Tag Archives: divider

This Hemp Room Divider Looks Like Art You Can Actually Use

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There’s something about a really good room divider that just makes sense. It’s like the furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife: part privacy screen, part statement piece, part space definer. But most dividers we see today are either clunky corporate leftovers or flimsy fabric panels that look like they belong in a college dorm. Enter the Breeze Divider by sa rina, and suddenly the conversation gets a whole lot more interesting.

At first glance, this piece looks like it escaped from a modern art gallery. Those circular, fan-shaped panels arranged in an organic pattern? They’re giving sculptural installation vibes. But here’s where things get really cool: this isn’t just another pretty piece of furniture that sacrifices function for form. The Breeze Divider is made entirely from natural hat-making hemp fabric, and every single component can be taken apart.

Designer: sa rina

Yes, you read that right. Hat-making hemp. It’s one of those materials that sounds both ancient and impossibly trendy at the same time, and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it perfect for this project. The fabric has this gorgeous translucent quality that reminds you of sunlight filtering through overlapping leaves. When you layer the panels, you get this depth and dimensionality that changes depending on where you’re standing and how the light hits it. It’s moody, it’s textured, and it’s way more visually interesting than your standard office partition.

But let’s talk about what really sets this design apart: the sustainability angle. We’re living in an era where “eco-friendly” gets slapped on everything, often with little substance behind it. The Breeze Divider actually walks the walk. Because everything detaches completely, the whole thing can be packed flat, which means significantly lower shipping costs and a smaller carbon footprint. It’s the IKEA philosophy taken to its logical, more elegant conclusion.

And here’s where the design gets genuinely smart: those fan-shaped panels aren’t just decorative. You can configure them however you need, creating different patterns and formations based on your space. Need a tall barrier for maximum privacy? Stack them high. Want something more open and airy? Keep it low and spread out. The adjustable height means you’re not locked into one look forever, which is kind of revolutionary when you think about how static most furniture is.

The translucency of the hemp fabric also serves a practical purpose beyond looking beautiful. Unlike solid dividers that block everything out and make spaces feel dark and cramped, the Breeze lets light and air flow through. It creates separation without isolation, privacy without stuffiness. In our post-pandemic world where so many of us are rethinking how we use our spaces (home offices, anyone?), this kind of flexible, breathable design feels incredibly relevant.

There’s also something refreshing about seeing traditional materials used in contemporary ways. Hemp has been around forever, used in everything from rope to clothing to, yes, hat-making. But here it’s been reimagined as this sophisticated, architectural element. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something completely new. Sometimes it’s about looking at what’s already there and asking, “What else could this be?” The monochromatic black palette keeps things sophisticated and versatile. This isn’t a piece that’s going to clash with your existing aesthetic or feel dated in five years. It’s got that timeless quality that good design should have, where you can imagine it fitting just as easily into a minimalist loft as a bohemian studio or a sleek corporate space.

The Breeze Divider recently won recognition at the International Design Awards, which makes total sense. It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful, multi-functional, sustainable design that deserves attention. In a world overflowing with stuff, it’s nice to see something that actually earns its place in your space, both functionally and aesthetically. This is what happens when designers really think about the entire lifecycle of a product, from materials to shipping to how it actually gets used in real life. The result is furniture that feels less like an object you own and more like a tool that adapts to your needs. And honestly? That’s the kind of design we need more of.

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This Dutch Studio Just Built a Room Divider From Old T-Shirts

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Have you ever looked at a piece of fabric and wondered what would happen if you gave it superpowers? That’s essentially what Dutch design studio Luis Marie did with their latest creation, Plissade, a room divider that’s turning heads for being completely, wonderfully, all about textiles.

Here’s the thing about room dividers: they’re usually pretty predictable. You’ve got your folding screens, your sliding panels, your wooden frames with some fabric stretched across them. They do the job, sure, but they’re not exactly exciting. Plissade, on the other hand, ditches the traditional playbook entirely. Instead of relying on rigid frames or heavy materials, this sculptural partition stands on its own through the power of pleating alone.

Designer: Luis Marie

The designers behind this clever piece, Fenna van der Klei and Patricio Nusselder, drew inspiration from the traditional craft of textile pleating, where fabric is carefully folded to create different shapes and volumes. It’s the same technique that gives your favorite pleated skirt its structure or adds dimension to fancy curtains. But here, pleating isn’t just decorative. It’s doing all the heavy lifting, quite literally. The folds are engineered in a way that gives the divider enough rigidity to stand upright without any additional support, which is pretty remarkable when you think about it.

What makes Plissade even more interesting is what it’s made from. The inner layer consists of felt created from recycled post-consumer polyester clothing. Yes, that means your old t-shirts and jeans could theoretically have a second life as sound-absorbing room dividers. The outer layer features woven textile made from recycled polyester yarns. So not only is this piece solving the age-old problem of dividing space in style, it’s also addressing our growing waste problem in a tangible way.

The acoustic properties are another bonus feature that makes Plissade particularly relevant for our modern living situations. With more people working from home and living in open-plan spaces, the need for flexible sound management has never been greater. Those pleated layers of textile don’t just look sculptural, they actually absorb sound, creating little pockets of acoustic privacy without the permanence of walls.

And then there’s the visual impact. Luis Marie offers Plissade in vibrant colors that create optical illusions reminiscent of gem facets. The way light plays across those pleated surfaces changes depending on your viewing angle, making the divider feel alive and dynamic. It’s the kind of design detail that transforms a functional object into something you actually want to look at. In a world where so much of our stuff is just background noise, having a piece that demands attention in the best way possible feels refreshing.

What Luis Marie has really done here is challenge our assumptions about what textiles can do. We’re used to thinking of fabric as something that needs support, something that drapes and folds because it’s soft and pliable. But Plissade proves that with the right engineering and understanding of material properties, textiles can be structural, functional, and beautiful all at once. For anyone who loves the intersection of old techniques and new applications, this room divider is a fascinating case study. It takes centuries-old pleating knowledge and applies it to solve very current problems: flexible space division, sound absorption, sustainable material use, and visual interest in our homes and workspaces.

Whether you’re dealing with a studio apartment that needs better zoning, an office that could use some acoustic help, or you simply appreciate design that makes you think twice about material possibilities, Plissade offers something genuinely fresh. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most innovative solutions come from looking at traditional crafts through a contemporary lens and asking, “What if we pushed this further?”

The post This Dutch Studio Just Built a Room Divider From Old T-Shirts first appeared on Yanko Design.

Partition to Perfection: What are the Different Types of Room Dividers

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Room dividers in houses and other residences serve multiple functions, including space division, privacy creation, clutter concealment, and decorative enhancement. They come in various materials such as fabric, acrylic, wood, and glass to suit different preferences and needs. Consideration of space dimensions, layout, and specific needs is vital when selecting room dividers to maximize functionality. Let’s take a look at the different types of room dividers that can be used to create private zones.

Designer: André Fu Living

1. Foldable Screens

Folding screens are ideal for separating spaces in rented homes since they are free-standing and require no installation. These screens simply need to be opened and folded away when not in use. Available in various styles, such as Shoji, fabric, lacquered, or lattice screens, they add depth and interest to any room. Additionally, folding screens are perfect for creating private areas like a hidden workspace or a changing nook.

Architect André Fu’s latest creation, the Art Deco Collection, merges the intricate silhouettes of Art Deco with the serene ambiance of traditional Japanese Zen Gardens. Inspired by the opulence of Art Deco and the tranquility of Kyoto’s Zen gardens, Fu introduces his comprehensive Art Deco Garden Collection. Fu’s room divider designs are informed by meticulous research on historical Japanese gardens, particularly the Tofukuji Temple Garden.

2. Suspended Room Dividers

Hanging or suspended room dividers are semi-permanent solutions perfect for dividing spaces a large open space into smaller areas. They can be fixed or adjustable, allowing them to be rolled up, slid, or pulled back, and unlike foldable screens, they can span an entire room. Available as beaded curtains, fabric curtains, bamboo blinds, or stacked louvered doors, it’s recommended to attach a weight at the bottom for stability.

Designer: Jihyun (xjabier)

Silhuous is a nature-inspired room divider crafted with acrylic ‘branches’ and tracing paper leaves. This visually appealing barrier effortlessly divides spaces, creating zones in an alluring and efficient manner. Its expandable design adapts to any space size, and it doubles as a beautiful light diffuser.

Designer: Eunsang Lee

As room dividers are versatile pieces of furniture, they often serve multiple functions such as changing rooms, photo backdrops, or private meeting spaces. Eunsang Lee’s 5A1 challenges traditional designs with its modular, infinity concept, promoting sustainability and versatility. Constructed from responsibly sourced wood and steel, it offers endless configurations, allowing for hanging clothes, mirrors, or plants. Inspired by communication, its modular design encourages interaction and creativity, aiming to foster meaningful connections between users and their belongings.

3. Sliding Room Divider

A sliding room divider provides ample opportunity to split the space into two distinct zones and can also function as a door. Acoustic panels can be installed on the divider to enhance sound insulation.

Designer: Claudio Bellini

Open office spaces might have replaced cubicles, but privacy remains essential. While wooden partitions and pipe-and-drape screens can visually separate spaces, they don’t address sound privacy. To solve this, Milan-based Claudio Bellini design studio created FP7, a collection of acoustic panels that double as room dividers and noise absorbers. Designed for open offices, FP7 panels absorb soundwaves without entirely blocking background noise and visually delineate private areas. Available in various colors and sizes, these panels resemble visual soundwaves when arranged together and can be organized as needed. Ideal for busy areas like lobbies and group workstations, FP7 ensures privacy without compromising the openness of modern offices.

Designers: Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen

Molo’s paper softwall, designed by Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen, offers flexibility with its folding and bending capabilities, shaping into curved or linear formations. Lightweight and expandable, it can define private spaces or create dramatic backdrops for performances. Made from responsibly sourced wood and coated with a non-toxic fire retardant, the softwall’s honeycomb latticework effectively absorbs sound. Available in three heights and colors, the softwall can be affixed to surfaces using steel strips and emulates sliding doors through felt handles, offering endless creative configuration possibilities when multiple units are connected.

4. Permanent Room Divider

This divider, supported by both the ceiling and floor, creates a fixed partition between two zones and can be made of glass, battens, wood, or metal.

5. Modular Partition

Modular partitions or room dividers are small to medium-sized, reconfigurable walls that can be easily moved to provide quick and versatile partitioning solutions without the need for installation. These pre-assembled walls can be arranged into your desired design and quickly set up to create private offices, meeting rooms, or conference rooms as needed.

Designer: Else-Rikke Bruun

Veneer, a flexible room partition by Copenhagen-based designer Else-Rikke Bruun, seamlessly blends traditional Mexican weaving techniques with advanced CNC milling methods. This interlaced screen wall, crafted from birch plywood planks, forms a wave-like pattern without the need for additional tools or screws. Coated with black oil for a classic marbled finish, Veneer offers both visual appeal and acoustic benefits, making it an elegant and functional addition to any space.

6. Eco-friendly Room Dividers

Designer: Crafting Plastics and Office MMK

When it comes to room dividers, the usual options are functional but lack flair and BreaZea changes that. This modular 3D-printed divider is made from eco-friendly bioplastics, offering both artistic design and sustainability. Inspired by organic shapes, it resembles artwork rather than furniture. What sets it apart is its pleasant aroma, reminiscent of fresh wood. And when its lifecycle ends, BreaZea can be composted, fully biodegrading within 60-120 days.

Designer: Patrycja Gorzela

Nook is a collection of desk and room dividers made from repurposed cardboard shipping containers. Designed by Patrycja Gorzela for a Just Booth competition, Nook provides privacy in busy environments. Available in two sizes, the lightweight dividers can create personal work zones on desks or section off larger rooms. Nook offers a sustainable, practical solution for maintaining focus and privacy at work.

Designer: Interesting Times Gang and OBOS

The Veggro collection, created by Interesting Times Gang and OBOS, offers sustainable room partitions made from mycelium and orange peel. The Loom design features a mushroom-inspired pattern from mycelium, while Jugoso uses 3D-printed orange rinds to form geometric patterns. These eco-friendly panels, mounted on ash wood frames, provide acoustic insulation and decorative appeal. Veggro exemplifies biophilic design and aims to reduce carbon emissions in house building.

Designer: Sarunphon Boonto

The Bilid room divider blends traditional rattan craftsmanship with modern design, featuring straight lines that evoke peace and harmony and wavy lines that symbolize conflict and dynamism. Made from locally sourced, undyed beige rattan, it uses color and texture to convey its message. The vertical lines represent strength and order, while the wavy lines suggest movement and social conflict. Combining smooth and wavy patterns with tinted pastel colors, Bilid creates a balance of warm and cool tones, symbolizing unity through contrast. Meticulously designed, it evokes focus and calm, representing the harmonious coexistence of life’s diverse elements.

7. Geometric Room Divider

A geometric room divider is a great way to infuse texture and pattern into the room décor.

Designer: Mia Cullin

The Ro room divider blends minimalism with warm tones and natural materials, adding character to any space. Inspired by a honeycomb structure, it features rotating columns of hexagons on painted aluminum poles, allowing for customizable patterns and space openness. Covered in leather or wood with various finishes, the subdued tones provide a calming effect and a touch of luxury. Ro combines visual appeal and functionality, making it perfect for living rooms, hotels, or offices, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere without being overly flashy.

When choosing a room divider, ensure it fits your space by measuring both height and length, considering stability and safety with anchors or stands. Consider installation complexity, light diffusion preferences, and desired functionality before making a purchase.

The post Partition to Perfection: What are the Different Types of Room Dividers first appeared on Yanko Design.