How to Make a Wall Divider for a Loft Apartment

Install a barn door on a sliding track. Interior door-track systems include the track, rollers and other hardware. A mounting board is attached to the ceiling. The track is cut and the door hung from rollers, so that it moves easily back and forth across the room. A single door hides part of the room. For a complete wall made from barn doors, install two or more doors with the track slightly staggered so the doors are opened when one slides across in front of the other. Motorized interior barn doors add a “wow” factor to the space.

Setting bookcases side-by-side create a wall. Since lofts typically have high ceilings, the bookcases won't reach all the way up, but taller cases create almost total privacy in the divided rooms. Place two rows of bookcases back-to-back so that each room has the additional storage place for books or art. Backless bookcases allow light to filter through them. Alternatively, removing parts of the backs create windows into the other room. Choose short bookcases for the impression of separation.

Hang freestanding panels. Freestanding panels usually are held in place with rods that go from the top of the panel into the ceiling, and rods that go from the bottom of the panel into the floor. Panels are set side-by-side creating a wall with open space above and below. The panels are commercially available in a variety of colors, patterns and materials. The most elegant are made from etched glass, or glass with flowers or decorative grasses sandwiched between two sheets of glass. Make your own panels from luan or a thicker grade plywood and paint or decorate them to match your decor.

Install tracks on the ceiling and the floor for use with bifold doors or sliding shoji screens. Bifold doors are an economical choice, but the graceful beauty of translucent Japanese paper screens adds a Zen quality to the room, especially with the addition of a water feature and low furniture. Bifold doors typically come with solid panels or louvers and have the advantage of opening completely as the doors slide along the tracks to the sides of the room.