Most of us have wished for a little more outdoor privacy in our yards and gardens. Unless you live on acreage, chances are you have a neighbor just a little too close. No matter how tight you are with your neighbors, (or not!) you just might want to feel a little less exposed when enjoying your own outdoor space. No worries, if you are looking for backyard privacy ideas, this is the place to be! These DIY garden privacy screens and plants are the perfect solution to lookie-loo neighbors or a busy street.
DIY Outdoor Screens and Backyard Privacy Ideas
This easy DIY privacy screen from ‘The Sweetest Digs‘ is made for a deck, but you could alter it to work in other situations too. Step by step photos and instructions make this a simple project anyone can do! You have to go look at the difference this outdoor screen made in the before and after photos…
Let’s hop on over to ‘The Happy Housie‘ and learn how to make an outdoor screen from cedar planks. We love how this backyard privacy idea is perfect for a porch, deck or patio. The planks are of different widths which is what gives this project a high end look. Easy to follow tutorial.
If you love that look and just want to buy one, the Fusion Privacy Screen from ‘Wayfair‘ is made of solid cedar, is free standing, and has the attached planters as well. This would be perfect if you need an outdoor screen that doesn’t have to have support posts installed, or a structure to attach to. (Note : This one is pretty popular so it goes in and out of stock, but they usually have a restock date and you can check out other options there too!)
If you need a balcony privacy screen, then ‘Dunn Lumber‘ has the perfect DIY tutorial for you! We love that this has an attached planter as well, and that it has wheels too! Perfect if you have neighbors on more than one side.
If you love the classic lattice look and have a large area you need a privacy screen for, try this outdoor screen planter combo by ‘Gina Michele‘. We love this! If you have anything unsightly you are trying to screen, (ugly camper, anyone?) this is the project for you.
If you aren’t wanting to build this one but love the look of the lattice, you can check out this version over at ‘Amazon’. It’s solid wood, freestanding, and is small enough to provide pretty privacy on a balcony or patio.
‘Deborah Silver‘ has this great privacy wall for us made of wooden posts and planters filled with herbs and succulents. While you don’t necessarily have to employ hand carved posts like she did, the idea can be copied by anyone! Prefer flowers? Stick to a color theme and go for it! Just be sure if your privacy fence is in the shade, you choose shade plants, or likewise for plants that need full sun.
‘Martha Stewart‘ shows us how to use rain gutters to create a container garden that doubles as a garden privacy screen. We love how they used copper gutters for this backyard privacy idea!
Love this quick and easy outdoor privacy screen by ‘Thrifty & Chic‘. She made this faux pergola backyard privacy curtain idea for less than $100! And it’s so pretty!
‘Lowes‘ also has a quick and short tutorial on how to make this backyard privacy screen from curtains.
Ok, we are swooning over this outdoor screen made from vintage doors! What an awesome backyard privacy idea! From ‘Country Living‘. Can you imagine getting to look at this instead of your neighbors kids jungle gym?
Use artistic panels created with wood frames, and filled with wire mesh and panels of polycarbonate material, or even mesh fabric. Check out this garden privacy screen from ‘Houzz‘.
Want a creative outdoor screen idea? Use shade sails! These can be mounted to block unwanted views or to screen out harsh sun. We have an entire post on how to install shade sails! Photo by ‘Superior Shade Sails‘.
Use larger plants in containers that can be moved. This backyard privacy idea is portable, since the bamboo is in planters, so they can be utilized exactly where you need them. This bamboo privacy screen is from ‘Houzz‘.
Finally, add a modern feel to your outdoor space with this backyard privacy screen tutorial from ‘DIY Passion‘. We love the chevron look of this build! They built this entire outdoor screen for less than $150.
More Outdoor Privacy Screens
If you are looking to buy some outdoor screens to give privacy to your patio, deck, or even swimming pool, we have found some good options for you.
We actually purchased these very outdoor screens from Veradek for our upstairs balcony at our Palm Springs place, and we love them! High quality, with a modern look that also can look everything from mid century to Mediterranean! Lots of different patterns, these laser cut Metal Privacy Screens are great quality, and we would buy them again. **And an update for you – Seems there has been quite a few new outdoor screen manufacturers added here to Wayfair’s online selection.
The Morse privacy screen comes in 2×4 foot sections at less than $40, and are made of a weather resistant composite material. It comes in four colors, but is also paintable. You could use this as a trellis as well! If this one is sold out, try this similar screen from ‘Wayfair‘.
This Rolled Bamboo fencing comes in 8 foot long panels, and can be shortened or cut to any size. It’s double sided, comes with a warranty and has 95 positive reviews! You could even install this over chain link fencing to cover it completely!
Got an ugly fence to cover, including chain link? These artificial hedge panels interlock and can be attached to any existing fence to add privacy and looks. Buy as many or as few panels as you need to cover your size fence.
Which backyard privacy idea is your favorite? We think you will also love our posts, Privacy with Plants, and DIY Patio Privacy Screens! I you need privacy indoors, check out DIY Roman Shades at OhMeOhMy!
Note : This post has been freshened with updated projects.
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