- Claire Douglas
15 fence privacy screen ideas for secluded outdoor space
Updated: May 12
Looking for fence privacy screen ideas? You're in the right place. Now the sun is making an appearance, we are all flooding out into our gardens and dusting off the garden furniture to enjoy some fresh air, but it can be offputting if you are overlooked and have little privacy. Creating a privacy screen for your outdoor space is a great way to enhance your backyard privacy while adding a decorative element to your garden design. Whether you're looking to shield a seating area, hot tub, pool area, or outdoor shower from prying eyes, there are plenty of outdoor privacy screen ideas to choose from and I've curated a collection of the best 15 in this blog post.
Fence privacy screen ideas: 15 of the best for your outdoor space
Make adding garden privacy part of your summer garden prep steal some of these great ideas. Click the images for the links where I have them.
1. Slatted wood fence panels
This style of fence is bang on trend. It's popping up all over Pinterest and social media in the most stylish of gardens. Horizontal slatted wood panels provide a more modern look for your privacy screen and you can customize the width and spacing of the slats to achieve the desired amount of privacy and light filtering.
2. Natural greenery
Utilizing climbing plants or vines along your fence is a great option for creating a natural privacy screen. Employ trellises or wire mesh to support these plants, fostering a lush green wall that not only provides privacy but also enhances the beauty of your outdoor space. Natural materials such as stone walls, mature trees, or bushy plants can create a privacy screen with a natural look. Whether it's deciduous trees, traditional wooden fences, or a picket fence, these options offer much-needed privacy while blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment.
3. Bamboo Screens
Bamboo serves as a popular option for those seeking backyard privacy ideas. This fast-growing plant can be harvested sustainably, making it an eco-friendly choice. Installing bamboo fencing panels or rolls along your fence line offers a tropical aesthetic while maintaining your private space.
4. Lattice Panels
Lattice panels offer a versatile solution for privacy fence ideas. Whether installed atop existing fences or as standalone screens, they strike a balance between privacy and openness, allowing light and air to filter through. Training climbing plants on the lattice adds visual interest and further enhances privacy.
5. Faux Green Walls
For those seeking a low-maintenance option, faux greenery panels offer good news. These artificial panels mimic the appearance of real plants, providing year-round privacy with minimal upkeep, making them a good idea for those who want maximum privacy without the hassle of maintenance.
6. A hanging pot display
A hanging pot display adds a charming touch of greenery to any patio space while keeping the area clutter-free. As the flowers grow inside the pots, the amount of screening increases adding to your privacy. Choose colours and textures to add interest and consider taller wispy plants like ornamental grasses to add movement.
7. A living screen planter
A Living screen planter not only offers privacy but also enhances outdoor aesthetics with its tropical plants, making it a good use of patio space. The freestanding planters are great as they can be positioned exactly where you want privacy and, if installed on wheels, can even be moved around your garden. Paint the planters to preserve the wood and add colour to your garden.
8. Agriframes
Agriframes provide a sturdy and permanent structure for supporting climbing plants or vines, adding classic looks to garden fences or adjacent buildings. Choose the shape frame that best suits your space and consider the size for how much privacy you want vs how much light you might lose.
9. Metal garden screen
Metal garden screens offer a modern alternative to traditional wood privacy fences, providing privacy without sacrificing style. The intricate cut-out detailing allows light to pour through, creating shadows and interest. The metal finish can often rust adding texture and warm colour to your garden or you can paint to preserve the surface.
10. Natural wicker screen
A natural wicker garden screen blends seamlessly into outdoor surroundings, making it one of the most popular choices for creating privacy in garden fences. Wicker creates a natural look and works well with a rustic-style garden and accessories. Pair with neutral colours and cottage garden plants.
11. Natural reed screen
Natural reed garden screen offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for adding privacy to outdoor spaces. The natural and rustic look works well with a boho-style garden. Style with outdoor lighting and lanterns.
12. Trellis
A Heavy duty trellis supports climbing plants or vines, transforming a garden fence into a lush greenery-filled privacy screen. Open trellis as shown can be one of the more affordable options and is easy to install. Grow trailing plants up the trellis to create privacy and interest.
13. Cedar wall panels
Cedar wall panels provide both privacy and durability, making them the best choice for creating a long-lasting privacy screen. These panels are great for using in conjunction with decking to create an alfresco dining area.
14. Slatted screen planter
Slatted screen planters provide privacy while still allowing light to filter through, making them a popular choice for outdoor spaces. Whether used as a standalone screen or incorporated into existing structures, lattice panels offer a timeless aesthetic that complements various garden designs, especially with thoughtful planting, as shown in the image above.
15. Mix and match
Mixing and matching different materials and techniques can result in a unique privacy screen tailored to your garden's style. Whether combining bamboo fences with trellises for climbing roses or integrating decorative metal panels with wooden slats, the possibilities are endless for creating a focal point in your outdoor space.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your own privacy screen using a variety of materials:
Evaluate your outdoor area and determine the level of privacy you need. Consider factors such as direct sunlight, adjacent buildings, and the proximity of next-door neighbours.
Choose the type of screen that best suits your needs and complements your home's style. Use the examples above as inspiration or pop onto Pinterest for a deeper dive.
Measure the specific areas where you want to install the privacy screen and gather the necessary materials, such as wood panels, bamboo fences, or metal screens.
Prepare the area by clearing any debris. If you're attaching the privacy screen to an existing structure, such as a fence or deck, ensure that it's secure and in good condition.
If you're building a freestanding garden screen, construct a wooden frame using pressure-treated timber or wood beams. Use deck screws or drill bits to assemble the frame securely.
Install the chosen screening material onto the frame, whether it's pressure-treated boards, bamboo fencing, metal screens, or lattice panels. Be sure to leave enough space between the panels for airflow and light filtration.
Consider enhancing the privacy screen with additional elements such as tall plants, bushy shrubs, or fast-growing grasses. These natural privacy screens can provide extra privacy and lush greenery to your outdoor space.
Add decorative touches such as string lights, outdoor roller shades, or hanging planters to make your privacy screen more visually appealing and functional. Read my post about garden lighting ideas for inspo.
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and functional privacy screen that provides the extra privacy and peace of mind you need in your outdoor living space. Whether you opt for a more traditional wooden fence or a modern metal screen, a DIY privacy screen is a great choice for enhancing your outdoor area while adding style and privacy to your home's exterior.
Where next?
Here are some other garden-related posts that you might enjoy...
Paths & Patios
Rockery & driveway
Storage
Decking
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