How can I temporarily block these openings in my living room without using bookcases while still keeping my kids safe?
Asked by Akseli Savela 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 28, 2024
I’m keeping this anonymous since some folks in the group don’t know I’m moving yet… any ideas on how to cover these gaps? I’m not looking for a permanent fix, just something to keep the kids from causing chaos until they’re old enough to behave themselves. I thought about using bookcases, but the angles on the sides are giving me trouble.
Got any plexiglass?
You could try hanging a couple of curtains, but I’m not completely sure about that 🤔
To ensure safety with very young children, it’s best not to have any furniture pushed up against them. We had a half wall leading to our foyer with our couch against it, but we rearranged things as our toddler started climbing and pushing boundaries. It’s a relief to know our space is truly safe now.
When kids are older and baby proofing isn’t a worry, perhaps consider a cool piece of hanging art or stained glass?
Consider adding sliding barn doors to not only enhance the look but also cover the openings. They don’t have to slide much, if at all.
When I first saw it, I thought about putting a wooden railing in those spaces. Something similar to this.
Of course, every mom desires a jail cell in their living area.
Well, Forester is more effective than a hurt child and pretty similar to a baby gate. I appreciate your negativity. I hope you get the day you’ve earned. 🙂
I saw these cool panels on Amazon that can be customized to fit any space. Just put them together based on your needs.
There are various designs and sizes available for them.
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Hey , you actually found the picture I had in mind! My grandchildren like to use beads or small Lego pieces to test them out though!
Kids truly have a knack for finding a way, right, ? 😂
Just get a secondhand TV stand with bookshelves until your kids are older. Look for a bigger one. You can always sell it later. I did the same for my basement wall.
How about attaching a 2×2 frame to the outside of the openings, then covering it with plywood cut to size and nailed to the 2x2s? After that, you can paint it with chalkboard paint. It’ll be a fun surface for the kids to draw on. 🤷🏽♀️
You could also try making your own canvas art by creating a frame using 2x2s and stretching canvas over it. Grab a brush, choose your colors, and create a masterpiece.
Wow, , that idea is seriously amazing!
Let’s make one of them a one-way mirror so Mom can watch over the residents.
My mother-in-law had shutters put in.
Large prints on canvas
Maybe you could use a wall panel to cover them, similar to the one in the picture
Imagine vertical wooden panels on the wall creating a unique accent wall. It might even look good from the other side.
Child safety gates
What about some interior shutters?
Big photo canvases
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Imagine having a huge aquarium like they do at Bass Pro Shop!
You can use plexiglass and industrial Velcro to create a framed window look and easily cover all three windows. When your kids outgrow it, simply remove it and touch up the walls as needed.
I believe the answer is pretty clear…
It would be super simple to do something like this yourself with a few 2x4s
These bookcases with a TV are perfect for storing games, toys, and more!
Simply install a baby gate in each doorway.
Add quarter round trim to secure the plexiglass in place.
How about putting up railings and hanging paintings on both sides of the openings? I have little ones who love to climb, and I would be concerned about them pushing anything out unless it’s securely fastened in place.
Have you thought about using temporary railings for the openings?
Partition walls made of tempered glass.
In my opinion, it’s best to save money and spend that extra time teaching your kids morals and good manners. One day they will appreciate it.
Hey Dan, have you spent any time with kids recently? It seems like no matter how you try to keep them entertained, if they get bored they’ll end up causing mischief and getting into trouble.
If there’s no major safety issue or hindrance to airflow, I’d suggest permanently closing off the wall. If not, you could also create frames to cover the openings and secure them so the kids can’t take them off.
Hey Dan, that’s a really cool story!
Curtains hanging from tension rods at the top and bottom?
Create the shelves using wide trim and simply slide them into place. Drill countersink holes, then use screws to secure the shelves. Lastly, cover the holes with plugs.
Head over to Target and pick up three child proof expandable gates.
I’m a bit lost here. Why is the window open? What’s on the other side? 😮
I think this might be the second story with a view to the living room on the other side. My friend had a similar setup.
Yep, you got it right, .
Ohhhh got it, yeah I sometimes wonder how people come up with designs 🤣 we just got a new house and we have to completely renovate the whole thing 😩 there was even a window from the living room straight into the garage… like, what were they thinking?!
I don’t get why people do certain things either. That’s such a strange spot for a window
Wait, what? You want to catch a car thief? 😅
I initially thought that the individual might have used the garage as a music studio or gym, which might seem strange to most people. Everyone has a unique perspective and different preferences when it comes to designs. It’s always a challenge to guess how someone might utilize a particular item.
For instance, you can come across these items in antique stores, craft stores like Hobby Lobby, and similar places. I’ve even spotted larger versions, resembling barn quilts.
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I would guess the garage was an addition and that window used to face outside before the garage was added. But yeah, people do strange things 🤣
You know what you could do? Build a wooden screen frame and add chicken wire – Use some Brad Nails to secure it, super easy to fix later on when the kids are older and you want to take it off – that would look really nice!
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My mom would have approved of this.
Plexiglass and wood accents.
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Create 3 frames to fit the opening. Apply stain or paint to the frames. Secure decorative metal mesh to the back and then attach to the wall. This type of mesh provides a more decorative look compared to chicken wire, but reinforcing the frame with interior cross pieces is recommended for added stability. Check out https://www.twpinc.com/wire-mesh-material/decorative-mesh for more options.
Personally, I would just keep them closed. There’s really no need to have them open!
Shutters are great because you can open them whenever you like, or you could go for plexiglass framed in with trim to let in some light.
I’d consider installing some Barn Door shutters. It’s simple to attach the hardware above the window and add a small lock to keep them closed.
I would create a nice frame to go inside the openings…
I was thinking of creating a cool geometric bookshelf like this one!
Garden theme trellis?
Jungle theme netting?
Cover with large images
What do you think about a partition screen? I am a fan of big artwork. Ikea offers some that are massive and affordable.
Consider using a jute or Rattan window screen.