Afternoon Obsession: Furnishings for the Private (and Paranoid)

In an era of extended access into the private lives of individuals and systems of entire nations (NSA-style), some innocent civilians may wonder what they can do to combat unwelcome prying. Several designers provide an approach in the form of home and office furnishings that grant relative isolation to the recluse, the gossiper, or the downright paranoid. From the mild Mike & Maaike Windowseat to the intense James McAdam Safe Bedside Table, check out these 12 sleek and comforting designs that will deter the invasive.

Fun fact: The majority of designers are based in Europe and Russia, fitting as Edward Snowden lingers in Moscow and as France and Germany deem spying between allies unacceptable.