How to Build a Simple Lighted Room Divider?

This project requires minimal woodworking skills and no sewing experience. Let’s dive in and create something practical and beautiful!

Materials You’ll Need

To make this room divider, I gathered the following materials. Depending on what you already have at home, your costs may vary slightly:

• Wood: 7 pieces of 2×2 lumber at 8 ft. lengths (~$13.09)
• Lights: Three 100-count packages of string lights in white or any preferred color (~$14.37)
• Fabric: Three 72×72 inch cloth shower curtains (~$42.72)
• Fasteners & Tools:
  • Kreg jig or pocket hole jig
  • Pocket hole screws
  • Staple gun and staples
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Clamps
  • Scissors
  • Power drill
  • Sandpaper (100, 150, and 220 grit)
  • Matte finish polyurethane
  • Six door hinges (~$7.14)
• Cutting Tools: Miter saw, jig saw, circular saw, or hand saw

Estimated total cost: ~$77.32 (excluding tools you may already own).

Step 1: Build the Frames

The backbone of the room divider is the wooden frames. Here’s how to construct them:

1. Cut the Wood: Start by cutting six 2×2 pieces to 6 ft. lengths for the vertical sides. Use the remaining 2 ft. sections for the horizontal top and bottom pieces. Trim as necessary to ensure uniformity.
2. Drill Pocket Holes: Drill four pocket holes in each 2 ft. piece—two on each end of the same side.
3. Assemble the Frame:
   • Line up one 2 ft. horizontal piece with the ends of two 6 ft. vertical pieces. Make sure the pocket holes face the interior of the frame.
   • Clamp the pieces together and secure them using pocket hole screws.
   • Measure 12 inches up from the bottom of the vertical sides and attach another 2 ft. horizontal piece at this mark.

Repeat this process for all three panels.

Step 2: Sand and Seal the Wood

To ensure a polished finish and durability, sand the frames thoroughly:

1. Sanding: Start with 100-grit sandpaper to smooth rough spots. Progress to 150-grit and, if desired, finish with 220-grit for an ultra-smooth surface.
2. Seal the Wood: Apply 2–3 coats of matte polyurethane. Sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper after the first coat to eliminate any roughness. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times between coats.

Step 3: Attach the String Lights

Now it’s time to add the lights, which give the divider its unique charm:

1. Test the Lights: Ensure all the string lights work before attaching them. This saves you from troubleshooting later.
2. Attach the Lights:
   • Leave enough slack at the ends to plug into an outlet and connect panels.
   • Secure the lights to the inside of the frame using a staple gun.
   • Keep the cords taut to avoid sagging, which could create bulges when the fabric is added.

Feel free to experiment with the light arrangement—straight lines, zigzags, or even patterns.

Step 4: Measure and Cut the Fabric

The fabric panels add privacy and elegance. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Choose Your Fabric: I used shower curtains, but any durable, lightweight fabric will work.
2. Cut to Size:
   • Measure the interior dimensions of the frame (60 in. height by 24 in. width).
   • Leave a 1–2 inch margin around all sides for seams and adjustments.
3. Iron Out Wrinkles: Iron the fabric before attaching it for a smooth, professional finish.

Step 5: Create Seams and Attach the Fabric

If sewing isn’t your forte, don’t worry—this step relies on hot glue!

1. Make the Seams:
   • Apply a line of hot glue along the fabric’s cut edge.
   • Fold over about 1/4–1/2 inch of fabric to create a seam. Work in small sections to control wrinkles.
2. Attach the Fabric:
   • Lay the frame flat and align the fabric to cover half of the top frame.
   • Glue the fabric down, pulling it taut as you go.
   • Repeat this process for the bottom and sides, ensuring the fabric is stretched tightly for a clean look.

Repeat for both sides of each panel.

Step 6: Add Hinges

To complete the project, attach hinges to connect the panels:

1. Position the Hinges: Space three hinges evenly along the edges where two frames meet.
2. Pre-Drill and Attach: Mark and pre-drill holes, then secure the hinges with screws. For an accordion-style divider, alternate the hinge placement on the front and back sides of the frames.

Enjoy Your New Divider!

Congratulations—you’ve created a functional, stylish room divider! Whether you use it indoors to provide privacy or outdoors to enhance your patio ambiance, this piece is sure to impress.

Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.