If your children share a larger room, this concept can provide you with a design-savvy way to separate the space into compartments fit for each little one. While there may not be total sound privacy, the psychological effect of being separated visually from others is profound.
Remember the sense of security you got when you made a blanket-covered hide-out right in the middle of the living room when you were a child? When you were inside, it felt like the rest of the world was far away.
The same idea could be used in a slightly different application. Instead of roping off each bed, fabric curtains might be used to divide a room in half for two kids. Your selection of fabric could enhance the theme or mood of the room, as well. Or choose a simple color scheme that will continue to be suitable as the child grows up.
For an older child, try beaded hangings, a retro look from the '70s that is popular again. There are many choices available, from metallic beaded curtains and disco metal beaded chain curtains to softer designs.
Check out www.thebeadedcurtain.com for blue and green feathers and pink and purple feathers used in the same way that traditional beads are to create a long curtain. The colors can coordinate with a child's decor, and the texture is soft to the max.
Other possibilities are bamboo curtains that are available either plain, with a sunflower design, or with colorful animals such as a giraffe or a lion.
If you are into crafts, look at www.lionbrandyarn.com for a "fun fur" boucle lion fur yarn kit for making your own yarn and beaded curtain. This one is really different in character and would provide sophisticated color and softness to any area.
Of course, more traditional fabric choices are endless in color, texture and design motif. Whatever material you choose, the concept of sectioning off a bed from the rest of a room can provide a wonderful getaway in a crowded household.
Of course, the need for separation and coziness is not limited to children. All of the same ideas might be used in grown-up bedrooms and can add to the general ambience in a serious manner or in a much more whimsical fashion. There is something very mysterious about parting a curtain and climbing into bed behind a soft "wall." The space behind the curtain can be painted a darker shade of the same color of the main part of the bedroom to further emphasize the individual quality of the little place.
Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Big Ideas for Small Spaces." Send questions and comments to her by e-mail at cbaintdes@hotmail.com or to Copley News Service, P.O. Box 120190, San Diego, CA 92112.
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