How to Close Off Walls Without Losing Light

Make a glass block "window" in the wall -- or build an entire wall with the blocks to allow light to flood in from adjacent rooms. End the wall 1 to 2 feet lower than the ceiling height if you'd like to provide privacy yet keep an open feel.

Place a transom window above the door to let both air and light flow into the room from the rest of the house. Interior transom windows usually are hinged to allow them to be opened and closed.

Install narrow windows high on the wall to let light in from the outside or from adjacent rooms. No one will be able to see into the room, but you'll be able to catch a glimpse of sky or a warm ambient light from the next room.

Put in a skylight to bring in the sunshine from above rather than breaking up the wall. Some skylights can be opened much like a window to provide ventilation as well as light. The simplest skylight is a tube that can be easily installed in small spaces.

Create a cove to disguise recessed lighting at the top of the wall. With some molding and rope lighting, you can create a warm uplight that will make the room both brighter and more interesting.

Use illuminated wall tiles or lighted panels to add both style and light. These decorative elements come in a variety of patterns to suit your taste and don't require a remodel.

Close your opening by hanging a curtain or drapes. This low-tech solution allows you to close the curtains when you want privacy, but open them to let light in when you don't need to be closeted. Choose a style that allows for easy opening, such as drapes on a track with a pull cord or curtains on rings that slide fluidly along a rod.