It can be a challenge to make it through the day without giving your neighbours an eyeful of your nether regions through your display-all windows!
Here are a few things you can do to keep your decency intact and respect your fellow neighbours who have no choice but to eyeball your habits as they go about their day.
Place a curtain around your bed
Photo: Creative Commons
If you live in a studio apartment with lots of windows it can be pretty difficult to escape the eyes of the public. Get a thin curtain to hang around your bed so you can get a little privacy when you turn in for the night. That way you don’t have to worry about your blanket slipping off in the night and revealing to the world that you sleep commando.
See more: Four Leaves Villa in Japan is a hidden haven
Be aware of peak times
Golden times do not include 8 am when he leaves for work or 7 pm when he comes home and it’s certainly not on a weekend when multiple parades of visitors walking in and out of the common corridor.
Prime times for semi-clad dashes are usually between work hours or when it’s dark. I generally avoid lying on the couch in my underwear with the curtains open during peak times too. It’s just good manners.
Invest in privacy screens
One of the major problems with keeping the curtains closed is that you lose all your natural light and air. If you don’t want to be living in a cave, consider investing in a few privacy screens.
You can get cheap and simple screens from furniture stores and discount outlets and they’ll provide you with the privacy you need to watch television in your onesie without anyone disturbing your moment of tranquillity.
You can also buy inexpensive bamboo screens from hardware stores to keep on your balcony if you need a little extra coverage when you’re outside.
See more: 5 so-extra homewares we’re loving right now
Turn the lights off
Glowing retro light bulbs hanging from ceiling
People from outside your home can see the most at night when you have the lights on. I know this because I never notice the unit across the corridor in my building until the sun goes down, the lights go on and it’s like my own private reality show.
If you want to keep your curtains open in the evening while still keeping your privacy it’s best to opt for low light or no light.
Your neighbours will barely see anything in the flickering light of the television or a dim lamp but be aware that a standard ceiling light turned on might as well be a flood light with a buzzing neon sign. Your neighbours can and will see everything… so just be aware.
Tint your windows
BEFORE: Odd corner from the bedroom door to the window with wasted space. AFTER: A built-in full height wardrobe that gives a seamless look to the entire bedroom. The top of the wardrobe features a compartment to conceal the air-conditioning system. Picture: Khalil Adis
If you own your apartment you could consider tinting. It can reduce your heating expenses and also cuts down on glare inside your home. But the best perk may well be the fact passers-by can’t see inside your place without pressing their noses right up against the glass. It’s the ultimate privacy solution for small apartment block living.
Article repurposed from How to maintain privacy in an apartment block
