Most of us have wished for a little more outdoor privacy in our yards and gardens. Unless you live on acreage, chances are you have a neighbor just a little too close. No matter how tight you are with your neighbors, (or not!) you just might want to feel a little less exposed when enjoying your own outdoor space.
No worries, if you are looking for backyard privacy ideas, this is the place to be! These DIY garden privacy screens and plants are the perfect solution to lookie-loo neighbors or a busy street.
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Wooden DIY Outdoor Privacy Screen Ideas
Wood is a versatile material if you’re looking for an outdoor privacy screen. It absorbs some sound, you can’t see through it (obviously), and it’s really versatile – leave it natural or paint it up! Here are our favorite DIY wood privacy screen ideas.
Easy Wooden DIY Privacy Screen
This easy DIY privacy screen from ‘The Sweetest Digs‘ is made for a deck, but you could alter it to work in other situations, too. Step-by-step photos and instructions make this a simple project anyone can do! You have to go look at the difference this outdoor screen made in the before and after photos…
Cedar Wood DIY Outdoor Privacy Screen
Let’s hop on over to ‘The Happy Housie‘ and learn how to make an outdoor screen from cedar planks. We love how this backyard privacy idea is perfect for a porch, deck, or patio. The planks are of different widths, which is what gives this project a high-end look. Easy to follow tutorial.
Cheap DIY Wood Privacy Screen
Love this quick and easy outdoor privacy screen by ‘Thrifty & Chic’. She made this faux pergola backyard privacy curtain idea for less than $100! And it’s so pretty!
Privacy Screen DIY With Curtains
‘Lowes’ also has a quick and short tutorial on how to make this backyard privacy screen from curtains.
DIY Planter Box With Privacy Screen
If you need a balcony privacy screen, then ‘Dunn Lumber‘ has the perfect DIY tutorial for you! We love that this has an attached planter as well, and that it has wheels too! Perfect if you have neighbors on more than one side.
Chevron-Style DIY Wood Privacy Screen
Add a modern feel to your outdoor space with this backyard privacy screen tutorial from DIY Passion. The original guide isn’t available any more, but we still love the chevron look of this build! They built this entire outdoor screen for less than $150.
Wood-Framed Artistic Panel Privacy Screen
Use artistic panels created with wood frames, and filled with wire mesh and panels of polycarbonate material, or even mesh fabric. Check out this garden privacy screen from ‘Houzz’.
Lattice or Trellis-Style DIY Privacy Screens
If you’re looking for something that screams “country garden”, why not opt for a DIY lattice privacy screen? A lattice or trellis is a great choice if you don’t want plain wood, and it’s perfect for growing vines or other climbing plants up for some natural decoration. Check out these ideas for inspo!
Lattice Privacy Screen DIY
If you love the classic lattice look and have a large area you need a privacy screen for, try this outdoor screen planter combo by ‘Gina Michele‘. We love this! If you have anything unsightly you are trying to screen (ugly camper, anyone?), this is the project for you.
Pre-Made DIY Patio Privacy Screen
If you aren’t wanting to build this one but love the look of the lattice, you can check out this version over at ‘Amazon’. It’s solid wood, freestanding, and is small enough to provide pretty privacy on a balcony or patio.
DIY Painted Lattice Privacy Screen
This is a gorgeous DIY option that isn’t as complicated as it looks, and can be painted any color to suit your vibe! Get all the details on this DIY lattice privacy screen over at ‘Shabbyfufu’.
Metal Trellis Privacy Screen
The Morse privacy screen comes in 2×4 foot sections at less than $40, and are made of a weather resistant composite material. It comes in four colors, but is also paintable. You could use this as a trellis as well! If this one is sold out, try this similar screen from ‘Wayfair’.
Gorgeous Lattice Privacy Wall With Hanging Plants
We’ll have some more plant options coming up for you soon, but how cute are these little pots?! The privacy wall itself is great too, and so versatile. If you’re thinking this is the one for your space, head over to ‘Checking in With Chelsea’ to get all the details.
Basic DIY Wooden Privacy Lattice Screen
Think of this lattice privacy screen as a blank slate – you can paint it, decorate it, let some vines grow up, or just keep it basic! If you’re looking for something versatile, this one is for you. Head over to ‘YellaWood’ for the tutorial.
DIY Privacy Screens With Plants
When you first think of a privacy screen, you might think of wooden slats or even a solid frame, but of course, you can always create a living privacy screen using plants! There are so many ways you can do this – here are just a few options to get your head in the game.
Homemade DIY Outdoor Privacy Screen with Potted Plants
‘Deborah Silver’ has this great privacy wall for us made of wooden posts and planters filled with herbs and succulents. While you don’t necessarily have to employ hand-carved posts like she did, the idea can be copied by anyone! Prefer flowers? Stick to a color theme and go for it! Just be sure if your privacy fence is in the shade, you choose shade plants, or likewise for plants that need full sun.
Container Garden DIY Privacy Screen
‘Martha Stewart‘ shows us how to use rain gutters to create a container garden that doubles as a garden privacy screen. We love how they used copper gutters for this backyard privacy idea! The tutorial isn’t online any more, but we thought we’d keep this one in for anyone who wants to figure it out themselves.
DIY Privacy Screen with Tall Plants
Use larger plants in containers that can be moved. This backyard privacy idea is portable, since the bamboo is in planters, so they can be utilized exactly where you need them. This bamboo privacy screen is from ‘Houzz’.
Artificial Hedge Privacy Screen
Ok, so it’s not exactly a live plant, but these artificial hedge panels interlock and can be attached to any existing fence to add privacy and looks. Buy as many or as few panels as you need to cover your size fence.
DIY Planter Box with Privacy Screen
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for extra space for plants! This DIY privacy screen gives you the best of both worlds – more room for growing things and a nice privacy screen to keep your space tranquil. Details over at ‘Pine + Poplar’.
DIY Privacy Screen With Hanging Plants
This one’s a bit different! Rather than an actual structure, you can use hanging baskets or planters to give your patio or deck some added privacy. Love how these look, especially if you grew something that hangs down – it would almost give you a curtain-style effect! Get the tips over at ‘Monrovia’.
Pre-Made and Freestanding Privacy Screens
We get it, not everyone has time to DIY a privacy screen. And sometimes when you need privacy, you need it ASAP! These pre-made and freestanding privacy screens are quick and easy, and they look great too!
Stunning Freestanding Privacy Screen From Doors!
Ok, we are swooning over this outdoor screen made from vintage doors! What an awesome backyard privacy idea! From ‘Country Living’. Can you imagine getting to look at this instead of your neighbors kids jungle gym?
Cedar Freestanding Privacy Screen
The Fusion Privacy Screen from ‘Wayfair’ is made of solid cedar, is free-standing, and has the attached planters as well. This would be perfect if you need an outdoor screen that doesn’t have to have support posts installed, or a structure to attach to. (Note: This one is pretty popular so it goes in and out of stock, but they usually have a restock date, and you can check out other options there too!)
Shade Sail Privacy Screen
Want a creative outdoor screen idea? Use shade sails! These can be mounted to block unwanted views or to screen out harsh sun. We have an entire post on how to install shade sails! Photo by ‘Superior Shade Sails’.
DIY Patio Privacy Screen
We actually purchased these very outdoor screens from Veradek for our upstairs balcony at our Palm Springs place, and we love them! High quality, with a modern look that also can look everything from mid century to Mediterranean! Lots of different patterns, these laser cut Metal Privacy Screens are great quality, and we would buy them again.
**And an update for you – Seems there has been quite a few new outdoor screen manufacturers added here to Wayfair’s online selection.
Bamboo Privacy Screen DIY
This Rolled Bamboo fencing comes in 8 foot long panels, and can be shortened or cut to any size. It’s double sided, comes with a warranty and has 95 positive reviews! You could even install this over chain link fencing to cover it completely!
Give Your Yard Some Privacy With These DIY Privacy Screens!
Which backyard privacy idea is your favorite? We think you will also love our posts, Privacy with Plants, and DIY Patio Privacy Screens! If you need privacy indoors, check out DIY Roman Shades at OhMeOhMy!
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need privacy panels or sceens to sit on top of deck railing. 5-6 ft high and run around 16 feet in length.
Anytime you “upcycle” old painted doors, windows, or metal, please refer to EPA website on how to know if you are dealing with lead paint to keep yourself safe – intact paint is not a risk, but if you disturb it – or if it is already chipped- it can present a hazard to you or your family. Even small amounts of lead can disrupt a child’s development, making it harder to learn, pay attention, or exhibit self-control. https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-exposures-lead
Love all the great ideas!
We have been considering putting together old doors in our side yard to block neighbor’s view, but do not know how to secure them from heavy winds. Recommendations are welcome.
The only thing I can say has worked for us for windy areas is posts set into quick setting concrete!
The first couple of photos, of the pots hanging by the lips so that what the neighbor sees is a bunch of clay pot bottoms, that seems a little … unneighborly?
I think if you would place every other pot opposite sides most plants that trail, will bush out as well, and hide the bottoms of the pots. Or you could get creative and cover the pot bottoms with some art. Or old but pretty dishes from a thrift shop maybe.
Genius! That’s the way my mind works all the time! It’s exhausting! Thanks for the great idea for “pot bottom art”!
What is planted in the gutters? Love the ideas.
I love your DIY ideas! The privacy article is super! I especially love the vintage doors hinged together to form a screen. Thanks for all the great ideas.
I like the idea of using inexpensive fabric shower curtains, but NOT the idea of throwing them away at the end of the season. They can easily be washed and donated if no longer wanted.
I agree if they are still in reusable condition! However, after a season in the sun and rain, many of them just are not reusable after that!
Everything is fabulous…love the raised planters, mainly I think because I was drawn to the architectural shade structure – a typical arbour with trellis on top to provide more shade. Need me one of those (well to hold the grape vine as well!).
Loved the Morning glories climbing up the trellis. We don’t need privacy but we have LOTS of Morning Glories. Started out with 4 little plants and now, they spread out over a 40 foot by 40 foot space. Beautiful. Thanks for the great ideas.
Morning Glory is considered a noxious weed in Australia – we can’t buy or use, are not allowed to do so. There are plenty other creepers to use though, not the least sweet pea!
Morning Glory grows wild in Bermuda, too, and we pull it up, even though it is pretty, because it chokes everything else in sight.
I love the screens idea! It doesn’t say stay out or come in… And it is more likely to last all yearlong. Thanks for the ideas!
Glad the ideas helped you Christine!
Gutters, morning glory’s and old doors, oh my! Love all the great ideas!
Thanks Grace!
I agree! I love ideas for Balcony Gardens or Condos we need to see more of these.Thanks <3
Hi, I think the ideas are great. I’d like to know what was used to hang the baskets or pots on to the poles, I can’t quite make it out from the pictures.
Thanks
This came from this blog – http://www.deborahsilver.com/blog/one-mans-garden/
Not sure but think they made the special hooks themselves?
The first picture of my blog post about Barry’s screen is a detail of the hook he made from galvanized wire that holds the pots. Yes, he designed and made the hooks himself.
you can buy ready made “S” hooks at wal-mart. If they won’t stay on pot, I would try tying fishing line to the top around the indented rim. before cutting fishing line, tie off a loop also and hang that from the “S” hook. I love this whole idea, especially for herbs or small viney things like Wandering Jews. the purple and silver of the plant would look really nice!
Also the last picture looks like bamboo which I avoid at all cost! The stuff is strong and prolific! My neighbor planted a small amt next to his side of a privacy fence and it took over his AND our yard. New stalks continued to come up in our yard as hard,, round, fast growing weeds! And they were doing this ALL OVER OUR YARD. It can grow across several feet. DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING BAMBOO! It was even trying to come up under our backyard pool. We have since moved but I hear the new people and new tenants (in the bamboo house) are both fighting like h%$^& to cut it back!
Anna… we have a whole post on Bamboo o that talks about just that problem!
*contained* you must keep it in a very strong large deep container. Thats the big mistake your neighbor made.
PLEASE, PLEASE only plant bamboo in containers, if you must plant it at all. Once it gets into the ground it will go to any depth to get into the water table! Especially in areas such as deserts our environment could do without it.Thanks
Some varieties of bamboo are not invasive and stay small. Check what you’re planting!
Just buy the non-invasive bamboo type (it does exist = ask your nursery person). Put in metal troughs, so none ‘escapes’!
Yes, exactly. Metal troughs or very secure planters of NON-invasive bamboo. Other types have roots that shoot to the side…these of which are not so neighborly. ;)
Our township does not allow bamboo
Many residents have bamboo and as you state, very invasive
Bamboo must be contained which is not easy
Again, while this would apply to running bamboo, clumping bamboo is not invasive and has the same look.
they are wire plant holders that wrap around the pot under the lip and have hook