For an option that isn’t as static as the ideas above, consider using shoji doors. Shoji doors have been used in perpetuity in Japan and have become synonymous with minimalism and elegance. In many areas of the home, the Western world has turned to Japan for inspiration in creating a space that sets forth principles of ‘zen’. Japanese interior design concepts aim to balance available space with the addition of furniture and objects.
Shoji doors are created using translucent paper placed over a wooden frame, often designed to slide open (they are also available in a pivot opening). The wooden frame uses thicker wood in tall rectangles with thinner wood sitting inside, either shaped in rectangles or squares, this is known as a lattice frame. The internal thinner wood was originally used as a structural support for the paper.
Today this isn’t entirely necessary, with traditional paper being substituted with a paper lookalike made of plastic or with frosted glass. However, many still feature the traditional lattice frame shoji doors are known for.
This ‘opens up the door’ for more layout options with the thinner wood. Making it more customisable to suit the space it divides.
Shoji doors are less intrusive to the eye and seamlessly blend into traditional white walls. While traditionally they feature darker woods, you can use any preferred wood type. The lighter shades are more subtle and will often blend in with the walls more consistently.