See Through

• For a more modern look, buy a bookcase with an open back. This type of bookcase allows you to see through the shelves to the room on the other side. This bookcase room divider fits well in contemporary living spaces such as lofts, because these apartments are open by design. The bookshelf will echo the room's open design while still dividing one area from another. Use a bookcase between areas such as the kitchen and living room or the bedroom. Buy a bookcase in the same color as the walls -- or paint it -- to make the bookcase seem like a part of the architecture.
  
  

Double Duty

• Make the most of your bookcase room divider by taking advantage of the double duty potential of this piece. Fill the shelves with your books and family photos, but make sure that you save some of the bigger bottom shelves for your TV/ DVD player, stereo or game consoles. Additionally, don't leave the back of the bookcase unused. If the wood is thick enough, pound a few nails into the back of it to hang up artwork, calendars or bulletin boards.
  
  

Half Sizes

• If you feel that a full sized bookcase will be too much of an obstruction, buy a half bookcase instead. These pieces of furniture measure about hip height, and you can place them between two different areas as you would a taller bookcase. However, a short bookcase will still allow you to see to the other side. Employ this solution when you need to be able to see what's happening in one side of the room, but still want the space marked off. For example, if you've made a play area for your baby in your bedroom, this will allow you to see what she's doing while still giving you a separate bedroom space.
  
  

Considerations

• Although using a bookcase as a room divider offers a utilitarian solution to your space problems, this option isn't without its drawbacks. Keep in mind that some bookshelves will not stand up on thick carpet for very long --- especially if they're top heavy. To prevent the bookcase from toppling over, make sure that you place the heaviest items on the bottom shelves. Laying down a board that's a little larger than the base of the bookcase will also make this setup sturdier. Finally, using another piece of furniture to keep the bookcase upright makes sense. For example, if you have the bookcase in your living room or play area, scoot the couch up to the backside of the bookcase in the living room area.