Public and loud.

September 18, 2007 12:19 PM

Moving into a solarium. Tips? Modification suggestions?

I'm going to be living with a roommate in a pretty large one bedroom apartment in DC. It would be an exceptional deal even if we weren't splitting it.He has the connection to the apartment so he's taking the full size room. I'm stuck with a very pretty little room with a wall of windows overlooking Rock Creek Park.

There's a door frame and two window frames into the rest of the apartment, the door frame lacks a door, and the windows lack glass. So I pretty much lack privacy.

I'm sure I'm not the first person to move into a little sun room without much privacy. I can (hopefully?) install a door (though other suggestions are welcome), but it seems silly to put in glass windows, and boards would look bad. I'd like to do something that looks cool from both sides and blocks sound, if possible.

(Any suggestions for cheap, effective curtains for the exterior windows would be appreciated as well. Also general ways to save space would be great too, but I've seen past threads about that.)

posted by zazerr to home & garden (8 answers total)

Thin glass blocks for the interior window.
posted by desjardins at 12:30 PM on September 18, 2007

You could use the window frames as bookshelves, with curtains (or not) on either side if you wanted.

Try to find a used door somewhere - check to see if you have a Habitat for Humanity ReStore in your area - there are all sorts of odd sizes, you might find something that fits without too much modification.
posted by davey_darling at 12:33 PM on September 18, 2007

You could hang art over each side of the window frames that go into the rest of the apartment, if they're small enough. Maybe stuff some old blankets into the space in between to help with sound privacy.
posted by vytae at 1:30 PM on September 18, 2007

Custom stained glass panels on hinges in the window openings.

Old fashioned full length wooden screen door for doorway. You can put curtains on both sides.

I think you'll want to maximze airflow through the room, what with all the windows.
posted by yesster at 4:23 PM on September 18, 2007

i'm currently/temporarily(?) in a solarium.

something i learned the first morning: eastern-facing solarium=bad (at least in my hemisphere).

i woke up as soon as the sun rose, drenched in sweat from the heat of the sun baking in the room.

since then, i kept the door to the living room open, and set a fan to blow the hot air out the door. helped immensely. someone suggested covering the windows with tin foil, but i think that would make me feel too much like i was living in an oven. just lather me in butter and sprinkle on some rosemary.

another thing i would do if i were more invested in the room -- that spray paint glass-froster thing that makes glass frosted for additional privacy; apparently it scrapes off when you're done with it.

finally: clear guidelines on use of the living room, especially regarding noise issues. glass is a poor sound barrier.

good luck! i'll be watching this thread for similar advice!
posted by prophetsearcher at 4:46 PM on September 18, 2007

Sliding felt panels to cover the windows.

Sounds crazy, I know, but I saw the idea implemented beautifully on Apartment Therapy (in the blog founder's home, no less) and was impressed by the beauty and sound-dampening quality. Also, not very expensive at all, especially if you forgo the rather precious spray-painting and leather handles.
posted by minervous at 4:54 PM on September 18, 2007

Wow. Thanks, these are great.
posted by zazerr at 9:35 PM on September 18, 2007

You don't say what size the windows are, but foam core board is easily cut to a snug fit. (the openings may not be square/plumb) It's available at craft stores or large printing stores. I suggest laminating two or three layers together for added rigidity, then cover with attractive fabric. Also, quilt batting can be installed on top of the foam core before fabric is installed to help muffle sound. These can be inserted into the openings at night, or when privacy is an issue.

Agree with others, that heat transfer through the windows may be an issue. Thermal drapes are a good solution for the exterior.
posted by mightshould at 6:42 AM on September 19, 2007