Decorative screens: the perfect accessory

Decorative screens are a fabulous accessory for a number of reasons.  They come in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes, and they’re totally portable.  Nothing makes us happier than home accents that are easy to switch up!  A decorative screen works in just about any space and can change the feeling of a room in an instant.  Here are four ways that we love using decorative screens.

Hide an awkward corner

Sometimes you might have an awkward corner in a room, either due to a narrow angle where the walls meet, an inconveniently-placed door, or some other quirk.  This can be common in older homes, but new construction is not immune.  You may want to keep shoes out of sight in the entrance hall, camouflage your alarm panel, or just stash books, magazines, or toys when company comes over.   Another great tip: hide your laundry hamper if you’re tight on space in the bedroom or bathroom.  A cool screen is the perfect disguise!

Philadelphia interior designer Glenna Stone decorative screens Elle Decor
Blue decorative folding screen – Elle Decor

Add texture to a space

Because of its slim profile, a screen is a great way to add some depth and texture to a room without taking up too much space.  Whether you choose a metal screen with an openwork pattern or a fabric screen with a cool pattern, it will draw the eye and spark interest.  The Eichholtz geometric screen has an architectural design in bold piano black that makes a statement while keeping its sleek air.

Philadelphia interior designer Glenna Stone decorative screens Eichholtz Folding Screen Geometric piano black
Decorative screens – Eichholtz Geometric folding screen

 

Use decorative screens as art or a headboard – or both!

To really add a unique touch, find a unique or vintage screen and use it as a large scale piece of art.  Take it a step further and place it behind your bed for a one-of-a-kind headboard!  In the right room, it can be both functional and artistic, like this fabulous master by Hallie Henley Design, complete with a chinoiserie screen!

Philadelphia interior designer Glenna Stone decorative screens headboard Hallie Henley Design
Decorative screens – Hallie Henley Design

Make a smaller room seem larger

Does that sound counterproductive?  It’s not!  While it’s true that a screen takes up space, choosing one with mirrored panels creates the optical illusion of a larger room.  A design like this from Made Goods features a shagreen frame and antiqued mirrors; the patina keeps it from verging into “dance studio wall of mirrors” territory.

Philadelphia interior designer Glenna Stone decorative screens Made Goods Nolan
Decorative screens – Made Goods

 

Where would you add a decorative screen in your home?  Do you have a particular style that you love?

Header image: Decorative folding screen by Daniel Romualdez as seen in Architectural Digest

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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior designer creating spaces that are a harmonious marriage of beauty, function, and lifestyle. Whether for a home, vacation retreat, or place of business, our goal is to design statement surroundings that express who you are. We encourage you to visit our website, view our work, and keep up with the latest interior design concepts on our blog

 

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