Which Room Divider Material is Right for You?

Picking a room divider isn’t just about how big it is or how many panels it has. The material is where the magic happens.

From sound-soaking fabrics to sleek polycarbonate panels that wipe clean without a second thought, the material determines everything: how it performs, how it looks, how long it holds up, and whether it plays nice with your space.

And with so many material options out there, the choice can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, Versare has broken down the most popular room divider materials, what makes each one special, and which room divider material is best for your environment.

Finding the Ideal Room Divider Material

Dividers may stand tall, but it’s the material that does the heavy lifting. Why does material matter? Because it directly impacts:

• Functionality: Do you need sound control? Visual privacy? Easy sanitation?
• Durability: Will the divider be in a high-traffic zone? Will it need to stand up to heavy daily use?
• Aesthetics: Are you designing a professional office, a modern classroom, or a cozy home nook?

Every setting has unique demands. A divider in a preschool classroom will need very different properties from one used in a healthcare facility or industrial warehouse. Below, explore the most popular materials used in modern room dividers—what they’re best for, and when to use them.

Popular Room Divider Materials

Room dividers come in a range of materials, each designed to meet different needs for sound control, mobility, durability, and appearance. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular room divider materials on the market and at Versare. 

Fabric Room Dividers

Best for: Offices, classrooms, libraries, event halls, community centers

Why choose fabric? Fabric room dividers are a staple in flexible environments. Lightweight and easy to fold, roll, or move, they’re great for spaces that frequently change layout or require quick setup and teardown.

Versare’s stitch-bonded fabric is a durable, soft-finish material made from 100% recycled polyester with acoustical absorption and tackable properties. Fabric options also come in a variety of colors, making them a stylish and adaptable choice.

Key benefits:

• Affordable
• Easy to store and transport
• Available in multiple colors and allows for tacking, pinning, or posting notes, artwork, posters, etc.
• Softens sound and enhances privacy

Explore Fabric Room Dividers »

Polycarbonate Room Dividers

Best for: Healthcare, hospitality, gyms, breakrooms, and any high-traffic space requiring frequent cleaning

Why choose polycarbonate? If you’ve been wondering, “what are the most durable materials for office room dividers,” polycarbonate is a top contender. Polycarbonate panels are lightweight yet highly durable, offering impact resistance and an easy-to-clean surface built for long-term use. They’re ideal for spaces that demand cleanliness and lasting performance. These panels allow light to pass through, but for enhanced privacy opt for frosted or opaque finishes.

They’re also an ideal dry-erase board alternative, providing a functional solution for classrooms, meeting rooms, and collaborative spaces. 

Key benefits:

• Easy to sanitize
• Moisture- and impact-resistant
• Lightweight yet tough
• Allows light in 

Explore Polycarbonate Room Dividers »

Acoustic Panel Dividers

Best for: Call centers, open-plan offices, coworking spaces, libraries, classrooms and test centers, theaters, recording studios

Why choose acoustic panels? If your priority is noise control, look no further. Acoustic room dividers are engineered with high-density sound-absorbing materials that help reduce reverberation and block distractions. Ideal for improving focus and productivity in shared spaces.

SoundSorb™ acoustic panels are fire-resistant, mold- and moisture-proof, and made with sustainability in mind. Each panel is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with 60% of the material sourced from recycled PET bottles—resulting in a fabric that’s both soft and durable. With a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of up to 0.77, SoundSorb™ effectively absorbs unwanted sound, helping create quieter, clearer, and more focused environments.

Key benefits:

• High sound absorption
• Sleek, contemporary design
• Improves speech privacy and reduces distractions
• Can contribute to better acoustics in large rooms

Explore Acoustic Panel Dividers »

Canvas Room Dividers

Best for: Lobbies, cafeterias, churches, studio apartments, lower-budget venues and spaces

Why choose canvas? Made from heavyweight fabric like cotton or polyester blends, these panels provide basic visual separation in budget-conscious or utilitarian spaces. They’re not meant for acoustic control or high-end design, but they offer practical coverage in places where durability and affordability matter most.

Key benefits:

• Extremely cost-effective
• Very lightweight (Plus, Versare canvas dividers are made from Class A fire-rated canvas material!)
• Highly portable 
• Easy to set up, take down, and store away

Explore Canvas Room Dividers »

Plastic Room Dividers

Best for: Homes, retail displays, creative studios, pop-up spaces, STEM classrooms

Why choose plastic? Plastic modular dividers—like those made from EverBlock® or EverPanel®—offer maximum versatility. 

EverBlock® is manufactured using a durable, high-quality, polypropylene co-polymer and can handle the stresses of repetitive use. This material is non-absorbent, easily cleaned, and won't leak harmful chemicals. Each EverPanel® consists of a specialized ABS plastic frame system sandwiched between fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) or SoundSorb™ sheet facings.

They snap together easily, allowing you to create custom layouts, from straight walls to curved enclosures and beyond.

Key benefits:

• Modular and reconfigurable
• Durable and lightweight
• Ideal for temporary or creative installations
• Fun and flexible design possibilities

Explore Modular Plastic Room Dividers »

Real Wood or Wood-Like Room Dividers

Best for: Residential spaces, boutiques, offices with a warm aesthetic

Why choose wood or wood-like? When you want your divider to feel like furniture, wood and woodgrain-like styles are the way to go. They provide a sense of permanence and sophistication, and pair beautifully with interior décor.

While solid wood is heavier and less mobile than other materials, it delivers timeless appeal and natural texture. Versare’s wood-like dividers are made of laminate. The PVC film is printed to mimic real wood textures and colors, offering a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to real wooden planks or wood veneer. Plus, laminate is easy to clean and withstands everyday wear.

Key benefits:

• Warm, traditional look
• High-end aesthetic
• Durable 
• Easy to clean
  

Explore Wood Laminate Dividers »

Choosing Based on Environment and Goals

So, which room divider material is best? That depends entirely on your space, how it’s used, and what you’re hoping to achieve.

Your Goal	Best Material
Reduce noise	Acoustic fabric, standard fabric
Sanitize frequently	Polycarbonate, woodgrain laminate
Stick to a tight budget	Canvas, standard fabric
Create a polished, high-end look	Woodgrain laminate, custom dividers
Reconfigure space often	All
Provide visual privacy	All * Opt for frosted or opaque finishes for polycarbonate panels
Pin signage or visual aids	Standard fabric, acoustic fabric
Maximize natural light	Polycarbonate
Divide large, open areas	All

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to room divider materials. The best choice depends on how—and where—the divider will be used. The right material should support the way your space functions, not just how it looks.

Your Ideal Divider Awaits

Creating a functional, flexible space starts with choosing the right room divider material. It impacts everything—from how sound travels to how the space feels and functions for your team, guests, or clients.

Whether you’re setting up a focused workspace, boosting privacy, or building a temporary layout, Versare offers a wide range of room divider materials designed to support your goals and simplify your setup. Explore the full selection of room dividers to find the right fit for your space. Not sure where to start? Versare’s team is here to help—reach out for expert guidance.