“With modular panels, this project lets you create privacy and define a new zone whenever you need it.”
While she and her husband worked from home in their studio apartment, Dunn’s assistant controller, Elizabeth, wanted a little more privacy. She came up with the idea to build a room divider. Beyond serving a practical purpose, this DIY room divider fuses two parts of Elizabeth’s roots. “Growing up in rural Kentucky, you learned to make do with what you had around you,” she reflects. “DIYing was a part of life!” For an added element of personalization, Elizabeth incorporated her sewing skills, which she learned at a young age from her grandmother.
DIY room dividers are a flexible solution for sectioning your interior space exactly how you'd like. With modular panels, you can create privacy or define a new zone whenever needed—whether it’s a kids’ play theater, a portable changing screen for the outdoors, or a temporary office nook. Customize the fabric to suit your style, and when you’re ready to open up the space, this lightweight solution disassembles easily for storage. Simple enough for beginners, this project can be adapted to any home.
Looking for a simple project that can make a big difference in any space? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Cut PVC pieces
Use a hacksaw or PVC cutter to cut two 10’ PVC pipes into two 6’ pieces and two 4’ pieces. We don’t recommend cutting any pieces over 6’ to mitigate fall risk.
Cut the remaining two 10’ PVC pipes into four 5’ pieces.
Step 2 (optional): Spray paint materials
Lay a drop cloth down and spray paint all PVC pieces and connectors in your desired color. Let dry completely.
Step 3: Attach cross connectors
Connect two four-way cross connectors to one 5’ PVC piece. Then, connect both 6’ PVC pieces to each of the four-way cross connectors. These 6’ pieces will become the top and bottom of one side of the frame.
Step 4: Attach elbow connectors
Place an elbow connector onto the end of the top 6’ PVC piece. Then, place a tee joint connector onto the end of the 6’ PVC piece that will serve as the bottom of the frame.
Step 5: Assemble one side of frame
Place a 5’ PVC piece between the elbow connector and tee joint.
Step 6: Assemble perpendicular side of frame
Repeat steps 2 through 4 with the 4’ PVC pieces instead of the 6’ pieces. These 4’ PVC pieces will become the top and bottom parts of the perpendicular frame.
Attach the 4’ PVC pieces to the four-way cross connectors on the ends of the top and bottom 6’ pieces. Your frame should form an L-shape.
Step 7: Cap open-ended connectors
Arrange the frame so that a 6’ side is stable on the ground.
Place felt caps on the ends of any open connectors. This gives your room divider a polished look—and helps protect your floor.
Step 8: Measure and sew fabric panels
Measure and cut your fabric panels to fit your chosen PVC lengths. For example, Elizabeth used two panels about 3’ wide by 6’-7’ tall for each 6’ PVC piece, then adjusted the height after sliding the PVC through the sewn top tube and pinning the bottom in place.
Sew a tube at the top of each panel, slide the corresponding PVC pieces through, and reconnect the frame. With the fabric hanging, measure and pin the desired bottom seam. Sew a bottom tube for a tensioned “wall,” or cut the fabric just above the frame for free-hanging curtains.
Note: If you don’t have sewing equipment, you can purchase premade curtains to slide over the pipes.
Step 9: Stand back and enjoy your new room divider!
To store, disassemble the PVC pieces from all connectors and joints, roll or fold up your fabric panels, and stow away.
Ready for more projects to help you make the most of your small space? Check out more DIY ideas like our DIY Narrow Entryway Table and Gas Pipe Storage Solution.
