8 Ways to See Screens Differently
These designs show that screens do more than serve as decorative, temporary room dividers
Chiquit Brammall
11 February 2017
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
There are different types of screens – functionally the most common type we know is the aluminium mosquito netting or fly screen; decoratively we’re familiar with the fabric or wood two- or three-panel folding screen that is used to demarcate spaces. In both examples, screens are meant to provide a semi-transparent layer of protection (in the former, from mozzies) or privacy. These innovative applications reference those functions, but bring the concept of a screen to a higher level:
1. Facade and Sunshading Device
An oriental-motif timber screen is incorporated in the architecture of this house by Aamer Architects. It provides passive cooling and shade, privacy – the house is sited on a corner that sees heavy pedestrian and road traffic – and the house’s unique aesthetic.
Take the Houzz Tour
An oriental-motif timber screen is incorporated in the architecture of this house by Aamer Architects. It provides passive cooling and shade, privacy – the house is sited on a corner that sees heavy pedestrian and road traffic – and the house’s unique aesthetic.
Take the Houzz Tour
2. Feature Wall
Laser-cut panels are layered on the wall to frame the headboard of this bedroom. A sandwich of light between the mirrored wall and the screen layer adds a dramatic effect.
Laser-cut panels are layered on the wall to frame the headboard of this bedroom. A sandwich of light between the mirrored wall and the screen layer adds a dramatic effect.
Here’s a feature wall made of chicken wire framed by timber panels, in a different setting.
Photos by Edward Hendricks
3. Wall cladding
Timber slats clad the feature wall of this home, but they’re more than just decorative. They partially conceal – hence the screen concept – the built-in storage system designed by Ministry of Design.
3. Wall cladding
Timber slats clad the feature wall of this home, but they’re more than just decorative. They partially conceal – hence the screen concept – the built-in storage system designed by Ministry of Design.
4. A disappearing wall
Interior architecture firm Architology brought the room-divider function of the screen to the max in this home, where the timber-slat ‘wall’ – you can see the kitchen through its semi-transparent slats – actually slides open and flushes to the dining room wall.
Interior architecture firm Architology brought the room-divider function of the screen to the max in this home, where the timber-slat ‘wall’ – you can see the kitchen through its semi-transparent slats – actually slides open and flushes to the dining room wall.
Here’s the screen pushed open completely, a disappearing wall.
5. Sliding door feature
Oriental-motif screens are sliding door panels that become a focal point for this bedroom.
Oriental-motif screens are sliding door panels that become a focal point for this bedroom.
6. Windows
Zen-inspired screens are window panels in this beach house by akiHAUS Design Studio.
Zen-inspired screens are window panels in this beach house by akiHAUS Design Studio.
7. Built-in Room Divider
The screen as a room divider is a go-to solution for small spaces. Making it a permanent fixture as a built-in allows it to be customised exclusively to the home’s design, and makes it a sturdier solution.
The screen as a room divider is a go-to solution for small spaces. Making it a permanent fixture as a built-in allows it to be customised exclusively to the home’s design, and makes it a sturdier solution.
In this home by Studio Wills + Architects, fixed screens are the jump-off point for the pattern selection of the wall cladding.
Take the Houzz Tour
Take the Houzz Tour
Here are other different screen patterns (above and left) that enhance the feel and interior style of the space.
8. Headboard
The screen as a headboard is great for homeowners who don’t like the bulkiness of big bed frames, or don’t want to commit to a style long-term (you can remove the screen or swop it for a different style any time!).
TELL US
What do you use a screen for (aside from keeping mozzies out) in your home? Share a photo in the Comments section below.
MORE
Browse decorative screen designs
The screen as a headboard is great for homeowners who don’t like the bulkiness of big bed frames, or don’t want to commit to a style long-term (you can remove the screen or swop it for a different style any time!).
TELL US
What do you use a screen for (aside from keeping mozzies out) in your home? Share a photo in the Comments section below.
MORE
Browse decorative screen designs
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Beautiful and inspiring ideas. Thank you for sharing.
We used an old screen here which the client wanted to throw away as it was slightly damaged. It worked well when we hung in on the bedside wall. It created a layer of texture and our client was very happy that we did not throw it away.
Not everything needs to be thrown away, some items can be upcycled or recycled or used in a different way. One just needs to use your imagination.