You call in someone to install a window with photovoltaic glass in the upper opening and frame in a solid door in the lower opening with sheetrock above the door.

some sort of curtain system would work.

All I can think of is curtains, but this is an extremely common layout in new apartments in Chicago, so I am sure someone will have figured out the perfect solution.

I would go with a curtain... something like grey, or deep purple velvet. Velvet dampens sound like you would not believe.

There are soundproof curtains available that might work. Hospitals and Theatres us these.

Curtains for a quick fix especially if you're renting. Construction and building a door if you own. Carpets for noise.

Earplugs and a sleeping mask? I just think most other things would detract from the open loft thing. If you didn't like living in a loft (most of which have zero walls, not perforated ones), why did you move into one?

@bepsf -

A window and/or door would violate life safety codes. That bedroom doesn't have any exterior windows, and so cannot legally be enclosed.

If the aforementioned safety code is not an issue--if you don't mind spending up to 3,000 USD--I would like to see a total glass door/wall enclosure like you would find in a floor-to-ceiling steam room.

This requires the sprinkler-pipes to be split and then reattached so that the pipe can be slid through cut glass.

I've had a shower door done before (http://dylangent.tumblr.com/post/6069216289/smart-upgrade-glass-shower-door-2k-the-once) for just under 2,000 USD.

I had a similar set up in my last apartment. On the window thing at the top I put a bamboo roman. When pulled up it let the light in, and when down it blocked a lot of the light and acted as a decorative wall piece. For the doorway with no door I originally had one of those wood-bead curtains draped to the side, but it drove my boyfriend crazy so we ended up putting a bamboo grommet drape on a rod which stacked tightly to the side when not closed.
Of course it will depend on the bamboo or fabric that you use, but I found mine highly effective at blocking light and sound because a) it's wood, and b) it was assembled almost like a fence, with the 'planks' overlapping in front, behind, in front, behind....

Not sure if you're looking for a natural look or more of a mod loft thing, but hopefully this will give you some ideas.
Good luck!

@jrossi1217

I was thinking the same thing. Isn't openness the point of a loft?

If you can't have solid things like a door and window, I'd suggest adding a felt sliding door like the one in http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/how-to/how-to-build-felt-sliding-doors-016848

The weight of the felt will dampen the sound and since it's not solid would likely still work within the fire code. It would also add a nice texture (and colour if you want) to warm up the loft while still looking modern. For the window space, you might be able to fashion a rolling felt shade out of heavy felt - it would definately do the trick for noise and light.

Looks like there's an overhead light right at ceiling level. Replace that with a pendant light that has a shade which casts light downward (something like this model from West Elm - http://www.westelm.com/products/industrial-pendant-w585/?pkey=cpendant-sconce-lamps-chandeliers). Hang it as low as practical. Repeat with any other lights up at ceiling level (or replace with very narrow-beam spots pointing almost straight down).

That way there will be a lot less spill into the bedroom...

One consideration. Put down a piece of felt that won't be seen. Place some large clear glass or plexiglass accessories, like any big vases or jars you're not using. They will allow the light, and depending on how they're placed, may help block noise. I think you can only cut down on some noise, not block it entirely no matter what.

For noise you can try to block it out with drapes and the like, or you can try to absorb it with throw rugs, wall hangings and upholstered furniture, either in the bedroom or all over the apartment. There are also panels and tiles you can buy - for walls and ceilings - that are designed to abate noise. They're typically pretty funky looking, but that could be an advantage in a modern loft.

What about half inch acoustic cork tiles? You could maybe make a sliding "door" within a frame that hangs down with rollers bars from the ceiling. Or what about that really thick glass tile for the window?

I think @shannonashley has a good suggestion with the bamboo roman shades to cut down on the light. As for noise blocking, my suggestion would be thick drapes of some kind.

Its funny because as much as I love the open floor plan of lofts, my main reason for never really considering them in my rental searches has been because of issues like this. Noise carries so much in lofts even with the addition of rugs, drapes, etc. But those additions do seem to help my friends who live in lofts.

A curtain on hospital tracks that ran the length of the wall with the window and the door? You could get blackout curtains to block out the light at night.

Also, add some task, area and ambiance lamps around the living area. Led lights under the upper kitchen cabinet. When one of you is trying to sleep, the other one doesn't turn on the large space overhead lighting, uses other lighting instead. Can also be a very nice decor add to your space.

I agree with jrossi1217...but then Shannon Ashley has a very good idea! Good luck!

Shoji screen paper to cover the window portion and you could also devise a "door" on a slider. I'd worry more about cooking odors from the close proximity of the kitchen than I would about light or noise. Those odors might get trapped into felt curtains as well...get a lot of Febreze!

jrossi1217 has a point. and, some of the best nights sleep has been with earplugs. the only sound is the sound of your breath...how meditative can you get?!

I always see lofts and love the look of them so I am glad you pointed out that noise can be a problem in these open plans. I do love my privacy and alone time.

Put a window in the window. Put a door in the doorway. Get a sleep mask. Enjoy loft living!

move.....loft living may not actually be the best solution for you

The light problems described spell L-O-F-T to me. Sounds like someone wants a conventional apartment.

For people who wear earplugs, how do you hear your alarm in the morning?

If the main problem is noise and light from inside the loft, as opposed to exterior noise and light, then many of the above suggestions will help.

You and your partner should also look into ways to minimize the noise and light to begin with. He can wear headphones when listening to music or watching TV. Lighting can be arranged so that it does not shine directly into the bedroom. More fabric in the space--curtains, rugs, cushions, throws, wall hangings, will help to absorb the sound. Plants can help reduce the noise.

A screen between the TV or computer and the bed area can help reduce the noise and light from electronic sources. Bookcases full of books absorb a surprising amount of sound.

Don't just focus on keeping the light and noise out of the bedroom. Also work on reducing the overall level of light and noise in the loft.

I lived in a loft for several years and loved it. It was one of my favorite apartments to live in, so I hope you two can figure out solutions that work for you.

A fourposter bed with heavy curtains is a room-within-a room.

huv123: This is the GREAT thing about my earplugs -- I sleep well and can hear such important things as the fire alarm and the alarm in the morning. In other words, earplugs dont remove ALL noise, just the annoying noises like fridge hum or mechanical buzzing and traffic noise .. or snoring. I LOVE my earplugs = sanity and restfulness!!

I love Amy_lou's idea! A dramatic four poster with heavy drapes would be gorgeous in this space!

Thanks so much for the constructive feedback -
a lot of really great suggestions. Curtains, roman shades, poster beds, earplugs... can't wait to nail down a solution that works for us!!

Love the bones of the loft and the openness of the living area, but a girl still needs a bit of privacy!

Thanks, All.

Meg

I am too with jrossi1217

but actually you'll soon get accustomed with light/noise (went trough the similar situation myself)

Don't move into a loft.

you could do a wall-to-wall set of curtains from the inside of the bedroom. another idea is to fill the window objects, like vases or bins.