• A large potted palm tree makes an effective room divider.palm image by Dave from Fotolia.com
  
  You don't need permanent walls to break up a large living space into two or more smaller spaces. It's all about placement of the furniture, seating areas and decorative items. Most living spaces have more than one distinct area, defined by placement of furniture or rugs. Use room dividers if you want a more clearly defined separation of space.
  
  

Open Bookshelf

• Use an open bookshelf as a room divider. The openness will let light through, but the presence of the shelf unit will define and divide the space into two distinct areas. Be sure to fill the shelves with items that can be enjoyed from both sides, as there is no "back" with this type of shelving unit.
  
  

Plants

• A large plant or group of plants will also effectively serve as a room divider. A palm, bird of paradise or schefflera is substantial enough to function as a room divider. A row of identical plants in similar or identical pots can create a cohesive divider for a larger room.
  
  

Sofa

• A sofa with a sofa table against its back can also be an effective room divider. The seating area defines one side of the divider and one space, while the table defines the other side of the divider and another space. Place a lamp on the table that will illuminate both spaces. Beyond that, treat them as two separate spaces.
  
  

Plexiglass Blocks

• Plexiglass blocks can be stacked to create a more permanent and substantial room divider. An advantage with these is they allow light to pass through, keeping both sides of the dividers bright and airy.
  
  

Hinged Panels

• Make a room divider out of rectangular framed panels made of wood. The interior of the frame can be covered with wood, fabric, decorative paper or wallpaper. The interior wood can be painted, stained or stenciled to match the room decor. Make as many panels as you desire, and attach them together with hinges. The divider is held upright by bending the panels at the hinges so the panels of the divider are not in a straight line.