13 ways to create privacy in your garden (2024)

Our gardens and outdoor spaces are a sanctuary from the world, but we can't get away from the neighbours. We can however, create a high level of privacy with easy and economical fuss-free ideas such as bamboo in pots, or long-term investments including walls, pergolas, and fences; the latter of which is the most popular choice for garden screening.

Here are 13 amazing garden screening ideas to help you create your very own secret garden.

Garden screening idea 1: Standard fencing

Fencing is a hugely popular and economical choice when it comes to garden privacy screens, making it the ideal privacy barrier in the garden. It's very versatile and can be painted easily to reflect changing garden trends. There are a number of fencing styles, from basic inexpensive overlap (rough-hewn timber strips overlapping each other) to contemporary horizontal cedar slats.

'For a quick and easy option, fencing is a good choice,' says Georgina Read, director at Paving Superstore. 'Most fencing will have a lifespan in excess of 10 years. However, as with all timber products, this will not last forever as timber posts will eventually rot. Ensure fencing is treated every year to obtain the best lifespan. It may be necessary to have a landscaping specialist or fencing contractor install the fencing for you although it can often be installed by a competent DIY enthusiast.'

Generally, planning permission is not required if a back garden fence is no more than 2m in height. If it adjoins a road or footpath, the height is restricted to 1m. If you live on a hill, the height of a fence would normally be measured from 'your' side rather than your next door neighbours, with gardens at a lower level.

The average cost (including fitting) of a standard shiplap fence per metre (2m high) is £45-£95, says Harry Bodell, gardening expert at PriceYourJob.

Garden screening idea 2: Modular fencing

Modular fencing, comprised of panels or slats made from composite materials, is a stylish and contemporary garden screening idea. Hard-wearing and UV-fade resistant, it's a good budget option too and a much quicker project than building a wall, for example. Modular fencing can be erected by a competent DIYer and can even be taken down and transported if you move home.

'Our Neva range is very much in vogue right now and panels can be mixed and matched to create endless design possibilities,' says Dawn Ritchie, B&Q category manager for garden leisure and structures. 'The panels are contemporary in design and come in a versatile colour palette, wood-grain, dark grey or taupe, that works well in any setting.'

Good Home Neva Composite fence slats cost from £28 for a pack of three slats. Each pack will create a panel 450mm high. You'll need four packs for a full-height panel (1.8m).

Garden screening idea 3: Acoustic fencing

If you want to shut out noise, acoustic fencing will reduce the impact of unwanted sounds such as traffic noise, and neighbours with loud music.

'Look for certified acoustic solutions that have been designed to deliver good noise reduction performance, are sustainable and secure, whilst also blending in with the surrounding environment with an attractive timber façade,' says Leigh Barnes, spokesperson for Jackson's Fencing. 'For example, our acoustic barriers can reduce noise levels by as much as 32 decibels in laboratory conditions.'

As each garden scenario is different, with factors such as noise source, distance, planning regulation and site to consider, prices for acoustic fencing are bespoke.

Tip: The gentle ambient sound of a water feature can also make your garden feel more private. VidaXL's 130cm high stainless steel Garden Fountain with Pump, has contemporary appeal.

Garden screening idea 4: Screens

A screen instead of a fence creates a style statement, especially effective in a smaller area. Garden screen panels can be cut-out with a pattern or solid with a motif, typically in one corner. Generally, the idea is to diffuse rather than hide a view completely, but you can grow plants up a screen to add an extra layer of privacy.

'Screening also allows the creation of separate rooms in the garden, each with a slightly different feel,' says Georgina. 'Screens can be made out of timber, but an alternative is corten steel, which retains strength but oxidises naturally.'

These freestanding garden screens create instant impact and are an art form in their own right. They are relatively high in cost compared to other options, but can be moved should you move house or change your garden design. Screen with Envy have an inspiring range, including cut-out patterned Moroccan-style designs, starting with medium 1.2m x 0.6m garden screens in black, from £45, and large 1.8m x 0.9m Corten steel screens, £240.

Garden screening idea 5: Screening rolls

Another option is screening rolls, in the form of bamboo, reed, rattan, willow, and so forth, which is great for not only providing a practical privacy screen, but for disguising existing walls and fencing too. These screening rolls can be attached to existing garden fences, stone walls, arbours, pergolas, and other areas, and can be easily attached using galvanised wire, cable ties or screws and nails. Online garden centre Primrose has a great selection of garden screening rolls, with a mix of natural and artificial options.

Garden screening idea 6: Planting

Plants are a great garden screening solution, and there's more to planting for privacy than a row of towering conifers. Hedging shrubs and climbers are ideal for adding privacy to a garden space. Growing to a wide range of heights, depending on variety, they can be trimmed to suit – just ensure it doesn't block out any natural light.

'Screening plants are not only great at reducing any unsightly views, but can also block out noise and air pollution, as well as providing an abundance of green to make your space feel like a sanctuary,' says House Beautiful's garden columnist, Isabelle Palmer of The Balcony Gardener.

'Trees or tall plants like bamboo and laurel are good for both interest and privacy, while bushy or vining plants, such as clematis or jasmine, can speedily cover a balcony railing or trellis – just be careful that you don’t block the natural light. If that’s a worry, go for low-level bushy plants in containers – longer box planters are ideal as they allow for root growth without being heavy.'

Look for shrubs with a good width spread to grow a private wall of foliage; Photinia Red Robin or Pyracantha hedging are good. Many varieties of hedging shrubs and climbers have the added benefit of encouraging birds and pollinators into your garden.

'A good tip is to plant small trees around terraces; they will give you more privacy than a taller tree further away,' says Shannen Godwin, spokesperson for plant and bulb company J. Parker's. 'Bushy shrubs in pots are great for creating privacy too. They are mobile so you can move them around wherever you like. Azalea and Hydrangea are great options – they add a good dash of colour to summer gardens.

'Or tall grasses such as Miscanthus and Pennisetum are perfect for planting in pots or in borders,' adds Shannen. 'Their fast-growing nature is ideal for filling any space in a hurry.'

Garden screening idea 7: Trellis

Trellis is easy to fix and provides a quick, low-cost solution when you want to add height to an existing fence. You can stain or paint it, and train up a climber if you wish. Wilko's Expanding Wood Trellis is just £2.50 for a 180cm x 30cm panel.

Alternatively, position large standalone screens of trellis to create individual 'rooms' within a garden, perhaps as a hideaway for dining, relaxing or even working. B&Q has 1.83m x 1.22m trellis panels for £36 each.

Garden screening idea 8: Pergola

A pergola is a standalone structure that can be either 'single', such as this economical one from vidaXL, which can be used to add height and for training screening plants, or 'double', with two sides creating a shelter or walkway, such as this chunky timber kit, £1,41.99.

'Fence panels or trellis can be installed between the pergola's posts to add a screen,' says Leigh. 'Various designs are available to provide varying degrees of privacy, from completely solid panels which also block the wind, or slatted panels and open trellis designs which allow light, air, and a limited view through. Pergolas also have the potential to add privacy from above, such as when a garden is overlooked from a height.'

Garden designers often bring a pergola into a scheme to create privacy when a fence higher than the standard 2m isn't an option, because planning permission has been refused for a higher fence, or the house is in a conservation area or other location where permitted development rights have been withdrawn.

A pergola can be as tall as 2.5 metres within 2m of a boundary, Leigh explains, and 3m tall elsewhere in the garden (4m if it has a pitched roof). For more information on pergola planning rules, see the government's Planning Portal.

Garden screening idea 9: Living wall

You could distract the eye from a neighbouring garden and bring life and interest to your own with a living wall – Aldi has a Wonderwall vertical planter kit with 96 planters, £199.99. But artificial is the less expensive and low maintenance option – if you're on a budget try IKEA for Fejka artificial panels from £3 each, or try garden centres for a range of living wall kits.

Garden screening idea 10: Awning, sail or parasol

An awning, sail, or a large parasol is a good garden privacy idea for outdoor spaces that are overlooked from above or the side. They're especially suitable for the summer months to provide shelter from the sun – or rain.

A shade sail or cantilever parasol offers the ultimate in flexibility. You can simply move them around the garden to meet your privacy needs.

'Awnings are a more permanent solution, and are available in a wide range of styles and designs, whether you're looking for an automated retractable awning or a simple side-wall awning,' says Dave Downing, director at Patio Awnings 4 Less. 'The great thing about awnings is they don't just add privacy from neighbours and walkways around your property, but allow you to enjoy your garden area regardless of weather conditions.'

Dave says standard patio awnings cost from £150 to £500, depending on material and size. Bespoke awnings range from around £500 to £9,000.

Garden screening idea 11: Walling

A wall is a solid, permanent structure of natural or reconstituted stone or brick. It will form a divide between two sides to enhance privacy and protect outside space from the weather. Choose materials to match the style and period of your home, and consider sourcing recycled bricks or stone if possible, as this is the more sustainable option than new materials.

'To create a subtle, gentle appearance in the garden, use natural stone walling with its neutral colour palette,' says Georgina. 'Consider planting in the gaps between the stones to create a natural appearance.'

Some natural stone walling blocks are 'tumbled' to give them a rounded appearance – it's far easier on the eye than brand new bricks, which can often appear quite harsh in a garden setting.

Once constructed, a wall will last for many years. Natural materials will weather and age in an attractive way. Building a wall is costly in comparison to other garden screening options due to the labour involved. Budget from £50-£220 per metre for a 2m high stone or brick wall, depending on materials, according to PriceYourJob.

Garden screening idea 12: Glass partitions

If you want to maximise natural light but preserve your privacy, consider investing in sand-blasted glass partition panels. Starting at £850 per linear metre for a 1.8m high sandblasted cantilevered partition – fixed only at the base for flexibility – plus fitting, this option is definitely an investment.

Rebecca Clayton, spokesperson for IQ Glass, explains: 'Sandblasting glass only reduces the light transmission through the glass by about 10 per cent, so you will get a lot of light through these types of privacy screens. However, homeowners will need to consider how to clean or maintain both sides of the glass partition as dirt build up will be noticeable as shadows on the glass over time.'

Garden screening idea 13: Garden buildings

Adding a garden building such as a summer house or home office to a garden provides a multi-functional solution. You'll get extra living or leisure space as well as privacy in your garden, thanks to the height allowance – which can be up to 2.5m within two metres of a boundary, without planning permission.

With so many garden buildings now on the market, there is huge competition so this can also be a surprisingly affordable option. Do take a look at the Country Living range of sheds and garden buildings at Homebase – all are hand-built in the UK from sustainable materials.

However, more permanent garden buildings designed to be lived in or used as guest accommodation can cost upwards of £20,000, and may require planning permission or be allowed under the Caravans Sites Act. Ask the supplier for details and advice.

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