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Good Questions: A Wall for Our Bedroom?

2005_1_3_question mark.jpgHello AT,

I live with my husband and daughter in a 1,000 sq. ft. one-bedroom apartment in Jackson Heights, Queens. Now that our daughter is almost a year old, it is time (past time) to give her a separate or semi-separate room to sleep in.

 
 


The most obvious thing is to divide our large 14x18 bedroom.

We considered a compression wall, but this is not an option because our ceilings are not made of concrete.

Putting up a real wall is an option, but it will be costly, and will severely cut up the room. (Also we may have to take it down when we move.)

A curtain seems too lightweight, but I haven't ruled that out.

Any thoughts on creative ways to divide the room in a semi-sound-proof and light-proof way?

Thanks! Rebecca

Dear Rebecca, for looking for creative ways of continuing to use your space you get a gold star.

The best way to do this IS to build a wall and we would recommend that if you do this you place windows in it near the ceiling to allow some light to flow through when you want it.

You CAN use a compression wall (we think) as these do not require concrete ceilings. We recommend checking out The Living Space Company, which provides this service.

As a final solution, we have had good luck with stringing "soft walls" across rooms. Made of an interior of quilted blankets (moving blankets are perfect) and an exterior of light fabric or canvas, this does require some assembly, but is a quiet, unique DIY solution. Instructions for hanging this type of thing are here. MGR

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Comments (3)

Um, deja vu a little?

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2005-07-11 13:18:33

Dear AT,

Thanks so much for your feedback. Right now we are excited about the idea of using an IKEA Pax Wardrobe System as a wall, and attaching a door to that somehow. It would give us some much-needed storage space (my clothes currently hang in a closet in the dining room), and we wouldn't have to knock the thing down if we move.

I had a lengthy conversation with Eric from the Living Space Company, and he was concerned that the compression wall would damage our ceilings. Also, he was not too keen on coming out to Queens.

The "soft wall" is a fascinating idea, too. I'll have to give that some more thought.

Thanks so much for your valuable ideas.

I love your website!

-Rebecca


posted by Rebecca on 2005-08-02 13:56:55

I think this could work pretty nicely, actually you should try the compressed wall, you can integrated in your room decor and make some bedroom furniture adjustments.

posted by gordman on December 13th 2007 at 5:19am
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