I’m sure most people are familiar with the popularity of dressing screens used in past eras. Well, apart from their obvious function as a screen for ladies to change their clothes they are a great way to introduce color and pattern into a room. Placing a screen in the corner of a bedroom, for instance, creates a dramatic and nostalgic effect.

Many decorative screens can become a design focal point in just about any room/office/or public space you can imagine. They can be amazingly detailed in craftsmanship and are an art object as well as a screen. Furthermore, screens come in all sizes, they can be elaborate or simple and can be made from all kinds of materials from sheer to Asian lacquer.

Screens can be used to hide unsightly structural or architectural features that may be costly to remove. Placing a screen in front of these features will both hide them and add an interesting feature to a room.

Window treatments can occasionally be a challenge where large openings or awkwardly shaped openings are involved. Shoji screens can solve the problem by providing privacy from curious neighbours or passers-by, or by hiding an ugly view while at the same time allowing the natural light from the window to pour into the room.

Screens can help adjust the proportions of a room by giving the illusion of height. The vertical  lines draw the eye up and create a false sense of height. This is especially effective in a small square room. The lines of a long room can also be interrupted by the multiple vertical lines and add depth to the room.

Occasionally the entrance from one room to another needs a false wall, or perhaps an open doorway that you wish to continue using but would like to partially screen. Placing a screen a few feet in front of the opening will give you the desired privacy while still allowing traffic to flow from one room to the other.

Multi-functional rooms or open-plan spaces can benefit from the use of decorative screens when these are used as dividers. A screen can be used to separate a dining area from a living area, or to create an office area, craft work or exercise space within a large room. Using more than one folding screen to create a wall will allow a doorway-sized opening.

The advantage with screens is that configurations can be changed according to how the space is used and the evolving needs of the owners without the cost of making structural changes.

Screens can create the illusion of a separate entrance area or foyer if your front door opens directly into the living area. If the foyer is large enough a chair or a bench can be included.

Perhaps a portion of a room is needed for storage but adding a wall and doorway is not feasible. Folding screens can completely block off the desired area and moved whenever access is needed.

Screens can be found to match any interior. They can be pure art, decorative, modern, traditional, ethnic, romantic, serious, humorous, quirky. The choice is only limited by one’s imagination.

references:

http://interiordesign.lovetoknow.com/Decorative_Folding_Screens

Gregg Baker – Japanese Screens

Oriental Furniture