How wide is that opening? Did you look into french doors?

do you really want curtains on an inside room? which side would you install the brackets? the same with the panels - but depends on type? post a photo of what you are thinking about? what is the budget? french doors would be great - maybe close the wall in on both sides to install a set of 6 foot (3 foot each) french glass doors with frosted glass..

Not a Pro.

Very tall bookcases may be able to close off most of that opening leaving a doorway.

At the door way you may be able to add a blind or curtain.

Some inspiration:

Yeah I think framing up some walls (put sound insulation in before you drywall) and some French doors would be lovely there, and solve privacy issues while still letting you open it up when you're not working.

What kind of privacy are you looking for? Visual? Sound? If you need quiet then curtains won't help and if you need to not see others then glass doors / wall wouldn't help. My parents did put curtains up in an interior room to give "privacy" so that people could sleep in their living room but there's no blocking sound. That means if a couple is staying there and wants to have a conversation you hear everything. Likewise, if you have meetings over the phone that probably wouldn't be the best solution

Is there a reason you need privacy for your office? Have you thought of a barn door?

Claire,,,did you just ask if someone needs privacy for a home office?! lol. think kids and other people running around while you're trying to work!

A four or five foot opening and solid french doors with a simple ball catch. Leave one open when you're alone : ) Close some of it up. Drywall and framing and standard doors aren't bank breakers, and will look good forever.

Lol....yes Beth I did because it’s the only room that she’s providing! No windows!

I understand that but is it possible that they have another room with a door that they can make into an office???

Sliding barn doors?

Yes sliding barn doors where one panel door slides into the other when opening.

Some inspiration

So my office has barn doors on the main conference room and they are 100% worthless for blocking sound. Also really annoying to fully close because they are like a giant Newton's cradle inthat you close one a bit too hard/fast and it will knock the other out of position. I hate them so much. They look very nice though.

Thank you all for the great comments. The room has windows on one side (entire wall) It seems that most of you recommend French doors or barn door which is what I considered too but hesitate because it is more work and more ‘permanent’. What do you think of wood panel blinds from Bali, Chicology,Levolor etc ? Can they be installed without a supporting door ? Are they dust magnets ?

Your office is open to the main area, a set of french doors like Beth suggested would be a perfect solution.

http://tokyocarol.com/wood-panel-blinds/

The opening is about 7.5 feet wide and about as high.

You will have to pack the opening in which is not a big deal, install the door and trim it out.

It looks like you have a nice home and I think adding those wood panel blinds in the location you're speaking of is a bit tacky - sorry.

Mosomo how old are your children? Don’t you have any other room to make it your office and this room can be the playroom it can always change back to an office when the kids are older

Kids are college bound. Yes, I was also worried that the sliding panels may look tacky. Given all the comments I am now leaning towards glass panel barn door. Houzz has some cool pictures of the same. Any comments on that ?

How about shoji screens? Lightweight, easy to mount onto a slide channel, not permanent.

Shoji screen is a great idea. How would I install it ? Does it come pre made or does a carpenter make it ?

shoji screen is similar to the barn door

Are you going for japanese modern or american farmhouse?
Barn doors are current if that helps.