We all want our outdoor space to feel safe, secluded and relaxing. Adding privacy is your first port of call to make this happen, as not only does this prevent prying eyes, but it allows you to fully enjoy a low-maintenance garden alone or with guests.
Besides the benefits of improved privacy and security, a private garden can serve as a sanctuary for wildlife, attracting birds, butterflies, and other fascinating creatures to your outdoor haven. Plus, if you’re into Al Fresco dining, then securing the view of your outdoor dining set is going to make yours and your guest’s experience all that more private and intimate.
If privacy is something you want to incorporate more of into your outdoor space, read on to find out our top garden screening ideas, and how to create privacy in your garden overall.
Ideas for privacy in the garden
Before we dive into our ideas, it’s worth taking note of the line of sight your neighbours may have access to. It’s all well and good utilising all of our tips, but if it doesn’t obscure or block the view of prying eyes, then it won’t be the most effective use of your time.
Once you know how people can view your outdoor space, use our tips below to ensure as much privacy in your garden as possible.
1. Fencing
Fencing is naturally going to be your first port of call. It doesn’t have to be traditional fencing if you don’t want it to either! Here are some of our fencing ideas, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of them.
Wood
Wooden fences are a popular choice for their natural and rustic appeal. They come in different styles, such as picket fences, lattice fences, or solid privacy fences. What’s great is that wooden fences can be stained or painted to match the aesthetic of your outdoor space. Whilst they provide excellent privacy, they also require regular maintenance to prevent rot and insect damage.
Metal
Metal fences, such as wrought iron or aluminium, offer a sleek and modern look. They are durable and low-maintenance, making them a long-lasting investment. However, metal fences can be more expensive than wooden options and may provide less visual privacy.
Hedges
Also known as natural fencing or living fences - hedges are an eco-friendly way to create privacy in your garden. They can be made from various plant species, such as evergreens, shrubs, or even trees. Hedges provide excellent privacy while also adding greenery and texture to your outdoor space. However, they require regular trimming to maintain their shape and density.
2. Privacy screens
Outdoor privacy screens and fences both create a feeling of seclusion and privacy but have differences in their structure, design, and purpose.
People use privacy screens as standalone partitions to block a specific area from view, which allows you to place them and add decorative touches. These screens don't stand as tall or as strong as fences, but it’s still a great option if you want to reinforce your garden’s privacy!
Natural garden privacy screen
Creating a natural privacy screen with plants is an excellent way to add beauty and seclusion to your outdoor space and lounging areas. Pick greenery to form a lush, living barrier that not only blocks prying eyes but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your garden. We’d recommend:
- Evergreen shrubs - arborvitae, holly and boxwood are great options
- Climbing vines
- Tall grass - such as pampas grass and bamboo
Treillage
Also known as trellises, these are versatile structures that can be used to support climbing plants, creating a living wall to provide natural privacy. They come in various materials, such as wood, metal, or vinyl, and can be customised to fit your garden's style. By training vines or climbing roses to grow up the trellis, you can create a beautiful, lush screen that not only blocks unwanted views but also adds a touch of greenery to your outdoor space.
3. Pergolas
Pergolas are another popular option for creating privacy in your garden. These open-air structures can be freestanding or attached to your home, and they can be covered with retractable canopies, vines, or even outdoor curtains for added seclusion. Pergolas provide a shaded, intimate area for entertaining or relaxing, while still allowing airflow and natural light to filter through.
4. Outdoor curtains
Outdoor curtains are a versatile and stylish solution for garden privacy. They can be hung from a pergola, trellis, or even a freestanding frame, creating a cosy, enclosed space that feels like an outdoor room. Plus, curtains come in a variety of materials, colours, and patterns, allowing you to personalise the look to suit your personal style and garden aesthetic. They can be easily opened or closed to control the level of privacy and sunlight, making them a practical and attractive choice.
5. Add sunken seating
Fencing height restrictions can often get in the way of how tall they can be in your garden. So instead of building up - why not build down instead?
Plus this is a great way to maximise garden space and place your garden seating. However, if digging isn't feasible, think about incorporating low-profile garden furniture to block the view from others and create a snug retreat.
6. Water features
Putting a water feature in the right spot in your garden can boost privacy and make you feel less exposed to your neighbours. The structure itself puts up a visual barrier, and the noise from flowing or bubbling water works as a natural sound shield. It covers up conversations and takes your mind off the racket from nearby properties.
This mix of sound and sight protection can give you a peaceful tucked-away feeling. It turns your outdoor area into a private hideaway even if you live somewhere with lots of people around.
7. Add an awning
A fixed awning on your home serves a dual purpose - it enhances garden privacy by offering shade, whilst also establishing a cosy, secluded area. When extended over your patio furniture, the awning creates a sheltered nook that feels more intimate and enclosed. It effectively obstructs the view from nearby windows or elevated spots, making it harder for others to peer into your garden. Furthermore, the awning acts as a physical barrier, delineating a distinct outdoor living space that stands apart from the surroundings, thereby enriching the feeling of a personal sanctuary in your garden.
8. Place a parasol in your garden
A garden parasol is perfect for privacy - particularly if neighbouring houses can peer in from above. When unfurled, its canopy serves as a protective barrier, obstructing views from above and from various angles, particularly when positioned thoughtfully near seating or lounging spots.
Add winter covers
Whilst our winter covers are predominantly used to protect your garden furniture from harsh British weather, it can also prevent your neighbours from eyeing up your rattan garden loungers! If your garden seating is already protected, then you can use our winter covers to shield any other valuable furniture pieces in your garden too.
How can I stop neighbours from overlooking my garden?
Whilst this isn’t something you can stop entirely, there are ways to mitigate it from happening. If other houses can see into your garden, you have several options to make it more private. You can put up tall fences, add privacy screens or trellises, or plant a thick line of evergreen trees or bushes around the edge.
To create hidden spots in your garden, you can also build structures like pergolas or gazebos in key places. On top of that, think about using climbing plants or vines to cover fences or walls. This not only gives you more privacy but also makes your garden look more natural and beautiful.
We hope our garden privacy tips have sparked some ideas to help keep your outdoor space secluded and safe. Check out the Alexander Francis blog for more luxury garden articles and tips.
