Folding screens can add elegance and style to any décor. So just how do you build a folding screen? It really is relatively simple!

Well I found building a folding screen fairly easy and I'm certainly no handyman.

Firstly, to build a folding screen you need three interior shutters or panelled doors. Typically these will be light and not too wide. If you buy ones too heavy you'll find it hard to move the folding screen around the house. You will also need six hinges – make sure they match your décor! And a toolkit, of course.

To build a folding screen you next need to glue or nail 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch rope molding around the front borders of each panel. Once you’ve done that stain or paint the doors in your desired shade or colour. You can even do different colors or patterns on each side if you like! Gild the molding for a fancy look.

Allow the doors to completely dry. The next step in building a folding screen is to attach the hinges. Measure one quarter, one half and three quarters of the height of each door and mark the edge. You then need to attach the hinges at these marks. The first set of three should be installed on the front side and the second set should go on the back. This allows you to fold the screen up to the size of one panel.

And viola! You now know how to build a folding screen! Time to get building!

Legal note: I'm not a handyman and if you follow my intructions and build a folding screen you are doing so at your own risk. This is meant for entertainment only and you really need to consult a qualified joiner or handyman for your folding screen advice.

Phil Wiley is the publisher of the popular weekly newsletter "Letter fron Phil" at www.ozemedia.com.His latest venture is Read About.