Privacy screens and solutions
Looking for a little more seclusion? Here are some stylish ways to screen your space from the outside world
Parts of your garden may be made to show off, but sometimes you just want a quiet, private spot to entertain friends, curl up and read, or sit and contemplate your garden… without any onlookers. If a neighbouring property looks into your cosy reading nook or back deck, why not add some stylish screening to block the view? There are plenty of ways to achieve this, from DIY and quick-fix ideas that you can whip up in an afternoon, to more permanent solutions that require a bit of patience and planning (and possibly building approval).
The range of stylish solutions includes plants, pergolas and permanent screens, along with retractable sunshades (above), shade sails and curtains to add to your structure or balcony. Here are some ideas to match many tastes and budgets.
GREEN SCREENS
Screening plants are an obvious solution for creating privacy. If you’re in a hurry, use fast-growing options such as lillypilly or bottlebrush (for more ideas, see ‘Plants for screens’, below right). Other instant screening ideas include tall plants in large pots or planter boxes (containers with wheels are ideal, left). Alternatively, pot up some climbers, and add an attractive trellis to the pot or planter box to provide privacy while the plants grow. Plus, you can take them all with you if you move. For a longer-term solution, plant a dense hedge along a boundary (below). It may take time to grow to the height you’re after, but it’s hard to beat as the ultimate green screen for a private oasis.
PERGOLAS
If there’s a double-storey house or an apartment block next door, you may want some kind of overhead screen to create some privacy. There are loads of options, from pergolas to shade sails and retractable sunshades.
If adding a permanent structure is an option, consider a weatherproof steel or wooden pergola (right) to block the view from above, and to provide a frame for hanging curtains to create a private space. Then decide if you want to cover the roof beams. Wisteria and grapevine are popular deciduous options if you’re happy to let in the winter sun, while evergreen options include star jasmine, bower vine and bougainvillea, to name a few (see ‘Plants for pergolas’, far right).
Other cover-up options include modern polycarbonate roofing for year-round privacy and weather protection. It comes in many profiles and materials that let in the light but reflect UV rays. Some are even resistant to impact, such as hail.
Mounting solar panels on top is also an option. They create a ceiling, and are easier to access than on the house roof.
SUNSHADES, SAILS & AWNINGS
Other options to block a view from above include shades, sails and awnings. Shade sails come in all shapes, sizes and colours, from recycled yacht sails (ask at a sailing club or sail maker) to stylish neutral or coloured canvas (below right).
Check with your local council to see if you need building approval before you start thinking about installation. There are many ways to mount shade sails and awnings to cope with the tension created when the wind gets under them. If you’re attaching one to your house or another existing structure, you need structurally sound fixing points (use marine-grade stainless-steel fittings that will last). Mounting to standalone poles is another option, but they need to be concreted to a decent depth, and be wide and strong enough to take the strain.
Professional installers can recommend the best options, depending on the storm rating in your area. Ideally, make sure your shade sail’s fixing points are accessible so you can take it down if strong winds are forecast (or you live in a cyclone zone).
Consider a retractable sunshade (there are motorised or manual options, again in myriad colours and sizes) for areas where you want privacy from your upstairs neighbours, with the option to let in the sun on cool winter days if you choose.
CURTAINS & BLINDS
There are plenty of ready-made curtains you can buy off the shelf to hang as walls for your pergola or balcony, from sheer ones with tab tops, to heavier ones with eyelets to thread over a curtain rod. The trouble is they are made for indoors, and are not durable enough to leave outside for long periods. That’s no problem if they are easy to remove when it looks like rain (see overpage for a quick-fix curtain). Consider curtains made from tulle or a similar gauzy fabric to create atmosphere, let in light and provide privacy; you may need to sew weights along the hem for breezy days. Ideally, curtains should hang 1cm or so off the ground to reduce wear and stay clean. Tying them up (above) can be attractive, too.
The other option is to get some curtains made in a fabric that’s UV-resistant and designed for the outdoors (right) – handy if your pergola supports are on an angle and you need a custom solution. If you’re using heavier fabrics, consider how they will hang; a simple S-fold in a heavier curtain will sit well when tied back.
Blinds are another alternative to curtains for pergola or balcony ‘walls’. Bamboo blinds (far right, bottom) are affordable, and available at hardware stores. They’re simple to install, and easy to raise and lower. If they’re exposed to the elements, consider painting them to extend their life and match your decor. At the other end of the affordability scale are custom-made UV fabric or mesh blinds, mounted on rollers (far right, top) or in metal channels, that you can adjust to block out the sun or onlookers.
QUICK FIX & DIY SOLUTIONS
If you prefer to whip up your own project with what you have to hand, take inspiration from these ideas for homemade screens:
Use simple wooden clothes pegs (right) and a rope or temporary clothesline to hang up lightweight fabric around your entertaining area when you need it. If it looks like rain, just duck outside to bring in your pretty, removable curtain (along with the washing!).
Invest in some large pots, plant them up, and place them in a line along the edge of your patio or other level surface. If you’re doing this on a balcony, keep in mind the maximum weight limit.
Use hooks and lush hanging pots overflowing with greenery or flowers (below) in gaps to create ambience and instant privacy.
DAY BEDS
If you have limited space or you’re renting, consider an outdoor day bed with a canopy. These giant enclosed lounges are the perfect instant solution to create your own private nook. There’s room for you (and a friend or two) to relax. Tuck one into an unused corner, or position it to block a neighbour’s view into your garden. Prices vary, with the luxurious models offering features like all-weather (think hose-down) resin wicker, durable but soft UV-resistant fabric, quick-dry outdoor foam cushions for those rainy days when you forget to cover it up, and wheels if you want to change the location or follow the sun.