by Heidi Labron

Created on: March 27, 2009

Folding screens can be really useful as well as beautiful, but before you rush out and buy one for your home, think about where you'll be using it and the purpose of the folding screen. If you take a little time to decide what you really need, the folding screen will blend seamlessly into your decor and you'll have it for years.

Decide on how you'll use it. Many people purchase folding screens to help separate a large space into smaller areas. The screen will act as a sort of wall, allowing you to break up a room into a variety of areas so that you can get more use out of a space. Folding screens are especially useful in apartments where space can be at a minimum. The screen can allow one side of the room to be used as a living area, and another for a dining area, for instance, without having a wall present.

Folding screens can also be used to hide unsightly areas, such as an old radiator. By placing the screen in front of the are, you eliminate the eye traveling right to that spot for the wrong reasons. In this way, it can allow structural changes to appear to have taken place in a room without major construction work. Or maybe you just want to add a decorative touch to a corner, in which case a folding screen can add height and color in an empty corner.

Next, think about how tall you need the screen to be, Many folding screens are quite tall, which can give a great impression of an actual wall, but sometimes, you only need a small screen to hide an area of the room without blocking out the light. Keep your celing height in mind when purchasing a screen or where you'll be using the screen in order to avoid the screen from dominating a room.

Color and style are important. Folding screens can come already decorated or with blank spaces to add photos, for example. If you are just purchasing a folding screen as a way of displaying your best photos, keep the frame simple in black or white or a wood color that matches other furniture in the room where you'll be placing it. Screens often come adorned in patterns, such as asian motifs, and you'll want to consider the colors in the room before purchasing. You wouldn't want to buy a folding screen with panels in pinks and golds when your entire living space is blue and black. Also consider the frame color. Try to make sure you don't purchase a screen that will stand out oddly in a room because it is too dark or too light.

If you take size, color and purpose into consideration before purchasing a folding screen, you'll be sure to select something that will bring you enjoyment for years.

Learn more about this author, Heidi Labron.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.