Modular, Flexible, and Hardware-Free Dividers That Evolve With You
Knowing how to build a temporary wall in an apartment can be the secret to unlocking a calmer, more organized space—without putting your lease (or sanity) at risk. Whether you’re after renter-friendly room divider ideas or just need to carve out a work nook or sleep zone, there’s a smarter, modular way to do it—and no hardware required.
At MIO, we design modular room dividers, temporary walls for apartments, and flexible partition systems that don’t just respect your lease—they reinvent your space.
How to Reduce Noise in a Small Apartment Without Renovation
Apartments—especially older ones—aren’t always built with peace and quiet in mind. Sound loves to travel: it reflects off hard walls, sneaks under doors, and reverberates across bare floors. If you're living in a space with echo or ambient noise from neighbors, roommates, or the city beyond your windows, adding soft, absorptive surfaces can make a big difference. That’s where temporary room dividers like our Nomad System Felt or Shift Walls come in. These don’t stop sound from traveling room to room (that’s called sound transmission, and it requires dense, sealed construction), but they do absorb ambient noise and reduce reflections—also known as sound attenuation and absorption. Layer in textiles like rugs, curtains, and plush furniture, and you can create a quieter, more acoustically balanced home. It's not just about walls—it's about softening your whole space.
Creative Ways to Separate a Bedroom in a Studio Apartment
In a studio, defining where the day ends and the night begins can be the ultimate luxury. A well-placed divider doesn’t just give you visual privacy—it helps you shift into rest mode, mentally and emotionally. Our Nomad System and Nomad Felt are modular, space-saving solutions that let you section off a sleeping area into multifunctional rooms without tools, hardware, or commitment. While these room dividers won’t block sound from traveling through ceilings, floors, or vents (transmission), they do help reduce the amount of sound bouncing around the space (absorption), especially when combined with other soft elements like bedding, rugs, or even a tall upholstered headboard. The goal isn’t complete silence—it’s acoustic comfort. A thoughtfully layered space is quieter, calmer, and infinitely more livable.
Nomad System: The Original Cardboard Room Divider
Made from ultra-durable recycled cardboard, the Nomad System is our classic solution for renters. It requires zero hardware, tools, or installation. The interlocking modules snap together like building blocks, letting you define space without redefining your walls.
Each 24-module pack ships flat (21" x 15" x 3") and slides neatly under your bed, into a closet, or onto a shelf for easy off-season storage. And when it’s time for a layout refresh? Just reconfigure the modules to suit your new setup. It’s the room divider that’s as adaptable as you are.
Nomad System Felt: Sound Control Meets Sustainability
Need privacy and quiet? The Nomad System Felt adds acoustic performance to the Nomad’s flexibility. Made from recycled plastic bottle felt, these soft panels block visual distractions and soften everyday noise—from Zoom calls to barking pets.
Each 10-panel pack (14.25" x 20.25" x 4.5") stores compactly and can be assembled in a variety of shapes and heights. It’s a sustainable, renter-friendly alternative to bulky soundproofing panels, offering both functional and aesthetic appeal.
Shift Walls: Wheelable, Moveable Partition Walls
For renters who love rearranging (or change their minds often), Shift Walls are a sleek, mobile solution. Built on locking casters and framed in lightweight recycled aluminum, these room partitions roll effortlessly between living zones.
With their slim profile and durable construction, they’re easy to slide into a corner when not in use. Shift Walls can be outfitted with our Feltforms for added acoustic performance or personalized textile panels to match your aesthetic.
Hangout: Wall Divider Meets Art Installation
Looking for something sculptural or decorative? Hangout gives renters the flexibility of a divider with the aesthetic sensibility of wall art. Its lightweight components disassemble quickly and can be integrated into your existing décor when not in use.
Hangout works beautifully in spaces where light privacy and creative expression intersect. It’s a statement piece that earns its keep.
Visual vs. Acoustic Privacy: Know the Difference
When choosing a temporary wall, consider your needs. If you're simply looking to divide visual space or add focus to a room, any of our systems—from Nomad to Hangout—will do the trick. But if your priority is muffling sound between roommates, partners, or neighbors, acoustic materials like the Nomad Felt or Shift Walls with sound-absorbing panels are the better bet. Designing with intention means picking the right material for the kind of comfort you're after.
Summary: Compare Your Temporary Wall Options
| Product | Key Features | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Nomad System | Modular cardboard panels | Lightweight, recyclable, no tools, easy to store |
| Nomad System Felt | Acoustic felt modules | Visual + sound privacy, flexible, sleek and soft finish |
| Shift Walls | Rolling aluminum frame | Mobile, slim profile, professional look, customizable |
| Hangout | Sculptural wall panels | Artistic, multifunctional, great for light privacy |
Keep Your Security Deposit Intact
At MIO, we believe in creating space—not damage. Every one of our divider systems is designed with renters in mind, which means no drilling, no patching, no repainting. You won’t need anchors, screws, or even a toolbox. Whether you’re dividing a studio or creating privacy in a shared home, our products help you transform your apartment without leaving a trace. So when it’s time to move out, your walls—and your security deposit—stay just as you found them.
FAQ’s
Can I build a temporary wall in my apartment without drilling?
Yes. By using modular systems like MIO’s Nomad System or Nomad Felt, you can build a temporary wall without hardware or damage.
How long does it take to build a temporary wall?
Most modular partition systems install in 15–30 minutes. With simple, hardware-free notched modules, you can quickly build a temporary walls and create multifunctional rooms without tools, contractors or permanent changes to your room.
What are the best temporary wall options for small or studio apartments?
For compact spaces, choose slim, modular partitions such as Shift Walls or Hangout screens. These space-saving solutions adapt to open floor plan ideas, letting you build a temporary wall that defines zones without overcrowding or permanent changes.
