Looking for a Way to Divide your Room or Space?

Consider suspending artwork from the ceiling!  This gives you a flexible... and removable means of separating spaces.

Artwork as a Room Divider

I really like cozy spaces. I like the sense of intimacy they give when you are gathered with friends or family... or even just nestled in with a book.   I initially thought that I wanted to complete the wall behind these bookshevles (which divide the space between our kitchen eating space and the family room.)  The "problem"(... if you can call it that!) is that we are fortunate enough to have some amazing views and good light from that entire side of the house, so I decided to take an intermediate approach rather than move to something permanent at this point. 

If you want to try it, here is what you will need for your project:
       2   Same Size pieces of art in wooden frames or "gallery wrapped" on wooden stretchers
       4   Screw in Picture Hangers
       2   Lengths of Chain
       4   S Hooks
       2   Eye Bolts
       2   Toggle Bolts
       2   Washers
       (If you need help getting just the righ items, go to a local harware store, like Ace rather than a  
       big box store.  They have people who will help you find just the right little parts.)
       The other usuals... tape measure, screw driver, drill, etc.

The Kitchen Side

I found this set of large matching frames at a furniture consignement store.  They had pictures that I really did not care for... but no matter, as it was the frames that I was after.  The size, color, and light weight were all perfect for what I was envisioning.  You can also have frames made to suit your space.
Just keep in mind that you don't want them to be too heavy.

I ordered two canvas prints online from retailers who sell custom sized canvas art.  I asked that they be sent rolled rather than stretched.  When they arrived, I took them to my local frame shop and had them adhere them to foamcore and cut them to the exact size that I needed. 

It was simple enough to put them in the frames then (involved some taping and another piece of cardboard in the back to keep them taught in the frames).

Family Room Side

The next step was to screw hangers onto the backs of the frames in exactly the same two spots on both frames. 

Back to Back Hangers

I have to be a bit maternal here... or a cross between Mommy and Bob the Builder... you MUST use toggle bolts to suspend these from the drywall on your ceiling... and for goodness sake, make sure they are of sufficient size to more than support the weight of your frames!  The frames I used are very ligthweight, but being one for a bit of overkill, I still wanted to use toggles that were large enough to absolutely ensure that I was not going to have them pull through my ceiling.

I am also asthetically persnikity, and I didn't want the hole to show... so I inserted a washer between the hole and the back of the eye bolt, which covers it in a cute sort of industrial way:)   

Eye Bolt with Washer

The next step is to simply measure out your length of chain exactly.  I literally counted the links!  Use cutters to snip the chain to the right length.  Attach the chain to your eye bolts with your first set of 'S' hooks.  Now get someone to help you hold it while you use the 'S' hooks to suspend the artwork from the chains, and Voila!  You have a great looking room divider, some great artwork, and a lot of flexibility.  If you are entertaining and want the space more open.... simply take down the art and the chains for the evening.  If you want to change your room decor... no problem, simply order new art in the same size and replace the existing pictures.

Try this:  Get a large piece of canvas at your local art store, put on a coat of Gesso, and have your kids, or whole family, paint something fun for one side!