How to make your own Folding Screen

The IDEAS-team asked me to make this pretty folding screen for their March/April edition (it’s their 1st birthday edition, so if you haven’t yet got your hands on one, do it now!). Folding screens originated in China and have been used for centuries as a simple way to add some privacy to a corner of your home. It’s perfect to hide an unsightly mess or to create a barrier between spaces in an open-plan living area or loft. It is so easy to put together, and it looks fantastic too! Let me show you how to make your own folding screen in 7 quick steps. You can paint it any colour you want and use any fabric to personalize it for your home.

How to make your own Folding Screen

Difficulty: medium

How long: 3 hours, excluding painting

 

You will need:

• 9x Pine PAR 22x44mm x 1.8m battens
• 2x 16mmx1.8 pine dowels
• 1x Pine PAR 22x144mm x 1.8m for the pediment pieces
• 8x 3.5x32mm black chipboard screws
• 24x 3.5x44mm wood screws
• Wood filler and sandpaper
• Black paint (we used Durum NuGlo water-based enamel in black)
• 9x 50mm butt hinges
• 4x Fabric panels, finished to 360mmx1420mm with rod pockets top and bottom

 

You will also need:

• Pediment Template
• Carpenter’s Pencil
• Jigsaw
• Drill with 3mm wood drill bit
• Screwdriver
• Spirit Level

 

 

STEP 1:

Cut the wood battens according to the diagram. Then, use the template to cut the curved shapes for the four pediments. You will need to measure precisely to ensure the screen is stable.

 

STEP 2:

 Drill pilot holes as indicated on the diagram. This will prevent the battens from cracking when you screw the frame together.

 

STEP 3:

Use the wood screws to assemble the pieces. It is essential to ensure that everything is straight, so use your spirit level.

 

STEP 4:

Fill the holes with wood filler and lightly sand to remove any rough patches once it has dried.

 

STEP 5:

Paint the four frames and allow to dry.

 

STEP 6:

Lay two panels on the floor next to each other and connect the hinges. Do the same with the other two panels. Now, turn both sets over on their backs with the hinges facing the floor, lay them next to each other and connect the remaining hinges. This will allow the screen to fold zig-zag.

 

STEP 7:

Slide the fabric over the dowels and secure them to the frame using the black chipboard screws. Remember the pilot holes!

 

Happy DIY-ing!