How do I get privacy from my neighbors?

Start by determining which neighbors you want privacy from. Then you’ll know what sides of your property that you need to create privacy on. Then decide how high to build your privacy fence and how much privacy you need. Natural privacy could be with plants. A more solid and lower maintenance solution is fencing.

How do you make an easy patio privacy screen?

You can build your own privacy screen with PVC pipe and outdoor fabric as a curtain. Or you could use lattice panels mounted on a frame. Create a garden of plants that grow tall or vine upwards. A lattice screen or frame will support the plants.

Can a neighbor attach something to my fence?

They may be able to. Most fences are built to be on the property line. This means that technically, your neighbor has a right to use the side of the fence that’s on their property. As long as it doesn’t damage the fence or interfere with your use of the fence, then they have a right to hang something on their side of the fence.

The Top 60 Patio Privacy Ideas

“Privacy isn’t negotiable. It’s the right of every American.” – Jackie Speier

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could use your outdoor areas as additional living spaces? Perhaps you have a large balcony or a sizable patio that’s covered with a pergola. You could arrange some outdoor furniture, grow a few plants, and host friends and family.

However, if your outdoor living space lacks privacy, it puts a damper on using your deck, patio, or balcony. No one wants to relax and let their guard down when they know they’re being watched by the neighbors. These patio privacy ideas will get you inspired to create the perfect private space for enjoying the weather outside.

1. Balcony Patio Privacy Ideas

Living in an apartment or condo presents a unique challenge because these buildings tend to be close together. This means your balcony privacy is at a minimum. If you want to turn your outdoor area into a seating area, then consider balcony privacy ideas so that you don’t become the entertainment of your apartment community.

balcony patio privacy ideas interior_soz

Source: @interior_soz via Instagram

balcony patio privacy ideas littlewinghome

Source: @littlewinghome via Instagram

Source: @_dijana._ via Instagram

Source: @keesje86 via Instagram

balcony patio privacy ideas living_w_colors

Source: @living_w_colors via Instagram

balcony patio privacy ideas marcella_livingmybestme

Source: @marcella_livingmybestme via Instagram

balcony patio privacy ideas place_oflove

Source: @place_oflove via Instagram

balcony patio privacy ideas theberlinhome

Source: @theberlinhome via Instagram

balcony patio privacy ideas wmorzuzakochana

Source: @wmorzuzakochana via Instagram

An outdoor screen is a perfect solution. They’re easy to set up and can be temporary. This lets you remove the screen when you move out. A bamboo or lattice panel can be secured to your balcony railing. Another option is to mount a tension rod and hang a curtain from it. You could also buy an outdoor privacy screen that stands on its own.

2. Deck Patio Privacy Ideas

If you already have a deck attached to your home, then adding a privacy wall can turn this area into an outdoor living space for your family. You already have the deck, so build onto it by creating a frame and adding wood slats. This creates backyard privacy without sacrificing the look or airflow.

Source: @bigdogdecks via Instagram

Source: @bluechipdecks via Instagram

deck patio privacy ideas created_by_sido

Source: @created_by_sido via Instagram

Source: @houseofniina via Instagram

Source: @mcdonald2144 via Instagram

deck patio privacy ideas meagan_marquis_living

Source: @meagan_marquis_living via Instagram

deck patio privacy ideas promes_construction

Source: @promes_construction via Instagram

deck patio privacy ideas sammypattersonathome

Source: @sammypattersonathome via Instagram

Another option is to arrange large potted plants along one side of your backyard patio. Now you’re adding decor and privacy simultaneously. Use plants that have larger leaves to create a natural visual and sound barrier.

Good options are arborvitae, juniper, and cypress. These plants are easy to prune into your desired shape, can grow as tall as you want, and have plenty of dense foliage.

3. DIY Patio Privacy Ideas

Depending on the amount of privacy you want to create, you can build a DIY privacy screen. If you have a roof or cover on your patio, then install an outdoor curtain with PVC pipe. Drop cloths or fabric designed for outdoor use is the best option for the curtain.

diy patio privacy ideas athomewithjordan

Source: @athomewithjordan via Instagram

Source: @chitowntudor via Instagram

diy patio privacy ideas illustrious_interiors

Source: @illustrious_interiors via Instagram

diy patio privacy ideas in_the_house_that_we_live

Source: @in_the_house_that_we_live via Instagram

Source: @jengabron via Instagram

diy patio privacy ideas my.humble.homestead

Source: @my.humble.homestead via Instagram

Source: @ross_d_e_hobbs via Instagram

Source: @updatemycape via Instagram

An even simpler option is to erect a patio umbrella. It could sit in the center of your patio table and be slanted. Or there are umbrellas that have their own stand and can be used anywhere. These are nice because you can open or close them as you need more or less privacy.

4. Fence Patio Privacy Ideas

The easiest way to create privacy is to build a privacy fence. Check with your local HOA and building codes to find out how tall of a backyard fence you can build. Then choose a fence that will prevent people from easily looking into your property.

fence patio privacy ideas edge_of_barley

Source: @edge_of_barley via Instagram

fence patio privacy ideas forevergreyhome

Source: @forevergreyhome via Instagram

fence patio privacy ideas haltonlandscape

Source: @haltonlandscape via Instagram

Source: @hannah.athome via Instagram

fence patio privacy ideas insideout_designbuild

Source: @insideout_designbuild via Instagram

fence patio privacy ideas littletonbungalows

Source: @littletonbungalows via Instagram

fence patio privacy ideas love.2be.at.home

Source: @love.2be.at_.home_ via Instagram

fence patio privacy ideas pureandhumbleceo

Source: @pureandhumbleceo via Instagram

You can hire a professional contractor to build a PVC or wood fence. Or you can buy fence panels in a kit and build the fence yourself.

Keep in mind that a solid fence will also block natural breezes and airflow. This can make your backyard stagnant and uncomfortably hotter. Look for privacy fence ideas that account for this, such as horizontal slats with a slight gap or mounted on an angle.

5. Garden Patio Privacy Ideas

If you have a knack for growing plants, then create a garden that also doubles as your outdoor privacy screen. What’s nice about this is that you can grow tall plants to create a living wall in a place where maybe a fence of the same height wouldn’t be allowed.

garden patio privacy ideas adornedsouthernhome

Source: @adornedsouthernhome via Instagram

garden patio privacy ideas another_renovation

Source: @another_renovation via Instagram

garden patio privacy ideas edwardshale_1956

Source: @edwardshale_1956 via Instagram

garden patio privacy ideas keep_things_simple

Source: @keep_things_simple via Instagram

garden patio privacy ideas littlecharliep

Source: @littlecharliep via Instagram

garden patio privacy ideas moj_swiat_zamkniety_w_40m

Source: @moj_swiat_zamkniety_w_40m via Instagram

Source: @mydecoimages via Instagram

garden patio privacy ideas radical_botanical

Source: @radical_botanical via Instagram

garden patio privacy ideas rubychanelcarrell

Source: @rubychanelcarrell via Instagram

garden patio privacy ideas theonebespoke

Source: @theonebespoke via Instagram

garden patio privacy ideas thishouseishome_

Source: @thishouseishome_ via Instagram

Source: @tutusmama via Instagram

You could plant directly into the ground along your property line. This creates a permanent solution. However, this isn’t always possible. If your backyard doesn’t allow for this, then use potted plants instead. You could have bushes or plants that vine and grow on a trellis.

6. Outdoor Patio Privacy Ideas

You can create patio privacy with decor or furniture. Instead of having a fire pit, you could build a fireplace. Build out the hearth, mantel, and overmantel. You could even build a mini wall around it. Now your outdoor living space feels more like an indoor living room.

outdoor patio privacy ideas barnestowers

Source: @barnestowers via Instagram

Source: @bdiedrich4 via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas blushingbungalow

Source: @blushingbungalow via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas boulderthrifter

Source: @boulderthrifter via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas deb_at_no_70

Source: @deb_at_no_70 via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas handcraftedbychrispalmer

Source: @handcraftedbychrispalmer via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas homebycullen

Source: @homebycullen via Instagram

Source: @jade.doutch via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas katie_elaine

Source: @katie_elaine via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas myhomestyle31

Source: @myhomestyle31 via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas our_cosylittlehouse

Source: @our_cosylittlehouse via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas rachelleighsergent

Source: @rachelleighsergent via Instagram

Source: @sassa_mila via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas smalltownstyleme

Source: @smalltownstyleme via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas thefontaineflat

Source: @thefontaineflat via Instagram

outdoor patio privacy ideas tlctinyhomes

Source: @tlctinyhomes via Instagram

Patio ideas that turn your outdoor patio into a living space are also popular. Relax in a hot tub with a natural stone wall around it. Or wrap a bamboo screen around it. Even bamboo that grows tall enough to form a wall will have you feeling like you’re in a tropical island oasis.

7. Screen Patio Privacy Ideas

Instead of building a fence or dealing with the maintenance of growing plants, a simpler solution is to erect an outdoor privacy screen. These are smaller and perfect for creating privacy on a patio, deck, or balcony. They’re ideal for creating targeted privacy when you want to block the view from a particular direction.

screen patio privacy ideas kathleencaulsonheiles

Source: @kathleencaulsonheiles via Instagram

screen patio privacy ideas philosophicaleggs

Source: @philosophicaleggs via Instagram

There are several options available for your patio screen, enabling you to match your patio privacy screen to the rest of your decor. A bamboo privacy screen will give your patio a tropical feel. You can also create a resort feel to your patio with a bamboo screen.