Since the shelving units will be floating in a room, anchor them down so they don’t tip over. “When I did this in my former studio, I actually put a desk on the backside, bolted everything together, then bolted it to the wall,” says Wood. “I love this option because the bookshelf itself provides the height and depth that a wall would, but it also allows you to add storage or decor to a room while letting light flow through,” says Lindsay Pumpa, an interior designer based in South Florida. “Installing this is as simple as deciding where you want the room divide,” she says. “Because this is a piece of furniture, you don’t have to worry about it being permanent, and you can move or adjust it as your needs change.” The heavier and wider the piece, the less likely the shelf will topple. (Bolting it down is also a great safety measure.) Pumpa recommends the Modloft Pearl Bookcase ($1,099; modloft.com), and the CB2 V Bookcase-Room Divider ($799; cb2.com) is a slightly less expensive option. “By utilizing furniture rather than building a wall, you can move the items around, and it won’t block the natural light, which ultimately makes a space feel larger,” says Diana Weinstein, an interior designer and founder of DW Design in New Jersey. “When creating the illusion of division within a room with furniture, I recommend investing in quality pieces that you can have for years and move to different rooms if you get tired of the design layout.” Weinstein recommends pairing CB2’s Avec Emerald Green Sofa with Brass Legs ($1599; cb2.com) with the Coyne Credenza ($999; cb2.com). “This particular piece can be customized to any height or width, and each of the bulbs move on a vertical slide,” she says. “So you can use it as a living element to add a unique vibe depending on your needs for the evening.” You can also DIY a series of down-lit strings or install curtain string lights, such as Twinkle Star 600 LED Window Curtain String Lights ($32; amazon.com) for a less expensive option. Pumpa agrees, adding that rope also works. “I love a rope wall, because it divides the space and adds a unique decorative element,” she says. Plus, you can take creative liberties in the way you fasten the rope—straight tie versus a zig-zag design—and choose whether you want a cleaner rope versus a looser hemp weave." Create a movable stand-alone piece, or anchor the rope to the ceiling and floor for a more permanent feel.
