The Best Room Divider Curtains for a Breezy Open Floor Plan

Open floor plans are popular for creating an airy, spacious vibe. While combining rooms like the kitchen and living area removes walls for a brighter, more modern feel, it can also mean sounds and smells carry throughout the home. Luckily, there are easy ways to zone off areas using the versatile and affordable option of divider curtains.

In this post, we'll explore how to select and hang the ideal curtains to separate your open kitchen and living room. With the right fabrics and installation, you can define spaces for cooking, dining, and lounging without permanently closing off the breezy open floorplan you love.

Getting Started with Divider Curtains

Before picking out your curtain style, analyze the space you want to divide. Consider your needs in terms of acoustics, lighting, and privacy between the rooms. This will help determine optimal curtain dimensions and sheer versus opaque fabrics.

Also decide on your room divider setup - will curtains be hung from the ceiling, walls, or on freestanding tension rods? Ceiling tracks allow full customization but require more installation. Tension rods are quick and easy for renters without damaging walls.

When selecting curtains, choose patterns and solids that complement your existing decor. Measure accurately to ensure your curtains are long enough to properly divide the space. Having sufficient curtain width when extended is key to divide visibility between rooms.

Hanging Your Divider Curtains

One of the easiest ways to hang room divider curtains is using adjustable spring tension rods. These convenient rods press against opposite walls, securing tightly for hanging curtains. Follow instructions to set the right length then clip your rod pocket curtains onto the tension rod.

For more permanence, install bracket curtain rods on the walls or ceiling mounted tracks. Ceiling rails give the most flexibility for smoothly drawing curtains open or closed. Clip your grommet-top curtains onto the rings for crisp gathering.

No matter the hanging method, position your divider curtains carefully. They should fully separate the rooms when closed without sagging. Pull them open symmetrically for the most attractive division when needed.

Divider Curtain Fabrics and Styles

Fabric choice plays a key role in your divider curtains' function. Blackout or insulating linings better block sound and light between louder kitchens and relaxed living rooms. Interlining adds density for increased acoustic insulation.

Sheers softly filter light while defining spaces, and opaque solids fully conceal rooms. For customizable division, layer a sheer and a solid curtain. Panels with bold patterns or colors can make distinct zones.

You can also divide by hanging two separate curtains of different lengths and styles. Hang one set at standard height, and a shorter set above to maintain an open feel above the dividing line.

Creative Ways to Use Curtain Dividers

Since divider curtains are so adaptable, get creative with them! Use brightly colored curtains to vibrantly delineate kitchen and living room territories. Or delineate spaces with swags and tails.

Make a sheer curtain "wall" around office furniture or room displays for an airy defined zone. Cafe-style curtains hung just below ceiling height also divide open concept rooms attractively.

Pinch pleat curtains on double rods for a fuller, elegant division. Layer and overlap panels to customize the division to your needs - keep it breezy or closed off.

Additional Room Division Ideas

While versatile curtains are a top choice, consider other room dividers too. Free-standing folding screens offer sturdy condensed separation. An advantage is being able to fold screens away entirely when entertaining.

Hanging tapestries or quilts also delineate living and kitchen areas in a cozy, artistic way. Position tall bookshelves or displays as attractive solid divides between zones. Area rugs under living room furniture also help define spaces.

With the right set up and style, divider curtains allow you to customize the open concept living your way. Follow the tips above to select fabrics and rods to elegantly define your kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

Experiment with lengths, colors and overlaps until your breezy home flows beautifully. Now you can enjoy a spacious open floorplan along with the privacy and division your home needs.