Let’s be real—sometimes a room just needs boundaries. Not the emotional kind (though, hey, we all need those too), but the practical, “let’s carve out some space without knocking down walls” kind.
That’s where IKEA room dividers come in. Affordable, flexible, and surprisingly stylish, they let you transform any space in ways you might not have thought possible.
1. Use the KALLAX Shelf as a Divider
If IKEA had a celebrity, it’d be the KALLAX. This cube shelf is like the Swiss Army knife of furniture. Turn it sideways, and boom—you’ve got an instant divider. It separates spaces while still letting light through, unlike a solid wall.
Add baskets in some cubes for storage, leave others open for books or plants, and you’ve created a piece that’s both functional and stylish.
I once used mine to split a living area from a dining corner in my old apartment. It didn’t just divide the room—it made both sides look intentional.
2. Hang Curtains with VIDGA Tracks
Sometimes the easiest dividers are just curtains. With IKEA’s VIDGA curtain rail system, you can hang fabric panels from the ceiling, creating flexible partitions.
What I love about this is how soft and fluid it feels compared to bulky furniture. Plus, you can open or close them depending on your mood. It’s like giving your room a set of eyelids—it can blink between open and cozy in seconds.
3. Use the IVAR Side Units as an Industrial Divider
The IVAR shelving system is often used for storage, but flip the script—place two or three side units in a row, and you’ve got a minimalist industrial-style divider.
It’s raw wood, which means you can stain, paint, or leave it natural. Once, I used an IVAR frame as a divider in a studio, draping fabric across it for a softer look. The bonus? You can always add shelves later if you need storage.
4. Combine PAX Wardrobes for Hidden Dividers
Want to really separate a space? The PAX wardrobe system is basically a wall disguised as furniture. Place one strategically, and you suddenly have storage and a divider.
In my friend’s apartment, she used a tall white PAX to split her bedroom from the entryway. Guests walk in and see a clean wall of storage—meanwhile, her bed is tucked cozily behind it, hidden from sight. Genius, right?
5. Use RISÖR Folding Screens
Not every divider needs to be massive. The RISÖR room divider is lightweight, foldable, and has that Scandinavian charm. You can move it around wherever you need a quick partition.
IKEA says it’s popular in bedrooms, but I think it’s perfect for creating a mini reading nook. Just place a comfy chair, a lamp, and RISÖR, and suddenly you’ve got your own secret hideaway.
6. Create a Plant Wall with SOCKER Greenhouses
Here’s where things get fun: plants as dividers. IKEA’s SOCKER plant stands and mini greenhouses can be grouped to form a lush, living wall.
It’s not just a divider—it’s a breath of fresh air (literally). Studies show indoor plants can boost mood and reduce stress, so imagine splitting your space with a divider that doubles as a wellness booster.
7. Use ELVARLI Open Storage
The ELVARLI system is sleek, adjustable, and designed for open storage. But if you place it strategically, it makes a killer divider.
The white frame with customizable shelves feels airy, so it doesn’t block light. I once saw someone use ELVARLI in a studio to create a walk-in closet vibe without actually building walls. It gave their space major loft energy.
8. Try NISSEDAL Mirrors for Reflective Dividers
Okay, not a divider in the traditional sense, but hear me out: placing several NISSEDAL mirrors side by side creates the illusion of a partition.
Mirrors bounce light, making your space feel bigger. When I tried this trick in a small hallway, it not only made the place look larger but also subtly divided the corridor from the living space. Functional and chic.
9. Use FABRIKÖR Glass Cabinets
Want to separate spaces without losing sightlines? Enter the FABRIKÖR glass cabinet. Place a couple side by side, and you’ve got a semi-transparent divider.
The best part: you get extra storage while showing off your collections—books, ceramics, or even quirky thrift finds. I saw this in a café once, and it totally inspired me to try it at home.
10. Combine LACK Shelves as a Modular Divider
We all know the LACK shelves are simple, but stack a few strategically, and you’ve got a budget-friendly divider. It’s kind of like playing with Lego—only these blocks are way bigger and more grown-up.
This idea works especially well for renters who don’t want to install permanent fixtures. When I first moved out, I hacked together a LACK divider for under $60, and it actually became a conversation piece.
11. RÅSKOG Utility Cart Walls
This might sound unusual, but a row of RÅSKOG carts can act like a rolling divider.
They’re compact, mobile, and come in fun colors. Line up three, and suddenly you’ve got a partition that doubles as extra storage for crafts, kitchen goods, or office supplies. Bonus: you can rearrange them whenever you feel like it.
12. EKESTAD Panels as Sliding Dividers
The EKESTAD cabinet doors are beautiful wood panels. Mount them on ceiling tracks (similar to sliding closet doors), and you’ve created custom room dividers.
They look high-end without the high-end price tag. I once helped a friend hack this into her loft, and it gave the space such a polished architectural feel.
13. Use KLINGSBO Metal Screens
IKEA’s KLINGSBO line has decorative metal designs that can serve as room partitions. They’re sturdy and give a touch of elegance—almost like wrought iron but lighter.
This works especially well in modern or industrial-style apartments. Pair with string lights, and you’ve instantly got cozy separation with a dash of romance.
14. Create Curtain Dividers with SANELA Velvet Panels
If you’re craving something more dramatic than basic curtains, IKEA’s SANELA velvet panels are a fantastic choice.
Velvet adds richness and warmth, and it makes your divider feel like part of the design rather than an afterthought. I once used dark green SANELA curtains to separate a sleeping nook, and it made the space feel like a secret theater stage.
15. Use MULIG Clothing Racks as Dividers
Sometimes function doubles as style. Line up a couple of MULIG clothes racks, hang fabric, plants, or even string lights, and you’ve got a simple, movable divider.
It’s minimal but effective, especially in dorms or first apartments. Plus, when you’re not using it as a divider, it doubles as—you guessed it—extra clothing storage.
16. HEJNE Shelving System as Rustic Divider
If you want something sturdy and natural, the HEJNE shelving system works great. It’s made of unfinished pine, giving your divider a rustic, DIY-friendly vibe.
I once saw someone use HEJNE as a bar-back divider in their living room. The top shelves held plants, while the bottom had barware. Talk about stylish multitasking.
17. Sliding Panels with IKEA Curtain Wire
Here’s a hack: use IKEA’s DIGNITET curtain wire system with lightweight panels or fabric. It creates a sliding panel divider that feels modern and flexible.
This is great if you don’t want heavy furniture cutting up your space. Plus, you can change the panels seasonally—linen in summer, heavier textiles in winter.
18. Use Bookshelves as Double-Sided Dividers
Pretty much any IKEA bookshelf can become a divider. The trick is styling both sides. Fill it with items that look good from the front and the back—plants, baskets, or even backless picture frames.
When I lived in a loft, I styled my divider so one side faced the living room with books and candles, while the bedroom side had cozy baskets and storage. It felt like two different personalities, but both worked.
19. PEGBOARD Walls with SKÅDIS
IKEA’s SKÅDIS pegboard system is usually mounted on walls, but attach a few to a free-standing frame, and you’ve got a customizable divider.
You can hang storage baskets, plants, or even photos. It’s like a divider that doubles as an art installation. Perfect for home offices where you want separation and organization in one.
20. Mix-and-Match IKEA Panels
Here’s a creative twist: combine different IKEA panels (like wardrobe doors, shelving backs, or even tabletop pieces) into a DIY partition wall.
This is a weekend project, but it lets you customize the size, color, and vibe completely. I once built one with mismatched wood finishes, and it gave my apartment a funky, boho vibe.
21. Use IKEA Outdoor Screens Inside
Don’t overlook IKEA’s outdoor collections. Their APPLARO outdoor privacy screens work just as well indoors. Place them between areas of your home, and you’ve got a natural-looking divider with slatted wood charm.
It’s especially great if you like that Scandinavian-Japanese fusion style—clean lines, natural tones, and airy vibes.
Conclusion
Dividing a room doesn’t mean cutting it in half with a boring wall. With IKEA, it’s about creativity, flexibility, and affordability. From the classic KALLAX to DIY pegboard walls, you’ve got options that can match any budget, style, or need.
Personally, my favorite hack will always be plants as dividers—they bring life and privacy at the same time. But whether you’re working with a tiny studio or a sprawling open-plan, there’s an IKEA divider solution that can transform your space into something functional and stylish.