Going away to college is exciting. New college students are often experiencing their first moments of living away from home. Dorm room decorations can serve as both a reminder of home and a unique display of style and decorating sensibilities.

Benefits of Dorm Room Dividers

One thing many college students are worried about is privacy. Dorm life provides a great sense of community but everyone needs some space and time alone. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using room dividers in your dorm. They are cheap, portable, and don’t leave a mark so you’ll be sure to get your deposit back. Tall ones provide extra privacy whereas sound-absorbing ones provide a quiet study environment even when your roommate talks on the phone at all hours.

The good thing about room dividers is that there are enough of them out there that you can find one to reflect your personality. Whether you prefer décor that is classic, modern, eclectic, or anywhere in between, you should be able to find something that works. Elaborate designs can cost hundreds of dollars but you can also find plenty of attractive and sturdy options well under $50, which is more suited to most college students’ budgets.

Here are some fun dorm room dividers you can order from amazon.com.

Unique Décor Shabby Chic Jungle Room Divider – 6ft. Faux Zebra Skin Folding Privacy Floor Screen Partition – 3 Panel	Unique 4 Panel Room Divider – 6ft Tall Japanese Poem Folding Floor Screen w/ Hand Painted Calligraphy	Ore International 4-Panel Shoji Screen Room Divider, Black
Coaster 4-Panel Elegant Room Divider Screen, Ivory Fabric, Metal Frame	ORE International Black 4-Panel Bamboo Floral Room Divider Screen	1960s Style Floor Screen – 6 ft. Tall Peace Sign Pattern Room Divider

Other Dorm Room Decorating Advice

The first key to remember when decorating a dorm room is to remember not to make any permanent markings or holes. The room will be used for only a short time and it can be very expensive to pay for repairs once you have moved out. To avoid damage, avoid placing nails into walls and avoid using tape on painted surfaces. It is surprising how effective tape can be at removing paint.

Many companies make products specifically for decorating without permanent marks. For example, 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips let you hang up photos, paintings, and posters without making holes or marking the walls at all. Consider investing in some of these products. Many are very effective at hanging items and easily removing later. When using these products, read the directions carefully. It would be a shame to cause damage by incorrectly removing or applying a product intended to prevent damage.

Dorm rooms are generally decorated with comfort and budget in mind. Keep in mind that many people may come in and out of your dorm room. Never purchase expensive furniture as it will most likely become damaged. Affordable furniture will allow you to keep your sanity when your roommate spills her punch all over the sofa.

Comfort is also key. Select furniture that will be comfortable to sit and read on. College involves many hours of studying and reading. Having a comfortable location to complete this task may make all the difference. Be sure to remember seating for guests and visitors as well.

Use elements that remind you of home. A family picture or a favorite poster will help this new setting feel more familiar. Design should always reflect the designer.

Compromise is another key in dorm room decoration. Remember that your roommate may not have the same tastes as you. It doesn’t matter. A home, even if home is only a dorm room, should reflect everyone that lives there.

Decorating a dorm room will be a fun experience that can provide excellent practice for a first time decorator. Put up your room divider, make your own space, and make your mark!

An Insulated Room Divider Helps Save Energy

On those characteristically cold wintery days, rooms often become quite drafty and using insulated room dividers ensures that the area that is cordoned off remains warm and free from any drafts. They are also very suitable for keeping out sunlight if you need a light-free area or if you just want a barrier against direct light. This would be perfect for someone who works the night shift and would like to keep out light while sleeping in the daytime. In this case the divider may be placed in front of the window or any other light source. It also ensures that the temperature within the area remains constant which saves some energy costs owing to the fact that you may not need to use a heater as much when it’s cold and likewise, it will keep you cool in the summer.

Protect Your Furniture from Fading

Each insulated divider has a specific amount of insulation and it ranges from single to triple insulation. The higher the insulation, the more effective the device. For those of you who may have a living room that is exposed a lot to direct sunlight, this divider is very ideal because it will reduce the amount of light coming in and also reduce the fading effects that sunlight has on furniture.

Where to Buy Insulated Room Dividers

There are many room dividers on the market. When you are looking for insulated room dividers, be sure to get proof of insulation because an ordinary device may be sold to you under the pretext that it is insulated. The internet is the new shopping frontier and you will find many sites that have insulated room dividers on sale, such as these insulated room dividers on amazon.com. If buying from smaller retailers, be sure to verify the credibility of the site before embarking on an online purchase. You can also read reviews on websites which offer great insight on these pieces of furniture.

Varieties of Thermal Dividers

There are also plenty of designs to choose from therefore you should not be restricted to a bland design just because it is insulated. You can also get custom-made living room and bedroom screens. These portable furniture pieces combine practicality and design very well and the result is a worthwhile purchase.

If you can’t find an insulating room divider that suits your tastes, you can always get one custom made with the right look for your room as well as the level of insulation you desire. You can also use thermal curtains for the purposes of dividing a room. It is easy enough to make curtain room dividers with these drapes and they offer the same benefits as other insulated room dividers.

Top Selling Outdoor Patio Privacy Screens

Suncast FS4423 Outdoor Screen Enclosure This can be arranged in an L or U shape as well as a zig zag pattern. It’s perfect for hiding tools and air conditioning units.

VIFAH V163 Acacia Hardwood Privacy Screen Made of 100% acacia hardwood and already assembled, it’s perfect for the garden, deck, or pool.

Faux Ivy Privacy Screen If you already have a fence, this easy to install, authentic looking ivy screen adds privacy and resists fading.

What to Look for in an Outdoor Privacy Screen:

1. Durability. These are similar in function to a room divider but there are a few key differences. First of all, a patio screen is purpose-built to withstand the elements that it may encounter outside such as sun, wind, rain, and snow. A privacy screen that is perfect for your living room might quickly rust or blow over if placed outdoors so be sure to get something that is made to stay outside for long periods of time.

2. Level of Privacy. If you want to be sure your neighbors can’t see you at all when you’re outside, you will need something opaque. On the other hand, perhaps you just feel really exposed sitting on your open patio and would like a barrier that makes your surroundings less visible without necessarily blocking them. In that case, a trellis with vines or a screen with small holes is a good option. These allow more light to pass through and help you feel more connected with the outdoors.

3. Portability. If you have one specific location where you like to sit, you can consider something permanent such as a screen that is anchored to the patio floor. This will ensure that your outdoor privacy screen does not get carried away in a storm. Some people prefer something more portable because they would like the option to relocate their screen as the need arises. Maybe you will want to move it around as the sun’s position changes or you want to remove it altogether when the neighbors are on vacation. In this case, opt for portable outdoor privacy screens but make sure they are very sturdy.

4. Sun exposure. If you live in a sunny area, be sure to choose something that can stand up to the sun’s rays. Remember that vibrant colors can fade with repeated sun exposure. If you would like to protect your skin from the sun, you can even find outdoor patio privacy screens that filter out UV rays.

5. Pool usage. One reason many people look for patio screens is to create a changing area near the swimming pool. If this is your intent, look for something that provides complete privacy. Many solid screens have adornments or holes way up at the top so they still look good and let light in while making sure you have the privacy you need. Also, consider that pool changing areas tend to get quite wet so look for something made of waterproof materials.

6. Special types of outdoor privacy screens. While there are many beautiful versions of the standard privacy screen, your situation may call for a custom made screen. A good carpenter can make something that will meet your requirements and fit the existing décor.

If you are into gardening or have a lot of greenery in your yard, consider using a trellis or lattice with some vines or other plants. That way, you will not lose that outdoorsy feeling and you can enjoy the greenery while still having privacy.

More Popular Outdoor Patio Privacy Screens:

6 ft. Tall Woven Fiber Outdoor All Weather Room Divider 4 Panel Black Comes in white, black, dark brown and green as well as 3 or 4 panel options..	Adirondack indoor / Outdoor Decorative Room Divider in Brown Size: 84″ X 63″ Made of willow branches for a very natural, outdoor feeling that won’t take away from your garden’s natural beauty	Garden Fence Reed Peeled and Polished in Natural Bamboo 6ft x 16ft Natural bamboo is a highly sustainable material so it’s a great environmentally friendly choice for adding privacy to your lawn
Indoor/Outdoor Sunburst Divider Comes in green, yellow, burgundy, sand, and blue as well as different frames. It can stand up to rain and sun and can either be mounted or you can use legs. It also has pot holders for hanging plants.	Woven Fiber Outdoor All Weather Room Divider in White Width: 52″ Lightweight sturdy dried spruce with vinyl weave.	Coconut Fabric Indoor / Outdoor Decorative Room Divider Finished on both sides and made of coconut with a banana leaf weave frame.

Although beaded curtains first took off in the United States around the 1960’s, they have been around for much longer than that. In fact, their inception dates back hundreds of years to Asia, where they have enjoyed immense popularity over the years. Movies that were filmed in Asia and Northern Africa in the 60’s are what helped place these curtains on the radar of the American masses. With modern technology, the beaded curtain has evolved to become a versatile piece that is easily at home in any style of room.

Doorway Beaded Curtains

Beaded curtains for doorways represent one of the most popular uses of the beaded curtain. That’s because they are a great way to provide a bit of privacy while still letting some air pass through. This makes them particularly popular in warmer environments, where keeping the doors open is crucial for optimal air flow on a scorching hot day. Door beaded curtains also work well in restaurants and other places where people might be working in a back room but still want the option to communicate with people on the other side of the doorway.

Bamboo Beaded Curtains

Bamboo Beaded Curtains are very popular for people who like a natural look. Natural bamboo stalks are carefully cut into individual beads, which are then formed into strands and hung from a rod. They look great in homes that feature lots of natural wood or anywhere you want to create an environment that is more in touch with nature. You can also opt for a bamboo beaded curtain that features a design. Some are hand-painted or you can even find ones that look like a real door! Click here to see the best prices on bamboo beaded curtains.

Wooden Beaded Curtains
Wooden Beaded Curtains often refers to the bamboo variety, however, other types of wood can also be used to create the beads, such as mahogany. This is usually something that is handcrafted and can be hand painted as well.

Glass Beaded Curtains/Crystal Beaded Curtains
The glass or crystal beaded curtain is known for its light-reflecting capabilities. This type of beaded curtain works well in a space where light will filter through, thus creating a brilliant and dazzling effect as the light hits the glass beads. True glass beaded curtains can be pricey but there are also plenty of acrylic beaded curtains that give the same look for a much lower price tag.

Beaded Curtain Tie Backs

Often mentioned in the same breath as beaded curtains, beaded curtain tie backs are not necessarily made for use on only curtains made of beads. Cloth drapery looks equally stunning with these beaded embellishments. A beaded curtain tieback is a great way to adorn plain or ordinary curtains when they are in the open position. They can also feature tassels and other decorative touches.

Other Beaded Curtain Types
You can also find beaded curtains made of shells, mirrors, or gemstones. Some people craft these curtains out of scraps of magazines rolled up to resemble beads. They can also be made with bits of metal. Almost anything that can be strung onto wire or string can be used to create a bead curtain. There are even lighted beaded curtains!

Shopping for Beaded Curtains
When you are looking to buy a beaded curtain, it is important to pay attention to quality. The best ones have each bead individually knotted into the curtain. That way, you can trim the curtain without causing all of the beads to fall off. It also helps prevent small accidents from becoming big ones. Also be sure you choose a length and width that is appropriate for the doorway, window, or wherever you plan to place your beaded curtain. For wider spaces, it may be necessary to buy more than one unit.

We have found the biggest selection and best prices to be found on Amazon. Click here to see the beaded curtains on Amazon.com. Below is just a sampling of some of the different options.

Door Beads – Brown Bamboo Beaded Doorway Curtains	Black Bamboo Beaded Curtains #6429	Shell Bathroom Bedroom Beaded Door or Window Curtain
Natural Bamboo Beaded Curtain 125 Strands	Purple Tear Drop Beaded Curtain	Old Guitarist – Picasso Beaded Curtain 125 Strands
Beaded Curtain: Valance Style: Bubble Drops	Butterfly ~ Beaded Door Curtain	Tie Dye Beaded Curtain 125 Strands
Wooden Door Beaded Curtain 125 Strands	Beaded Curtains – Glow in the Dark Stars Door Beads #60879	Beaded Curtains – Pearl White Tear Drop Door Beads #2201
Mona Lisa – Da Vinci Beaded Curtain 125 Strands	Design 6456 ~ Beaded Door Curtain	Design 0030 ~ Beaded Door Curtain

If you use your basement solely for storage, basement dividers can help you create separate sections for the various types of items you keep you down there. Ask anyone who has tried to find one particular item in a basement that is a sea of cardboard boxes that all look alike and they will tell you that even if no one ever goes in your basement, it still pays off to be organized down there. You can use basement room dividers to make smaller areas such as a section for your old books, a section for holiday decorations, a section for sports gear, a section for your kids’ keepsakes, and so on.

Many people actually use their basement for both storage as well as recreation. In many homes, the basement is the only realistic place to put a pool table or ping pong table. For others, it’s a great place for teenagers to practice playing instruments or gather with their friends and listen to loud music. However, staring at piles of boxes and junk can really spoil the atmosphere. Basement room dividers can keep unsightly messes out of view so you can enjoy some living space in your basement.

Another benefit of using a basement room divider is the ability to rearrange it as your needs change. If you stick with a temporary or folding type of divider, you can open and close it depending on the situation. If you decide one day to make the entire basement a living space, you can get rid of the divider altogether if necessary and you won’t have lost much compared to having to knock down a wall.

There is also an economical aspect to using a basement divider. It is a lot cheaper to buy a divider than it is to pay someone to build a new wall including the structure, the drywall, and the labor. You can buy cheap room dividers and put them up yourself and be finished with the whole thing for less than $50. You can also make your own if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your basement. The easiest and cheapest way to accomplish this is to put up a curtain rod and some decorative drapes to make your own curtain room dividers. If your basement is quite cold, consider using thermal curtains or other types of insulated room dividers that help keep the heat inside the room. This way you can use a space heater or a similar device and not pay to heat the entire basement.

A basement is a great place to use a room divider because basements are often used for more than one purpose at the same time. Moreover, a basement room divider can be a very beautiful piece that adds a decorative touch to an otherwise uninviting basement. There are so many possibilities when it comes to using a room divider for the basement.

Where to Buy Cheap Room Dividers

The best variety of affordable room dividers can be found by shopping online.

Click on the links below to see the best in each category:
Cheapest Room Dividers Under $25
Room Dividers $25-50
Room Dividers $50-100
Room Dividers $100-200

Can you believe the room divider pictured on the left is under $20? Click on the image for buying information. We found it on Amazon and it’s great for just about any situation because it lets light pass through while providing privacy at the same time, and it covers a fair amount of space as well. Not only are these room dividers cheap, they also provide additional value by serving more than one function like this one.

The good thing about Amazon is that they have so many models to choose from, whereas local stores generally only carry a few. This improves your chances of finding something that will fit perfectly in your room. They often offer free shipping when you purchase larger items so you won’t have to worry about paying shipping or fitting a divider into your car because someone will bring it directly to your front door! Click here to see the full range of cheap room dividers on Amazon.

If you prefer to select something in person, there are still plenty of options. Many home improvement stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot offer room dividers cheap. Department stores are slightly more expensive but they often have sales so check your newspaper for flyers. Discount department stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s, HomeGoods, and Stein Mart often have bargain room dividers as well. These places typically only have one or two at a time but they are usually well-made and you can save a lot of money off or retail buying in a store like this. It will take some patience because the stock in these stores is constantly changing so you’ll have to check back often.

What to Look for When Buying Discount Room Dividers

You should know that dividers don’t have to be expensive so it’s not unheard of to find a good deal when you buy one. However, when you find really well-made or name brand versions at unbelievable prices, it pays to take a look and make sure there isn’t anything wrong with it.

First of all, check the divider for damages. Look for dents, chipped paint, and other flaws. If it’s a folding screen, look at the hinges. Try to fold and unfold it a few times and see if it opens and closes properly. Try to stand it up and make sure it sits evenly on the floor. If it’s a photo room divider, make sure that all of the photo slots are functional and intact.

Second, look at the quality. Ensure that is made with a good material and that it feels sturdy. Don’t buy a flimsy room divider if you have kids or leave your windows open a lot in a windy environment. Nothing is more annoying than having a divider tip over all the time, and this can even cause damage to other items in your home.

When you find room dividers cheap, sometimes there is nothing wrong with them. Don’t automatically assume there has to be a “catch”. Sometimes companies will offer discounts on models from past years or designs that haven’t sold well. These are often made of great quality and are very attractive as well.

Finally, take a critical look at it and make sure you really like it. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you see a good sale price. Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean you should buy it. Ask yourself if you truly love it and if it will look right in your room. Try to picture it in your room and make sure that you will love it!

These insulated curtains are simple to install and start immediately providing better insulation around your window areas. They are available in attractive designs that can be easily incorporated into your existing decorating themes. In any case, they are always better looking than packing newspapers or insulation into windows. Thermal, insulated curtains can increase the energy efficiency of a window up to 10 times the original amount which translates into a much warmer room and cheaper heating bills.

Thermal curtains often consist of multiple layers. They generally have at least one layer of insulating material, a moisture barrier, a reflective layer, and a fabric covering. The insulation layer works to insulate the window area, preventing heat loss. The moisture barrier helps to prevent condensation and mildew on the curtain. Reflective material helps to keep the outside out through the principle of reflection. Finally the fabric coating serves as a decorative display to make the curtain attractive.

For optimal results, thermal or insulated curtains are hung differently than a standard curtain. These curtains aim to create as tight a seal around the window as possible. By creating a tight seal, cold air is trapped and unable to penetrate through the curtain and into your home. A cap of some sort usually covers the top of the curtain and the sides of the curtain generally pull tight to the wall. Often these curtains attach directly to the wall using snaps, ties, adhesive material, or magnets. The bottom of the curtain is often weighted to help further reduce temperature loss.

Since each style of thermal curtain is installed differently, pay attention when making a purchase. Some styles are easier to install than others. While installing you should pay close attention to the specific manufacturer instructions to ensure a successful installation. These curtains will be most effective when properly installed. If you don’t follow the instructions, you could create gaps between the curtain and the wall. Even the smallest opening can be enough to drastically reduce the effectiveness of your insulated thermal curtain.

An insulated thermal curtain is also useful during the summer months. These curtains block out the sunlight which means they can prevent the room from getting too hot. This is another way to save on your energy bills. They are a great choice for rooms that experience a lot of direct sunlight in the afternoon. Not only do they keep the room cooler but they keep the light out, which can be particularly useful in a room where a child is napping. By blocking the sun, they also help prevent the color of your furniture from the fading effects of sunlight. For that reason, these curtains are useful year-round not only near windows but also as curtain room dividers.

Thermal room dividers are great for homes that are drafty. In particular, insulated room dividers are perfect for separating a conservatory from a dining room or living room. You can also use them purely for blocking light. In fact, they don’t have to be placed directly against the window at all. A thermal room divider is also a great choice in a dorm room or other type of room shared by people who sleep at different hours.

A great feature of lined thermal curtains is the ability to fit into any home décor. The outer fabric coating can be extensively customized to meet any color needs. Additionally there are many different styles of this energy efficient curtain available. These curtains are most easily found online although retail stores often carry them, especially in colder areas.

If you have modern insulated windows, you may not necessarily need a thermal window curtain. However, if your windows are even just a few years old, you will probably find that thermal curtains make a big difference in how well your home stays warm as well as on your energy bills.

If you’re a bit crafty, you can even make your own thermal drapes. It can be as simple as sewing together several layers of thick fabric. Many craft stores offer patterns and kits specifically designed for creating your own blackout curtains. This is a great way to save even more money.

These curtains are highly affordable and will quickly pay for themselves by effectively lowering energy and heating bills. Thermal curtains don’t cost much more than regular curtains and in many cases they cost the same. They also make great cheap room dividers. Although they are heavier than regular curtains, they are machine washable which makes maintenance a snap. Lined thermal curtains are a great investment that will make your home more comfortable during the cold winter months.

If you are looking to buy thermal curtains, some of the best deals can be found online. Below are some options we recommend.
Click on an image below to see prices, read reviews, get more information, or to buy: