Over the last few years, many of us have been spending more and more time in our gardens. Lockdowns and restrictions meant that many people used their gardens to see people safely throughout the pandemic. Home gardening sky-rocketed as amateur horticulturalists picked up their secateurs and got their hands muddy, making their gardens look great.
Outdoor privacy screens became an increasingly popular garden feature throughout lockdowns. Privacy screens are a great way to add value and beauty to your garden. Whether you’re looking to create an outdoor room, make more of your patio or decking area, or simply provide some much needed visual separation between spaces, outdoor privacy screens can help.
If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor privacy screen to your garden or need some inspiration for a client’s garden, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together our top five outdoor privacy screen ideas to help you add that something unique to the next garden you work in.
What Is an Outdoor Privacy Screen?
An outdoor privacy screen is pretty much what it says on the tin. It’s a privacy wall for an outdoor space that’s used to separate areas, add character and, unsurprisingly, give privacy. There are tonnes of different styles of privacy screens with simple concepts like outdoor curtains to more complex lattice privacy screens. You can even create a living wall with plants as a patio privacy screen.
They’re an excellent idea for all garden sizes and can add style to an outdoor area. But a privacy screen is about more than just the aesthetics; there are plenty of other benefits too.
Benefits of Outdoor Privacy Screens
Privacy – No big surprise here — privacy is one of the benefits of privacy screens. But while it might be obvious, it’s a significant benefit. Everyone uses their gardens for different things, whether it’s relaxing with a glass of wine, chilling out with friends and a barbecue or doing a bit of gardening. But one thing that can quickly ruin a private paradise is nosy neighbours. Privacy screens give you or your customer’s gardens an area that is a quiet, private sanctuary.
Easy to Maintain
You can make a privacy fence or screen out of almost anything. But some of the best privacy walls are made out of hard-wearing materials. Some of the most popular materials for a privacy wall are tin and wood, as they are low-maintenance. While you’ll need to paint and seal wood semi-regularly, powder-coated aluminium requires almost no regular maintenance.
But not all privacy screens are made out of solid materials; some use fabrics that are just as hard-wearing, like camouflage netting You’ll need to get specialist rot and mould-resistant fabric if you plan to use it for a privacy screen. Plus, by using fabric, you can easily update an old screen with new material.
Protection from weather
If only our gardens were always protected from everything but good weather. Unfortunately, for many of us, if it’s too windy, we stay inside. Using a privacy screen is an excellent way to protect yourself from the elements as the screen reduces the amount of wind.
But it’s not just bad weather that a privacy wall can protect you from. While you might love worshipping the sun in your outdoor space, a privacy wall can protect you from UV light and heat. If you have outdoor furniture, your screen can also help to reduce the decline of your furniture’s material.
Cost-Effective
As you can make a privacy wall or screen from a massive variety of materials, they’re cost-effective to build. Whether you’re building a DIY privacy screen for your own garden or creating a bespoke one for a client’s garden, you can do it on a budget.
You can even choose to upcycle materials you already have to make a privacy screen — some people have used old pairs of jeans and empty bottles of wine.
Five Outdoor Privacy Screen Ideas
1. Camouflage Netting Privacy Screen
When creating a privacy screen for a garden, the first thing you think of is probably not camouflage netting. Camo netting is predominantly used in militaries around the world. But it’s also used in a massive range of industries for lighting effects and projects — particularly landscape gardening for pergolas, shade covers and privacy screens.
The majority of camouflage nets have 80-90% leaf coverage which means that it works perfectly to maintain privacy while still allowing some natural light through. As it’s a net, it’s easy to put in place and can be taken down quickly on those days you might not need a privacy screen.
Benefits of using camouflage netting
- Durable in all weather conditions
- Environmentally friendly
- Available in a range of colours
2. Potted Plants Privacy Screen
Using plants in your garden isn’t the most surprising idea for a privacy screen, but they’re one of the most effective. Using plants is a great way to create a relaxing outdoor area, and you have plenty of plant options. You can use bamboo, climbing vines, Cyprus trees or whatever tickles your fancy.
While potted plants will give you plenty of privacy, you will have to spend time maintaining and trimming them. It’s also worth bearing in mind that certain plants will attract insects that you may not be too keen on while you’re relaxing.
Benefits of using potted plants:
- Good for local wildlife
- A natural garden aesthetic
- Plenty of plant options
3. Tin Accent Wall Privacy Screen
A tin accent wall is a great way to give your garden privacy and a distinct industrial style. Corrugated aluminium is reasonably priced, readily available and durable, making it an excellent option for a budget privacy screen.
One aspect of using a tin privacy screen is both a benefit and a disadvantage: light reflection. As aluminium will reflect light, it can help to make your garden bright. However, it may reflect too much light at certain times of the day. If possible, try to dull the service of the tin so that the reflection has less glare.
Benefits of using tin:
- More privacy than slatted screens
- Easily available
- Minimal maintenance
4. Wood Boards Privacy Screen
Using wood for a privacy wall is one of the most popular choices. There are tonnes of options for both styles of privacy screen and types of wood. If you’re thinking about using wood, you can opt for a natural, rustic design or paint the wood in your desired colour.
If you choose to create a wooden privacy screen, try to ensure that you buy wood treated for outdoor areas or treat the wood yourself. While treated wood is durable, you’ll need to regularly maintain it to make sure it lasts.
Benefits of using wood boards:
- A natural, rustic appearance
- Budget-friendly
- Easily available
5. Lattice Panels Privacy Screen
While most lattice privacy screens are made out of wood, they deserve their mention in this list. Lattice screens are a great idea to create a private space that still allows sunlight through. Plus, a lattice privacy screen is excellent if you want to add some greenery to your privacy screen, as they are perfect for climbing plants.
As with wooden screens, you’ll need to ensure that the screen is treated for outdoor use and regularly maintained.
Benefits of using a lattice screen:
- Easy to use for a living wall
- Plenty of options available
- It gives privacy without cutting sunlight
Ready to build your privacy screen? Check out our extensive range of camouflage netting that are perfect for creating your own private paradise. Get delivery worldwide from £4.49