How To Build a Three-Panel Folding Screen : Easy Projects

Owning a folding screen is like having a spare wall you can stand up wherever you need it. Want a partition to separate your study/desk area from the rest of dining room? Want to hide a door to the utility closet? How about giving a guest bed some privacy? Maybe you just want to add color or texture to the room. Whatever its use, whatever kind of furnishings you have, there's bound to be a screen that will do the job.

You can make your own folding screen easily and for very little money too. Use lightweight (hollow) flat-panel doors that are not too wide  (closet-size), louver doors, or shutters. You can find all of the above at any home improvement store, but if there's a building salvage company in your area, you might want to check it out first. You never know what treasures you might find, perhaps a few wonderful old doors or shutters. A vintage door divided into three panels could be a handsome alternative, but make sure it isn't covered in lead based paint. Even plywood cut to the desired size will do the job, and you can decorate it any number of ways.

Decorating kit :

• Measuring tape 
• Pencil
• Screws
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• 3 door panels
• 6 standard or double action (optional) hinges

1- Measure and mark the sides of panels at three equidistant points from the top to the bottom generally, a quarter of the way down from the top and up from the bottom, and the midpoint between the two.

2- Lay the panels on a large flat surface. Line up the top of each hinge with a mark, and predrill the holes.

3- Line up the hinges, and screw them into place.

4- If you are not using double action hinges, which allow the screen to fold in either direction, reverse the hinges on the last panel.

2014 Easy DIY Folding Screens Ideas : Room Dividers

There are infinite ways to customize DIY folding screens. Here are just a few ideas to inspire your artistry :

Paint both sides of each door with a color that picks up a major hue in the room. After the first coat is dry, apply a second color lightly with a sponge.

Paint all sides of each door the same color as your sofa or walls. Buy a smaller quantity of an accent color ( one that picks up the colors of your throw pillows, rug, or lamps ). After the first coat of paint is thoroughly dry, use a stencil to apply your accent color. ( A small design may get lost on a large surface, so try a bold one. )

Paint only the edges of the doors; then cover the fronts ( and backs. if you wish ) with wallpaper. Prepasted vinyl is the easiest wallpaper to apply.

Decorate with die-cut wallpaper borders, which are even more interesting when they are applied vertically.

Apply wallpaper to part or all of each door. Be sure to measure carefully and cut the wallpaper to the exact size. Don't forget to smooth out any bubbles in the paper.

Decoupage each door. Glue old photos, clipping, postcards, or any other paper item that's special to you on the doors. You can also decoupage with fabric. The medium is sold in all crafts stores and comes with simple directions. Be sure to finish your project using a clear, nonyellowing top coat.

Decorate alternate sides differently for a reversible look. If the screen will be a room divider, coordinate each side with the room it's facing.

If you are using old shutters, you'll need to clean and paint them before attaching them to each other. Again, if the shutters are vintage, they may have lead paint, in which case you should forgo painting them and leave them shabby but chic. If you are using new shutters, painting is also optional. And if you are going to hang objects on them, turn them upside down that is, with the larger opening of each slat facing upward that will allow you to insert a more easily. Once you insert a few hooks, you can hang objects from them, such as strands of beads, greeting card keepers, scarves, or plants.