I'm trying to divide a room on a college budget. I want privacy above anything else. Any suggestions?

Question

The area I want to section off is 12W x 8H. I'm thinking of using paneling (8x4) with wood braces every two feet. I've priced it out and it looks to cost around 100 dollars. I don't like the idea of curtains or screens because people can easily move them out of the way. Bookcases would be too much work to put together and I already have a ton of shelving space. If you have any other ideas or suggestions, I'd be appreciative.

If I go with the paneling option, I would be nailing in 2X4's across the ceiling and floor. I would then nail paneling into the sides of the wood on both sides (So there would be paneling facing both directions.)

Answer 1

Look, go to Lowes or Home Depot. Buy 2x4 and drywall and nails. Should cost less then $50.00 tops. Build a frame, put it in where you want the room divided. Then put up the drywall. Then spend a few bucks on paint. Done.

Answer 2

You can't move a shogi screen or divider that is bolted to the floor!
You can use your bed as the foundation for a room divider. bolt the screen/ paneling frame to the bed and your bed will always be against the wall.
If you hang Roman shades in a dark fabric, they will stay hung from the ceiling and you can raise them for a party or lower for privacy.
If you put the bed or a dresser next to the shade, you can tack it to the furniture if you want it to always stay down.

Since privacy is an issue with you, may I suggest you get a lock box for valuables, and bolt it in to a drawer or under the bed. I hated people touching my purse whether I had money in it on not, just don't move it!

Answer 3

How about a bunch of old doors. Solid wood, the kind with panels, or some with glass that you could curtain off....not the boring hollow-core type. We see cool doors all of the time on the curb (FREE). Or you could go to a salvage yard, junk shop, auctions, etc (LOW COST). You could frame up the wall with 2x4s and then screw the doors to the frame. Or if your ceiling is low, hang them. It is a non-traditional, funky look!

Answer 4

Paneling sounds like it may work. My question is will the paneling be braced at the top, to keep it from falling. Another thought is plywood it is a little more sturdy. Good luck.

Answer 5

Stud walls and sheet rock.

2 - 2x4-12' = $4.50 each $9.00
10 -2x4-92-5/8" studs $2.50 each $25.00
6 sheet 4x8-1/2" sheet rock $5.00 $30.00
1 gallon of mud $4.00
1 6" putty knife $2.00
1 roll of mesh tape $5.00
1 box 16 bright common $2.00
1 box 1-5/8 dry wall nails $2.00

$79.00

Privacy --- Priceless

Answer 6

If your roommate is that bad you should just move. Or if you are that bad just try a little harder and your roommate should move.