Closing off a basement den?

4 years ago

It's being used as a teenager's bedroom now, and we need some soundproofing and privacy with some sort of door/curtain/wall changes across the entryway. The stairs are fully open at the top, so that's not an option. I'm on a budget. Thoughts? Are heavy curtains actually reasonably soundproof? We would probably like the look of sliding barn-style doors, but again I'm worried about soundproofing.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

yvonnecmartin
4 years ago
Please supply a floor plan so that we can see what it is that you are dealing with.
Tracey Broderick
Original Author
4 years ago
Hopefully this is legible enough....the previous owners of the house never supplied floor plans.
Related Discussions
Large Den/2 AC Vents/Closing One? X-post
Q
Comments (1)
It is difficult to know if closing a vent will increase your costs. Most of the time it will with ducts in unconditioned space and an older or average install system. So best to leave it alone. Definitely don't touch the return.
...See More
Large Den/2 AC Vents/Closing One?
Q
Comments (1)
ps...If needed, and I feel like it probably is, I could cover the return air in the den. Also, I forgot there is a HVAC forum on GardenWeb. Sorry (but you can still answer if you'd like) :)
...See More
This is our basement den in need of an update.
Q
Comments (15)
I live in the Denver suburbs and basements are calculated as part of the square footage for pricing purposes. Unfinished, finished and walkout are all calculated at a different percentage than the main living spaces. That being said, your basement and the finishes seem fine and I don't think putting more money into your basement is going to add more to your bottom line. The room is very cluttered, you need to brutally edit and pack or donate most of the things in the room. From the pictures, the carpet and paint look fine but it's hard to tell. You might be able to revive the carpet with a professional cleaning and just touch up the paint. Are the blinds mini blinds or the two inch version? Are they needed for privacy? I might consider a nice subtle print area rug that you will use in the new house to make the sitting area, the fireplace and tv area more cohesive.
...See More
Accent Wall for Glam Den in Basement
Q
Comments (1)
I would accent a wall that has nothing going on - maybe the one at the end. Eggplant, burgundy or cognac can be exciting with gold/mustard-ish colors. Pull one of the colors from the art behind the bar.
...See More
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
If no one else uses the space IMO I would just leave it alone he or she will have enogh privacy and a good set of headphones will address the noise proofing . Put the bed in the space furthest from the stairs and be done.
Fori
4 years ago
Do you need to keep the sound IN our OUT of the basement? Headphones might be a good option. :)

This might actually be one of the very few places where barn doors make sense.
partim
4 years ago
Neither heavy curtains nor barn doors are particularly soundproof. Wireless headphones + curtain may be a cost-effective alternative.

Google "portiere" for ideas of curtains for doorways.
suezbell
4 years ago
If you want a temporary solution before you can get a pro:

The least expensive -- and least permanent -- option for if no one in your family is particularly DIY inclined would be to hang a sturdy double curtain rod over the opening on the basement side of the opening and use a "curtain" you create as a fabric wall. Measure the width of the opening so you know what length double rod to get.

Stitching rings (think curtain or even shower curtain rings) to quilts or comforters or blankets you already have so they can be hung on the rod. This would begin to provide privacy and some sound barrier, albeit not as much as a solid wall with a door or with French doors or with a sliding glass patio door.

You should be able to get a double curtain rod and rings at WalMart and, with a ladder (or stool or chair) and a screwdriver, you and your teen should be able to hang your rod yourself. Check to see which kind of screwdriver you'll need as you buy the rod and brackets. Hang the brackets for the rods where you know there is framing behind the drywall. There will be a wood frame just above the opening and a wood plate just beneath the ceiling .

In the meantime, check with your local Home Depot and see if they will be resuming classes on home building projects and see if your teen, male or female, can attend.

Check out the DIY magazines at your closest Lowes or Home Depo and see if they have one on how to build a wall.

Also browse through the magazines for potential permanent barriers -- sliding glass doors, French doors, wall across part of the opening with a centered standard interior door. You could then make an informed decision when you are able to talk with a pro or decide to use this as a DIY project.

If you don't have a truck or a vehicle in which you can carry the materials needed, you could have them delivered. Delivery cost might be less expensive if you have their favored credit card -- ask.