7 Outdoor Privacy Ideas for the Porch, Patio & Yard

Whether you live on a busy street, next-door to nosy neighbors, or in a high-rise apartment complex, there’s one thing your outdoor space can’t do without: privacy. We’re sharing some of our favorite ideas for covering up exposed outdoor spaces. Could your porch, patio, or balcony use any of these?

1) Gazebos & Pergolas

Add a pergola or gazebo to your outdoor space to keep yourself shaded as well as sheltered. You’ll gain privacy from the sides as well as above, and you’ll also enjoy the protection from the hot sun.

If you have a slatted or trellis-style structure and want some extra privacy, grow climbing plants or hang string lights along the top and sides.

2) Outdoor Curtains

Need a simple, inexpensive solution for creating outdoor privacy? Try hanging a set of outdoor curtains. Use sheer, lightweight panels to create a bright and breezy atmosphere, or hang thicker curtains for extra privacy.

In addition to the privacy they provide, outdoor curtains are also perfect for expressing your style. Styles are available in nearly every size, color, and pattern imaginable, so it’s easy to find curtains that complement your outdoor space.

3) Oversized Patio Umbrellas

Oversized, offset patio umbrellas offer an especially versatile solution for shade and privacy, thanks to their adjustable designs and extra-large shades. An offset patio umbrella can provide privacy from above or behind, making it ideal for pools, patios, or balconies.

4) Outdoor Privacy Screens

If you like the look of a pergola or privacy wall but don’t have the space or ability to add one, an outdoor privacy screen may be the right solution for your balcony, porch, or patio.

These versatile dividers not only offer shelter from nosy neighbors’ prying eyes, but they’re also great for visually defining different outdoor spaces. Try placing a privacy screen between your fire pit and your dining space to keep smoke away from the table, or create a private nook for reading and relaxing.

5) Sun Shades

For veranda-style porches or gazebos with open sides, sun shades offer a versatile solution for shade and privacy. Like outdoor curtains, sun shades provide privacy and style, with a wide variety of materials and designs to choose from. And unlike curtain panels, sun shades can be adjusted throughout the day to provide as much sun or shade as you’d prefer.

6) Plants & Landscaping

An all-natural alternative to fences and sun shades, plant life can provide the perfect amount of both privacy and style. Plant a row of shrubs around the yard to create a privacy hedge, or use a cluster of pots and planters to add extra coverage to porch and balcony railings.

If you already have a gazebo or fence but want additional coverage, climbing plants such as ivy, honeysuckle, and wisteria offer a beautiful solution for filling in the gaps.

7) Privacy Walls

One of the most effective ways to add privacy to an outdoor space is with a sturdy brick, stone, or concrete wall. And while privacy walls offer plenty of security, they aren’t always pretty.

If you want to add style and personality to your garden wall, use planters or trellises to add a pop of greenery. We especially love the look of a vertical garden on an outdoor privacy wall.

Hayneedle has everything you need to keep your own outdoor space feeling private and comfortable. From outdoor curtains to trellises and planters, we’ll help you find the perfect privacy solution for your porch, patio, or yard.