How to Make Your Patio More Private

So you're trying to get some privacy on your patio? Whether you live in a densely populated neighborhood with a lack of foliage between you and your neighbors, or you have a large open patio that's lacking in privacy, there are many different ways that you can make your patio more private. Some of these methods can be put in place quickly, while others will require some more advanced planning. Regardless, here's how you can make your patio more private without breaking the bank.

Ways to Make Your Patio More Private

1. Privacy Screens

There are many different types of privacy screens that are designed specifically for outdoor use. You can find ones made out of bamboo, wicker, reed, metal or wood and attach them to a standing frame. Privacy screens can vary in price, starting from a few hundred dollars and going up from there. The benefit of privacy screens is that you can put them up and take them down whenever you want. Alternatively, some screens come on rollers which can then slide closed and open whenever you want to see through or be seen.

2. Use Outdoor Curtains

Do you have a covered patio or pergola? If so, hang outdoor curtains from the top of the roof to the ground. Outdoor curtains are typically available in many different designs and colors so that you can get the look you want. Many outdoor curtain rods are designed for this specific purpose. When you're outside with the curtains drawn, your neighbors or passersby can't see in, but you have more of an open feel than other privacy methods. This is especially useful if you have patio doors or another entrance to your patio that you would like to keep private.

3. Use Trellises

Growing vines or other plants on trellises is a natural way to create privacy on your patio. It will also add to the natural, outdoor feel of the space and help to blend the patio with the surrounding nature. Trellises are typically not that expensive and you can get them at most local garden stores. Many trellises can be attached to your fence to enhance privacy or they can be a freestanding structure to add privacy to a specific area. The downside is that this type of privacy requires careful planting and planning ahead. However, the effort required to set up a trellis with plants is well worth it for the natural and permanent privacy it will provide.

4. Use Canopies and Pergolas

If you're looking for a shaded area that also adds privacy to your outdoor space, consider a pergola, or a canopy. Pergolas can be covered with canopy fabric to create overhead privacy and shade. If you're going for a more temporary solution, canopies are one of the more flexible choices for outdoor privacy. They're usually easier to install than a pergola or gazebo and can be taken down fairly easily. Pergolas can also have side screens or curtains in place for privacy. A pergola or covered seating area adds more architectural interest to your outdoor space, especially if you go with a wood style for a more rustic look.

5. Use Umbrellas

Not the privacy type you might think about, but a large outdoor umbrella can create a more secluded and intimate outdoor feel. Pair it with some tall plants or other outdoor furniture and the effect can be quite powerful.

6. Plant Privacy Plants

Tall, dense foliage can provide an excellent privacy screen naturally. Bamboo, arborvitae, tall ornamental grasses, and evergreen shrubs are popular choices because they create year-round privacy without the need for artificial structures. Just be careful with bamboo though as it can spread rather quickly and become invasive. Potted plants can be lined up to create a temporary or flexible privacy screen.

7. Build a Privacy Fence

You can also build a traditional privacy fence along the perimeter of your patio to block the view from neighbors and passersby. Privacy fences are typically 6 to 8 feet tall and can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, bamboo, vinyl, or metal. While this is a more permanent and expensive solution, it provides complete and lasting privacy. It also adds a finished and polished look to your outdoor space.

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