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hi there,
I am renting a 14' x 60' long big empty rectangle in a strip mall to house my yoga studio....the ceiling is very tall and has all the A/C stuff exposed, but no acoustical tile to cover it up. it's all painted light gray...but it's not really cool looking like a NY loft...it's pretty jumbled up ther and also has flourescent rectangle 2x3 light grids down the middle. Once I get the keys i could upload a pic.

Need to keep it as cheap as possible to begin...some sort of fabric things maybe? I also will have available 4x8 sheets of lightweight foam core type board...they have a faux brick on one side and are currently...but not for long, up on the walls.

if anyone has any links to other similar dilemma solutions for some ideas...that would be great. Would love to figure out some kind of Morrocan look, like the tents.

thanks to all
Kim

Welcome. The second photo on this link may be an answer, BUT keep safety in mind. The fabric should swag low enough as to not cause a fire hazard. Inexpensive muslin may be your best bet for long runs of fabric. Tension wire evenly spaced could serve to softly swag the fabric over.
http://www.houzz.com/fabric-draped-ceiling

Hi Kim, I have a picture in my mind but several actual photos of your space would be helpful.

One thought I had - you mentioned the very tall ceilings. I've taken many classes over the years. If you do a fabric treatment or something along those lines, wouldn't that direct the students' attention upwards? Is that where you want it? (I realize that certain fabrics/colors would tend to mask the situation, BTW.)

One option might be to eliminate the problem altogether. Did you happen to obtain any estimates for installing a drop ceiling, i.e. covering it with acoustic tiles, prior to leasing the space? Did you negotiate a tenant improvement allowance with your landlord? Even if you didn't, you might discuss this option with him/her now. Sounds like it could be considered an improvement to the property. Also might give you an opportunity to change/improve the lighting, if necessary.

I'm personally not a fan of faux brick but the foam core could be covered (assuming safety concerns are eliminated) with some sort of nondescript, neutral color fabric - grey for example? You'd still need an attachment method or frame of some sort. (The acoustic tiles are typically attached to a frame.)

WRT the Moroccan style, it's very taste specific, IMHO. I'd probably go for something more generic.

If you return with multiple photos, I'm sure you'll receive many alternatives from other posters.

All of the above is JMHO. Best of luck to you with your business.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: blueday,

hey blueday and thanks!
Yoga is pretty India inspired, and I am going with a big henna tattoo mural on one long wall, so I think the draped ceiling will be fine...we look up a lot in yoga, so it needs to be pretty and hopefully something to help you feel all 'zenned out' for lack of better terminology. I found some neat looks online and just hoping for some more feedback on types of fabric ceiling and hopefully some how to's.
No...no brick, but can paint over them for sure, just thought I would add that I had at least 10 big sturdy 'blank' canvases in case anyone had a funky idea for them.

thanks again

kim

Oh yes, I understand the connection. I've done yoga for many years. I previously thought about the fact that many poses/asanas have one looking up.

Can just tell you from personal experience with friends and fellow students that some would be more comfortable in a generic but still nicely appointed space. For example, to me, the condition of the floor's extremely important and mirrors can also be helpful.

Just to give you another perspective. I'm sure you know and understand your own clientele, however. Good luck with your business!

All, JMHO.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: blueday,

thanks for the pics Froo Froo, beautiful.

the floors are original wood from the 60's...long strips and beautiful once I refinish.
I will get the keys hopefully by mid Sept...and will post pics...that will probably help everyone

it looks like the inside of a tractor trailer, long and skinny.

thanks for the help!

First, find out the 'fire codes' for acceptable materials for your commercial space (liability).

I like the idea of the second photo in Froo's links and using fire retardant materials.
You only need to cover the center area where the view is important until you can afford your dropped ceiling (which if acoustical material will also deaden harsh sounds) for the professional commercial space, and to keep dust out of your space.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

Had those same concerns about safety/liability and dust when I was thinking about the fabric option earlier.

WRT the floors, we prefer an ergonomically correct floor with more shock absorbers than hardwood, even though we do use mats.

Would love to see your photos when you can post them, Kim. Best of luck -

DGD (granddaughter) just bought a Mexican piece of fabric for her dorm bed. It is 7' X 9' for $32, so something like that . . . 10 X $32 is $320, would that be cost effective for you? This is pretty and not too skimpy or thin.

Our area is small population wise but still we have a store with inexpensive fabric, so I'm assuming other areas do also. However I agree with blueday that another ceiling option (one also that a professional installs) would be better.

Also agree that your space needs to be widened. Mirrors on one long wall could do that even if they have to be spaced.

Good luck with your endeavor.