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Garden privacy is a must, especially if you spend a lot of time lounging in your outdoor space. It lets you enjoy your backyard without worrying about sun exposure or prying eyes.
If you’re looking for ways to add privacy to your garden, this blog has got you covered! We’ve put together a list of ideas (some with photos) for inspiration. Ready?
1. Tall wooden fence
For this garden privacy idea, you’ll need at least 6-foot-high fencing to block the view from nosy neighbours or curious passersby. You can extend it to 7 or 8 feet for added security. But before you start building, double-check that local regulations allow a fence of this height.
2. Fence planters
Planters are one of the best ways to brighten up a backyard while the plants themselves double as a fence. Choose tall or bushy plants that can grow dense foliage, like bamboo, ivy, or fence. Then, install the planters at different heights on your fence. As these greens grow, they’ll fill in the gaps, and you’ll have a natural leafy screen for your garden.
3. Hedge and wood
Hedges are natural boundaries made up of growing plants, sometimes small trees, planted 3 feet or closer together to form a barrier or mark the boundary of a property. When planted in front of or behind a wooden fence, hedges can help soften the look of the wood and fill any gaps for extra privacy.
4. Bamboo privacy screen
When planting in layers, ensure your garden bed has enough depth and width for each layer to grow and thrive. Include a variety of heights, shapes, and textures. Taller plants should be placed at the back, with low-growing shrubs near the front. This not only adds privacy but also creates visual interest in your outdoor space.
5. Layers of planting
When planting in layers, ensure your garden bed has enough depth and width for each layer to grow and thrive. Include a variety of heights, shapes, and textures. Taller plants should be placed at the back, with low-growing shrubs near the front. This not only adds privacy but also creates visual interest in your outdoor space.
6. Gazebo on a deck
This concept is a win-win if you want a sheltered, private space in your garden. Adding privacy walls to the gazebo or opting for an enclosed structure ensures that neighbours won’t be able to peek in. You can use lattice panels or something as simple as fabric curtains, like those on this black metal gazebo, to add seclusion and style to your decked retreat.
7. Wooden trellis arch with climbers
Create your own privacy screen by staking two or more tall trellises side-by-side and positioning climbing flowers against them. Place the trellises along the edge of a patio or courtyard for a seclusion. You can change the plants each season for a fresh, seasonal display.
8. Personal retreat with pebbles and a fire pit
Tall plants or garden screening ideas might be too plain for your liking. If that’s the case, define that area with pebbles and a patio fire pit at the centre to create a focal point.
9. Recycled roof parts
For a budget-friendly privacy solution, repurpose old roofing materials. Attach them to a frame or structure to build a new barrier. Place the finished product in areas where you spend the most time or where you want to block the most view. You can add plants or climbers around the base or along the top to soften the look.
10. Treeline
Well-positioned trees are a great way to screen your neighbours. For one, they provide increasing coverage as they grow and bush out. They can also be used as an alternative to hedging and remove the need for tall fencing. Native plants, such as Holly and Silver Birch, can offer pockets of privacy you need.
11. Modern screening
Light-coloured, contemporary-style screening gives off a Mediterranean garden vibe in your outdoor space. Choose materials like whitewashed wood, pale bamboo, or light metal panels. These provide privacy and blend well with the surroundings.
12. Hanging plants
Hanging plants bring some life to what was a plain fence. Decorate with planters or pots at different heights along the fence to introduce greenery and colour. Trailing plants like ivy or cascading begonias are lovely for adding a lush effect to this setup, while a selection of colourful flowers or aromatic herbs adds variety.
13. Wooden pergola
A pergola is more than just a simple structure; it can also create a perfectly shaded garden hideaway. These open frameworks define a space that can be customised to your needs. For instance, growing wisteria or grapevines over the beams will eventually form a canopy that adds shade. For increased privacy, add side panels or drapes to the pergola.
14. Lollipop trees
This is commonly known as pleached trees, where the lower branches are removed to expose the trunk, leaving the foliage at the top in a “lollipop” style. It’s perfect for adding height above a concrete block wall to enhance privacy. This planting method is ideal for small or narrow spaces where a traditional hedge might be too wide.
15. Tall fence with trellis
Give your fence a fresh look by adding hanging plants. Install wall-mounted planters or hanging pots at different heights along the fence. Trailing plants like ivy or petunias will look dreamy when draped down to cover the fencing.
16. Wood to extend wall
Extend the height of a low wall using wood panels to block out views from neighbours or passersby. Do so by attaching the wood panels to the existing wall structure.
Tip: Use leftover wood panels to cover or conceal unsightly features, like a wheelie bin store.
17. Vertical garden wall
Install a wall or frame covered with various plants, which can be either mounted directly onto an existing wall or set up as a freestanding structure. Growing vertically allows you to maximise your space while creating a lush, green screening for your outdoor space. To achieve a dense, living wall, choose plants that thrive in vertical gardens, such as climbing vines, ferns, or succulents.
18. Wooden planks
Create a fence or screen from wooden planks by installing them vertically or horizontally. Adjust the height and spacing until you get the level of privacy you need. You can also use such a material for dividing your garden into distinct areas, like a separate dining zone and a lounge area.
19. Short wall with trees
Add extra privacy to a low wall by planting trees and bushes along the top. This increases the height of your boundary and helps block views from outside. Choose trees and shrubs that grow tall enough to provide the level of privacy you want.
20. Privacy panels
If you want more privacy without changing your existing fence, consider adding decorative panels. These panels can be attached to your current fence to block views and enhance its appearance. You have various design options, including geometric patterns, laser-cut designs, or floral motifs.
21. Small corner
Grow some climbing plants on your wooden screen for extra privacy in the small corner of your garden. Let plants like ivy or clematis cover it to make the area feel more secluded.
22. Black fence
Black fencing gives a garden a more contemporary feel. Add some lighting so you can enjoy your garden Black fencing adds a contemporary touch to your garden. Install a tall, solid black fence to block outside views and ensure privacy. To enjoy your garden in the evening, add outdoor lighting, such as fairy lights, to highlight the fence.
23. Garden room addition
A garden room like a log cabin or summerhouse can provide you a level of privacy that blocks the view from neighbouring houses or busy streets, depending on the placement on your property. It also helps define areas within your garden, making it easier to separate activities, like dining, working, or just unwinding, away from the prying eyes.
24. Flower dividers
The concept of flower dividers features simple screens or trellises covered with climbing plants. Setup your chosen dividers along areas where you want privacy. Grow climbing flowers like roses or jasmine on these dividers, and you’ll create a more private garden with beautiful, lush greenery surrounding it.
25. Raised garden bed with privacy wall
To make your garden more private, you can use raised garden beds with a privacy wall. Simply position the beds along your existing fence, then attach privacy screens or trellises on top. Fill the raised beds with tall or dense plants such as bamboo, shrubs, or climbing flowers, covering the walls as they grow.
26. Frosted glass screen
A raised glass windscreen is a popular request for garden patios and rooftop fencing, particularly with frosted glass, to provide privacy from neighbours. It’s a modern, attractive and practical solution for your garden’s comfort.
27. Woven steel screen
This type of screen is made from steel or aluminium mesh that blocks views and creates a secure boundary. Choose a flat-bar pedestrian gate for a practical addition that keeps your garden private and secure. Check out this aluminium pedestrian garden gate for design inspiration.
28. Yellow cedar boards
If your house is close to the road or a neighbour’s garage, yellow cedar boards are an excellent choice for this. These boards can be used to build a privacy screen that effectively blocks views from outside. The cedar lattice design offers coverage at multiple levels that make your garden feel more private.
29. Colourful dividers for versatility
Another way to separate areas and avoid getting those prying eyes is by having colourful dividers made from woven cords. Install these dividers along the boundaries of different spaces or between seating areas. Their bright and eye-catching designs are sure to make them an attractive feature.
30. Brick walls with ornamental panels
Maximise your existing brick walls with ornamental plants. This setup offers dual benefits: the solid brick wall keeps things private, and the decorative panels let in some light while still keeping the area concealed from onlookers.
We hope these options have inspired you to find the perfect garden privacy idea for your needs. While you’re here, take a look at our aluminium gates for your back garden or driveway.
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