Office partitions are among the layout solutions commonly used in professional spaces. Planning a renovation? A construction and interior fit-out project? Plasterboard, wood or glass—are you unsure which type of partition to choose? Choosing the right office partitions is essential to ensure acoustic comfort, workspace modularity and employee well-being.
As an office fit-out specialist, Jbonet Pro offers you an overview of the options available. Materials, installation, properties—discover the features of the different types of partitions available to help steer your work in the right direction.
Partitions vs. walls: what are the differences?
Partitions are vertical panels whose sole purpose is to divide an interior space into different areas in order to organise it. They can be made from different materials depending on their use and the installation context. Unlike partitions, walls are structural components of a building. This means they play a role in the stability and strength of the structure.
7 essential types of partitions for fitting out professional spaces
The choice of a partition depends on its intended use and the qualities required. Criteria to consider when selecting a type of partition include sound insulation, thermal insulation, fire resistance and aesthetics. To help you make your choice, we detail below the features of the different types of partitions available on the market for fitting out professional spaces. The list is not exhaustive. It highlights the must-have solutions, such as plasterboard partitions, wooden partitions and glazed partitions.
Partition type no. 1: the plaster partition, the most traditional separation solution
Also known as dry partitions or “placo” partitions, plasterboard partitions are commonly used for office separations. Plaster is a natural material, and plasterboards are known for their resistance to fire and water. In addition, a plasterboard partition also offers good acoustic and thermal performance. In most cases, plasterboards are fixed to wooden studs or a metal frame. They are easy to install.
Please note: to achieve optimal insulation, it is still necessary to add an additional insulating material inside a plaster partition. Other drawbacks: it is not easy to adapt spaces with this type of partition, as any change requires demolishing the partition and reworking the ceiling. In addition, installing plasterboard partitions takes longer than installing demountable partitions.
Partition type no. 2: the demountable partition, a layout option that offers great flexibility
Widely used in offices, the demountable partition comes in different versions.
- The solid partition: it completely blocks visibility, meeting confidentiality needs. This type of demountable partition is suitable for executive offices, separations between offices, technical rooms, etc.
- The glazed partition: it creates a sense of openness in your offices and is particularly beneficial in a room without windows or facing north. Depending on your acoustic insulation needs, you can install single or double glazing. In addition, some glazed partitions provide greater clarity. This is the case with edge-to-edge glazed partitions, where the panes are joined by a translucent connection. Another detail to consider: this type of partition uses a material that can be treated in several ways depending on your preferences. Clear glass, frosted glass or glass with a decorative pattern—the choice is yours.
- The part-glazed partition: a compromise between the solid partition and the glazed partition, it brings in light and allows furniture to be installed along the lower section. This type of partition is ideal for separating offices from shared areas.
Installing a demountable partition is quick and does not affect the building’s structure. This partitioning solution is easy to dismantle and reconfigure. Choosing this type of partition therefore allows you to reorganise your professional spaces as you wish.
Partition type no. 3: the phone booth or screen panels to separate workstations in an open-plan office
Installing partitions or panels in an open-plan office is a simple solution for creating individual work areas. It is an opportunity to provide employees with a private space to improve concentration and productivity, without undermining the “open-plan” spirit. Indeed, some partitions offer good acoustic insulation performance, helping to effectively reduce noise. Others simply reduce visual distractions.
Placed at the heart of the open-plan office, the phone booth is the most effective solution for isolating yourself from ambient noise. It provides an insulated, enclosed space—ideal for working quietly, making a phone call or joining a video conference.
Partition type no. 4: the acoustic partition for designing professional spaces with optimal sound insulation
Contrary to popular belief, installing a thick dry partition is not necessarily required to achieve optimal acoustic performance in professional spaces. Demountable acoustic partitions or acoustic panels can be installed and moved easily. Depending on the installation context, the material and thickness of the partition vary to deliver the expected performance.
Partition type no. 5: the mobile partition to divide and open up spaces quickly
Do you need to reconfigure your business premises on a daily basis? Simple and quick to handle, mobile partitions are perfectly suited to your needs. This type of partition is mounted on tracks or castors to make it easier to open or close workspaces. However, acoustic performance is generally more limited with this type of partitioning. If you need good insulation, choose models fitted with acoustic materials.
Partition type no. 6: the wooden partition to create a warm atmosphere in your business premises
In addition to being natural, wood is a material that is both premium and warm. Wooden partitions are therefore an excellent interior fit-out solution. Moreover, this type of partition is available in different finishes to suit all work environments.
- Solid wooden partitions ensure complete privacy.
- Wooden slatted screens, openwork wooden partitions, let light through in rooms that lack brightness.
You can also choose from different wood species to match your aesthetic preferences. From the lightest to the darkest wood, a wide palette of shades is available.
Partition type no. 7: the workshop-style glazed partition to create “industrial studio” workspaces
If wood does not suit your interior décor, the aluminium workshop-style glazed partition may appeal to you with its clean design. This type of partition is one of the trends to adopt if you want to create a professional atmosphere in a true workshop spirit. The advantages are numerous: a decorative partition, natural light and a very slim frame.
Do you have an office partitioning project in Nice or the surrounding area? We invite you to contact Jbonet Pro to discuss your needs. With numerous projects completed in the Alpes-Maritimes, our team will be able to advise you and guide your project in the right direction. Fantoni, Citterio, ABCD International, the leading partition brands hold no secrets for us! We work daily with these manufacturers, known for the quality of their products and their ability to innovate in the field of office partitions.
