman for Glenn of California midcentury room divider bookshelf The room divider is 65
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

1970's Australian Teak Room Divider / Bookshelf
Located in LYON, FR
Early 1970's Bookshelf / Room Divider apparently built by an architect for their own house. Both
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Teak

1970's Australian Teak Room Divider / Bookshelf
1970's Australian Teak Room Divider / Bookshelf
H 77.96 in W 60.24 in D 14.97 in
Freestanding Two-Piece Walnut Room Divider Bookshelf
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Gorgeous Scandinavian modern open two-piece walnut wall unit room divider. Stands on its own and is
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Room Divider Bookshelf Credenza American Martinsville Dania
By American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
a unique a frame shape. Unusual room divider which offers bookshelf, 2 drawers for utensils and
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Room Divider Bookshelf Credenza American Martinsville Dania
By American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
a unique a frame shape. Unusual room divider which offers bookshelf, 2 drawers for utensils and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Kurt Ostervig Danish Freestanding Teak Bookshelf Wall Unit, circa 1960
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Breda, Netherlands
This Danish Mid-Century Modern freestanding room divider/bookshelf is a top -quality unit. Design
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Rosewood Room Divider Cabinet Bookshelf, Asian Modern
By Baker Far East Collection, Heritage-Henredon, James Mont
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Gorgeous Asian modern chinoiserie open two-piece solid rosewood wall unit room divider. Stands on
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Chinoiserie Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Brass

Walnut Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Pasadena, CA
Made of walnut wood, this bookshelf has eight shelves (nine including the top), two pull out
Category

Vintage 1960s American Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Walnut  Bookshelf Room Divider
Walnut  Bookshelf Room Divider
H 70 in W 59.75 in D 15 in
Evans Clark Room Divider or Bookshelf for Glenn of California
By Evans Clark
Located in San Francisco, CA
Evans Clark room divider or bookshelf made from walnut with sliding dividers for Glenn of
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Walnut

Leather Books Library Bookcase or Bookshelf Motif Screen-Room Divider
By Maitland Smith
Located in Southampton, NJ
A library style books on shelf room divider having real leather book motif throughout. The perfect
Category

Late 20th Century American Regency Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Orange Sofa Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Pillows easily come off. Packed in a plywood
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Orange Sofa Bookshelf Room Divider
Orange Sofa Bookshelf Room Divider
H 29.93 in W 102.37 in D 41.34 in
Kurt Østervig Teak Free Standing Bookshelf or Room Divider, 1960's Denmark
By Kurt Østervig
Located in The Hague, NL
Scandinavian modern period free standing bookshelf or room divider designed by Kurt Østervig for
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal, Brass

Solid Teak Danish Bookshelf / Room Divider
Located in Pasadena, CA
Very graphical bookshelf which can be a room divider as well. Note the finish of the joins
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Designer's Leather Sofa Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Solid and best quality in wood and leather
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Designer's Leather Sofa Bookshelf Room Divider
Designer's Leather Sofa Bookshelf Room Divider
H 29.93 in W 102.37 in D 41.34 in
Design Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Pillows easily come off. Packed in a plywood
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Design Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
Design Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
H 29.93 in W 102.37 in D 41.34 in
Blue Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
sofa, a bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive spac, specialized in designing
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Blue Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
Blue Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
H 29.93 in W 102.37 in D 41.34 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Bookshelf Wall Unit or Room Divider, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern solid birch bookcase wall unit, etagere, or room divider
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Birch

Art Deco Bookshelf, Bar or Room Divider Walnut
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Art Deco bookshelf, bar or room divider walnut can be placed in the middle for the room as it is
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Bookshelf, Bar or Room Divider Walnut
Art Deco Bookshelf, Bar or Room Divider Walnut
H 39.38 in W 47.25 in D 14.57 in
1970's Asymmetrical French Bookshelf Room Divider Unit
Located in Culver City, CA
vintage shelving unit is also finished on both sides so it could also be used as a room divider or screen
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Rare Edward Wormley For Dunbar Bookshelf Or Room Divider
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous walnut bookshelf or room divider by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Kurt Ostervig Danish Teak Adjustable Bookshelf and Room Divider
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Denton, TX
Modular and adjustable Danish modern teak wood bookshelf or room divider with brass support
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider in Walnut or Oak
Located in Paris, FR
bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Pillows easily come off. Packed in a plywood
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider in Walnut or Oak
Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider in Walnut or Oak
H 29.93 in W 102.37 in D 41.34 in
Antique Library Bookshelf, Pitch Pine, Double-Sided Bookcase, Room Divider
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library bookshelf. An English, pitch pine, double sided bookcase. A tall room
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Bookcases

Materials

Pine

Paul McCobb Walnut Bookshelf Wall Unit or Room Divider, 1960s
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern bookcase wall unit or room divider By Paul McCobb for
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Nordic Style Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider in Walnut or Oak
By Wewood
Located in Paris, FR
bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Pillows easily come off. Packed in a plywood
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Nordic Style Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider in Walnut or Oak
Located in Paris, FR
bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Pillows easily come off. Packed in a plywood
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Rare Evans Clark Room Divider or Bookshelf for Glenn of California
By Evans Clark, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Evans Clark. Manufacturer: Glenn of California. Period/style: Mid-Century Modern. Country: United States. Date: 1950s. Dimensions: 60″ H x 32″ L x 16″ W. Materials:...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Wall Shelving Unit Bookshelf Drop Down Desk Room Divider
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a wonderful walnut wood bookcase wall unit, with several compartments, cabinet, drawers, drop down desk, magazine rack and shelfs circa the 1960s. In good v...
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookshelf Room Divider with Drop Down Desk, 1950s
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a gorgeous, étagère bookcase, made of walnut, with a drop down desk, circa the 1950s. In excellent condition. The dimensions are 60" W x 16" D x 66.5" H.  
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookshelf Room Divider W Drop Down Desk, 1950s
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a gorgeous, etagere bookcase, made of walnut, with a drop down desk, circa the 1950s. In excellent condition. The dimensions are 60" W x 16" D x 66.5" H.     
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Rare Evans Clark Modernist Room Divider / Book Shelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Late 1940's / Early 1950's room divider and/or bookshelf by Evans Clark for Glenn Of California
Category

Vintage 1950s American Bookcases

Walnut Secretary Bookshelf
Located in Pasadena, CA
Simple lines secretary, bookshelf, room divider with 2 doors and 2 drawers made of walnut with
Category

Vintage 1960s American Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Walnut Secretary Bookshelf
Walnut Secretary Bookshelf
H 70 in W 60 in D 16 in
Rare Vintage Bookshelf by Greta M. Grossman
By Greta Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This rare vintage bookshelf / room divider was designed by Greta M. Grossman for Glenn of
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Iron

Rare Vintage Bookshelf by Greta M. Grossman
Rare Vintage Bookshelf by Greta M. Grossman
H 38.5 in W 41.5 in D 12.25 in
Muriel Coleman Pacifica Bookshelf for California Contemporary Inc. circa 1950
By Muriel Coleman
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Muriel Coleman Pacifica Bookshelf / Room Divider for California Contemporary Inc. circa 1950.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern American Walnut Wall unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This finished back wall unit works as a stand alone room divider and offers a bookshelf top with a
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Mid-Century Modern American Walnut Wall unit
Mid-Century Modern American Walnut Wall unit
H 70.25 in W 33.5 in D 16.5 in
Kurt Ostervig Danish Teak Roomdivider Wall Unit, circa 1960
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Breda, Netherlands
This Danish Mid-Century Modern freestanding room divider or bookshelf is a top -quality unit
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Danish Rosewood Room Divider Bookshelf
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant geometric rosewood shelving unit, beautiful as it is for a room divider, or functional for
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Danish Rosewood Room Divider Bookshelf
Danish Rosewood Room Divider Bookshelf
H 72 in W 45.75 in D 12 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish modern room divider features rich walnut finish, sculpted handles, and unique open
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Brooklyn, NY
room divider or wall unit, offering creative display and storage space for home or office. Please
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Artisan Bookshelf, Asymmetrical Room Divider Unit in Wood, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rustic; Asymmetrical; Bookshelf; Room Divider Unit; Artisan; Wood; 1950s; A Mid-Century Modern
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

20th C. Mission Arts & Crafts Oak Bookcase Etagere Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century large scale mission style oak bookcase or etagere. Iconic open design with 5 shelves allowing for a plethora of storage. Measures: 84".   
Category

Late 20th Century Arts and Crafts Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Swedish Mid-Century Modern 1960’s Sloping Teak Bookshelf Room Divider Cabinet
Located in Seattle, WA
Swedish 1960’s sloping teak bookshelf with finished back 3 x shelves, floating 4 drawers, pull
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Kurt Ostervig Povl Dinesen Danish Teak Adjustable Bookshelves Room Divider
By Povl Dinesen, Kurt Østervig
Located in Ferndale, MI
Modular and adjustable Danish teak wood free standing bookshelf or room divider. Designed by Kurt
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Kurt Ostervig Povl Dinesen Danish Teak Adjustable Bookshelf with Display Shelf
By Povl Dinesen, Kurt Østervig
Located in Ferndale, MI
Modular and adjustable Danish teak wood bookshelf or room divider. Designed by Kurt Ostervig
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Willy Guhl Modular Concrete Bookcase, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Balen, BE
1stDibs storefront. As a set of 16 cubes it can also serve both as a bookshelf and room divider. Each
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Concrete, Other

Willy Guhl Modular Concrete Bookcase, 1960s
Willy Guhl Modular Concrete Bookcase, 1960s
H 50.79 in W 12.6 in D 17.72 in
  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Room Divider Bookshelf", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Room Divider Bookshelf For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal room divider bookshelf for your home. A room divider bookshelf — often made from wood, walnut and oak — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a room divider bookshelf, we have 23 options in-stock, while there are 7 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the room divider bookshelf you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A room divider bookshelf is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Art Deco styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made room divider bookshelf over the years, but those crafted by Evans Clark, Glenn of California and American of Martinsville are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Room Divider Bookshelf?

Prices for a room divider bookshelf start at $2,000 and top out at $16,128 with the average selling for $4,206.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Room Divider Bookshelf
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To quickly divide a room, you can use a freestanding room divider. If you wish to leave the room open but visually divide it, try placing accent rugs under the furniture in different areas. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of room dividers.
  • Lotus Gallery
    Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020

    Room dividers can also be referred to as screens or panels.

  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    What room dividers are called depends on their style. Large collapsible walls are partition walls, while sectioned panels with hinges are screens. Japanese-style room dividers are known as shoji blinds. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of room dividers from some of the world's top dealers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    The simplest things that can be used as room dividers are room divider furnishings that stand up on their own. You can also use folding screens, pocket doors, bookcases, curtains, trellises, hanging shelves and other objects and furniture pieces as room dividers. On 1stDibs, find a variety of room dividers.
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

    Lightweight Japanese paper lattice screens known as shōji are a versatile way to define a living space and block drafts. Painted folding screens known as byōbu are also used as decorative elements, often featuring landscapes, animals, and flowering plants. Chinese folding screens were traditionally comprised of monumental hinged panels, intricately carved and decorated with panoramic landscapes or stone inlay.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Carlton room divider is a Memphis-style icon made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plastic laminate. A highly sculptural piece, it features a bookcase, drawers and shelves painted in lovely muted primary colors. Shop Carlton room dividers from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023
    Whether room dividers fall easily depends on a few factors. Generally, the heavier the room divider is, the less likely it is to tip over. Dividers are also less likely to fall if they are properly adjusted. With an accordion-style divider, try bending the panels at a wider angle to create a more sturdy base. Some people choose to install stabilizing brackets on the floor to keep their room dividers upright. Depending on the style of your space, you may also be able to hang a divider from the ceiling or attach one end to a wall. Shop a variety of room dividers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023
    Yes, room dividers are a good idea. The right room divider can make large spaces feel more intimate. Dividers can also make it easier for a space to serve two functions, such as a dining room and a living room. Room dividers can additionally help to ensure privacy when placed in offices, bathrooms and bedrooms. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of room dividers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    There are many things that you can use instead of a room divider. If you want to be able to open up the room or quickly create more privacy, curtains suspended from the ceiling can be a good choice. Folding screens are another option that give you the flexibility to change your room easily. For a more permanent solution, you can divide the room with case goods like bookcases. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of furniture from some of the world's top dealers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    Yes, you can use curtains as a room divider. To do so, you will need to mount hanging hardware on the ceiling. One of the biggest benefits of using curtains to divide rooms is that they are easy to maneuver when you want to open up a space or close off an area. Shop a range of curtains on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    Yes, you can attach a room divider to a wall using nails or adhesive. However, making holes or using strong chemical glues may damage some room divider materials. If you do choose to anchor a divider, use care when removing it in the future. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of room dividers.
  • Lotus Gallery
    Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020

    For standing room dividers, make sure you set them up in an accordion or or zig zag fold pattern to keep them from falling down.

  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Paper room dividers are often called decorative screens or merely room dividers depending on the design. The earliest examples of folding screens are said to have originated in China and go back at least as far as the Han dynasty. Screens of the era were heavy structures made of wood and had hinges of cloth or leather. They were adorned with elaborate landscape paintings that were typically created on silk or paper canvases and applied directly to the screen’s panels afterward. Just as they had been in the 20th century and today, the folding screens then were recognized for both their practical and purely decorative properties. Japanese room-divider screens were also decorated with paintings but constructed to be lightweight and mobile. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of room dividers and decorative screens.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    Chinese room dividers are also called pingfengs. The term pingfeng in traditional Chinese literally means “wind blocker” or “wind wall.” Some people also refer to these room dividers as folding screens because they consist of hinged panels that allow them to fold up when not in use. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of folding screens from some of the world's top dealers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Ettore Sottsass did not design the Carlton room divider for a specific patron or client. He created the piece while working with the Memphis Group, an art collective that held joint shows from 1981 to 1987. Find a selection of Ettore Sottsass furniture on 1stDibs.

Read More

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?

The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

28 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name

Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.