See Through Room Divider that doesn’t block the view.
In our 1960s house, the Dining Area and Lounge are one open space that seemed to beg for some separation. I wanted to keep the Lounge’s cozy feeling for reading or watching TV, but not hide the Dining Room from view.
I searched for room screens at local furniture stores and on the internet, and found a few options. The ones in the style I liked were serious furniture: their scale was too massive, they took center-stage and cost a fortune.
I was going for subtle separation, not another piece of furniture added to the mix.
I found the IKEA RISÖR, and liked its simple geometric pattern; the size was right for the space.
IKEA items used:
Photo: IKEA.com
Other materials and tools:
- Wood lattice molding, 1/2″ x 3/4″, if you want your screen to have extra ‘panes’
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Water based latex paint, grey (satin finish)
When I got it set up in the room, the screen’s frosted panels made it seem like ‘The-Doctor-will-see-you-now’; so I decided to remove the polypropylene panels. (I did this by supporting the frame, wrapping a t-shirt around my fist, and punching the center of each panel; there may be safer ways of doing this, but it worked for me). With the panels removed, it was wonderfully see-through.
- Related: RISÖR as a video mapping screen
I thought it needed more screening pattern, so I cut sticks of wood lattice molding into six additional mullions, which I glued in each ‘window’ at the middle height of the screen; this gave me the effect I wanted. The black finish was too strong for my existing decor, so I de-glossed it by sanding, and painted it a medium grey.
We are pleased with the results, and think the see through room divider gives the room a unique character. Visitors notice it and say they love it.
~ by Joe
Jules is the author of IKEAHackers.net: 25 Biggest and Best Projects".
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