Wanting privacy in your backyard is perfectly normal! Whether you’re holding a family gathering or enjoying quiet time to yourself, there are several to get some privacy. 

Don’t shy away from getting creative when it comes to building some barrier between yourself and anyone who could potentially look over at what you’re doing! 

However, the real question is, how do you want to achieve that privacy? 

You know yourself better than anyone else, so while some may put up a fence, you may have a different solution in mind. Regardless, we’ll give you fifteen unique ways to have your backyard experiences all to yourself.


Living Fence

A living fence is a natural fence that is made of hedges that are closely grown together. This is a great choice, as it provides the benefits of a standard wall and provides agricultural, ecological, and biological services that a typical wall would not. Living fences can be planted with a variety of hedge plants and can employ thorns to protect and conceal air conditioners and other outdoor appliances.

A prime example of its advantages is the edge habitat, which has many environmental benefits for both you and other creatures of nature.

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While you will find that it requires a more detailed assembly process and more required maintenance, it will definitely be worth it! 

You’ll have a luscious green fence made out of the vegetation you worked so hard to grow.


Pergola

Pergolas are an excellent backyard feature, as they can be used for various purposes. From creating a walkway to offering shading in lounging areas, these outdoor structures are perfect for backyard privacy. 

Usually constructed out of wood, you can use pergolas for confidentiality. Plus, they are easy to customize by hanging various accessories on them! From aesthetically pleasing lights to naturally growing vines, this is a very flexible piece that you can have to fit with the rest of your backyard!

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Classic Fencing

For those looking for a more classic or straightforward structure (while still enjoying their privacy), putting up a simple fence is a great option.

Many wood options are widely available in practically every home improvement store. 

In addition, there are also many pre-built and pre-assembled kits that are geared to making fencing assembly and installation much more effortless.

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Today’s Homeowner Tips

While it may not seem like it, some fences are much better for your yard than others. While your primary focus may be on privacy, there may be other factors that you want to keep in check, such as a fence that will also be able to stop your pets from getting out. 


Curtains

So, you aren’t looking at investing in some fencing or structure to gain some privacy in your backyard. While the reasons may vary, that’s perfectly alright — curtains are a great way to gain privacy in your backyard. 

However, you can easily take them down or move them off to the side when needed!  

You can also choose the way that the curtains are mounted. From dedicated curtain frames to a single-pole stretching out from the wall of the house, it is all entirely dependent on where the curtain needs to be placed and what it will be used for. 


Landscaped Vegetation

Like having a living fence, a great way to have some privacy is by planting vegetation around your backyard. Depending on the height you would like your barrier to be, you can go from taller flowers and plants to having smaller trees surrounding your backyard. 

These don’t only give the rear area of your house a much more natural and refreshing feel. Still, you’ll be contributing back to the ecosystem while also being able to enjoy the peace and privacy that you would typically gain from having an artificial barrier or fence. 

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Privacy Screen

If the idea of having some wall between you and prying eyes sounds like your sort of deal, but you don’t want to put the time or effort into setting up a permanent fence or live wall, then privacy screens are for you. 

Rather than being assembled to surround your backyard, privacy screens are more mobile walls or barriers that can be easily set up to provide privacy to certain parts of your backyard. 

Say you want to leave the grassy hills open to let your kids or pets play freely, but like a more private area to lounge on the patio. Have two privacy screens on either side of you, and you’ll be able to relax while having a nice view of your backyard in front of you! 

Similar to essential fencing, there are many designs and materials to choose from for your privacy screen. On top of that, you’ll be able to find them at your local home improvement store.


Custom Fencing

A custom fence is another great option for backyard privacy. The best thing about custom fencing is that, well, it is very customizable! 

Depending on your budget and what’s available, you can construct an extravagant fence out of materials that you have personally chosen. Another awesome thing is that many custom fence building services are available, meaning you won’t have to assemble the fence yourself. 

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Similar to finding fences and screens on home improvement stores, there are many custom pre-built fences that you can find either in physical stores or online retailers’ websites.


Bamboo rows

When it comes to sturdy and natural materials, bamboo is undoubtedly one of the top contenders. Having them standing together in a long row will not only create a tall and pretty fence but will prove to be much sturdier than wooden fences if appropriately constructed. 

Aside from its looks and properties, it provides ecological benefits as well, unlike its wooden counterpart. While producing wooden fences promotes deforestation, bamboo can replenish once cut, making it an excellent resource for low impact. 

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This is a perfect choice for those who may be more interested in a more straightforward fence with a universal design. While there are plenty of ways you can customize a bamboo fence, most of those customizations will probably need to be done manually.


Lowered or Elevated Patios

If you enjoy doing outdoor activities on your patio but want it to grant you more privacy while still retaining its fantastic appearance, adding a raise or creating a dip may be something you’d like to consider. 

While adding a raised portion to the patio is much easier, both options will grant you a more private area of your outdoor property while still leaving many of it open for other activities.

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Today’s Homeowner Tips

While the patio adjustment you decide to make will generally depend on the space you have and the material the patio is constructed of, there are many options for having these portions formed. Here you’ll find three ways you can build a more private area on your deck.


Lattice Panels

Are you interested in having some barrier or wall for privacy but don’t want it to be a solid sheet of material? If so, lattice panels are an excellent choice for you. 

These screens aren’t only great for archiving privacy in your backyard. Still, they’re very customizable in terms of the material they are made out of and the design used in between divisions of the panel itself. There are many styles of lattice panels available for purchase at your local home improvement store. 

As for those who may want a rather specific look for their lattice panels, you’ll be happy to know that you can have complete control of your lattice. There are custom options where you can choose the size, material, and design. 


Ornaments

An option you may not have considered before is garden ornaments. Not only can you arrange these ornaments to grant you a private area of your backyard, but they can be seamlessly integrated into the outdoor space while making it look much better. 

Generally, everything and anything can technically be used as a garden ornament, but popular options include bird houses, glass bulbs, and wind chimes.

As for the market of garden ornaments, there are many options that you can choose from. You can find both manufactured and hand-crafted garden ornaments from mainstream retailers and online marketplaces. Both are excellent sources for people who want to cover their backyard area and make it look much prettier! 


Ironwork

If you are interested in a fence made of a material sturdier than wood without having vast growing properties such as bamboo, consider investing in some ironworks! 

From custom-made gates and fences, ironworks are not only durable but can provide a pleasing look as well! 

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Today’s Homeowner Tips

While you can get iron fencing made or installed by local companies, many marketplaces offer unique ironwork accessories to pair with the fence. You can find many of these accessories on online marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy.


Fountains

Fountains are a beautiful piece that can improve the look of your garden. If you have space and a budget, this is undoubtedly an option you may want to consider. 

Aside from the typical large fountains with a circular design, you can get custom-designed fountains too. Not only will they allow you privacy in your garden, but they can provide the soothing sound of running water. 

Your garden will be prettier and more tranquil with a fountain providing privacy.


Custom Overhang

Whether it’s to provide shelter when it snows, shade when it’s sunny, or protection from UV rays, a custom overhang or awning is something you should highly consider for privacy purposes. 

Unlike pergolas, overhangs aren’t entirely held up by foundational pieces but are instead mounted to an already existing surface, such as a wall or balcony. (However, it may be best to have one side mounted for structural purposes and the other supported by beams.) 

You could make your overhand from heavy-duty material, wood, or even roofing shingles. Plus, if you wanted even more privacy — and protection from insects — you could screen it in.


Gazebo

For those who have enough space in their backyard, you may want to consider constructing a gazebo! Just imagine it as a decorative shed, but for your outdoor activities rather than storing tools and equipment. 

When it comes to the gazebo design you may want to have in your backyard; the options are virtually endless. With a quick internet search, you’ll have many unique designs and ideas for you to consider. 

Not only will you have a great addition to your backyard, but it will give you the privacy you want and protection against outdoor elements.

Source: Unsplash

Create the Backyard You Want

We hope that you are inspired to create the backyard you desire while getting the privacy you crave. Any of the options on this list can give you the little oasis that you desire, it is all about which one fits with the size of your yard and the size of your budget.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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