I found a [semi-related post](https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/184406/barn-door-with-no-header) about this, but it doesn't really answer my question. It basically claims a horizontal, wall-mounted barn door could work in a space like below (see images). However, all horizontal, wall-mounted barn doors I have found seem to need to connect to the wall above the door when closed to keep it supported.

In my case, there is no wall above the opening above the door. The options I am considering:

* Add some sort of supporting wood board that connects to the wall on each side of the opening, then allows for a horizontal barn door to be connected to above the door when it's closed. The con to this is it will not look great.
* I have also researched and found some ceiling hanging barn door options. This seems like a great option, however, I don't know if there are any drawbacks to hanging a door to the ceiling. I have never attempted anything like that. I am not sure what to consider there.

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/77AiL.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/77AiL.jpg)[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/zhLdL.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/zhLdL.jpg)[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/eh7Qb.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/eh7Qb.jpg)

My question is: **Are there any other solutions or ideas I could or should consider for this space?**

**The goal here is to stop sound from traveling up the stairwell, as it currently does**. Maybe there is a door type or covering I am not aware of that would work just as easily.
['https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/260160', 'https://diy.stackexchange.com', 'https://diy.stackexchange.com/users/158563/']
A few options come to mind:

* A common swinging door. Easy to frame there.
* A barn door, sliding right. Sliding left is probably prohibited and likely impractical because of the other door.
* A pocket door in a faux wall on the right

Additionally, or in lieu of the above, pad the stairs with carpet, pad the walls with decorative carpets, add (faux) curtain to the stairway window.

I prefer a swinging door because they generally seal better when closed and make no noise when operated. A pocket door comes second. Barn doors still pass lots of noise.

Barn or sliding door rail sound will transfer via rail, header and framing to upstairs.

Closing the opening to fit a door, or installing a header to fit a rail should be no problem.

Consider a glass-panelled or all-glass door for aesthetics and light. Plus the improved visibility helps prevent traffic conflicts.

If you have framing questions after your decision, let us know.

It is advisable to check the local building code, and also check the practicality of any kind of door or curtain at the bottom of stairs, e.g. handle reach from stairs etc... But at first glance it looks like you have sufficient landing before the door, so this might not be a practical issue.
Perhaps an accordion door (note: the accordion will not contribute to noise).

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/uYArV.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/uYArV.png)