Due to many reasons, many people around the country are deciding to remain in their present homes thus the decision to expand the livable space either outwardly or upwardly depending on the physical conditions. This decision most often requires the hiring of a professional to draw initial plans which then require governmental approval and large monetary expense. Because of these reasons, room dividing is gaining much popularity.

In addition to the removal or relocation of existing walls which can be somewhat costly, partitions and folding doors have been popular whenever working on a set budget and can accomplish the desired end result. The disadvantage to using these methods is that a dedicated space is needed for their installation and in most instances this space is not available and counteracts the initial purpose. Roller shades, usually found on windows, can also be used a room dividers. Its advantages include the capability to almost fully retract to the ceiling and therefore an option very much well worth considering. Additionally, roller shades can be motorized and thus augmenting their functionality.

Roller shades are also available in hundreds of colors and patterns to fit any style and decorative requirement. Highly beneficial to consumers is the low profile of roller shades whenever installed on the ceiling as a room divider. When compared to standard room dividers which require stacking space and minimize the overall "working" space", roller shades are becoming very popular for this particular application in addition to their original purpose as a window covering.

As an example, if a standard room divider requires 2.5 feet of stacking and this is multiplied by the standard ceiling height of the average home of 8 feet, the loss due to the stacking requirement amounts to 20 cubic feet of space. One can safely say that roller shades are very efficient in more ways than just saving money and time. Standard room sliding partitions are usually manually operated versus roller shades which can be motorized at a relatively much lower cost. Roller shade motors are designed to operate quickly and quietly thus making the raising and lowering of the roller shade a simple function of just pressing a button.

Besides its aesthetic advantages, motorized roller shades do not require unsightly manual controls such as chains or cords found on non-motorized roller shades. This benefit does away with the hanging components and allows full use of the unhindered space and increases the overall functionality of the room. Motorized roller shades can also be remotely controlled or controlled by the use of a preset timing device.

Modern folding doors made of plastic are only available in a few colors. More expensive wooden folding doors require painting to match the surrounding decor. As well, sliding partitions can only be found in a limited color range also limiting the decorative spectrum. Roller shades, unlike folding doors and sliding partitions, are available in hundreds of colors and patterns. This wide range of available colors and patterns provides the end user with the benefit of being able to match existing window treatment, enhance the present decor or create a specific ambiance. Also beneficial is the ability to control light thus expanding their use beyond a room divider product.

Unlike the ability of roller shades to control light due to the fabric material used, roller shades are limited in controlling sound. Due to the physical characteristic of roller shades, sounds will travel through the fabric materials. Another point to consider whenever choosing roller shades for room dividers is the durability factor. Roller shades, albeit much more aesthetically pleasing, are not as resistant to wear and tear as their counterparts - folding doors and sliding dividers, yet roller shades are a perfect substitute when temporary sleeping or storage space is the main goal. Folding doors and sliding partitions will always be available for the purpose of dividing or rearranging rooms but new, modern ideas for the use of roller shades will certainly give the home owner an additional choice without sacrificing the desired decorative look. Roller shades are a solution to shaping your rooms to your taste.

Judith Persit is an interior designer specializing in window treatments. Judith writes about roller shades. Learn more about shades at her site.