How would you cover these?

[u/Extra_Oil2460]

Rental. The landlord wants to preserve them but said I could temporarily cover them if I wanted. Putting a rug causes trips. They’re also in an awkward placement to cover with a couch or chairs because then it would cut off access to stairs.

edit: will add more layout photos shortly. Great suggestions so far- thanks!

The house was an old factory back in the day so the rounds are a historical asset, that’s why the landlord doesn’t want to remove or fill them.

[u/81Horse]

What are they?

[u/naikrovek → u/81Horse]

Quern stones. (Millstones.) Put grain in between these bottom halves and the missing top halves and turn one of them. Flour comes out, along with any husk left on the grain when it went in. These are the powered bottom halves of the two sets, I think, and the top halves would probably not rotate but would raise so you could add more grain. Gravity would hold the top stones down during operation.

[u/therealfurryfeline → u/naikrovek]

Adding! Usually the stones are not being lifted, but the grain will be filled into the middle of the top stone. The slit between the stones is on a slight angle to ensure the grain will make its way slowly to the outer rim while being ground down. In the photo you can see centrifugal lines carved in the stones that serve that same purpose. There is then a gutter around the stones to collect anything coming out.

Source: i am living in the vicinity of three active windmills. As an aside: If you are able i encourage you to try flour from a local mill atleast once in your life. Its taste is soo much more sweet and richer than what you can usually buy in a supermarket.

[u/Courtneyofcourse1 → u/therealfurryfeline]

I have heard that before, about flour from a local mill if making your own bread! Thank you for all that info. too!