NEWS

Hanging a Japanese Byobu Screen

While Chinoiserie might be a huge trend in interior design at the moment, one of our favorite Asian-inspired looks comes from Japan: decorative, folding Byobu screens. These joined wooden panels were originally used to block drafts (the name Byobu roughly translates to “protection from wind” in Japanese), they’re now a popular collectors piece and decor item.

While they can certainly still serve a functional purpose as a room divider, we especially love the way they look hung on a wall. Their large scale–Byobu screens typically have three to six panels–makes them the perfect statement piece for lining a long hallway, hanging above a sofa in the living room, or stationing above a console table in a high-ceilinged entryway. But, it can also present a challenge when it comes to hanging the screen on the wall.

hanging japanese folding screen
Here’s an example of a six panel Byobu folding screen hung above a banquet from one of our recent client projects.

Love the look? In order to hang a byobu screen properly, you’ll need a few tools, including:

  • A level
  • Screen clips
  • Double-sided tape
  • Screws
  • Drill or screwdriver
  • Two or three people depending on the size of the screen

Instructions:

  • Attach double-sided tape to the back of the screen clips.
  • Have one person (or two, if it’s a larger piece) hold the screen in place.
  • Attach clips to the screen, pressing clips into the wall so tape holds.
  • Adjust the screen into the desired position, using a level to ensure it’s straight.
  • Screw clips into place.

Need help hanging a Japanese screen? Contact us to discuss your project, or stop into our studio space at 37 E 7th Street in New York City.