Update after taking the room dividers out.. leave out or add new ?

Linda Krull
by Linda Krull
So we finished painting the walls in both areas, just need to hang the molding in the dining room. I am liking the space without the dividers but of course my husband wants to add some kind of structure to divide the spaces. Ideas needed!
  25 answers
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Apr 01, 2015
    I'd definitely stay away from anything lattice-like as it appears to have been previously. A dusting challenge to say the least in my book. If your husband is thinking there needs to be a visual definition of the two spaces, a pair of small fluted columns on each side would be classy and simple.
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Apr 02, 2015
    Hi Linda- Since you already have a natural divide with that header beam with the corner trim, I am thinking you don't need anything else. However, if hubby is insisting, then I would go with narrow downlit shelving units that are open on both sides with glass shelves. This would allow you to display some pretty items but not completely block the view into the room on either side.
  • Barb Barb on Apr 02, 2015
    Leave them out, they distract from the architectural detail on the ceiling. Good luck convincing your husband!
  • Dena Bailey Dena Bailey on Apr 02, 2015
    Leave it clean with no other divider. The furniture will separate the rooms enough. We did this between our kitchen and living room in our 1970'2 split level and it feels wonderful open and airy.
  • Lisette Lisette on Apr 02, 2015
    not liking the divider at all it looks better without it
  • Buster Evans Buster Evans on Apr 02, 2015
    much nicer without the dividers.. love all the open space..
  • Delyse Tomaselli Delyse Tomaselli on Apr 02, 2015
    I would leave out the dividers. Match up the moulding in the other room. Replace the light fitting with a close to ceiling attractive fan, which acts as a light fitting too ensuring that you choose one that has a high voltage. White so as not to create a focal point. Kendal have a variety to choose from. The rooms will be versitile and can be used as lounge and dining room or let it flow through using the space for a piano, games, reading area.
  • Elizabeth Elizabeth on Apr 02, 2015
    The big open space looks so much nicer without the cheesy dividers.
  • Maggie Maggie on Apr 02, 2015
    Open concept is the way to go. Do not put the dividers back. Enjoy your new rooms!
  • Carol Burkhardt Rask Carol Burkhardt Rask on Apr 02, 2015
    I think that you should hang strands of beads across the whole area. lol. Just kidding. The open concept to big spaces is what I'm seeing is what the people want these days. I'm also a fan of it! I would not put any dividers back. Tell your honey that he gets to make the next decision on something that don't matter to you .lol Have fun kids.
  • Carol Burkhardt Rask Carol Burkhardt Rask on Apr 02, 2015
    OOPS! Don't forget the same crown molding as in that other room : )
  • Dee Dee on Apr 02, 2015
    Please no side panels. I am trying to figure out if the side walls in my combo dining room/formal living room are load bearing so I can tear them down! Then it would be open concept and I would make it one large dining room. Remember to put crown molding in the other part of the room. I think this will be a great wide open space for you to enjoy.
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Apr 02, 2015
    I prefer them out because it makes the space more flexible to use, but must admit I have a similar area in my home and a long room does present a decorating challenge. If it were me, I would ask hubby: 'What is the function of the partition-to-be? Privacy? Heat retention? Light control? Hiding the TV when not in use? Comfy-cubicle style decor?' Generally people who resist change just havent been able to see a picture of a more personalized space yet. Agree to leave it for now or hang a couple of curtains to stand in for the "future divider". Get your furniture arranged and see how the room functions for both of you and what it is you need to make it even better. 9 times out of 10, the solution will be obvious to both of you.
  • Christine Christine on Apr 02, 2015
    @Linda Krull I would not use the divider to divide the space, becuase it is going to be too much and make your space look small. You want your living space to look big and airy and not cramped with too much stuff in it. The beam on the ceiling already serviced as divide the space. You don't need to have a physical divider. You can divide the space just by the placement of furniture and a rug. If your hubby still insist i would add something nice and airy like a drapes here is an example: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/216735800790215348/ http://christinetse.com/ http://bit.ly/SuperSecret10MinuteDreamHomeMakeover
  • Carol Carol on Apr 02, 2015
    I'm not a fan of open concept. I know I'm probably in the minority but I like a little separation between my rooms. Not full walls but possibly some type of open sided bookcase on one side
  • Sherry Fram Sherry Fram on Apr 02, 2015
    I agree with most, leave them out! The dining table will signify it as a separate space without making it visually cluttered like the dividers do. Love the wall color and the molding!
  • Donna  Oliphint Donna Oliphint on Apr 02, 2015
    Definitely leave them out. Two different area rugs will effectively divide the rooms. They can match or blend. You could also use a pair of large planter pots with tall plants to make an even stronger "divider" if the hubs still needs more. Looks so good. Great work!
  • Carol Burkhardt Rask Carol Burkhardt Rask on Apr 03, 2015
    Hi again, with another idea.... What if you left the dividers out and just painted the walls a shade or two darker for the dining area? Or even include or not, one accent wall in the dining area. Maybe it could even be one wallpapered wall?
    • Dee Dee on Apr 03, 2015
      @Carol Burkhardt Rask Wow I think this is a great idea, separate but whole. I may try that with my room if I can ever find out if those side walls that are up there are load bearing walls.
  • Judy Lambert Judy Lambert on Apr 04, 2015
    You could add decorative sculptural posts about 12-18 inches from the wall under the beam-one on each side if your husband insists, but it does look good open.
  • Elizabeth Elizabeth on Apr 04, 2015
    Beautiful job, I would keep it open and as Carol suggested continue the crown molding throughout. You did a wonderful job !!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Apr 05, 2015
    Keep the area completely open. Makes the are more spacious looking, and gives you more play room for furniture placement, etc. Tell hubby to stick to carpentry. LOL You can always use your furniture and a plant if you want definition to the space.
  • MikkiGirl MikkiGirl on Apr 05, 2015
    Ditch the dividers and use the same crown molding, baseboard, etc. in both rooms. If hubby absolutely has to have some sort of division, how about a folding screen that can be out of the way except when it's useful?
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Apr 06, 2015
    I'd leave them out.. I would reuse them in a different sort of way.. inside or out. if they are in ok condition.. Turn horizontal and hang on the wall,, put a mirror behind them,, use as a trellis in the yard... depending on the width,, maybe a headboard,, with contrast wood behind it.. They are cool but I do like it open better..
  • Shirley Pierce Shirley Pierce on Oct 30, 2016
    Looks wonderful open, but it is his home also so how about a couple od nice (small) round columns. I have had them dividing a foyer and living room worked great and didn't take up much space.