Ideas for Creating Privacy in Cramped Spaces

Privacy and shared bedrooms are words that are seldom used together. A major threat to privacy is often not the official roommate, but visitors to the room. However, with a bit of ingenuity, a bit of planning, and a good dose of friendly cooperation, roommates can create some reasonable privacy in a cramped space.

There are three main topics that call for privacy: personal belongings, phone conversations, and live visitors.

#1 Personal Belongings

Each resident needs to be sensible about how they store or display personal items.

Don’t have social security numbers or credit card numbers on the bulletin board. A locking drawer for personal papers, passports, journals and correspondence is a good idea. A lockbox kept in a bedroom closet could serve the same purpose.

Lingerie, prescription drugs, and other personal items should be kept in the appropriate places, not left out in the open.

Having visual cues as to which side of the room belongs to each person can reduce inadvertent snooping by visitors. This can be accomplished by something as simple as color-coding each person’s side with complementary colors. Hanging a curtain or placing a screen, where space permits, will also make it obvious as to who belongs on which side.

#2 Phone Conversations

There’s something about hearing only one side of a phone conversation that makes it easy to eavesdrop, even when you don’t want to. Arranging beds and dressers to create semi-private areas may provide a bit of shield for private phone calls. If it is not appropriate to step out into the hallway to talk, you may agree in advance to either put on music headsets or leave the room during your roommate’s personal calls.

#3 Live Visitors

The only way to ensure true privacy for a romantic encounter is to have your roommate gone for the night.

When one of you wants to have a friend/date stop by for a casual visit, it will save awkwardness if you discuss it ahead of time. It may be safer to have the roommate stay around, especially if you don’t know the other person well.

Still, it is nicer for all if they do not have to directly watch kissing and hugging. A room divider or screen would be helpful in times like this. So would having arranged the beds and desks or dressers so that there is a partial visual barrier. If one of the beds is on risers or is lofted, that limits direct eye contact also.

If it possible to set up curtains around your bed, mimicking the four-poster or canopy look, that adds a mysterious, romantic flair to your room. It also serves as a bit of a privacy filter.

Final Thought

You can always check out other rooms in your dorm for ideas, or ask your Resident Advisor for advice. He or she has seen all kinds of combinations and can let you know what is practical and easy given the furniture and room dimensions. Remember: it is in the R.A.’s best interests for their students to get along and to be happy and safe, so don’t be afraid to ask!