Partition Walls For Small Spaces: A Guide to Maximizing Your Space

Partition Walls For Small Spaces: A Guide to Maximizing Your Space. Open floor plans and small areas are easy on the pocket. However, they present a unique problem- Things can start looking chaotic and cramped without segregation. Fortunately, when you don’t have the option of odon’tlding rooms, partition walls for small spaces can come to the rescue.

Available in various designs, styles, and even functions, these walls can help maximize space without creating clutter. So, continue reading to know more about using partition walls for optimal space efficiency.

Different types of partition walls for small spaces

1. Brick walls

These involve masonry work. So, they are more expensive than most other options and, of course, a tough choice in more ways than one. For starters, any required changes can be costly and complicated once constructed.

However, on the plus side, they are strong and double up as support structures if built from floor to ceiling. Plus, they are resilient to damage and degradation unless you take a hammer to the structure.

2. Wooden walls

These look great and have a small footprint. Also, you can use them for complete partitioning or creating just enough privacy without blocking out light. Moreover, in terms of aesthetics, you get a lot of options. But, wooden walls are vulnerable to damage from moisture and pests and can be expensive.

3. Glass walls 

These are particularly well suited for tiny spaces. They also work when the inclusion of a solid partition wall blocks light and create a cramped look.

Glass walls look chic, and they divide a space without taking away from the effect of an open plan. However, they are made using glass panels, so this is undoubtedly not the sturdiest option.

4. Acrylic walls

These offer all the benefits of a glass wall but with a more excellent choice of aesthetic effects. However, acrylic panels are prone to scratches. Also, depending on the sheet thickness, even minimal impact can cause cracks.

5. Functional walls

 As the name suggests, these walls are meant to do more than divide an open space. You can use these for storage, enhancing aesthetic appeal, or house entertainment appliances.

6. Living walls

 A striking choice, living walls take more work than other types of partition walls. But you could choose to go with artificial plants. On the plus side, real plants act as natural air purifiers. Also, the greenery can create a sense of peace and calm.

7. Repurposed partition walls

 These are not walls built specifically for segregating areas of a room/home. Instead, they are household items, clothes racks, wooden ladders, bookshelves, etc., that can be repurposed to create effective partitions that are the most pocket friendly of all options.

8. Metal walls

You will have to erect these from floor to ceiling. But once up, they are as strong as brick walls with the same fire-retardant properties. Also, these are not as expensive to install, have a smaller footprint, and can be moved around if required. But they don’t suit the aesthetics of every home.

9. Plywood partition walls

A plywood wall is a good choice if you need an area wholly blocked from sight. However, it is not fire retardant. Also, it is vulnerable to pest and moisture-related damage. While it will cost less than a brick wall, it offers different noise filtering.

10. Bison panel walls

These are made using a bison board. This material is more resilient than plywood to moisture damage and pest problems. Bison board also provides excellent noise insulation and is fire resistant. Bison panel walls are a good choice when you go for a full blocking effect don’t. 

11. AC sheet walls

Corrugated aluminum composite sheets are available in small profiles to create partitions. This is a sturdy option with little risk of damage and degradation. However, these sheets are only available in a limited number of colors.

12. Laser-cut walls

These are typically made using acrylic or metal laser-cutting sheets to create a lattice effect. The look is impressive, but it does not do much for privacy.

Using partition walls to maximize space

1. The full versus half partition wall debate

Some options listed above are suitable for a half- or three-quarter wall. But others will only work for entire, floor-to-ceiling walls. For example, a brick wall can be built to any height. However, a metal or a wood wall is better suited for floor-to-ceiling designs.

So, instead of choosing the wall according to the material, do things the other way around. Decide on what kind of wall you want and then pick the best material for the job.

2. Giving up the view on the other side is only sometimes the best option

 Typically, open partition walls are the best for a tiny space. These do not block out the view of the segregated spaces completely. Of course, this won’t be a problem if you opt for see-through or almost transparent materials such as glass, acrylic or laser-cut metal.

3. Think about the width when partitioning a rectangular or square room

 If you are using a partition wall to divide a rectangular area, think about the width of the space. When you need more latitude on this front, go with a half-wall. Make sure it covers less than half the width and a little more than half the room’s height. For a square room, you will have constraints with both width and length. So, a narrow, open, or utterly see-through partition wall will best suit such a space.

4. L-shaped rooms aren’t for cozy corners

 You can use entire walls in L-shaped areas to create two rectangular spaces. Making a broken plan with this option (i.e., segregating the total space into two distinct parts) can offer exceptional privacy.

5. Get more out of the partition wall by experimenting with dimensions

Don’t try to separate the living area from the kitchen; an L-shaped fence will be perfect. It should include an entire narrow wall attached to a half wall. This will serve the dual purpose of being a dining counter and partitioning the space. Similarly, a functional partition wall that enhances storage will be ideal for segregating the living area from the bedroom.

6. Don’t block the light

Never partition the area to block sunlight, particularly a natural light source like a window. You can opt for glass if erecting a partition wall parallel to the window. This will segregate the area without blocking out the natural light.

Partition Walls For Small Spaces: A Guide to Maximizing Your Space – Conclusion

When it comes to partition walls for small spaces, what works for one home may not necessarily work for another. Sure, you should take inspiration from home décor magazines and websites.

But, when choosing the size, material, and design of a partition wall for your home, think carefully about the amount of space you have. Also, be mindful of the effect you want to create. Don’t the overall look of your home. Finally, consider your budget and how removable you want the wall to be.