Let's start by dividing room dividers (excuse the repetition) into three main categories to see which one works best for you:
Folding: we bet this is the one that you picture when thinking of room dividers! Following the iconic accordion design, these traditional models allow you a higher degree of flexibility: you can make them more or less wide depending on how you fold them. Either way, they will immediately become the most noticeable accent piece in the room;
Single panel: although their dimensions vary, one-panel room dividers are best suited to accent a smaller area or hide a specific piece of furniture, such as a bed or your work desk;
Hanging: if you have unstoppable kids or pets running around, a freestanding room divider could be knocked down and damaged, which is why hanging designs are a practical alternative!
They can either hang from the ceiling in an elegant way to separate different areas (such as an open kitchen and the table) or rely on a pole that goes from wall to wall to divide it in two (e.g. if your kids share a bedroom). The latter is similar to curtains and it's a less glamorous but more versatile choice because it still allows you to open up that space whenever you wish.