Relaxing in the backyard is something we look forward to towards the end of the day or on weekends to spend time with family or friends. Still, knowing that neighbours are watching every movement, you feel uncomfortable. There are neighbours with whom you share barbecue sessions and chit-chat, but there are times when you need some privacy. To keep privacy intact, the best way to block the view is screening. In this article, we have some screening ideas to block out neighbours.
Read more: 20 Outdoor Privacy Screen Ideas For a Secluded Backyard
Factors To Consider Before Deciding The Screen Ideas
- The level of privacy – The ideas depend on what level of privacy you desire-complete or partial, all year round or seasonal. Choose the screen based on the level.
- Adhere to local rules – Some rules prohibit particular privacy material or design, so it’s always good to check the local rules.
- The time when you want the screen – If you want a privacy screen at short notice, go for options like curtains, wood fences, etc. If you can wait for long, hedges and deciduous trees can be considered, as they need time to grow and spread.
- Total space availability
- Durability of the material
- Budget
Screening Ideas To Block Out Neighbours
Natural Green Barriers
Lush Hedges for Instant Privacy – The hedge screening idea is a year-round screening that is free from municipal ordinances and works for limited boundary space. In the first year, water it frequently and see it thriving. The temperate climate is best for hedges to grow.
Mix planting in layers – If you have a bigger yard, grow plants in a mix of shrubs, perennial plants, or evergreen trees in odd number groups for a natural look. The deciduous tree is the best natural screen to block a neighbour’s view.
Vertical Gardens – Creating a vertical garden in the yard serves the dual purpose of blocking out the neighbour’s view and experimenting with new planting ideas. The other benefit is that it saves floor space for other uses, such as grilling and sunbathing.
Strategic Planting for Year-Round Screening – Some trees secure privacy all year round if strategically planned. Plants like deciduous trees, thuja green trees, crape myrtle, incredible bamboo, etc. All these trees grow fast and survive all the seasons, adding to their longevity.
Stylish Fencing Alternatives
Lattice screen – Another cheap screening ideas to block out neighbours and the best way to add aesthetics to the patio or backyard. The best material for lattice screens is wood or plastic. Wood, being a natural material, is environmentally friendly, so use it in a way that complements the patio.
Corten Steel Partitions for Modern Appeal – Steel or other metal fences have multiple benefits, including adding a modern look, affordability, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the yard. If maintained properly, they can last for many years while resisting the wind and blocking noise.
Decorative Wooden Screens – A simple-looking staggered wooden board painted in different colours such as red, yellow, green and blue creates a beautiful privacy fence. The shrub and canopy in front of the wooden screen soften the area.
Read more: 8 Things to Know Before Adding Bamboo Screening to Your Home
Outdoor Drapes And Curtains
Weather-Resistant Fabrics for Durability – Hanging curtains in the backyard is a budget-friendly option to block the view of neighbours. Whether you have an extended living area or a dining space on the patio, enjoy without bothering about peeping eyes. All you need to do is buy weather-resistant fabric to handle extreme weather conditions.
Creating a Bohemian Retreat with Textiles – Bohemian-style curtains are an exciting and stylish option to maintain privacy with minimal investment and time. It gives a beautiful look to the entire space.
Adjustable Drapes for Flexible Privacy Control – To adjust the drapes to have control over privacy, hang them in a way that they can be folded completely when not in use or partially to block the view for a particular time.
Pergolas And Trellises
Incorporating Climbing Plants for Dual Impact – Growing climbing plants such as clematis, climbing roses, ivy, vine or honeysuckle on pergolas will strengthen the privacy level. Though the leaves will fall during winter, the stem will secure privacy all year round.
Wooden Pergolas as Open-Concept Screens – A Pergola in the backyard or garden screening ideas with trailing plants is one of the best ways to maintain privacy without much effort and investment. A mere hanging curtain can serve the purpose.
Trellises with Artistic Flair for Visual Interest – Trellis is another affordable option to safeguard privacy in an easy way. Due to the small size of the trellis, it is made without hassle. To add autistic flair, grow vines and beautiful plants over the trellis for visual interest.
Innovative Furniture Arrangements
Outdoor Room Dividers – A room divider is an innovative idea to act as a fence. There are several dividers available at affordable prices in the nearby shops.
Read more: 27 Beautiful Garden Fence Ideas To Add Curb Appeal To Your Garden
Multi-Functional Furniture with Built-In Screens – If you don’t want to opt for fences or growing plants as a privacy tool, opting for the built-in-screen feature is the best and smartest way to maintain privacy. There are cabanas or day beds that come with a canopy or a cantilever sun umbrella to cover the patio. Isn’t it a simple way?
Water Features As Natural Dividers
Privacy with a Soothing Waterfall – A very soothing way to keep privacy intact is a waterfall. Fountain ideas such as orb fountains, wall sprouts(multi-layered or symmetrical), bubble fountains, and sculptural and stone fountains are some of the options to maintain a balance between functionality and privacy.
Incorporating Fountains for Auditory Privacy – Some fountains are used not only to secure the privacy of the yard and garden but also to keep away the noise. The water falling from the fountain keeps the unnecessary noise away for soothing surroundings.
Conclusion
Privacy is the basic requirement of many homeowners to have a relaxing time in the backyard or garden, for which screening ideas to block out neighbours are needed. You should consider important elements such as the size of the patio, the weather and the budget, explore different ideas and your requirements and implement them.
FAQs
What are the best plants for creating a natural green barrier?
Plants like bamboo, juniper, ficus, cypress golden, arborvitae, spindle, holly and many more are best suited for creating a natural green barrier.
How can I maintain privacy without sacrificing style in a small outdoor space?
Without compromising on the style, privacy can be maintained effortlessly. Tall trees for all-year-round privacy, vertical gardens, fountains, pergolas, and many more ideas can secure privacy without sacrificing style.
Are there budget-friendly options for enhancing privacy in my backyard?
Yes, there are many options to enhance backyard privacy. Some of the options are hanging curtains, corrugated metal fence, creating a landscape around the garden, bamboo fencing, hedges, tall plants and climbing plants.
How do I choose the suitable outdoor drapes for my climate?
The right drape is the one that suits the weather conditions. The material should be weather resistant (to withstand rain, summer and cold climates).