Shoji screens are a common fixture in Japanese homes. These functional displays are often beautifully designed, making them as decorative as they are useful. They are used in Japanese homes to add privacy, divide rooms, and make better use of living spaces. These shades can also be used in your own modern home to provide the same type of beauty and functionality. If you’ve always wanted to add one or more of these beautiful displays to your home, here are some ways to integrate them into your decorating scheme.

Add a Shoji screen for privacy

Shoji screens are a natural for adding a bit of privacy to almost any room in your home. Try adding a screen to the bedroom to provide a private dressing room. Because these screens are translucent, you’ll have the advantage of privacy without sacrificing light. In addition to adding a private dressing room to the bedroom, it can also add a beautiful touch of charm and elegance. Choose one with a pretty pattern to add a decorative look.

These screens can also be used to provide concealed bedroom storage. If you don’t have enough closet space, try using a Shoji screen to hide a coat rack. It will immediately expand your clothing storage space, while adding a decorative accent to the bedroom. As a bonus, you can even get behind the screen, select an outfit, and get dressed in your own private dressing room. These partitions are also great for adding private areas to the bathroom. Especially in homes where multiple people share a bathroom, adding a screen can allow more people to use the room at once.

Separate your living space with Shoji screens

Shoji screens are also a great option for visually dividing and segregating larger living areas. For example, if you have a desk or a small office in the bedroom, you can visually divide it from the rest of the room using such a screen. By clearly delimiting the office space from the bedroom space, you will enhance the relaxing atmosphere of the bedroom, while providing a private place to work. These displays work equally well in the living room or family room to mark a personal reading area, small home office, or study area. You can also create a small personal retreat using one or more Shoji screens. Block off a quiet corner of a room with a screen, add a comfy chair or some floor cushions, and you have your own personal retreat area.

Shoji screens as decorative backgrounds

Shoji screens are also great for hiding unattractive walls or unwanted architectural features. For example, try to hide an unused and outdated fireplace behind such a screen. Or use one behind the bed as a decorative alternative to the headboard. Using a Shoji screen in the living room behind a plant display can also be a great way to create a beautiful center wall. Or try using a screen to hide an ugly wall or to smooth out rough architectural features within the room.