12 creative ways to add privacy to your outdoor deck or patio
With sunshine and warmer weather rapidly approaching it’s natural that we take some extra time to spend outdoors. It’s nice to be able to enjoy outdoor spaces with the same comfort and privacy we entertain in the house.
In fact, it’s nice to think of these spaces as an extension of our indoor space. Are you interested in adding a touch of privacy to your outdoor patio without taxing your entire budget? Follow along for some creative solutions, sure to offer some added seclusion.
1) Living Privacy Fence
For an easy solution, take some assistance from Mother Nature. Try picking out a selection of fast-growing plants that will grow tall and wide. This is a great option for over-exposed patios or desks, although it may take some planning ahead of time. Check out a list of these selections to help guide your decision.
2) Bamboo Wall
In the same realm, you may look into growing your own privacy wall with bamboo. The San Diego design firm Eco Minded Solutions uses the quick-growing plant to help landscape client’s yards. Just make sure to choose a non-invasive species. Check out the details here.
3) Privacy Planters
Consider enveloping your space with some charming trellised planters. Not only can you bring a pop of color with some flowers (or even vegetables), you can ensure that your space is enclosed. These planters are self-watering and have wheels for easy moving.
4) Retractable Shades
If you find yourself facing the trials of living in a tightly-knit apartment community, there are still ways to enjoy your patio even if it closely faces another. Retractable shades, like these from Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Company, not only shield you from the hot sun but also from your neighbors. An added bonus? They’re customizable and you can pick a color that truly sings.
5) Upcycled Garage Doors
Here’s a crafty solution for those who love a good DIY project. Follow Karen Berg of Redoux Interiors and secure old garage door panels together with scrap wood. The result is a shabby-chic privacy fence that also saves a lot of time and money.
6) Freestanding Curtain Rods
If you’re looking for a simple and cheap solution, why not hang curtain rods as you would in your living room? The company Improvements offers a portable setup that can hold curtains up to 84 inches long, sure to keep your space safe and enclosed.
7) Pop-Up Gazebo
Instantly upgrade privacy and comfort on your deck by using a pop-up gazebo. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on constructing an additional structure, consider setting up a canvas gazebo. A bonus is that they’re highly portable and can travel with you. Check these selections from Wayfair.
8) Faux Hedges
Maybe a green thumb isn’t your thing. To reap the privacy benefits of plants without the hassle of maintenance, consider lining your space with faux hedges. They will still lovingly green-up your space, but the only thing you have to do is sit back and enjoy them. Earth Flora offers a variety of options.
9) DIY Wooden Chevron Wall
Erin Trafford has offered an inexpensive and super stylish solution for guarding your outdoor space. Her wooden chevron structure is stunning and instantly upgrades any deck or patio. Check out her DIY tutorial here.
10) Upcycled Shutter Screens
Using the same principle as the garage door panels, try surrounding your space in shutter screens. Create a folding partition for your space and choose a creative color. Just attach the screens together with hinges. Check out a written tutorial here.
11) Wicker Partitions
Like the shutter screens, invest in an affordable and stylish folding partition. Versare offers a three-panel wicker option that looks great and is a breeze to set up and take down. This presents itself as a smart non-permanent option.
12) DIY Plant Wall
Lastly, for a fun project, consider making yourself a free-standing wall out of wood and mesh rebar to hang plants on. Choose bushy and viney potted plants and hang them on the wall with S-hooks. The more they grow the more privacy they’ll provide. Check out the fun tutorial here.
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Sources: HGTV, Bob Villa, Apartment Therapy