16 Clever Ways to Create Zones in Open-Plan Spaces
Create distinct areas in large, open rooms with these creative design ideas – no walls or other fixed vertical structures required!
Australians have long had a love affair with open-plan living spaces and it’s not hard to see why – they’re bright, airy, inviting, great for entertaining, encourage family togetherness and offer endless design opportunities. But for all of the perks that come with open-plan living, there are a number of downsides, too. Three of the main pitfalls are that expansive layouts provide little privacy, can feel empty and overwhelming, and often lack clearly defined spaces to be used for different purposes, resulting in a large area that looks and feels chaotic. Thankfully, these problems can be easily solved by dividing a room, either visually or physically, to create smaller, more intimate and functional zones.
Here are ways you can divide an open-plan scheme – from combined kitchen, living and dining areas to large shared or multipurpose bedrooms – into different zones, without having to build a permanent, solid structure that may disturb the flow and airy, harmonious feel of your space.
Here are ways you can divide an open-plan scheme – from combined kitchen, living and dining areas to large shared or multipurpose bedrooms – into different zones, without having to build a permanent, solid structure that may disturb the flow and airy, harmonious feel of your space.
2. Colour code your zones
Use contrasting colours to define zones intended for different uses. Here, bright pink and vivid yellow are used to create two distinct spaces – a lounge and dining area – in this open-plan room. Fresh white walls and furnishings tie both schemes together and ensure the space remains airy, light and welcoming.
Use contrasting colours to define zones intended for different uses. Here, bright pink and vivid yellow are used to create two distinct spaces – a lounge and dining area – in this open-plan room. Fresh white walls and furnishings tie both schemes together and ensure the space remains airy, light and welcoming.
3. Opt for a divider that doubles as art
Why pick a plain partition when you can choose a decorative divider that’s stylish, eye-catching and offers loads of character instead? We love the artistic arrangement of branches that doubles as a privacy screen in this open-plan room. As the branches are different heights and are evenly spaced across the void, the rustic-style partition successfully separates the two areas without closing them off completely.
Do you need help to maximise your layout? Find an interior designer on Houzz who will make your home reach its full potential
Why pick a plain partition when you can choose a decorative divider that’s stylish, eye-catching and offers loads of character instead? We love the artistic arrangement of branches that doubles as a privacy screen in this open-plan room. As the branches are different heights and are evenly spaced across the void, the rustic-style partition successfully separates the two areas without closing them off completely.
Do you need help to maximise your layout? Find an interior designer on Houzz who will make your home reach its full potential
4. Consider a ceiling treatment
A decorative ceiling can be used to visually separate different areas in a room. This sophisticated modern apartment provides the perfect example; a striking geometric pattern frames the kitchen from overhead and makes it feel more intimate, creating a distinct zone that’s physically connected to but visually stands out from the surrounding living space. Notice how the rug defines the lounge area, too.
A decorative ceiling can be used to visually separate different areas in a room. This sophisticated modern apartment provides the perfect example; a striking geometric pattern frames the kitchen from overhead and makes it feel more intimate, creating a distinct zone that’s physically connected to but visually stands out from the surrounding living space. Notice how the rug defines the lounge area, too.
5. Install a curtain
One of the easiest (and DIY friendly!) ways to split a large space into different zones, without having to install a wall or permanent partition, is to hang curtains from your ceiling. Choose heavy drapes to provide total privacy or sheer material if you want to create separate sections without compromising the room’s light, airy ambience when the curtains are drawn. For a look that’s fresh and fun, select a patterned, textured or brightly coloured curtain, as it’ll act as a feature wall when closed.
One of the easiest (and DIY friendly!) ways to split a large space into different zones, without having to install a wall or permanent partition, is to hang curtains from your ceiling. Choose heavy drapes to provide total privacy or sheer material if you want to create separate sections without compromising the room’s light, airy ambience when the curtains are drawn. For a look that’s fresh and fun, select a patterned, textured or brightly coloured curtain, as it’ll act as a feature wall when closed.
6. Create division with contrasting materials
There are so many things we love about this open-plan room (the fresh palette, open shelving, black dome pendant, baby pink tumblers and those Eames Eiffel Chairs … so, basically everything!), but what stands out the most is the clever way the designer has used different materials to clearly define the cooking/dining and living zones. The contrasting tones of the wood panels and crisp white cabinetry play an important role in this, too.
There are so many things we love about this open-plan room (the fresh palette, open shelving, black dome pendant, baby pink tumblers and those Eames Eiffel Chairs … so, basically everything!), but what stands out the most is the clever way the designer has used different materials to clearly define the cooking/dining and living zones. The contrasting tones of the wood panels and crisp white cabinetry play an important role in this, too.
7. Lay down rugs to establish distinct spaces
Area rugs are a smart inclusion in any wide, open room. Why? As well as offering visual interest and softness underfoot, large rugs can also be used to define zones with specific functions within a room, without having to install a physical barrier that may disturb the harmonious look and feel of the space.
This Industrial-style loft features several large rugs that help divide the expansive open floor plan into smaller distinct areas. The antique-style rugs also visually fill up the space, making it more homey and intimate.
Browse homes with open-plan living areas on Houzz
Area rugs are a smart inclusion in any wide, open room. Why? As well as offering visual interest and softness underfoot, large rugs can also be used to define zones with specific functions within a room, without having to install a physical barrier that may disturb the harmonious look and feel of the space.
This Industrial-style loft features several large rugs that help divide the expansive open floor plan into smaller distinct areas. The antique-style rugs also visually fill up the space, making it more homey and intimate.
Browse homes with open-plan living areas on Houzz
This shot shows the same loft but looking toward the opposite wall. Here, two rugs halve the wide space into a home office and lounge area.
Want to try this simple decorating trick at home? Choose rugs in similar tones and styles to create a cohesive look or designs in clashing palettes and patterns for an eye-catching scheme that makes a bold statement.
Want to try this simple decorating trick at home? Choose rugs in similar tones and styles to create a cohesive look or designs in clashing palettes and patterns for an eye-catching scheme that makes a bold statement.
8. Add vertical layers
If your youngsters share a bedroom and they’re begging you for their own space, consider dividing their sleep zone vertically, rather than halving the space right down the middle. That way, they can each have a peaceful and private hideaway of their own, plus it’ll free up floor space so they have more room to move and to stow their belongings.
If your youngsters share a bedroom and they’re begging you for their own space, consider dividing their sleep zone vertically, rather than halving the space right down the middle. That way, they can each have a peaceful and private hideaway of their own, plus it’ll free up floor space so they have more room to move and to stow their belongings.
9. Artfully arrange your furniture
The placement of furniture can make a huge difference when it comes to creating separate zones in a spacious, open area. Take note of how the furniture arrangement in this large room succeeds in splitting the space into two distinct spaces – one for eating and the other for watching TV and lounging around with the family.
The placement of furniture can make a huge difference when it comes to creating separate zones in a spacious, open area. Take note of how the furniture arrangement in this large room succeeds in splitting the space into two distinct spaces – one for eating and the other for watching TV and lounging around with the family.
10. Carve up a room with two types of flooring
Divide an open space into smaller segments by introducing flooring in different materials, colours or patterns, which will create a visual division between the two (or more) areas. This design trick is particularly effective between the kitchen and dining areas, as shown here, where floor coverings (such as tiles, concrete and cork) are more practical than others (such as carpet or solid wood) but may not suit the look and feel of the surrounding space.
Divide an open space into smaller segments by introducing flooring in different materials, colours or patterns, which will create a visual division between the two (or more) areas. This design trick is particularly effective between the kitchen and dining areas, as shown here, where floor coverings (such as tiles, concrete and cork) are more practical than others (such as carpet or solid wood) but may not suit the look and feel of the surrounding space.
11. Create two identical but distinct areas
This shared kids’ bedroom is a study in how a mirror-image design can visually divide a space. Although you wouldn’t think it, it’s because both sides of the room are identical in look and layout that the space appears to have to two separate zones – one for each child. Notice how one half of the design has been flipped on a 180 degree angle to create visual drama and emphasise the invisible line that cuts through the two areas.
This shared kids’ bedroom is a study in how a mirror-image design can visually divide a space. Although you wouldn’t think it, it’s because both sides of the room are identical in look and layout that the space appears to have to two separate zones – one for each child. Notice how one half of the design has been flipped on a 180 degree angle to create visual drama and emphasise the invisible line that cuts through the two areas.
12. Raise (or lower) the floor
Introducing a stepped or sunken level into your open-plan design will help define different zones, while ensuring the room maintains its open airy feel. The step that marks the transition from the kitchen to living space in this contemporary concrete home isn’t high but still visually separates one side of the room from the other. The contrasting flooring material and the wide ceiling void also provide visual cues to a room division.
Introducing a stepped or sunken level into your open-plan design will help define different zones, while ensuring the room maintains its open airy feel. The step that marks the transition from the kitchen to living space in this contemporary concrete home isn’t high but still visually separates one side of the room from the other. The contrasting flooring material and the wide ceiling void also provide visual cues to a room division.
13. Choose see-through storage
An open bookcase or shelving unit provides a quick and easy way to zone a large room, without having to use a solid-backed structure, which can sometimes make a space feel too closed in. They’re not only practical but act as a striking feature, too, plus you can easily move them around when you feel like reconfiguring the layout of the area.
Discover more shelving ideas
An open bookcase or shelving unit provides a quick and easy way to zone a large room, without having to use a solid-backed structure, which can sometimes make a space feel too closed in. They’re not only practical but act as a striking feature, too, plus you can easily move them around when you feel like reconfiguring the layout of the area.
Discover more shelving ideas
14. Use wallpaper to build visual boundaries
Striking silver geometric wallpaper is craftily used in this open, Industrial-style living room to define the cosy reading nook and bar area, and visually separate it from the adjacent lounge and TV-viewing space. Take note of how the furniture arrangement, area rug and the strong directional lines of the exposed brick panel and metal duct play a role in this, too.
Striking silver geometric wallpaper is craftily used in this open, Industrial-style living room to define the cosy reading nook and bar area, and visually separate it from the adjacent lounge and TV-viewing space. Take note of how the furniture arrangement, area rug and the strong directional lines of the exposed brick panel and metal duct play a role in this, too.
15. Use a fancy fold-out screen
Create a room within a room with a fold-out privacy screen. They’re a great space-savvy solution for small apartments (especially studios) or if you desire a physical room divider that’s not fixed and easy to move.
Create a room within a room with a fold-out privacy screen. They’re a great space-savvy solution for small apartments (especially studios) or if you desire a physical room divider that’s not fixed and easy to move.
16. Make your bedhead work double time
Split your bedroom into two distinct spaces by positioning your bed and bedhead well away from the wall. This tall, solid upholstered headboard not only enhances the cool, masculine look of the room but doubles as a partition that separates the sleep zone from the work zone.
Split your bedroom into two distinct spaces by positioning your bed and bedhead well away from the wall. This tall, solid upholstered headboard not only enhances the cool, masculine look of the room but doubles as a partition that separates the sleep zone from the work zone.
Here, you can see the view from the other side of the bedhead. Thanks to its height, the work space feels cosy and almost cubicle-like (in a good way!), plus it aids productivity as the warm inviting bed is completely hidden from sight, removing the temptation to take a break from work in favour of a quick nap.
Your turn
Do you have a novel approach to dividing a large open space into smaller zones you’d like to share? Please leave your design and decorating tips – along with a high-resolution photo of your room, if possible – in the comments section below.
More
Thinking of embracing an open-plan layout? Read 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going Open Plan
Your turn
Do you have a novel approach to dividing a large open space into smaller zones you’d like to share? Please leave your design and decorating tips – along with a high-resolution photo of your room, if possible – in the comments section below.
More
Thinking of embracing an open-plan layout? Read 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going Open Plan
1. Hang a chic chain or bead divider from your ceiling
When separating your room into smaller sections with suspended chain or bead dividers, choose a design that’s simple and stylish. In this modern glam open-plan area, a row of clear Murano glass C-link chains (along with the L-shape sofa) creates a visual and physical barrier between the sitting and dining zones, while adding another layer of understated glamour and eye-catching appeal to the space.