Bedroom Privacy - You've Got To Have It

A bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep; it should be a sanctuary within the home where you can be at peace from the stress and concerns of everyday life.  It should be a private place, as well.  However, depending on your living situation, this may be difficult to achieve.  If you are married, have kids, or share an apartment with a roommate, you know that there are all sorts of distractions and often a disregard for privacy that makes escaping to your inner calm even in your own bedroom difficult.  Here are some tips to help you create a more private environment with your bedroom furniture and help keep distractions out.

The Roommate

Whether your roommate is your best friend or simply someone with whom you are sharing bills and living space, you should have rules about privacy in your own rooms.  The number one piece of advice is to never share a bedroom with a roommate.  Make sure that you have a lock on your door, especially if your roommate has a bad habit of not knocking and simply barging in unwelcome.  Also, for times when it is less pertinent but desired to be left alone, leave the door unlocked and have a sign that says “do not disturb” on your doorknob.  Encourage your roommate to do all the same things, and return the respect for privacy.  If you absolutely must share a bedroom, opt for a metal canopy bed that allows you a curtain of separation between you and your roommate to affect some privacy.

The Children

Obviously, you can’t just shut out small children all the time.  However, at times when your young child is taking a nap, retreat to the bedroom for solitude and shut the door, carrying a baby monitor with you in case of emergency.  Also, in the evening, have your spouse look after the kids for awhile so that you can simply lock yourself into your bedroom and read a book or whatever else you wish to do.  Offer to do the same for your spouse.  As your children get older, learn to use the lock on the door so that you are not interrupted during intimate moments unexpectedly.  Also, make sure that your children are aware of the rules and do not use your bedroom as play space.  Create a comfortable resting spot with a large contemporary headboard against which you can lean while enjoying a novel or magazine.

The Spouse

Sharing a room with your spouse can make this difficult.  Let your partner know that you want to spend some time in solitude, and ask your spouse not to interrupt you for an hour or so.  Offer to return the favor any time.  If your spouse needs to be in the bedroom for any reason during this time, have a corner of the bedroom that is completely “yours”, with books or puzzles or crafts that you enjoy so that you can concentrate on your own relaxation and ignore the movements of your significant other.  You can also seclude yourself behind the curtains of a king canopy bed, blocking out distractions.  Be sure he or she knows not to distract you during this time, as you really just need to unwind and be alone.