There are so many options when it comes to upgrading an outdoor space, but one of my favorite trends at the moment is creating secluded zones.
In this article, I’m sharing some of my favorite deck privacy ideas to inspire you and help you create the perfect private retreat for yourself. This will enable you to find your own balance and create an exciting design that suits your personality perfectly.
1. Enchanting Pergola Designs
I think adding a pergola to a deck or back patio is a fantastic way to create some privacy and get a little protection from the sun. The overhead structure and sides really help make your backyard deck feel like another room of your home.
When you’re thinking about the style and material for your pergola, you should consider your deck’s design. It’s so important that all your deck ideas blend together for a look that feels cohesive.
After your pergola is installed, you can use hanging baskets to form a natural-looking wall. I’d suggest choosing plants that flower for a really colorful display.
You could also set up planter stands around the patio’s exterior. Using both of these ideas together will give you a visual wall while still letting the air flow through.
2. Stylish Fence Deck Privacy Ideas
Building a privacy fence is the classic way to get some seclusion. These are a bit more substantial than a typical chain link fence. While chain link might keep people out, it does absolutely nothing to block their view into your yard.
For the most privacy, you’ll want to build your backyard fence along the edge of your property. Use solid wood posts to make sure your new fence is supported. From there, you can choose an all-wood fence or one made from PVC.
A simple plank board design will definitely get the job done. But, you can always make your fence more decorative with a lattice top or other interesting details.
3. Utilizing Screens
Living in a condo or an apartment comes with its own unique set of challenges. You often have limited ability to enjoy the sun. An outdoor fabric deck privacy screen is a great solution because you can move it around.
I find this especially useful when you need to change your level of privacy or want to use it to block some of the harsh sun.
You should look for a screen that can stand on its own and has slats. This allows it to serve double duty. You could plan to keep it in one spot and hang some small planters from it.
I love this because it lets you build your own living wall where you can even harvest fresh herbs. It really proves you can have a garden without a yard.
4. Incorporating Benches for Privacy and Comfort
Small patios and decks just don’t have a lot of room for full-sized outdoor furniture. I know this can make it tough to create a space that feels both welcoming and comfortable. A great idea is to build a privacy screen and then incorporate a bench right into the screen’s structure.
This can be a simple DIY project if you use pre-made lattice screens. You could opt for vinyl lattice, which is a low-maintenance choice, or go with wood lattice for a more budget-friendly installation.
A plain wood bench and privacy wall won’t be very comfy on its own. Try making the bench seat a bit deeper so people have room to lean back. Then, just pile on some outdoor throw pillows and add a seat cushion, and you’ll be all set.
5. Creating a Private Retreat
Even if you only have a small porch attached to your house, it’s still nice to have some privacy when you’re using that outdoor area. If your porch has a railing, you can totally use that to your advantage.
Try hanging planter boxes on it with vining plants that can fill in the railing, or you could use tall flowering plants that act as a natural screen.
Another way to go is using potted plants. You can place them around the corners of the porch or along the outside edge right inside the railing. Then just let the plants grow tall and leafy to block the view from anyone looking in.
6. Cozy and Inviting Patio Solutions
Much like a deck privacy screen, you can create a patio privacy wall with lattice panels or a trellis. Instead of enclosing your whole patio, you can get inspired by backyard privacy ideas that only put a small wall where you need it most.
These aren’t like a fence; they’re more like the height of a wall inside your house.
You can use this outdoor “wall” to frame your space and create a real focal point. I’d place an outdoor dining table, sofa, or even a hot tub right in front of it. Then you can hang string lights or planters on the wall to finish the look.
7. Creating Privacy in Your Backyard
You absolutely have a right to privacy in your own backyard. You can use your green thumb to cultivate some lush greenery. I can just picture a lovely English garden, a tropical escape, or even a desert landscape.
If you don’t think plant care is for you but you like the green look, you could build a living wall on an outdoor privacy screen.
Find some privacy screens that feature a planter box at the base with a lattice screen for the wall. You can plant flowers in the box and hang some potted plants on the lattice itself.
Vining plants are another good choice; they will grow up from the planter box and weave their way through the lattice.
8. Poolside Privacy Options
Adding a privacy screen near your pool can help you create just the right atmosphere. The first step is to build your wood pool deck to whatever size you want.
For an upgrade that requires less maintenance, you could even swap out the wood for composite decking. Then you can use plants to form a natural wall around your pool area.
I think a bamboo screen, or even real bamboo, can give you a tropical feel. It grows tall very quickly, which is great for a fast privacy solution.
For a more formal pool space, boxwood bushes are perfect because they are so dense. You can also trim them into the shape of a perfect wall.
9. Exploring the Use of Metal
You can create a decorative and modern look for your deck makeover with decorative panels. If you want something durable, wrought iron is a great choice that will last for years.
You can find screens with a wide range of designs on them. The panels are also available in different sizes, so it really doesn’t matter if your deck is large or small.
When it comes to installing your metal screens, you have a couple of options. You can either pick an independent screen that has its own base or you can mount them inside a wooden frame.
I think smaller panels look beautiful as a decorative element on top of a wooden fence. Another idea is to alternate between wood and metal panels for the length of your fence wall.
