Iconic 1930s Design: The Prevalent Wavy Room Divider
The wavy timber-slatted room divider, currently trending on social media, draws inspiration from early 20th-century design movements, particularly the Art Deco period and modernist architects like Alvar Aalto.
Hailing from the 1920s to 1960s, Baumann Fils et Cie, a French company, specialized in creating slatted items like rolling and folding window blinds and garage doors. The resurgence of wavy timber-slatted room dividers can be traced back to this era, albeit with a modern twist.
The Art Deco style, known for its emphasis on geometric shapes, stylized lines, and elegant craftsmanship, often incorporating woods and metals with repetitive linear patterns, is evident in these contemporary designs. The wavy timber slats echo the period’s love of rhythm and texture as well as organic motifs rendered in a streamlined, decorative way.
Alvar Aalto, a Finnish modernist, pioneered the use of natural materials like bent wood to create furniture and room dividers that combine functionality with sculptural form. His Screen 100 design, introduced around the 1930s, is especially significant in this context. The "Screen 100" is a wooden slatted partition characterized by gently curving, wave-like forms that allow visibility and light transmission while subtly zoning space—very much like modern wavy timber-slatted room dividers.
Contemporary versions of these designs update these ideas for contemporary interiors, focusing on light, flow, and natural materials. They are seen as a re-interpretation of Aalto’s approach: marrying natural materials (timber) with functional sculpture and dynamic, wave-like structures that enhance spatial division without heavy enclosure.
Incorporating a partition, whether vintage or DIY, can bring a room to life and add a bit of history. The wavy timber-slatted room divider, with its modern yet vintage appeal, is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and stylish addition to their home.
The design of the room divider is reminiscent of a classic screen style from the 1930s, but with a contemporary twist. A budget-friendly interpretation of the original design is available for £71.99, while a reimagined version, with stained pine slats, is available from Paul Smith for £3,150.
The contemporary design of the room divider retains the warmth and texture of the wood, making it versatile for various design styles such as Japandi living rooms and creative home office spaces. Its beauty comes from the wood tambour construction and its gently undulating form, which can be curved to suit any space.
Room dividers can be used to break up a space in apartments or open-concept rooms, providing a sense of privacy and division without the need for permanent walls. Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at 1stDibs, finds the design modern, simple, and timeless.
Subscribing to the website's newsletters provides trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration for interior design. The form of the screen is inspired by Alvar Aalto's 1936 Screen 100 design, making it a piece of art that adds aesthetic value to any space. Moreover, the wavy timber-slatted room divider serves as an eye-catching art piece, blending functionality with style.
