If you’re looking to reclaim your outdoor space and enhance your privacy, garden screening is the perfect solution. In this guide, we’ll explore 15 different ideas to block out your neighbour’s view and transform your garden into a peaceful sanctuary.
But before we get into the different screening ideas to block out your neighbours, let’s first take a look at why you need screening to achieve that in the first place.
Why You Need Screening to Block Out Neighbours
There are several reasons why you might need screening to block out your neighbours, including:
Creating Privacy in Your Outdoor Space
Privacy is a fundamental need when it comes to enjoying your garden. Whether you’re entertaining, relaxing, or spending time with family, a screening solution ensures you can enjoy your outdoor moments without feeling watched.
Enhancing Your Garden Aesthetics
Screening isn’t just about hiding; it’s also about styling your space. The right materials and designs can seamlessly blend with your garden’s overall look, making it feel more cohesive and well-thought-out.
Protecting Your Family’s Space
A good privacy screen creates a barrier that offers peace of mind, especially for families with young children or pets. It helps to define your space while keeping it safe and secure.
Effective Screening Ideas to Block Out Neighbours’ View
If you’re looking for some of the most effective ideas that’ll keep any prying eyes away from your garden, consider the following:
Tall Fences
Tall fences are a traditional yet effective way to block out your neighbour’s view. Whether you opt for wooden panels or metal alternatives, a high fence is an excellent solution for ensuring the highest level of privacy.
Bamboo Screening
For a more natural look, bamboo screening offers an attractive, eco-friendly solution. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and gives your garden a tropical, serene feel.
Trellis with Climbing Plants
A trellis adorned with climbing plants can create a beautiful and functional screen. Choose fast-growing varieties like ivy or clematis to ensure privacy while adding greenery to your space.
If the above trellis idea isn’t quite up to your liking, check out our collection of modern trellis screens for outdoor to find even more inspiration for your outdoor space.
Privacy Screens and Panels
Standalone privacy screens are perfect if you’re looking for a simple, movable solution. These come in various styles, from modern metal designs to more rustic wooden options.
Outdoor Curtains
For a more flexible approach, outdoor curtains can be hung on a pergola or wire system to provide instant privacy when needed. They’re easy to adjust and can be drawn open or closed depending on your preferences.
Living Green Walls
A living green wall, made from vertical planting systems, offers a stunning way to block out the view while creating a lush, garden-like environment.
Cheap and Creative Screening Ideas
If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable and creative screening ideas that you can draw inspiration from instead, including:
Recycled Materials (Pallets, Crates, Old Fences)
Using recycled materials can be a cost-effective and creative way to create a screen. Pallets, old wooden crates, or repurposed fence panels can be reimagined into unique garden screens.
Lattice Screens With Vines
A lattice screen combined with climbing vines is an affordable option that still provides plenty of privacy. It’s ideal for a more open, airy feel, as the vines can grow in and fill in the gaps naturally.
Fabric Screens or Mesh
For a quick and easy fix, fabric screens or mesh can be hung along existing fences or posts. This is an inexpensive and flexible solution that works well for temporary privacy needs.
Hedge Screens
Planting a dense hedge along your fence line provides natural screening and privacy. Varieties like laurel or boxwood grow quickly and densely, making them an effective and green solution.
Fencing with Gaps
Consider using fencing with built-in gaps to still allow light and air while maintaining privacy. It’s a more stylish approach that balances openness with protection from prying eyes.
Additional Ideas for Blocking Neighbours’ View
If after reading this far you’re yet to find an idea that works for you, consider the following outdoor screening ideas to block out neighbours:
Decorative Panels
Decorative panels made from metal or wood offer a beautiful and functional way to block the view into your garden. You can choose patterns and styles that complement your garden’s design while serving as an effective privacy barrier.
Pergolas with Screening
A pergola with added screening can give your garden a more refined look. The structure itself can add a touch of elegance, while the screening ensures privacy in a sophisticated way.
Garden Arbors
Arbors can be combined with climbing plants for a unique and stylish solution. Not only can they provide privacy, but they also add a charming focal point to your garden.
Planting Trees for Privacy
If you’re not keen on physical screens, planting trees along your property line is a long-term investment in privacy. Choose evergreen species for year-round coverage, and you’ll create a natural, lush barrier in no time.
How to Choose the Best Screening Idea for Your Garden
Now that we’ve shared a large variety of screening ideas, let’s talk about how you can go about choosing the best one for your garden.
Consider Your Garden Style
Your choice of screening should blend well with the rest of your garden’s design. If you have a modern garden, sleek metal or composite options might be the best fit. For a more natural space, plants or wooden screens might suit better.
Factor in Your Budget
The cost of garden screening can vary significantly. If you’re on a budget, consider using recycled materials or low-maintenance options like fabric screens. For long-term investment, more durable choices like metal or bamboo might be worth considering.
Think About Maintenance
Some screens require more maintenance than others. Wooden fences or plants might need regular upkeep, while materials like metal or composite options offer a more low-maintenance solution.
Consider the Local Climate
The climate in your area can affect the longevity and suitability of certain screening materials. If you live in a damp climate, opt for materials like metal, bamboo, or composite screens, which are less likely to suffer from rot or mildew.
Final Thoughts
No matter your garden’s size, style, or budget, there’s a screening option that will work for you. Whether you’re looking for something simple and cheap or a more permanent solution, the right screening can completely transform your outdoor space, offering both privacy and aesthetic appeal.
Whichever route you decide to take, you should also consider reading our guide to building privacy fence as it can provide additional insights and inspiration for creating a private and stylish garden space.