How do I enclose an open second story den when needed?

Question

I want to be able to close the room off for sound containment when needed but not have it look separated from the rest of the house.  Right now, you cannot watch tv or do anything there without the sound disrupting those in the family room below.

Pau8523747 · Answer

Take down railings and put up walls.

Lori · Answer

Wow Cheryl that is a hard question.  It's an awesome looking space for sure but I don't know if there is any answer except don't use it for tv.  You may get suggestions of using carpets to help absorb noise but I'm not sure that would even help here.   Same with solid railings and I'm sure you like the open feeling you have now.   I'm sorry I'm not more helpful but will be following you to see what suggestions you do get.  Good luck.

JayEl · Answer

How about hanging some draperies, that can be pulled back to the columns when not required.  Could be very cozy.

Max Moulckers · Answer

Replacing the railing with the same height half-wall ought to reduce the sound a little bit.  With the remaining openings you could go with bifolding shutters or doors.  Decorative glass, by-pass panels (similar to by-pass closet doors) could be an option, too.

Kimberly Fogl Flory · Answer

Installing runner track for curtains could be a solution, then tie them back when you want it  open. It can be as simple as tension bars or as involved as track curtains (think of the curtains on a track in the hospital ceiling. Another simply way may be finding or making Japanese wall dividers. They can be pricey though. Making your own you can make any style you want.

Dale · Answer

Wall-to-wall carpet with thick under-pad.

Paulette King · Answer

I think the only way you can achieve what you want, is to lose the railings and replace them with 1/2 walls. Then frame in large, custom cut glass (or plexiglass) windows in between the pillars. That would contain the sound, as well as keep that open look. But wouldn't be a cheap solution. Good luck!  I love the cat walk!

Kathy Bitzan · Answer

I'm with Jay  E  would be  perfect for some curtains..

Carolyn Leneberg · Answer

Mount heavy plexi glass on the inside of the railing.  See how much that helps on sound.  Then if the sound is still loud add THERMAL DRAPES. You know like  many hotels have.  I have seen the tracks at IKEA.  The drapes should probably be 106' but that is a guess.  Consider doing just the walls to the actual room area and see if that makes the sound situation tolerable.

Helen · Answer

Buy or make decorative folding screens to bring privacy and noise reduction.

Jean Thompson · Answer

Heavy Quilted or Lined Drapes hung from the very top of the wall to the Floors, these could be on simple rods  and shirred on -/ or rings and then just tied back out of the way when not needed..  I am looking at all the Spindles  in the Railings to dust.. wow.. its nice to look at but still you loose all the benefits of a solid wall..

Agnes Chrzanowska · Answer

Do you have a natural light there ? That opening maybe was done in purpose

How do I enclose an open second story den when needed?

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How do I enclose an open second story den when needed?

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