Alternatives to Pressurized Walls

Screen Dividers

• Various types of screen room dividers serve as alternatives to pressurized walls. Although such partitions typically do not reach ceiling height, they enable you to section off rooms without the worry of damaging ceilings, floors or adjoining walls during installation or removal. Bedroom screens also come in a range of different materials, styles and designs. For example, some expand like an accordion and are stabilized with supports. Others are fixed, multi-panel dividers lined with fabrics of different colors and patterns. These materials range from faux leather and woven fibers to mirror finishes and bamboo strips. Screen room dividers may also feature panels lined with stainless steel, stained glass or plexiglass. They may be placed indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs and preferences.

Glass

• Glass partitions, commonly found in offices and commercial spaces, are also used in residential homes. They may be freestanding or single panes of glass mounted to the wall, floor and ceiling. Sliding glass partitions move horizontally on rails, providing varying levels of soundproofing and visual privacy. Motorized glass room partitions operate on metal hinges and fold into the ceiling. You may choose glass partitions made from stained glass, textured glass or clear glass materials. These partitions may also be combined with wood, aluminum and brick elements.

Hanging Curtains

• Although thinner and more transparent than some panel screens, curtains offer another alternative to pressurized walls. Fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk may be used, as well as beads containing crystal, gemstones, glass or acrylic. Hanging fabric or bead curtains requires some basic tools and hardware. Mount curtain rods or ceiling hooks onto the ceiling and secure them with metal screws and drywall anchors. Measure the distance between the ceiling and floor to determine the desired length of the curtains. Use a stud finder to identify an area in your ceiling that will hold the brackets and the weight of your curtains.

Furniture

• When mobile partitions and hanging curtains are not among your options, tall bookcases and shelving units may prove helpful. They may offer more or less privacy than other alternatives. Wood or fiberboard bookshelves and shelving units may also be elegant and stylish options for dividing open spaces and creating extra storage for books and knickknacks. Shelving units typically require assembly and may be customized according to length and height.