There are myriad uses for screening that will provide privacy and points of interest around your garden and add value to your home.
Screening can be both decorative and practical and can be something as simple as well-placed plants through to carved and engraved metal or timber decorative screens.
Whether you want privacy, to hide something ugly, or simply to renovate, here are 10 creative ways you can have privacy screens.
Fencing
Fencing comes in a variety of styles, from dainty white pickets through to tall concrete barricades. With slat fencing, you can place your screening panels vertically or horizontally for a modern, stylish look, and still be protected from passing eyes while enjoying air flow.
Creative Gates
Who said gates couldn’t be fun and still be secure? Try using a decorative metal screen, which will serve the same purpose but provide an unusual and attractive point of interest. With so many styles to choose from you can match any garden theme.
Garden Art
Decorative screens can also be purely ornamental and support special garden themes. Think of the visual impact the new decorative screens make when used as art on fencing or exterior walls. Think of tropical plants and bamboo reed screens with water features for that touch of Bali. Think of white trellis screening, the perfect touch for a lovely English garden with archways and climbing-scented roses. Or maybe you like something more avant-garde.
Two-Storey Privacy
With second storeys becoming more popular, there is that uncomfortable awareness that neighbours can see everything you do from their elevated position. A decorative, cleverly placed screen can provide an attractive and effective shield against this unwanted attention. You will need to place the screen closer to your outdoor sitting area than the fence line. The closer it is to you, the less they will be able to see you. Try matching your roof and wall screening for a modern look.
Increase Fence Height
Need to raise the height of your fence? Consider decorative screens, or lattice, which you can leave bare or cover with vines, which will also add attractive greenery as well as extra height for privacy.
Hide Ugly Fencing
Don’t know what to do with your ugly old grey super six fence? You can paint it, but you can also cover it with reed or bamboo screening and create an exotic forest or tropical ambience in your outdoor area. Likewise, many an ugly fence panel has been covered with a decorative screen which comes in a variety of colours and patterns to suit all landscapes.
Vertical Garden Screening
You can use a vertical garden to screen off ugly fences and walls, and this is also useful if you have limited space to have a garden.
Overhead Shelter. Sometimes, you don’t want a completely covered patio. Sometimes you want to let some sunshine through but maintain some protection. At the cheaper end of the scale is traditional shade cloth, but for a more stylish solution, try screening boards. If you don’t like the idea of regular maintenance, try a composite product, like NewTechWood composite screen. Being fully capped to protect the core, these boards will last the test of time and are UV, moisture, white ant, rotting, warping, mould resistant and zero maintenance – they never need oiling, sealing or painting.
External Pergola Privacy
Provide privacy for your external Bali hut or pergola. You can install clear al fresco plastic blinds which will keep out the wind and rain but won’t protect from prying eyes. Other options include reed or bamboo blinds, or if you’d prefer something permanent, try timber, reed or bamboo “walls”, or lattice screening. You can also use cladding. NewTechWood composite cladding is maintenance-free and has the stylish look of natural timber. Decorative metal screens will also provide stylish privacy while still allowing airflow.
Façade
Want a decorative privacy screen that allows for airflow, and doesn’t require plant life for good looks? Façade can be used to grow creepers and vines vertically up walls and fences, but some people like to use it just as it is for a modern, edgy look which goes well with an industrial-look architectural style. Façade gives you the option.
Don’t forget to check with your local council or corporate body, as applicable, before undertaking any expensive, major works as many have rules regarding fence heights and similar modifications that may affect your plans.