Summer is approaching, and it’s safe to say backyards everywhere are set to become the new popular place to hang out. Also, with movement restrictions still in place, summer is as good a time as ever to roll out those chilled backyard vacations and enjoy yourself.
However, if you own a standard-sized city lot like most people, you are probably a stone's throw from your neighbor's property. This can be a big problem when you just want to relax and not be bothered. The last thing you want is to say hi to your neighbors and end up engaging in small talk when all you had planned to do was relax and enjoy some alone time.
So this summer, it would be good if you could create some backyard privacy. In this article, we look at a few easy to install backyard privacy ideas. These barriers will enable you to strike a good balance between subtle and effective so that you can enjoy your summer home vacations in peace.
Super-Sized Planters
If you need a little screening in a small portion of your backyard, you can buy some large planters and fill them with tall, decorative flowers or grasses. The idea is to arrange the planters in a row so that they obstruct the view from across your neighbor's yard. This is similar to using shrubs to create a privacy fence. The only difference is this method is way cheaper and faster. Flowers and decorative grasses take less time to grow and are easier to maintain than shrubs.
Ornamental grasses are also a great way to create your low-profile moment of intimacy in a larger outdoor area. Even when you have managed to secure the large yard, you can still create small enclosed spaces where you can relax at night surrounding a cozy fire pit with your family. Gardening hacks like these are simple and easy but highly effective. You can structure your seats so that they are close to the ground, adding a bit more privacy since the waist-high plants will obstruct the view.
Building a Living Wall
Making a living wall is another great idea if you want to create a private space in your backyard. You can do this by hanging some flower boxes from a lattice screen or any other suitable frame. The boxes should be filled with soil, and then you plant the greenery of your choice. For better coverage, go for large, bushy plants. You can then put some trailing plants to cover the area between the large boxes. Additionally, this is one good way to increase your gardening space which is a plus if you are a garden enthusiast.
Outdoor Curtains
For a more exotic and stylish outcome, you can simply hang some nice outdoor curtains from a rope or rods around the porch or whichever area you want to cover. If you have a few trees in your backyard, you can use them as posts to attach a rope and hang your curtains. If there are no trees, the simplest way to install the curtains would be to drive some wooden posts into the ground and fasten the curtain rods or wires to them. With backyard curtains, you will not only achieve a great deal of privacy, but you'll get a unique look as well.
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Buy a Retractable Backyard Screen
A retractable backyard screen is a cheap and effective way to put a barrier between you and any nosy neighbors. They are easy to find and install. If you check your nearest home improvement store, you'll most likely get some, and if you are reluctant to go out, you can even order them online. A retractable screen can be anchored to wooden subfloors like those on a backyard deck or patio. If you do have a patio, you can consider using some concrete fasteners.
Build a Privacy Screen
If you are handy enough and you like DIY projects, you can construct a quirky yet functional privacy screen using some old doors. Depending on the look you are going for, you can paint these doors or leave them in their original color. To create a folding screen, attach the doors together with hinges. All you need is to be a little creative, and the outcome will be great.
Put Up a Simple Lattice Fence
To create a lattice fence, you need a few boards or wooden posts. Your choice of material will be influenced by how sturdy you need the fence to be. Just like with a DIY privacy screen, you can paint the posts/boards or leave them as they are. Painting will be a good option if their original color doesn't blend well with your overall backyard design. A lattice fence is an excellent traditional and cheap way of getting some backyard privacy.
Panels and Pergolas
Sometimes, you might not have the budget to screen the entire yard. If that's the case, don't despair. You can still get some privacy by screening a smaller area like your deck, patio, or just creating an enclosure. This way, you can still enjoy the summer weather away from prying eyes.
You can design your enclosure to resemble a slatted-top wooden pergola lined with climbing vines and covered with panels on the other side.
Using Fountains to Mask Noise
Backyard privacy isn't just about being seen. Your yard might be too close to your neighbor's such that they can hear all your conversations. Adding a fountain can help you mask your conversations with pleasant white noise. Keep in mind that the higher the water will be falling, the loud it will be. This will allow you to control the amount of sound you’ll be getting.
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There's no point in having a backyard that you can't enjoy because you are afraid of being gawked at by passers-by or nosy neighbors!. Even if you get along well with your neighbors, you will still need some privacy. Use these backyard privacy hacks to keep your space private this summer.