Thread: I Need to Build a Wall in My Living Room

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I can't wait to take advantage of my larger living room in my new place. I'm already thinking of blocking off the side that faces the windows/silding door for a large window display. The only problem is how.

The room is long. Its 21 ft long, the display is going to be about 5 ft deep and the the room is just under 8 ft tall. I need something that cover the 21 ft across and serve as a backdrop to my haunt. It doesn't have to be pretty, just solid black is fine.
It needs to be:
Freestanding, I rent and can't put holes in my walls (well not a lot anyway)
Easy to assemble and take apart
Allow me access inside the display
Cheap (hopefully, I'm poor)

I'm not great with tools, but I do work at Lowe's. Some of the guys would probably help me out. BTW, I do not get an awesome discount. It basically covers sales tax.

Piece of cake.

Lowes sells rolls of black plastic that are 10ft by 25ft (I think)

Just make a wall out of 2x4s and staple the plastic to it.


If no one is going to come in contact with the wall, screw a couple of those metal 2x4s to the ceiling. Get some binder clips and clip the plastic to the ceiling then put a couple of 2x4s on the to weigh down the plastic and keep the wall straight.

First thing I thought of was either fabric or black plastic. I use some cheap black fabric that I attach to the ceiling with finishing nails (you can fill in the tiny holes with white caulk after). I stretch out the fabric enough so it doesn't droop, and put in a nail every foot or so, bending the nail into a slight curve so it acts more like a hook and then hammer the whole thing into the ceiling. As long as no one pulls on it or falls into it, it should be fine. Same basic principle using the black plastic (check the landscaping sections for landscaping/mulching fabric as you work at a Lowes) or painters' drop cloths - but those are usually white or clear, so you'd have to paint those.

JoAnn Fabrics do coupons if you're on their email/mailing list and most fabric stores have clearance sections for fabric. I've bought yards and yards of cheap black fabric and used it for swags, curtains, blocking off sections...

Might I suggest black landscape fabric in sections. Each section supported by a tension-rod (found in the drapery or bath departments, look for ones that are designed to hold up a shower curtain). Use them vertically. Tape the end of the fabric to it, then turn one or the other to tighten up the fabric from one end. For a 21' long space, you'll probably need 4 of these rods. The advantage is that you'll make no holes whatsoever in the walls, floors, or ceilings.

How about using a 6'0" long 1-1/2" pvc Pipe inside of 6'0" long 2" pvc pipe. Then extend to fit between the floor and ceiling (may want to put some sort of rubber on the ends) and screw through the pvc (where they overlap) locking them into place. (Just like a shower curtain rod but vertically. Then do the same on the other side of the room. Then use your lawn fabric or plastic in between them. When you are done unscrew and roll up.

Originally Posted by CraigInPA

Might I suggest black landscape fabric in sections. Each section supported by a tension-rod (found in the drapery or bath departments, look for ones that are designed to hold up a shower curtain). Use them vertically. Tape the end of the fabric to it, then turn one or the other to tighten up the fabric from one end. For a 21' long space, you'll probably need 4 of these rods. The advantage is that you'll make no holes whatsoever in the walls, floors, or ceilings.

Dang, I am sorry I did not read your post 1st. I saw the question and just started to write my reply. Sorry

Originally Posted by CraigInPA

Might I suggest black landscape fabric in sections. Each section supported by a tension-rod (found in the drapery or bath departments, look for ones that are designed to hold up a shower curtain). Use them vertically. Tape the end of the fabric to it, then turn one or the other to tighten up the fabric from one end. For a 21' long space, you'll probably need 4 of these rods. The advantage is that you'll make no holes whatsoever in the walls, floors, or ceilings.

Thats actually a really great idea! I really need something quick and cheap for this year. Then I can work on making something better for next year.
Do they make rods that are almost 8 ft long though?

Well its getting to crunch time and I still haven't found anything that works well. I may end up going with the black plastic although I do not like the idea of a giant fire hazard in my living room. Any ideas on how to hang it that doesn't involve alot of nails?
I'll take any other ideas. The backdrop doesnt have to be black, just not very transparent. I don't want the light from the rest of the living room and tv showing into my haunted area.

I would use cheap black sheets...probably get one for under $5 at WalMart and most full sheets are 7ft wide and 8ft in length so you will only need 3 sheets to cover the 21 feet.

Can you put 2 screws into the wall...one in one wall and one into another? If so get a roll of picture hanging wire and wrap one end around one screw and stretch the wire (as tight as you can get it) over to the other screw. Now you have a clothesline but before putting it up on the 2nd screw do the following.

Take the sheets and hot glue a small pocket in the sheets at the top then put it on the wire line and now you have a wall made of cloth that you can slide back if you're not using it.

We do the same thing, but on a little smaller scale. The pic shows the windows of my family room which we use every night so I had the same privacy issues. The room is about 12' across. I used 1" PVC and built a free standing framework, like the outside edges of a box. The back is only 5' from the window, but it could easily be more. One vertial leg in the middle gives me about a 6' span which the 1" PVC spans ok. Mrs. Doom bought some Halloween fabric on close out and we simply drape it over the top pipe and pin it to hold it.ou can see it in the background over the butcher's shoulder. Simply part the fabric panels to go "inside" the window. Otherwise it hangs straight down. I did put three push pins in the top of the inside window casing (on the top where no one will ever see them) and wire the PVC frame to the pins for extra stability. I also only taped the PVC fitting so I can easily take it apart for storage.