How to Isolate a Loft

Furniture

• Furniture is an ideal way to optimize loft floor space and aid in separating the loft area from rooms below. Position an open-shelved bookcase against the open loft wall. Open-shelved bookcases are finished on both sides and provide room for books, decorative items and potted greenery. Place woven baskets on open shelves to conceal small office or personal items. A large armoire or solid back bookcase provides additional privacy. Make sure the backside of a furniture piece is finished for viewing from lower rooms.

Temporary Partitions

• Portable privacy screens are available in assorted styles and materials to suit any decor. These screens are typically hinged together in four equal panels and decorative on both sides. They average about 60 inches high with a combined panel width of 70 to 80 inches. Panels are commonly made of assorted fabrics, wood, metal or manufactured materials. Japanese Shoji screens are simplistic and ideal for Asian or modern decor. Photo room dividers filled with black and white photographs create an intriguing "wall" partition.

Permanent Dividers

• The most expensive way for isolating a loft area is the installation of a permanent wall. Hiring a professional craftsman to build a floor-to-ceiling wall in the open loft area ensures required building codes are followed and creates a permanent partition. A solid wall provides a visual, as well as a sound barrier for your loft space. Installing a door to the loft entrance can result in optimum privacy if the floor layout is conducive to a permanent door.

Other Considerations

• Large, sculptured metal art hung from the ceiling can provide a decorative barrier between the loft and rooms below. Attractive, translucent art screens hung from the ceiling allow light to filter into the loft area while providing visual privacy. Add carpeting or area rugs to loft wood floors to minimize noise. Oversize, potted palm trees provide an ideal way to add energy and limited privacy to a loft area.