How to Make a Room Divider With Metal Poles

Space dividers create convenient privacy in apartments, dorms and cabins.

Sneak a little privacy onto your deck, separate the too-close-for-comfort siblings' bedroom or configure a computer workspace in the corner of your living room without constructing a wall or even putting holes in your drywall. Metal poles come in various lengths and styles, and have many functions. The versatile metal tension pole serves purposes beyond hanging shower curtains. Create a hanging room divider using a spring-loaded tension rod and curtains.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Tension rod
• Curtains with large grommets

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the space you want to divide. For example, if you have a covered open-air deck and desire privacy from neighbors, measure the distance between two adjacent support beams on the side you want to incorporate a privacy divider. Calculate lengths for additional poles between adjoining beams, gaining you extra divider length, if needed.

2. Purchase a tension rod that extends to a few inches longer than the distance measured.

3. Lengthen the rod by unwinding or twisting it counterclockwise at the rod's join point. Undo the rod until it extends to 1 or 2 inches more than the measured distance. The wider you open the rod beyond the determined space, the tighter it will fit. Set the extended tension pole aside.

4. Measure the height from the floor up to where you will wedge the rod and subtract 1 inch to determine the required length for the curtains.

5. Buy or make curtains that have large grommets. The curtain's grommet holes must fit over the rod for hanging. The divider drapes could be semi-sheer for light filtration, flow and some privacy, or made from heavyweight fabric for complete privacy and dense "wall-like" weight. If you will be using the fabric divider outdoors, find drapes made of weather-resistant material.

6. Insert the curtain grommets onto the rod.

7. Compress the rod enough to set it between the walls, beams or doorway that you are separating. Place the tension pole and curtains level at the predetermined height.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach additional rods for a wide span using tension rod connectors.

• Instead of hanging curtains from your horizontal metal pole, hang beaded strings, curly willow branches, copper pipes or any lightweight design element you can dream up.

• Alternatively to a horizontal divider, set three or four tension poles vertically between the floor and ceiling, and attach thin wood panels, light-weight artwork or decorative screens for privacy. Locate a ceiling stud and position the rods directly below it to support the pressure caused by the rods.

• Don't increase the rod tension any more than necessary to hold up the weight of the curtains and stay fixed in place, as too much tension could damage your walls.

References

• Improvements: Curtain Tension Rods
• Google Books; Popular Mechanics; Enno R. Haan; 1960