If you are tired of your neighbours or strangers peeping into your outdoor space, we have some clever garden screening and privacy ideas for you in this guide to creating a secret garden.
Have you ever wanted to transform your garden into a secluded paradise? Read on to uncover our five garden screening ideas that will bring peace and privacy to your garden. We are not just talking about fences; we are talking about high-quality creative and innovative solutions. Intrigued? Learn how to create a space that is uniquely tailored around your needs.
The importance of garden privacy
Your garden can also double as a private VIP lounge and a refuge from everyday life. If your neighbours have easy access to your space, your sense of tranquilly will suffer. If you want to make the most of your outdoor living space, you need to create a private area.
A private garden hidden from the prying eyes of the outside world sounds great, we think you will agree. Your design could be extremely imaginative, and maybe incorporate a flashy sculpture or a patio set (that would risk being stolen if easily accessible)? Without having to worry about curious neighbours, you can truly be yourself.
Let us discuss peace and tranquility as well. Seriously, who wants to hear your neighbour's dog barking or their lawn mower roaring when you are trying to have a quiet moment? Some strategic barriers can also serve as noise blockers, offering you that slice of serenity you crave.
What about wildlife, though? A hidden garden becomes a haven for birds, bugs, and butterflies. Stick a bird feeder or an insect hotel in there, and you have your own little wildlife sanctuary. It is not just good for you; it is good for Mother Nature.
Yet, this is where it gets interesting, a private garden can bump up your property value. A secluded, well-kept garden can be a major selling point for future buyers, who crave privacy too! So, you are not just crafting a chill-out zone; you are also investing in your home's resale value.
Top five unusual and unique garden screening ideas
Next, we are talking through five next-level unusual and unique garden screening ideas that will enhance further your private garden area. These are far from basic; they are likely to be loved by your family, friends, and invited neighbours. The rest of the street will be restricted from view, so would only be able to imagine!
1) Bamboo art screens
Bamboo screens are a popular privacy screening idea but make them more than just practical with added art. Picture this: custom-carved bamboo panels with cool and aesthetically pleasing art designs. Opt with a variety of cultural patterns to match your style and décor preferences.
Also do not forget, bamboo is eco-friendly, so you are also “doing your bit” for Mother Earth. Easy to install, weather-proof and cheap garden screening, you can paint bamboo screens up or usual them with a natural untreated finish for an authentic feel.
2) Illuminated trellis
Everyone has seen wooden trellises before, but have you seen them glow? Weave some LED string lights through the wooden slats, and your nighttime garden transforms into a magical wonderland. It is not just for the light; the illumination also deters intruders and is a safety feature. Opt for solar-powered LEDs to keep your illuminated trellis eco-friendly and avoid needing mains supply too. Wood meets light for an effect that is both modern and practical, making this trellis an absolute winner.
3) Mirrored surface screening
Mirrored screens are an affordable option to making your garden seem twice its size. Strategic placement bounces back the sunlight and makes your place look massive. We advise experimenting with different mirror shapes for extra style options. Just beware of glare, which can be reduced/eliminated by optimal placement. Frame mirrors in wood or metal to fit your garden's décor needs.
4) Mosaic wall
Imagine a lively mosaic wall crafted from vibrant tiles or even shattered ceramics. It is pretty much an al fresco art project as detailed or simple as you choose. Choose abstract patterns or opt for an appealing landscape or seascape; it is only limited by your imagination. The colour blast makes your garden the standout space it deserves to be. Go large with a whole wall or keep it low-key with just a panel or two. A mosaic wall is not only eye-catching but also built to last, giving your garden a unique appeal that will appeal to anybody with an artistic flair.
5) Vertical gardening and living walls
Have you ever thought about placing hedges in planters? Yes, you can use tall hedge plants (e.g., boxwood, laurel, privet, yew, etc.,) in moveable planters to create flexible, living screens. So, if you get tired of the layout, you can just move them around. They provide natural privacy screening and are low maintenance too.
A type of vertical gardening, having greenery at different heights adds a nice layer of complexity to your garden's look. If you want to mix up your living wall, throw in some herbs or flowering plants in between the hedges. Not only does it look lush, but it also adds a bit of natural fragrance to the air. These living walls are not just functional; they are also a stunning, ever-changing backdrop for your garden.
Other garden privacy ideas
We now discuss some additional creative garden privacy ideas for gardens that you may not have considered. We have both conventional and non-conventional solutions. Your outdoor living area will become your own little paradise thanks to these suggestions.
Artificial ivy or hedges
Ivy or hedges made of artificial materials are a wonderful choice if you have a location where actual plants will not thrive, such as extreme temperatures, inadequate sunlight, and poor soil quality. They are easy to install and require little maintenance (no watering is needed for example). Other situations might be indoor or shaded areas, rooftops, or balcony use. They look just like real plants, so no one will be able to tell the difference unless they touch them!
Fabric screens
Weatherproof textile screens are appropriate as a stopgap measure. These screens are excellent as a temporary fix and are a breeze to put up or take down, with no hassle involved. Aesthetically pleasing, they will add a touch of flair to your garden while you figure out a more permanent screening option.
Think of these as an outdoor privacy screen, the equivalent of a room divider inside your home, offering both form and function in rapid time. They are a convenient, stylish way to get the immediate privacy you are seeking.
Metal screens
If you are appreciative of modern aesthetics, decorative metal panels are a sure-fire winner. Not only do they ooze a modern, cutting-edge style, but metal screening for gardens are also available in various styles and finishes that easily complement your garden's overall look.
These panels are not just about the visuals, though. They are incredibly effective at shielding your garden from prying eyes, giving you the privacy, you desire. So, if you are keen on creating a space that is both stylish and secluded, decorative metal screening for gardens tick all the right boxes.
Reed or willow rolls
If your garden has a Cottagecore or rustic feel, reed or willow rolls are a strong option to consider. These natural materials perfectly encapsulate that idyllic, countryside feel, and they are incredibly easy to erect, even if DIY is not your forte.
But their appeal does not stop at installation; reed and willow rolls can transform any space into a warm, inviting haven. So, not only do they serve a practical purpose, but they also add an extra layer of charm and cosiness to your garden.
Slatted wood panels
Are you opting for a modern but chilled look? Slatted wood panels are your best bet. They offer the privacy you desire while letting in just the right amount of sunlight and fresh air. They are stylish, functional, and they offer that secluded feel you are looking for, but maybe did know you needed. Overall, buying slatted wood panels is a win-win situation.
Trellis panels
Another solution where plants provide the privacy is trellis panels. Plants such as climbing roses, honeysuckle, ivy, wisteria, etc., add a fragrant and colourful screen that adds a WOW factor. Here are some unique twists you can bring even to trellis panels:
- 3D metal designs – give a futuristic look
- Acrylic panels – a more contemporary look
- Recycled old skateboards – for an utterly unique look
Wattle fencing
A wattle fence is a simple design that works well as a privacy screen. A woven lattice is created by weaving thin branches (or strips of wood) in between upright supports. This traditional technique delivers an uncomplicated, rustic appearance and dates back 10,000+ years ago (neolithic times) and still looks great today!
Wooden fencing
Choose Buy Sheds Direct for a range of wooden fencing options such as lattice or closeboard fencing. These are just two of the classic styles of timber fencing that never let homeowners down. They offer the right amount of isolation and the exact height required can be bought (we stock 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, and 6ft high panels) as well as fencing posts and all the fencing accessories you could possibly need. These are a great partition, which can be handpicked to seamlessly blend with the rest of your outdoor decor.
Enhancing privacy with garden structures and buildings
So, garden privacy is important to you? But maybe you want something that will not only give you some seclusion but also make your garden a bit more personalised to 'you and your family.’ From gazebos to garden bars, let us break down some of the imaginative ways to upgrade your garden's privacy with garden structures and buildings.
- Bike shed - super practical, especially if you are a cyclist, and doubles up as a barrier between you and the world
- Decking with built-In seating - yes, it is a deck area, but those built-in benches can be your own little fortress among your privacy screens for decking. Take a look at the image below, which relates to our 10' x 6'8 Forest Modular Wooden Garden Seating Set Number 4 (3.06m x 2.03m)
- Gazebo - it is like a VIP section for your garden, giving you both shade, privacy, and a striking focal point
- Greenhouse - OK a greenhouse is primarily for plants, but you could partially create a screen using one (particularly with a frosted glass greenhouse as these are not see-through)
- Pergola - add climbing plants (e.g., clematis, honeysuckle, jasmine, rose (thornless), wisteria, etc.,) to a pergola, and you have a living, breathing privacy screen
- Playhouse - if you have children, a playhouse keeps their clutter out of sight and gives them an outdoor play area
- Shed bar - these are great for entertaining family and friends and create a useful privacy screen
- Stone walls - they are a solid choice, literally, adding a timeless feel to your garden
- Summerhouse - imagine this as your garden getaway for crafts & hobbies, exercise, reading, relaxing, etc., or whatever else you would like to do
Concluding thoughts
We conclude in this article that for many having a private garden is an appealing option. Not only do you get to relax in peace, but it is also a chance to really express yourself with some off-the-wall garden privacy ideas. We are talking everything from bamboo art screens that scream style to glow-in-the-dark trellises.
Plus, you cannot ignore the boost to your property's value. It is not just about keeping inquisitive neighbours away; it is about creating a decor scheme that is perfect for you, your friends and family. Your garden becomes a mini wildlife sanctuary, and honestly, it is a win-win for everyone (maybe apart from your neighbours!). Whether you go natural with some classic hedges or modern with metal panels, you are setting up a slice of paradise right in your own private garden area.
Contact us
If you need any help deciding on garden screening or have any questions, please contact Buy Sheds Direct. The team here provides specialised guidance and recommendations to help you discover the best garden privacy ideas from our wide selection to satisfy your needs.
Use the contact form on our contact page to send us an email straight away or give us a call at 0333 003 0514. Using our Live Chat feature, you can also text chat with us in real-time.