Pros and cons of zoning with curtains
The main advantages and disadvantages of interior curtain structures are highlighted.
Advantages | Flaws |
Unlike other types of zoning, this option is the most accessible and inexpensive. | Fabric sheets accumulate dust. |
Curtain designs are characterized by quick and simple installation, which only includes installation of the cornice. | They contribute poorly to sound insulation, which cannot ensure comfortable rest and sleep. |
They are very easy to use and do not take up much space. | Translucent models are translucent and therefore are not able to fully hide the separated space. |
Thanks to the huge selection of models, they can be selected to suit any room interior. |
Features of dividing a room into two zones
How to divide a room into two zones? There are plenty of options. But getting down to business without a well-thought-out plan can lead to even greater discomfort.
When zoning a room, the following rules must apply:
- The sleeping area should be located on the darker side of the room. But the work area or living room area is in the brightest part.
- If partitions are used when dividing, then each room must have a window.
- When the room is small and the partition is planned using partitions, the latter are needed as thin as possible so as not to take up much space.
- The sleeping area should be in that part of the room where there are no doors. An exit is needed in the living room where guests are planned to be received.
To determine the sleeping area, details such as the total area of the room, ceiling height, and number of windows should be taken into account.
There will be almost no sound insulation when dividing a room, since the walls of the partitions are very thin.
The rules are simple and very important. In addition, in this process one should not forget about the interior and its practicality and functionality. For example, not placing a closet with clothes in the living room is not aesthetically pleasing. But a TV and a sofa definitely don’t have their place in the bedroom.
It is recommended not to overload a room divided into two separate zones with unnecessary furniture and small parts. Minimalism involves the use of simple furniture and functional closed cabinets.
These features apply not only in a one-room apartment, but also in a village house with one room, in a country house, in a studio apartment.
In a country house, you can make a partition to match the beams on the ceiling. This interesting technique is often used by designers.
What types of curtains should I use to divide a room?
Zoning the room involves the use of curtains of various types.
Blinds
Both vertical and horizontal models are perfect for dividing a room. Blinds are very convenient, they perfectly hide the separated area, and when assembled, such structures are almost invisible.
The photo shows horizontal blinds as a zoning option for a living room combined with a sleeping area.
Japanese curtains
Mobile panel curtains with their appearance resemble an interior partition and occupy a minimum of space. Japanese canvases, decorated with patterns or 3D drawings, make the interior of the room refined and original.
Filament curtains
Weightless curtains create an interesting optical effect in the room and do not weigh it down. Zoning with thread curtains made of beads looks very unusual and becomes a real decorative highlight of the entire interior.
Curtains (tulle)
Translucent curtains up to the ceiling are especially suitable for zoning a small room. They are able to adjust the space, add volume and a feeling of lightness to it.
Curtains
They should be double-sided to look beautiful on both sides. Thick curtains not only perform a decorative function, but also allow you to create a personal and more private space in the room.
Roller blinds
Roller blinds are suitable not only for functional zoning of a room, but are also an excellent camouflage option. Behind them you can hide anything: from a niche in the hallway or bathroom, to a shelving unit in the living room or a dressing room in the bedroom.
Popular curtain options for zoning
We list several types of curtains that are best suited for “playing” with space:
Classic fabric curtains are quite thick, with a double-sided pattern.
Silk or translucent tulle - similar to the first type, it should have the same texture and pattern on both sides.
Japanese curtains are straight fabrics with expressive patterns; externally they resemble a partition.
Fabric blinds are vertical wide stripes, compactly located near the wall, almost invisible when assembled.
Thread curtains perfectly transmit light, creating a stunning optical effect.
Beaded curtains are a universal option suitable for most interior styles. In addition, the color of the beads is selected to match the desired palette.
Ideas for dividing a one-room apartment or studio into two zones
Proper division of a one-room apartment helps create a comfortable interior.
Bedroom and living room
The curtain partition, when extended, does not change the size of the hall combined with the bedroom. Fabric canvases not only allow you to limit a separate space, but also give a stylish look and create coziness, both in the sleeping and guest areas.
The photo shows the zoning of the bedroom and living room in the loft style, using white curtains.
Kitchen and living room
Various models made from more practical fabrics and materials are suitable here. Properly selected decor for zoning, in combination with the overall interior, can make such a combined room simply ideal.
The photo shows a combined kitchen and living room with zoning in the form of translucent curtains.
High ceilings
Owners of one-room apartments or studios with high ceilings can safely be called lucky. In order to divide a room into two zones, you don’t have to rack your brains. Thanks to the considerable height of the walls, you can arrange a bedroom upstairs, leaving the bottom for the living room. This method has only one drawback. You can’t cope with a rework of such a plan on your own. You will have to resort to the help of specialists. Through competent calculations and coordinated actions, the craftsmen will create a reliable foundation with a ladder. This approach is especially popular with young people who value creativity.
Important!
When leaning towards such a decision, you should carefully think through everything down to the smallest detail, including lighting. It is appropriate to install transition switches here. So that you can turn on and off the light both from above and from below.
Zoning options in the interior of rooms
Examples of successful separation in various rooms.
Children's
Curtains allow you to create a truly airy room design and help separate a play area, study area or sleeping area located in a niche. Also, this design will be an excellent option for a nursery with children of different sexes.
Bedroom
With the help of zoning, you can optimize the space in the bedroom, isolate the area in which the bed, chest of drawers, wardrobe, dressing table is located, or arrange additional territory.
In the country
A small country house can also be divided into separate zones using curtains. Simple models made from natural materials, without unnecessary pretentiousness, will perfectly match the overall interior of the room and create complete harmony in it.
The photo shows an attic in a country house, divided by thick curtains.
Wardrobe
The doors of a dressing room located in a small room can be replaced with ordinary curtains. This decor option has many configurations and allows you to visually increase the space.
The photo shows a small bedroom and a dressing room, separated by light brown curtains.
Balcony
In rooms combined with a balcony, various curtains are also used for zoning. In this way, you can create two zones, decorated in identical or different styles, for example, a living room and an office or a bedroom and a relaxation area.
In what cases is it necessary to zone space?
The main reason why homeowners decide to divide a room into zones is the lack of free space in the room. Living in a one-room apartment, people very often face a shortage of territory, since the main room simultaneously serves as a bedroom, a study, a dressing room or a nursery.
Dividing a room into zones will not add space to it, but such a room will seem more spacious and comfortable, which will have a positive effect on the overall living conditions. Dividing space with curtains may also appeal to owners of studio apartments in which there are no walls between rooms at all.
Zoning the space of a room with curtains gives the following opportunities:
- Divide the spacious room into an area intended for recreation and a living area;
- Create a separate dressing area or boudoir in the bedroom;
- Organize a separate workplace in any room;
- Divide the children's room into space for a girl and a boy;
- Create two areas in the kitchen: a dining room - for eating food, and a household part;
Formation of two zones in the kitchen
- In a studio-type apartment, separate the kitchen and restroom from the living space.
Related article: Curtains with lambrequin: advantages, types and tips for choosing
Dividing a room into zones, depending on your requirements, can be either completely decorative or done for functional purposes.
Zoning with curtains
Compared to other methods of dividing free space, zoning a room using curtains has a number of advantages:
- The fabric you will need will cost much less than wood panels, drywall or glass partitions required for the same amount of work;
- The installation of a curtain is extremely simple, while the installation of rigid partitions requires the installation of guide structures - this is a labor-intensive process, after which cosmetic repairs to the walls will be required;
- Curtains made of any material, even the most voluminous, do not take up as much space as plasterboard or plastic partitions installed on metal frames;
- You change the design of the room - a wide range of fabrics with various colors, patterns and textures allows you to choose the best curtain option for any interior;
- You can temporarily divide a room with curtains - if necessary, the curtains can be quickly removed, leaving the space of the room open.
To divide a room into two zones, you only need to install a cornice under the ceiling and attach a textile fabric to it. However, it is necessary to distribute the territory of the premises wisely, taking into account the ease of use of different zones:
- It is better to move the workplace to the window so that it is illuminated by sunlight;
- It is not recommended to arrange a sleeping area near the door to the room;
- On the contrary, it is better to place armchairs and a coffee table near the entrance; free access to them will be required for receiving guests.
Also keep in mind that separating zones in a room with thick fabric that does not allow light to pass through requires the installation of additional spot lighting.