My friend is going to be splitting a 2 bdrm apt with two other people, and she is living in the living room. She was thinking about building a folding partition for some privacy, made out of panels of translucent material, like frosted glass or plastic. We're picturing 2' x 6' panels that we could put frames and hinges around.

Trouble is, apparently each panel will run at least $100. Does anyone have any cheaper suggestions? Any ideas appreciated. Thanks!

just get some butcher paper.  it will be lighter, still allow paper to pass through, and provide just as much privacy for a tiny fraction of the cost

www.onewayfurniture.com/4parodisc.html

Quoted: just get some butcher paper.  it will be lighter, still allow paper to pass through, and provide just as much privacy for a tiny fraction of the cost

Or a light colored fabric.

I don't know how much those Lexan or plexiglas sheets are selling for at Home Depot, but that might be  one way to go.  You'd have to buy some of that frosted contact paper to cover the sheets with for privacy, however.

bump for more suggestions

If you're willing to build frames anyway...as you had said... then look at Home Depot, etc.  for translucent plastic panels that fit in acoustical drop ceilings. They're approximately 2 x 4 foot, are only a few $s each, and come in many different textures/patterns.  A good lighting supply house will have them, too, but they'll cost more there.     Stay safe