Everyone has a friend who works in a less than ideal location. My friend Julie, for example, runs a writing center at a liberal arts college where she suffers from a decided lack of privacy. Besides housing her office, her work room serves as a tutoring center; it contains many desks and a bunch of student teaching assistants working at each station. These student tutors come and go according to different schedules, which means that sometimes Julie gets to be alone in a sea of desks and sometimes she is surrounded by writing tutors trying to explain, at any given time, anything from the purpose of a semi-colon to the importance of a thesis. Like many other office workers and college denizens, Julie is in desperate need of a privacy screen.

Liquid Privacy Screen. Manufactured by Bretford.

Leaf-Shaped Screen for Schools and Office Spaces

Thankfully, privacy screens have come a long way since the dawn of the cubicle. Bretford offers a Liquid Privacy Screen that's lightweight, easy to move, and stylish: with this solution, "you can create a space that's free from distraction without sacrificing the need for collaboration and communication." Shaped like an ovate leaf, the Bretford screen sits on wheels, which makes reconfiguration a snap. The screen itself can be upholstered in a variety of fabrics, including leather.

For large open spaces where privacy is sometimes needed (or irregularly needed), the Bretford Liquid Privacy Screen gives individuals their own designated areas where they can meet, collaborate, or simply work alone without being disturbed by neighbors. You can choose a fabric that coordinates with your room's style; or opt for a fabric that gives your bland room some much needed flair. In white or beige-walled office spaces or college lounges, introducing a playful print or bright color on the Liquid Privacy Screen can give the room separation and style.

About the Manufacturer: Located in Franklin Park, Illinois, Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. designs furniture for the educational market. Their aim is to "take modern learning to the next level" by producing furniture systems that promote interactive learning. The company believes that "learning happens everywhere," and their products reflect this belief: Bretford manufactures everything from seating and privacy screens to desks and shelving. Their furniture goes from board room to dorm room, home library to school library. Visit their showroom at the Chicago Merchandise Mart.