When you're relaxing on your patio on a hot summer day, the last thing you want to think about is prying eyes – your nosy next-door neighbor, passersby, or anyone else peering into your outdoor space. You don't need to undergo a complete remodel to resolve the issue; you just need a practical outdoor accessory to privatize the space. You need a privacy screen.
'One of the things I always say to clients is that the backyard deserves the same thoughtfulness as any room in the house,' interior designer Jacqueline Goncalves explains. 'A well-placed privacy screen creates a sense of boundary and belonging that transforms a yard or patio into a space you actually want to inhabit.'
Privacy screens are one of the most practical garden privacy ideas because they create instant seclusion – with little to no effort required. For those with small backyards and neighbors in close proximity, they are especially handy as they can make your property feel more enclosed. The same goes for those who share apartment balconies with neighboring units – all you need is a privacy screen to make your section of the balcony truly feel like your own private outdoor retreat.
Though particularly beneficial for establishing privacy, these screens are worthwhile features for other reasons, too. 'Living in coastal Los Angeles, wind is a real consideration, and a good screen makes an outdoor dining or lounge area genuinely comfortable on breezy evenings,' Jacqueline Goncalves explains. 'They also provide shade and cut down on glare, extending the hours you can actually be outside.' What's more, privacy screens can even be used as zoning tools in backyard design or as shields to hide unsightly outdoor features, too.
Create some stylish seclusion on your apartment balcony by mounting a privacy screen with a decorative design.
Practical purposes aside, privacy screens can also bring stylistic flair to your outdoor space. Jacqueline recommends materials like teak, cedar wood, or powder-coated steel, as they age well and ensure long-lasting durability. In terms of design, Jacqueline prefers screens with slats – 'they filter light rather than block it entirely, so the space stays open and airy,' she says. Veradek's Corten Steel Privacy Screen nails this look, as does IKEA's NÄMMARÖ Privacy Screen.
Some privacy screens are even designed with planters at their bases for increased decorative appeal (like this model from Walmart), and if you so choose, you can plant a climbing plant – making the screen itself feel intertwined with the natural elements of your outdoor areas. According to Jacqueline, these types of screens 'blur the line between architecture and landscape in the best way.'
Below, find 16 privacy screens that can help you create a sheltered oasis in the comfort of your own backyard.
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