As ‘broken plan’ living threatens to overtake our preference for full-on ‘open plan’, we’re looking for imaginative and practical ways to divide up our rooms. Cue the comeback of boho favourite, the traditional screen.

Although us Brits are busy knocking down walls to open up our traditionally compartmentalised homes, we still hanker after that Hygge vibe or cosy feeling. But in the Far East, folding screens have long been used to create a sense of intimacy. Japanese-style ‘byobu’ or transparent ‘shoji’ screens provide a practical yet aesthetically pleasing solution for those wanting privacy. And now they’re making their way into our bedrooms and living rooms. For those working from home they provide an attractive yet simple solution to the problem of hiding away your desk. In an open plan room they can screen off the kitchen or zone a section for a specific use, perhaps for dining or for the children to play in.

Many well-known interiors brands have brought out their own versions of the screen, now commonly branded ‘room dividers’. You can also find a good range of vintage screens on ebay, auction websites and, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, online dealers like 1stdibs or Vinterior.

It’s all great news for the boho-inclined! Many of these screens are highly decorative and made of natural materials like wood or bamboo. Some are more affordable than others 😥 but whether you’re shopping for a screen or just looking for inspiration, here’s my pick of the best and most beautiful currently on sale…

1. 

   Rattan and Bamboo Screen / Room Divider with Chinoiserie Accents, Spain, 1960s Price: £1,832 from Istdibs

   2.

   

   Nordal Natural Rattan Room Divider. Price: £389 from Accessories for the Home

   3.

   

   Printed 3-Panel Room Divider Price: £77 from Maisons du Monde

   4.

   

   Longitude Panelled Screen Price: £295 from French Connection

   5.

   

   Matsu 4 panel Room Divider Price: From £135 from Futons Online

   6.

   

   Floral Canvas Screen Price: £325 from Cox and Cox

   7.

   

   Bamboo Room Divider Screen Price: £89 from Graham and Green

   8.

   

   Hartleys 4 Panel Cherry Blossom Room Divider (available in black or white frame) Price: £79.95 at Hartleys Direct

   9.

   

   Geometric Screen Price: £155 from Cox and Cox

   10.

   

   1970s Bamboo Screen / Room Divider Price: £1,200 from 1stdibs

   11.

   

   Vintage mid century Rattan Wicker and Bamboo Folding 3 Panel Screen Room Divider Price: £99.99 from ebay

   12.

   

   Elegant French Vintage Painted Iron 3 Panel Folding Screen Room Divider Price: £275 from ebay

   13.

   

   French Shutter Style Metal Panel Price: £425 from Rockett St George