9 Creative Ways to Upcycle a Room Divider into a Stylish Garden Screen

Introduction

Ever thought of turning your old furniture into a garden masterpiece? If you have an unused room divider gathering dust, why not transform it into a stunning and functional garden screen? A well-designed garden screen not only provides privacy but also enhances the beauty of your outdoor space. Whether you prefer decorative metal panels, wooden partitions, or modern room dividers, upcycling offers endless possibilities. In this guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step process to turn an old room divider into a unique garden feature.

Benefits of Upcycling a Room Divider for Your Garden:

• Sustainability: Reduce waste and contribute to an eco-friendly lifestyle.

• Cost-effectiveness: Save money by repurposing existing materials.

• Customisation: Create a one-of-a-kind garden feature tailored to your style.

• Versatility: Use the screen for privacy, wind protection, or as a decorative element.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Sandpaper (medium-grit)

• Primer suitable for wood or metal

• Outdoor paint (weather-resistant)

• Paintbrush or roller

• Saw (if adjustments are needed)

• Screws and drill

• Hinges (optional for folding screens)

• Decorative elements (hooks, wire, lattice, or plants)

Step 1: Prepare the Room Divider Start by giving the room divider a thorough clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust, dirt, and grime. Ensuring the surface is clean is crucial because it helps paint and primer adhere properly. If the divider is wooden, check for any signs of damage and make minor repairs if necessary.

Step 2: Sand the Surface Using medium-grit sandpaper, sand the entire surface of the divider in the direction of the wood grain. This step removes rough patches and old finishes, creating a smooth base for priming and painting. Once sanded, wipe the divider down with a dry cloth to remove any residual dust.

Step 3: Apply Primer A good primer helps outdoor paint last longer and prevents any old colours or stains from bleeding through. Choose a primer suitable for the material — wood, metal, or composite. Apply an even coat and let it dry completely as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Paint Your Garden Screen Select an outdoor paint colour that complements your garden decor. Bold colours can create a striking focal point, while neutral shades blend seamlessly with natural surroundings. Apply two coats of paint, allowing the first coat to dry fully before adding the second.

Step 5: Add Hinges (Optional) If you want your garden screen to be foldable, attach hinges between the panels. This makes it easier to store and adjust the screen’s position as needed.

Step 6: Personalise with Decorative Elements Enhance your upcycled screen with decorative touches. You could:

• Add lattice patterns for a classic look.

• Attach hooks to hang potted plants or lanterns.

• Fix wire panels for climbing plants.

• Use laser-cut screens or art deco designs for a modern twist.

• Integrate corten steel panels for a contemporary, weathered effect.

• Add shelves for additional functionality, perfect for small potted plants.

Step 7: Enhance Durability for Outdoor Use To ensure your screen withstands the elements, consider weatherproofing techniques:

• Apply a clear outdoor sealant over painted surfaces.

• Use rust-resistant paint for metal dividers.

• Protect wooden dividers with waterproof varnish.

Step 8: Creative Placement Ideas Where you position your screen can add both function and flair to your garden:

• Use as a windbreaker for outdoor seating areas.

• Place behind a water feature for added visual interest.

• Position near a patio for increased privacy and style.

Conclusion

By upcycling a room divider, you’re not just saving money — you’re creating a distinctive and stylish feature for your garden. The possibilities are endless, whether you’re inspired by decorative fence panels, metal trellis screens, or art deco screens. This DIY project is an affordable, sustainable way to add character and privacy to your outdoor space. Ready to get started? Transform your garden today with a unique, personalised garden screen that stands out!