Turn your backyard into a private haven with these privacy ideas for outdoor spaces around your home.
As the weather heats up, the outdoors is where it’s at and there’s nothing nicer than entertaining, relaxing and even working outside. But if your balcony or backyard lacks privacy, you might feel inhibited about going out there as much as you like – or like you can’t lounge in your PJs over your morning coffee! Remedying privacy issues can be an easy fix, though, and stylish screens can not only block prying eyes, but also add aesthetic appeal to your outdoors.
Easy breezy screening
Perfecting your backyard privacy settings is a balance between giving you an eyes-free haven without resorting to solid walls on all sides, which can make you feel oppressively boxed in. Airy screens, like trellis and perforated panels, are an ideal compromise, allowing breezes and chinks of light to spill through, while interrupting the line of sight enough to conceal you from casual glances.
Trellis and similar materials offer loads of options for enhancing your privacy, from a basic structure of timber battens on a frame to even more simple fence extensions, which are easy to install and ingeniously solve the shortfalls of an existing height-challenged fence. (Make sure you check if there are any local council restrictions and clear it with your neighbour before adding any height to the boundary.
Instant screening fixes
Off-the-rack screening panels are designed for fast fixes, while also giving your outdoor space upmarket appeal. Opt for timelessly chic trellis – diamond lattice gives cottage garden charm while venetian trellis (horizontal battens) is simply elegant. Alternatively, screening panels can be highly decorative, with laser-cut screens in geometric patterns, abstract shapes and leafy organic designs doubling as artworks for your garden.
Getting the look – and the functionality – of privacy screens is simple with these ready-made products. To install privacy screens, simply attach them to posts, which are easily cemented into the ground. Or even easier, they can be attached to existing rails on the balcony or patio. The ability to attach privacy panels to existing rails makes this – with landlord permission – a great option for renters. Just make sure they are well anchored onto secure posts and, if used on a balcony or other high space, that they are not climbable.
Another quick renter-friendly option is flexible screening, like bamboo. This can be fastened to existing fences or balcony rails with staples, wires or cable ties, then quickly whipped off again before you vacate the property.
Screen materials
Choose colours and materials that marry with your home, so your screen doesn’t look like an afterthought. Timber can be stained or painted to match existing finishes, like your house colour, or match it to your home’s trim for a cohesive look.
Alternatively, opt for a paint-free, zero-maintenance material that will keep its looks without effort. Protector Aluminium screens come in colours from neutrals to eye-catching brights and will match many of the most popular metal roof and fence shades. Weathering steel (also known as corten or oxidised steel) is similarly maintenance free and gives a warm, earthy patina that can be matched to other backyard materials, like garden edging. You can also opt for plastic, like the Jack Matrix range, which is UV stabilised and never needs to be painted.
Living screens
Using plants – in addition to or instead of a hardscaping structure like a screen – can shield your property from view, while making it feel softer and more welcoming, and even keeping it cooler (without the heat-holding effect of a hard surface). Trained up a trellis or espaliered over wire, climbing plants can be used to add hits of colour or fragrance (consider star jasmine, hardenbergia or mandevillas), or to do double duty as edibles (like passionfruit or snow peas). Choose a climber that’s suited to your climate and the frame you’re growing it up – a delicate trellis is no match for thick and heavy wisteria trunks, for example.
Trees and shrubs can make an enormous difference to your backyard privacy – even a strategically placed potted plant can subtly veil an exposed corner. Hedges are a softer alternative to solid fencing but, if space is tight, you could consider pleached trees, which have bare trunks and all the foliage at the top. This delivers privacy and a lovely green horizon view, while giving you more space below.
Privacy from all angles
Challenges to your privacy can come from different directions, depending on your particular property. Check out where you’re exposed to the neighbours and plan screening accordingly. If nearby apartment blocks mean your neighbours are looking down on you from above, a pergola with a louvred roof or woven with a living screen of vines might be needed. Or if your neighbour’s deck is level with yours, vertical louvred screens could completely block their view of your private space, while still allowing air flow.
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