At 16 months old, I think it's unreasonable to expect you can "pen" your child up while you do chores. At that age, my 16 month began helping me with chores...probably before then. She's now just 20 months old, and knows how to put all the toys away and where they go, she can dust with a dry rag, she can sweep with a little play broom and "dumps" her dust pan in the garbage, she can put dirty clothes in the hamper, she can switch the laundry with me or take laundry out of the dryer and put it in the basket, and probably lots more.
I think it's key, at this age, to include...rather than exclude...your child. She shouldn't be watching TV while you do chores...she would be so much more happy to do the chores alongside you.
Any chores that my child can't help with (and I'm struggling to think of any...dishes, maybe, because of knives and breakables) I can do while she's asleep (although I do them directly after meals while she's still in her high chair, finishing up.)
Sorry I didn't have the answer you were looking for, maybe, but you ought to try it! I have a lot of fun when my toddler helps out, and I started how I mean to go on...my six year old is extremely helpful.