Whether you live in a big or small house, an open kitchen is ideal for every home. Everyone likes the spacious feel and brightly lit spaces with fewer walls. Open kitchens that expand into living and dining zones are back in trend and so are partitions for kitchens.
Kitchen partitions that help distinctly demarcate zones without hampering the spatial quality are a preferable addition for most homes. They provide a sense of barrier without actually cutting off the adjacent spaces. A well-designed kitchen partition facilitates interaction across the space and also helps cordon off the mess and clutter of a functioning kitchen as required.
A good kitchen partition design makes the transition between spaces seamless and also blends with the overall theme of the interior space. It should also be a perfect balance of form and function. There are several types of partitions that you can choose from with varying materials, forms, and textures. Check out our list of 35+ innovative open kitchen partition ideas. But first, let’s understand the concept of an open kitchen.
What Is An Open Kitchen Layout?
The open kitchen layout is a kitchen that is not separate from the rest of the house, specifically the living and dining rooms. Because there are no walls or barriers, such a kitchen is open from more than one side. The open kitchen concept is visible to all, allowing you to easily display your creativity and decor style.
As the world economy advanced in the 1960s and 1970s, the concept of an open-concept kitchen gained traction. An increased interest in home cooking, kitchen utensils, and entertainment contributed to redefining a classic kitchen design. The kitchen then evolved into a venue for honing culinary skills, displaying designer cookware, and serving as the hub of interaction and activity. As the 1980s approached, the concept of a completely open kitchen emerged. Open kitchen design with living room became popular.
The open kitchen concept gained popularity in residential units, which have less space. The idea behind an open kitchen is to welcome openness to highlight the design or modern engineering and appliances of your kitchen, as well as to involve the family or guests in food preparation while everyone interacts.
To add some twist to your open kitchen, check out our amazing kitchen partition ideas.
35 Innovative Open Kitchen Partition Ideas
01. Go Minimal with Kitchen Counter as Partition
If you have a compact kitchen and require an open look, go for a minimal kitchen counter as a partition. The main kitchen island with a stove and chimney can act as a partition between your living room and kitchen. This island can also double up as a breakfast counter and a dining space. The ample storage below the counter further saves space. This open design allows interaction between the kitchen and living area, making it an engaging transitional space.
02. Secondary Kitchen Island Partition
A large multipurpose kitchen island makes a wonderful partition for an open kitchen. It is a perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics. The island can be used for numerous activities, from cooking to dining, or even as a perfect home-office space. It can serve as a pantry on one side and as a bookshelf on the other. The design of the island can seamlessly blend with the interiors, blurring the intersection of the two spaces.
03. Simple Breakfast Table as A Partition for Kitchen
A simple and elegant idea for the kitchen partition is the addition of a breakfast counter along the edge. This is a very minimal way of creating a subtle barrier between spaces and is extremely functional. The counter acts as a spillover space for the kitchen and witnesses joyful family mealtime.
04. Framed Glass Wall Partition Design For Kitchen
If you want a physical barrier between spaces without hindering openness, you should go for glass partitions. They are a great way to maintain visual connectivity between spaces while keeping the mess and the strong aromas limited to the kitchen. A full-length framed glass partition wall with a door gives the space a lavish and elegant appeal.
05. Frameless Glass Partition for Kitchen
If you want your kitchen partition to be seamless and strictly functional, you can opt for a frameless glass partition. This sleek, full-length partition with a sliding door serves the purpose of shielding the kitchen from dining while allowing light to flood in. A frameless glass wall pairs well with modern interiors.
06. Glass Block Wall Partition for Kitchen
A glass block partition wall allows light to flood into the space without giving a view. It is an alternative to large glazing. Using glass blocks for kitchen partition walls is a quirky yet stylish way of diving spaces. It brings a sophisticated appeal to the space while also enhancing the indoor light and ambiance. You can go for floor-to-ceiling partitions or opt for small window-sized filler walls.
07. Sliding Glass Door Partition
Going extravagant with complete glass wall partitions may not be for everyone. At times, it isn’t even possible as it requires a clean slate without any structural members. Hence, when you want to use glass within an existing wall, a glass sliding door is a wonderful option. They have similar advantages to glass walls like transparency, openness, and visual connection.
08. Bi-folding Glass Door Partition
Yet another fabulous way of incorporating glass partitions is by using bi-folding doors. These also have the additional benefit of flexibility; you can open the space entirely whenever required. They are elegant and adaptable and thus make a great kitchen partition.
09. Serving Window in Wall As Dining Kitchen Partition
Traditionally, serving windows were used in large homes for ease of access between the dining and kitchen. For modern homes, a partition wall with a serving window serves the purpose of maintaining semi-openness within the space. It can also double up as a breakfast table. It makes for a very cozy mealtime setup and looks sophisticated too.
10. Storage Cabinets as Open Kitchen Partitions
A functional kitchen partition option offers you the scope to use your storage as a partition. Kitchen cabinets at the bottom and a crockery unit at the top, with a counter in between, make this utilitarian assembling. It is perfect for large homes that require plenty of storage.
11. Jali Partition Design for Kitchen
A jali partition adds a designer touch to a home. The striking patterns are a visual treat for the home, uplifting the look of the space. These partitions maintain the openness of the space while adding character to the space. Available in custom shapes and patterns, these elaborate partitions blend well with Bohemian, eclectic, and Indian interior styles alike.
12. Desk and Chair as Dining Kitchen Partition
In the case of small micro homes, adding a walled kitchen partition may lead to a waste of space. A smart space-saver option is to let functions overlap at the intersection of spaces. For instance, adding a study desk between the kitchen and living space allows you to accommodate different functions in a small space and also acts as a partition. It creates a dynamic, multifunctional space that is also minimal and elegant.
13. Bookshelf as Partition
Yet another way of using furniture as a partition is by integrating a bookshelf in your transition space. An elegant bookshelf with a simple, chic design harmoniously balances the space and hence, happens to be one of the best open kitchen partition ideas. It acts as a purposeful barrier between spaces without hindering the openness and activities within the space.
14. Collapsible Partition Design for Kitchen
Using collapsible wooden or metal partitions in kitchens allows for opening up the space as required. It is one of the most affordable kitchen partition options. The qualities of adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to transform the space make this a viable kitchen partition option. It also looks aesthetically pleasing, thus balancing form and function.
15. Open Display Shelves as Dining Kitchen Partition
Want an extra display area for your collection of artefacts and decor? Use a display shelf partition for your kitchen. This creative partition oozes glamour and elegance. It cleverly conceals the mess in the kitchen and distracts the eye while maintaining openness. You can use either metal or wood to make this partition and decorate it with vases, showpieces, or anything that pleases your heart.
16. Crockery Storage Unit as Partition
A hybrid storage-cum-crockery unit makes a great kitchen partition. The simple furniture piece transforms into a spectacular display unit. Functionally apt and aesthetically pleasing, this piece elevates the space between the living room and kitchen. Decorate it with statement accent pieces for striking visual appeal.
17. Glass Over Breakfast Counter as Unique Partition Design for Kitchen
If you want a breakfast counter solely for enjoying a meal, without having the kitchen activities spilling over, add a glass partition on top. This divides the space of the island into segregated zones while maintaining openness in the kitchen. You can add pendant lights over the breakfast table to complement the elements in the space.
18. Wooden Louvered as Kitchen Partition Ideas
A simple yet visually appealing partition option is a wooden louvered partition. It has a sleek look and allows connectivity between the living room and kitchen. The rhythmic half-partition makes a glamorous statement in the space.
19. Vertical Garden as Open Kitchen Design with Living Room
If you’re fond of bringing greens indoors, you should opt for this vertical garden partition. It looks refreshing and pleasing to the eye, and it goes well with all kinds of interior styles. You can opt for metal or wood frames; while wood gives off a warm, earthy vibe, metal is more contemporary. Try out different permutations and combinations for the plant rack and the open shelves to create a unique and innovative kitchen partition.
20. Media Unit as Partition
A minimal frame partition with a media unit is an ideal open kitchen design with living room. An eccentric yet adequately functional piece of furniture acts as a perfect partition. With ample light flooding the space and encouraging interaction across spaces, this partition adds depth to the space. The silhouette of the media unit creates a faux window of sorts. It blends in with the space beautifully, enlivening the whole living room, kitchen, and dining area.
21. Dining Furniture as Partition
Tweaking the furniture to act as a dining kitchen partition is simply clever. A custom dining set up between the living and kitchen spaces makes an unconventional yet practical partition. It physically creates a barrier while visually maintaining the connection between spaces.
22. Aluminium Louvers Partition
Like the wooden louvered partition, an aluminum or metal louvered partition adds visual interest to the space while retaining a sense of openness. You can play around with the size and distance between the rails, but stick to sleeker sections that are less heavy on the eye. This will add a modern flair to your interiors.
23. Bar as Kitchen Partition Ideas
If you are one of those who loves to display their lavish bar unit, then this kitchen partition idea is for you. Using the bar unit as a partition design for the kitchen is yet another quirky and unconventional concept. This unit is a combination of a breakfast table, storage, and display shelves. Its simple, clean lines, neutral colour palette, and sleek appearance perfectly blend with the interior and complement it elegantly.
24. Half-wall with Louvers Partition
A partially opaque and semi-open louvered dining kitchen partition in wood adds a sense of whimsy to the space. It cleverly serves as a backdrop for the foyer space while maintaining a vivid sense of openness in the space. The rustic design is balanced by the pops of colours in the space, creating a stylized space.
25. Metal Art Partition Design for Kitchen
A statement piece of art like a sculptural metal artwork can serve the purpose of a stately partition. You can go for any shape and design for the partition; there is a multitude of possibilities for the same. Let your creativity drive you and transform your space into an artistic haven.
26. Nordic-Style Fluted Glass Screens
These Nordic-style fluted glass partitions with elegant brass frames make a great kitchen partition option. They have been trending recently, and rightfully so, as they’re immensely glamorous and stylish. The fluted glass allows light to flood the interior while maintaining privacy. The stately, ornamental shape of the screens oozes sumptuous style. This open kitchen design with living room adds to the interiors.
27. Fluted Glass Wall Partition Design for Kitchen
A kitchen with all full-length fluted glass walls appears to be less bulky and more spacious. Much like the full glass wall, this too allows light in the space while maintaining privacy inside the kitchen. It is an interesting way of making physical barriers without compromising the light quality of the interiors. You can either go for fixed walls with openable or sliding doors or use retractable walls that open to reveal an open-plan living and kitchen.
28. Bamboo Screen as Partition For Kitchen
A minimal, natural-looking kitchen partition like this adds a Zen vibe to the space. It maintains transparency between spaces and creates visual interest within the space. Bamboo partitions like this are perfect for any space with a clean look, and they are also trending in contemporary interior styles.
29. Unique Artsy Partition
Do you want to make a bold statement with your kitchen partition? Go for an artsy wall like the one shown in the image above. It has an interesting play of wooden blocks on either side of a large doorway. This open kitchen design with the living room creates a visually appealing play of solids and voids, making for a unique and eye-catching assemblage. The central void frames the dining space, making it a stunning treat for the eye.
30. Lacquered Glass Partition Design for Kitchen
Lacquered glass is becoming an increasingly popular choice of partition design for the kitchen. It is an alternative to tile because it is easy to maintain and comes in vibrant colours. These advantages are in a lacquered glass partition as well; if you have already used lacquered glass in your kitchen, you’ll have no problem blending it. Instead, it’ll make your kitchen look aesthetic and holistic. If you wish to opt for just a lacquered glass partition, you can customize one like this, using a brass frame and geometric patterns. You can play around with different patterns and colours on the glass. It oozes drama and character in any space.
31. Metal Jali Screen
A metal jali screen adds elegance to the space. It serves as an artistic open partition that allows visual connection between spaces and also has an alluring appeal. You can go for full-length or half-hanging partitions and create custom designs and patterns.
32. Intricate Designer Glass Partition
Inspired by traditional stained-glass windows, this intricate-patterned glass partition can give your space a sophisticated makeover. You can make a custom piece incorporating a combination of patterned, plain, or frosted glass in the desired grid design. This is going to elevate the aesthetics of your space.
33. Decorative Showcase As Kitchen Partition Ideas
If you want to save space in your compact home but still need a lavish display unit, double it up as a partition. A full-length wall display unit can act as a partition between your kitchen and living space. Go for a simple cubical design to maximize display with a clean and minimal look. You can even incorporate a few closed cabinets in the design to hide the clutter. It can also be a two-way storage unit with a pantry on one side and a showy display on the other.
34. Wire Mesh Curtain as Partition
Ultra-chic and modern open kitchen partition ideas entail using a wire mesh curtain as a barrier between spaces. Multiple chains of thin metal loops are intertwined to create this terrific partition. It is a surprisingly unique partition that blends well with contemporary and modern interior styles.
35. Turnable TV and Fireplace as Partition for Kitchen
This partition is an eccentric piece that is meant to comfort and entertain you, no matter which side of the wall you’re on. It has a turnable TV and a two-way fireplace and acts as a centerpiece in the space. This is surely a bespoke partition option and worth splurging on if you prioritize the features it offers.
Conclusion
You can create a kitchen partition in numerous ways, be it something as simple as rearranging the furniture to as complex as constructing glass walls. The choice of kitchen partition depends on how you want your space to look and feel and what kind of interiors it has. From the abovementioned open kitchen partition ideas choose the one that matches your needs and resonates with your style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
01. What are Some Good Partition Ideas for an Open Kitchen with a View?
There are many options available for partitions for open kitchens. A few of them are:
- Glass partition,
- Window-Style partition,
- Jali partitions,
- Bookshelf partition,
- Collapsible door partitions for small kitchens
- Vertical Garden
- TV Unit partition with 360-degree TV Rotation
- Wooden Partitions with shelves, rafters, and many more designs
02. What types of Partitions are best Suited for Open Kitchens?
A. There are many types of partitions that are best suited for open kitchens such as jali partitions, collapsible partitions, breakfast counter partitions, wooden louvered partitions, aluminium louvered partitions, metal partitions, bamboo screens, storage shelves as partitions, and glass partitions.
03. How can a Partition Enhance the Design of an Open Kitchen?
A good kitchen partition design makes the transition between spaces seamless and blends with the overall theme of the interior space effortlessly. It provides privacy and separation to the kitchen, along with enhancing the look and functionality of an open kitchen.
04. Can a Partition also Serve as a Storage Solution in an Open Kitchen?
Yes, placing storage cabinets as partitions is a common practice for small kitchens. A hybrid storage-cum crockery unit makes a great multifunctional kitchen partition.
05. What is an Open Kitchen Design Concept?
As the name suggests, the kitchen is open from more than one side. An open kitchen is one integrated with the adjacent rooms of the house, specifically the living room, dining room, or lounge.
06. What are Some Factors to consider when Choosing a Partition for an Open Kitchen?
While choosing the partition for an open kitchen, you must ensure that the partition is multi-functional, space-saving, and complements the layout of your house. A good partition strikes a good balance between functionality and aesthetics.
07. How can a Partition Improve the Functionality of an Open Kitchen?
Open kitchen designs are known for their spacious look, but a partition can help demarcate the cooking space while also de-cluttering the kitchen. It also helps strike a balance between utility and aesthetics.
08. What are some Partition Ideas for Open Kitchens with High Ceilings?
For open kitchens with high ceilings, partitions like frameless glass partitions, jali partitions, wooden louvered partitions, and aluminum louvered partitions can be used effectively.
09. What are some Materials Commonly used for Partitions in an Open Kitchen?
Some commonly used materials for partitions in open kitchens are glass, stainless steel, wood, plywood, MDF, Corian, PVC sheets, aluminium, acrylic, HDF, particle board, etc.
10. What are some ways to Create Privacy in an Open Kitchen Design?
Installing partitions in an open kitchen can provide some privacy. Partitions like lacquered glass partitions, storage crockery units, and glass block wall partitions help you maintain complete privacy in the open kitchen. Partitions like jali partitions, bookshelf as a partition, wooden louvered partitions, and aluminium louvered partitions help you maintain partial privacy in the open kitchen.
11. How can a Partition be used to Create Separate Zones in an Open Kitchen?
Partition in an open kitchen design can be installed in such a way that it separates the dining area from the rest of the kitchen.
Also, read
Room Divider Ideas for Your House!
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Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.