A Closer Look at Folding Screens

Even after being used centuries before, folding screens are still in demand. Because of their many uses, a lot of home owners come to buy at least one. Its main use is as a room divider, but today, such screens have a lot of other applications. When office space is limited, folding screens are used to dictate boundaries.

When you venture to the mall, you may encounter apparel shops which use folding screens as makeshift fitting rooms. Folding screens can also be decorated in your house, and can serve to shield off private areas such as the bedroom, or the comfort room, among others.

Folding screens utilize a common architecture: two or more frames connected securely by hinges. The frames are covered up by materials such as paper, wood, and cloth. The material is provided with artwork focusing on themes involving mythical animals, famous people, or simply a collection of words.

The value of folding screens are determined by the quality of the artwork, as well as the materials used.  The best folding screens were treated as prized possessions, and symbolized the owner’s luxury and wealth.

Folding screens were first conceptualized by the Chinese during  the fourth Century BC. Called “ping feng,” other Asian countries such as Japan and Korea took a liking to folding screens. In Japan, folding screens are called “Byobu,” while in Korea, folding screens are called “Irorobongdo.”

Other countries around the globe soon got attracted to the concept of folding screens, and produced their own versions of folding screens. These versions vary greatly when it comes to materials and design, but the frame-hinge concept always remains the same.

There are a lot of companies selling folding screens, some focusing on one theme and others on a lot. Asian, antique, bamboo; the styles and materials all differ. It would be hard to buy an antique folding screen and find out that it doesn’t look good in your modern house. To help you get started on choosing one, here are a few models:

• Adesso Furniture Haiku Collection Folding Screen 385 – WK3804-01 – This Japanese styled model is manufactured by Adesso Furniture. The brand is famous for home furniture so you can be sure that it would be of good quality. This Haiku collection is 3-paneled and can provide you with all the privacy you need. Also, this is a great decoration in a traditional house. But still, you have to see it to make sure it does look good.

• Vienna Folding Screen with Door – 1932 by Pilgrim – Used for the fireplace, this Italian-themed fireplace screen is really elegant. This model guarantees that you can enjoy the warmth of the fire without having to smell the smoke it exudes. If you opt for a cozy design, this isn’t really what you’re looking for, because this is really sophisticated-looking.

• 3, 4, and 5 Panel Aluminum Folding Screens, 3630 by Winco – This model manufactured by Winco assures you of the privacy you need. You can choose the number of panels you want. And because this opens to its full length, you can conserve the space you need for other things. Weighing only 9 lbs, you can bring this anywhere you want.

• Maitland Smith Folding Hairhide Floor Screen – The classical look of this folding screen was derived from floor designs. The materials are not only made with mahogany wood, but it was also crafted by hand. This guarantees you that it will last long years while giving you the style and convenience it brings. The downside of this model is that you have to shell out about three grands.