Are your neighbours a little too nosey? There are plenty of ways to achieve better backyard privacy, whether you want to splash out on an outdoor room, install some cost-effective privacy screens, or let some strategically placed gardens do the work for you.
Here are six of our favourite ways to boost your backyard privacy:
1. Install privacy shutters
Fitting shutters to balconies, pergolas or other outdoor living areas is one of the most effective ways to add privacy to your backyard. They also give you control over sunlight and ventilation, and are a stylish addition to your home that will essentially provide another year-round living space.
2. Opt for privacy screens
Privacy screens are often a cheaper option than fitting shutters to your outdoor living spaces, and provide a permanent barrier to block overlooking neighbours. They can also be strategically placed to create better backyard privacy without disrupting any views you’d like to accentuate.
3. Build a freestanding outdoor room
A freestanding outdoor room can create a living space in your backyard that not only delivers added privacy, but can also help to reduce traffic noise if you live near a major road. It’s also means that your barbeques or pool parties will not be dampened by poor weather.
4. Enclose your pool
Pool enclosures are another excellent way to boost your backyard privacy – especially if your pool is located close to a fence line or in full view of your neighbours. Pool enclosures can be constructed from discrete aluminium framework and offer different mesh options depending on the level of privacy you require.
5. Use your pergolaÂ
An open roof pergola provides an excellent framework to add subtle privacy to your backyard. Train climbing vines (such as grapes) to grow up the posts and beams of your pergola to add a natural privacy screen that will blend beautifully into your garden without the added expense of building in panel walls or other privacy screening.
6. Plant for privacy
If you don’t have space for privacy structures in your backyard, let your garden do the work for you. Plant in layers for the best effect – start with tall screening shrubs along fence lines, then step down to shorter plants towards the front of your garden beds to create lush gardens that will provide a buffer between neighbouring properties.