How can we safely cover the tall opening on the second floor to convert the game room into a playroom for our children?
Asked by Macit Arıcan 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
Hey, do you have any ideas on how we can close off that opening on the second floor? We’re thinking of turning the game room into a playroom for the kids, but we’re worried about the height of the opening.
What about having a half wall with a decorative wood railing or a full wall with spindles? This way, they can still yell at you. Haha.
Haha, , I was actually thinking the same thing!
How about turning it into a glass window?
How about a personalized bookshelf or a custom TV wall?
I had a similar experience in my previous house. I decided to frame it up and put in a wall to create an office space.
Spindles can also be used.
Totally agree with you, !
Are you looking for more light, or would you prefer to close it off?
Hey , we were considering something that would allow light in while also maintaining air flow.
An anonymous participant suggested placing a frame in the spindles with 4″ spacing.
Just frame it with 2×4’s, put up some Sheetrock, and you’re good to go.
Etched glass partition is surprisingly affordable (at least at the place I used to order from in the past).
From what you’ve mentioned in other comments, it seems like wall spindles might be the best choice. You could consider the opening as a larger stair railing. Just make sure to secure them well, especially to prevent kids from grabbing or playing on them. Framing should provide ample support for longer screws.
Using 1x4s to frame it would be a simple solution. By angling the vertical boards and keeping them close together, you can ensure that a head can’t fit through while still maintaining an open feel.
You have the option to either wall it off completely, or consider installing a decorative window.
You could use the same materials as your railing in the second picture to fill in the opening and make it look seamless.
How about adding some decorative bars, or maybe some frosted plexiglass to block out some of the noise?