How to Create Privacy in a College Dorm
Cool Room Divider Ideas That Won't Cramp a Student's Style
Sep 16, 2009
Just the thought of going away to college and living in a dorm room may conjure up images of confined spaces with very little privacy, no storage and even less design style. Thanks to room dividers, it doesn’t have to be that way at all. There are so many different types of room dividers or privacy screens – each offers a unique way to divide a small space that instantly adds privacy, defines a shared space, increases storage and totally changes the room’s functionality.
Determining Needs for a Room Divider
From low cost D-I-Y to budget minded store bought options, a college student space can be transformed from small, boring and invasive to funky, fun and functional. Before deciding on the right room divider, it is important to determine need, design style and finished décor expectations. Think about the following before purchasing a room divider or deciding on creating a home made version:
- Privacy: Room dividers made from wood or man made materials work best to create maximum privacy. Fabric hung as a divider only offers minimal privacy and has no multi functions.
- Light Filtering: When filtered light is needed in divided areas, fabric or louvered panels are the best choices. Stick with natural decorating fabrics such as cotton, linen and raw silk for a good combination of privacy, elegant draping and light filtering.
- Light Blocking: Many options for total light blocking including floor to ceiling screen made of wood, man made materials or heavy fabric.
- Sound Filtration: The most effective material for preventing sound from traveling is a heavy wall unit type room divider that is made from solid wood or MDF – this essentially creates a wall. If you are using fabric, add a thick layer of quilt batting to reduce noise.
- Storage: Store bought or homemade room dividers made of wood are the most common options when storage is a necessity. Cardboard boxes, milk crates and re-purposed bookcases will also do the trick.
Shopping for a Dorm Room Privacy Panel
Once room divider needs are established, it is time to go shopping! For sale in most department, furniture and home décor store, a conventional 3-panel room divider is available in a wide range of materials, colors, and price ranges. In most cases, this style is free standing, does not require any installation but offers minimal privacy.
Room Dividers Can be Stylish for Student Living
In a college dorm bedroom, a privacy screen or room divider is usually just used to divide the space, adds an element of interior design style and sometimes, adds storage solutions in a small living space. The nice part about using a room divider is that it takes up minimal floor space but does wonders for creating privacy and space delineation. When college ends, if the room divider survives the experience, this is a versatile piece of furniture that will transition well to your first home or apartment after graduation.
Related article: Room Dividers in a Loft Condo without Walls
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