On this page
Short answer
A curtain on a ceiling track is the most flexible room divider: it opens fully when you want space and closes for privacy, and it costs far less than a wall. Use a sheer to zone a space softly, or a dimout or lined fabric to hide a bed or block light. Because both sides are seen, choose a fabric that looks good from either side, or a two-layer curtain, and use fire-retardant fabric in offices and public spaces.
Where divider curtains work
| Space | Purpose | Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Studio condo | Hide the bed from the living area | Dimout, or a lined fabric, on a ceiling track |
| Shared children's room | Give each child a corner | Washable dimout or print |
| Walk-in wardrobe | Close off storage softly | Dimout or textured weave |
| Home office corner | Separate work from living | Sheer or dimout |
| Open office or meeting area | Visual privacy without walls | Fire-retardant sheer or dimout |
| Cafe or restaurant | Private dining, flexible layout | Fire-retardant dimout, velvet or sheer |
Sheer, dimout or lined?
- Sheer zones a space while letting light and air through; you still see shapes behind it.
- Dimout gives full visual privacy while some light passes.
- Lined or blackout blocks light completely, useful for a bed in a studio or a nap corner.
Both sides are on show
A window curtain has a front and a back; a divider curtain is seen from both rooms.
- Plain and textured weaves usually look the same on both sides.
- Jacquards show a reversed version of the pattern on the back, which can look deliberate.
- Coated blackouts have a plain coated back that looks unfinished from the room behind.
- Two layers sewn back to back give a good face on both sides and more privacy.
Tip
Hold the sample up to a light from the other side. A divider with a lamp or window behind it shows every seam and hem, so the making has to be neat on both faces.
Track and heading
- Ceiling track: the neatest choice; it can run straight or bend round a corner or a bed.
- S-fold heading: even waves that look the same from both sides and stack compactly.
- Length: about 1 cm above the floor, so it slides freely and does not trip anyone.
- Weight: a weighted hem helps a divider hang straight where there is no wall to rest against.
- Stack position: plan where the curtain bunches when open so it does not block a doorway or walkway.
See S-Fold Curtains.
Fire safety
In offices, cafes, shops and other public spaces, divider curtains are usually required to be fire-retardant, just like window curtains. The requirement and standard come from the project specification and the local fire authority. See Hotel and Office Curtain Fabric and fire-retardant fabrics.
Watch out
Keep divider curtains well away from cookers, heaters, lamps and candles, at home as well as in public spaces.
Frequently asked questions
Can a curtain be used as a room divider?
Yes. A curtain on a ceiling track is a flexible, low-cost divider that opens fully when you want the space back.
What fabric is best for a room divider curtain?
A plain or textured dimout for privacy, a sheer for soft zoning, or a lined fabric to block light. Choose one that looks good from both sides.
How do I hang a room divider curtain?
On a ceiling track, which can run straight or bend round corners, with an S-fold heading and the curtain ending about 1 cm above the floor.
Do office divider curtains need to be fire-retardant?
Usually, yes. Public and commercial spaces are generally required to use fire-retardant fabric; the standard comes from the project specification and local fire authority.
Can I hide a bed in a studio with a curtain?
Yes. A dimout or lined curtain on a ceiling track around the bed area gives privacy and can block light for sleeping.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.