DP’s Guide To Room Dividers That Double As Artwork
Stripped of excess yet brimming with intent, these room dividers embody a dialogue between restraint and boldness.
Room dividers have long been a staple in interior spaces, dating back to the ornate folding screens in aristocratic Chinese homes, intricate carved jaalis in Mughal courtyards and the geometric partitions of Parisian salons in the 1920s. Today, as we navigate compact apartments, multi-functional living areas, and cosy nooks, the same room dividers have made a decisive comeback. Unlike their older counterparts that were heavy on ornamentation, these new-age screens flirt with minimalism, with a hint of bold patterns, hand-rendered artistry and organic silhouettes. The three selections in this curation distil that very spirit along with being functional, resilient and undeniably expressive.
1. Vanar Tirai by The Vernacular Modern
Price on request | Image credits: Saurabh Suryan
A room divider that revels in symbolism and storytelling, ‘Vanar Tirai’ is a lyrical tableau rendered in wood. Derived from the Hindi word ‘Vanar’ meaning monkey, the piece draws inspiration from the simian habitat and their livelihood around banana trees. Designed by Abhirup Dutta & Deeptashree Saha in collaboration with K. Mohan and Naisargi Buch, this limited edition piece, part of Room Therapy Collective, serves not only as a functional partition but also as a decorative artefact that sparks conversations. The artwork captures a tender moment: a mother monkey cradles her child on one side and tries to get to the other side, which depicts the blooming banana trees. These dual scenes are brought to life by inlay work, finely crafted in various indigenous wood species, including Tamarind, Padhimugam, jackfruit, yellow teak, etc. The handmade brass hinges lend an ornamental gleam, and the inlay work reveals the unmatched finesse of Southern India’s woodcraft traditions.
Also read: DP Curates: 5 Sculptural Chairs By Indian Designers That Are Rooted In Natural Materials
2. Art-Deco Screen By Designer’s Circle
Price: ₹ 80,000 | Image Credits: Maulik Patel of Inclined Studio
A triumph of geometry, grace and strength, this hand-painted room divider by Designer’s Circle injects a vibrant Art-Deco style into a modern living room without disrupting its muted palette. Engineered with a plywood core set at a precise 30-degree angle, the piece has elegant curved edges matched with the silhouette of its surrounding furniture. The structure is encased in a sleek metal PVD frame in bronze finish and rests on a solid metal base that ensures stability and permanence. The plywood is wrapped with canvas and hand-painted by an artist in a bold chevron pattern, rendered in teal and ivory hues. Serving as a chromatic counterpoint, this art-deco inspired room divider adds depth, rhythm and a layer of visual intrigue to the room.
Also read: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet To Effortless Pattern Play
3. Floral Partition System by TaP Design Inc.
With its bold presence in luxurious homes, this resilient handcrafted wooden partition by TaP Design Inc. draws inspiration from intricate floral motifs and can blend into any decor narrative. Shaped with cascading arches and cloaked in hand-painted interplay of blooms, it is crafted from plywood with a soft, neutral base that allows the botanical etchings to truly blossom. Rendered by a skilled artist, each brushstroke is delicate, intentional and rich with narrative. Positioned thoughtfully in a serene reading nook, the timeless piece breathes soul into the corner and becomes a protagonist commanding attention amidst the surrounding decor.
