Dividing an office into different zones and areas is an easy but effective way to create privacy and improve productivity in a workspace. Choosing the right partitioning option can depend on your budget, available space, and lease terms.
For a serviced office that you rent, making structural changes is not always an option, so we’ve created a list of 11 ways to temporarily partition an office space.
1. Glass Rooms and Partitions
Many providers use glass partitions to divide their offices, which offer privacy while creating a modern, professional look. We’ve noticed that they’re one of the most requested features when businesses enquire about office space, with clients appreciating how glass elevates a workspace while still allowing plenty of natural light.
Many serviced offices also feature glass-fronted meeting rooms, often with frosted or tinted finishes, which help protect confidentiality during client meetings and team discussions.
2. Wooden Slats
These dividers consist of evenly spaced, vertical wooden slats, providing partial privacy without closing off the area. They also allow light to pass through, making them a stylish way to create different zones.
Wooden finishes also add warmth and texture, ideal for creating comfortable and welcoming breakout areas. We’ve seen that these work well in creative and design-led workplaces, as they add character and maintain an open, collaborative atmosphere while establishing clear sections.
3. Biophilic Partitioning
There are various ways to introduce biophilic partitions into an office, including mobile planters, plant privacy screens, and living walls. Like glass and wooden partitions, plant dividers are an aesthetically pleasing way to split up a space, helping to create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
We’ve seen an increased demand for biophilic design, particularly within London serviced offices, as businesses recognise that incorporating greenery can boost wellbeing by reducing stress and improving focus.
4. Soundproof Dividers
Soundproof partitions are acoustic panels which absorb and block noise, helping to remove distractions in loud and busy workspaces. In our experience, noise is one of the most common complaints from companies renting office space in Central London.
Managing background noise can help to improve productivity and is particularly important for private calls and meetings.
5. Sliding and Folding Walls
These are movable walls which either slide or fold open, allowing businesses to quickly transition from open-plan layouts to enclosed spaces. Clients tell us that the flexibility and versatility offered works well for training, workshops and events. This is also a great space-saving option for smaller offices, as they do not permanently reduce the available space.
6. Curtains and Tracks
Similarly, curtains are also a popular solution for companies with limited space and budget. They are easy to install and can be instantly pulled across to create a separate designated workspace, making them an ideal temporary and landlord-friendly solution. In our experience, curtains are well-suited to short-term leases, start-ups, and growing businesses.
7. Half Wall Dividers
These are fixed, half-height walls, used to create divisions and organise a layout whilst maintaining light and airflow. Half walls cannot be moved, meaning they do not offer the same flexibility as other options. Therefore, the approach is less suited to growing companies or those that frequently need to change their office layout.
Providers often use half walls in coworking spaces to differentiate between businesses and departments. Companies renting office space on longer contracts may also be permitted to install them.
8. Modular Wall Panelling
Unlike sliding/folding walls or curtains, modular wall systems are made of panels which interlock together to create an enclosed room. This semi-permanent method of partitioning an office creates a more professional, built-in look.
However, the panels still offer some flexibility as they can be removed or altered when needed. In our experience, this approach suits growing companies that require enclosed spaces but are not ready to commit to permanent changes.
9. Partitioning with Furniture
Using furniture to define different zones in an office is a great way to introduce more storage and maximise space. This is ideal for organisations looking to rent office space in London on a budget.
We’ve noticed that this is a common way to divide open-plan spaces, using furniture such as shelving, lockers, storage walls, and banquette seating to create informal collaboration and breakout areas.
10. Private Booths and Pods
While these are not traditional ways to partition an office, enclosed booths and standalone pods serve a similar purpose by providing privacy within a workspace.
Many serviced offices include private pods, phone booths and alcove seating, which require less space than dedicated rooms. Our clients value the versatility that they offer, using them for calls, catch-ups and one-to-one meetings.
11. Desk Dividers
Desk partitioning often consists of a small screen or acoustic panel. This provides an alternative option by creating individual privacy for those working at a desk, rather than dividing the wider office space.
Desk dividers are an easy and affordable solution that establishes boundaries while maintaining the collaborative nature of a shared office. We’ve found this to be particularly useful for hotdesking and coworking spaces, as no permanent changes are required.
The best approach to partitioning an office depends on your needs, priorities, budget, available space and what your lease agreement allows. As serviced offices limit construction, most businesses start with easy, landlord-friendly solutions such as curtains, sliding walls or dividing the workspace with plants and furniture.
As companies become more established and understand their needs, they are more likely to commit to longer leases. Providers will often then allow for more permanent partitioning, such as installing glass-fronted rooms and half-height walls.
If you’re looking for a serviced office to rent and configure to your specification, contact our friendly team at FreeOfficeFinder now.
