Looking for an efficient solution to divide your office, education facility or medical premises?
There’s more than one way to separate an indoor environment, but which will work best for you and match your budget?
Throughout this article, our experts explore your partition options, helping you to make an informed decision on which to invest in.
So, continue reading to find out more!
Top 5 room dividing solutions
If you’re looking for effective ways to separate your space, there are several options available to you and your budget, which you can explore below:
1. Movable walls
Stylish, efficient, and modern, movable walls are the most premium solution to space separation and room layout flexibility. These high-specification partition systems are operable and extend across a wall opening to create a temporary wall or retract to open the room.
Movable walls are made up of several dynamic panels that are individually top-hung from a ceiling track – the track is typically concealed for a streamlined finish. As each panel moves independently from the next, the stacking options are almost endless, meaning you can close, open, or split your space in various ways.
For example, you could leave gaps between each panel to create a partial barrier that separates a space without completely closing it off – this is perfect for galleries with various exhibitions as visitors can differentiate between exhibits whilst still being aware of them.
Movable walls are a common feature in modern offices, universities, conference centres, among many more facilities.
Pros of movable walls
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Offer impressive acoustic ratings, sometimes up to 59Db
- Can be fully automated for effortless manoeuvrability
- Flexible dividing options to meet a range of needs
Cons of movable walls
- They require professional installation, service and maintenance, although this can be very cost-effective based on your provider
2. Glass panels
Ultra sleek and stylish, glass partition walls are a sophisticated room-diving solution with several high-spec features. Each panel may be full safety glass, or glass housed between a slimline and robust aluminium frame that is available in a variety of styles and colours.
Glass partitions offer the same level of flexibility movable walls do and are manually operated or semi-automated. But thanks to the integrated glass panels, natural light can pass through your space and brighten it.
Advantages of movable glass walls
- They brighten spaces, which boosts focus and motivation in workspaces, as well as reducing artificial light energy costs
- Glass is easy to clean, so you can keep the system looking in pristine condition
- They help to create collaborative environments thanks to the open-plan feel they offer
Cons of glass walls
- As they’re one of the most premium divider walls, they’re expensive
- The glass may need to be cleaned often
- May not offer as much privacy as some desire
3. Concertina partitions
If you’re looking for a durable and affordable option that still offers good levels of sound reduction, you should consider a concertina wall.
Concertina walls are simple vinyl structures that manually fold across a wall opening using a handle and don’t depend on a mechanical system like movable walls.
The vinyl is effortless to clean and wipe, making it a worthy choice for school or hospital environments where scuffs and spillages are to be expected.
Benefits of concertina walls
- Affordable
- Durable
- Available in a selection of colours
Disadvantages of concertina partitions
- They aren’t as aesthetically pleasing and sleek as movable and glass walls
- They can look bulky
- They’re operated manually, which isn’t convenient for everyone
4. Curtains
If sound reduction isn’t a necessity for you, you could always opt for a professional-looking set of curtains to arrange your space.
Curtains can be very decorative and help to create a unique aesthetic that other dividers can’t provide.
However, this option is usually only suitable for a select few spaces such as hospital wards, primary school halls and domestic areas due to the lack of sound reduction.
Pros of curtain dividers
- They’re an affordable option
- Curtains are available in various styles and materials
- They can be easily swapped if you decide to switch up your decor
Disadvantages of curtains
- They can appear unprofessional in many settings
- They don’t offer any sound reduction
- Fabric curtains are hard to clean
- They offer little privacy
5. Portable folding room dividers
Similarly to curtains, you could invest in simple freestanding room separators.
Usually made from framed fabric panels or stylish wood, these handy dividers can be positioned wherever you need – simply fold them open to split a room, and fold away and store them when not in use.
Whilst these frames are affordable, they won’t prevent sound transfer, nor will they completely divide a room – that’s why we’d recommend them for events such as school open days or exhibitions when basic separation between stalls is required.
Benefits of portable folding walls
- They’re not expensive
- They can be hidden away when not required
- There are plenty of style and material options to select from
Cons of folding dividers
- They won’t block sound transfer
- They don’t offer a full-room separation solution
- To maintain a professional appearance, they require cupboard space to be stored away
Which room divider is ideal for my needs?
Determining which room divider is best for your premises comes down to several factors, including why they’re needed, your budget, and your desired aesthetic.
If you need a wall separator for an office or university, you’ll likely need a permanent feature that looks professional and offers exceptional levels of sound reduction. If this is you, a movable wall or glass wall is ideal.
But, if you’re working on a budget and don’t require frequent room separation, concertina partitions are an excellent choice – we recommend these walls for environments that expect mess too, like schools and canteens.
Finally, for domestic settings, you can’t go wrong with highly affordable curtains or free-standing dividers to add a unique style feature to your home.
Speak with us today
Here at Avant, we’re the experts in movable wall solutions and can help you transform your space into a flexible, open and functional area.
To find out more about our movable wall systems, don’t hesitate to call us on 0151 318 3356 today or email us at sales@avantmovablewalls.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.