IKEA’s $25 Solid Pine Find Is the Most Unexpected Way to Get a Gorgeous Room Divider

Coming up with a functional layout in a studio apartment can be a challenge. It’s natural to want separation among spaces to make a home feel larger. Studio dweller Cleveland Braswell, III wanted to create visual distinctions between areas in his 378-square-foot apartment and did so using an unexpected $25 IKEA find. 

Cleveland’s apartment’s floor plan goes like this: You enter, and there’s a kitchen, bathroom, and closet all along the right wall, but in the center is one open space (first the living room and then the sleeping area) facing large windows. While he liked the abundant natural light, he didn’t necessarily want to stare at his bed all day. 

“I just wasn’t into the idea of constantly seeing my bed from the couch,” Cleveland explains. “I spent almost two months hunting online for a room divider that wouldn’t block too much natural light or make the space feel cramped. Eventually, I realized I’d have to make one myself.” 

Four of the IKEA IVAR side units, which are usually included as part of an overall shelf, were the perfect base for the divider because they have cutouts that let light through. There are also six sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your space. Another bonus? It’s a sturdy item. It’s made from solid pine wood, which can be easily customized; if not, it’ll age beautifully, the brand explains. 

Next up, Cleveland found a ribbed polycarbonate sheet from The Home Depot. He appreciated it because it matches the texture of his sofa (the famous IKEA JÄTTEBO piece), which is green and has a ribbed pattern, and also because it allowed the light to flow through while disguising the bedroom behind. 

Cleveland admits that putting the IKEA units and the polycarbonate sheets together was a bit of a trial-and-error process. At first, he wanted to use liquid nails to attach the sheet to the wood to keep a clean look, but they wouldn’t stick. So, he ended up using nails to secure the two items together, which had previously been cut using hand tools. 

“Honestly, what I love the most is that this divider turned out exactly how I wanted. I spent way too much time hunting for the right room divider and searching for ribbed panels, but I’m really glad I stuck with it,” Cleveland shares. “This piece became a key element of the whole design, and I just knew it had to be perfect. Plus, it’s great that it’s been able to inspire some ideas for others’ spaces too!”

To see more of Cleveland’s wonderful apartment, visit the full House Tour.