Room Divider Guide » Asian design

About the Shoji Screen

Admin — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 06:41:15 +0000

Wall screens and dividers are commonly used to break a large space into a smaller space or to provide privacy. Wall screens are popular for their functionality and usability. There are many different wall screens available, however one of the most beautiful is the shoji screen.

A shoji screen is a type of room divider that is a simple, plain wooden frame that is filled with a translucent, plain, generally paper panel. The paper panel easily obscures vision while allowing a soft filtered light to pass through. This creates a one-of-a-kind visual effect that can complete the look of a room. As these screens are originally a Japanese creation, they are elegant in design with a definite Asian, modern look. Custom designs can be included in the transparent paper to create a unique look and complement other design elements that a home may already possess. As can be expected, custom elements will raise the price of a screen purchase and sometimes this increase is substantial.

The ability to filter light allows for division with a light airy quality. This helps to preserve the open feel of a space and makes a room feel larger as opposed to their solid counterparts that don’t allow light to pass through. These screens can easily create the appearance of an open space while retaining private areas that are not openly visible. Dividing a large room can create a variety of separate spaces within the same room. Consider using a shoji screen divider to separate a dining room from an open kitchen. They could also be used to create a dressing area within a large bedroom. Screens can also be used to hide sections or elements within a room. Laundry placed behind a shoji screen panel would not be openly visible to house guests.

In addition to their dividing and hiding properties, shoji screens also can make a stunning visual element within themselves. Even if division is not necessary, one may want to find a use for a screen because of the beauty and intrigue that they can impart to a room. Screens can make stunning conversation pieces and can accent and highlight many areas within a home.

Finding a retailer that sells shoji screens will be an easy task for anyone that is truly interested in purchasing one of these beautiful screens for their own home. Many retailers, both online and in-store, offer numerous variations of this classic design. Some screens are custom-made. Others are premade and mass produced. Still others create screens that mirror this Japanese design but are do follow authentic methods of production and assembly.

These beautiful screens can truly be a complement to any room in which they are utilized. Design conscious consumers will appreciate their style and functionality. A shoji screen room divider is a simple way to bring a modern and elegant feeling to any room.

The Many Uses of a Folding Screen

Admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:05:27 +0000

What exactly is a folding screen and what can you do with one? A folding screen is usually made up of several hinged panels, and the panels can be adjusted so that the screen becomes longer or shorter. The folding screen was originally made in China but is now a mainstay in interior design throughout the world thanks to its beauty and versatility. Indeed, many folding screens found today feature Asian-inspired designs, but you can easily find one to suit any decorating theme. They run the gamut from plain to patterned to hand-painted to custom made from home photos.

A folding screen is perfect for obscuring something that you need to have in a room but perhaps is not something you’d like displayed. For example, you could use it to hide video equipment with lots of cords or an old ugly furnace. You can also use it as a makeshift storage space by simply placing the screen against a wall in front of those boxes of holiday decorations or dusty old family photos. They are particularly useful as basement room dividers to help hide boxes from view of a recreation area. Did you accidentally make a dent in your drywall moving furniture? No need to bother getting out the plaster- just throw a folding screen there and make it look like an intentional design element!

Another great use of a folding screen is for privacy. These are especially great in shared rooms so that one person can dress in private. You could also use it as a privacy screen in a bedroom or bathroom where you don’t want to use curtains, perhaps because there is a panoramic window with a lovely view. Those who work from home may want to create their own little private work space by placing one of these screens around their computer desk. Like portable room dividers, you can always move the folding screen from one room to another as your needs change.

You can also use a folding screen for no reason at all as a purely decorative element. They are beautiful pieces that are cheaper than most furniture. In Asian-themed rooms they are a must-have. They are also great to stick in a corner to add some excitement since corners are notoriously tricky areas to decorate. If you have a modern sectional sofa, you can easily change the placement of your folding room screen at the same time you rearrange the sofa sections. They can even be used as outdoor privacy screens.

If you are the crafty type, you could even make your own folding screen room divider. Find some old closet doors or shutters that you like and glue or nail some hinges on them. You could choose doors that you like or just use plain ones and then paint them as you wish. It doesn’t get any easier than that. This is a really cheap way to get the look of an expensive room divider without spending a lot of money.