Backyard Privacy Ideas from HGTV Experts

Privacy fences can do more than just block the view. The Property Brothers made one extra functional by covering both sides of it. Now the homeowner gets double the privacy, since nosy neighbors can’t peep through. Plus, they added a handy potting station against the fence, giving the homeowner a sunny spot to garden without getting the patio dirty.

Genius, right? The potting station has shelves for tools, plus a slatted fence up top to keep everything organized. And since the fence is double-sided, the homeowner will never have to make awkward eye contact with the neighbors, even when they’re right up against the property line.

Even teeny-tiny backyards and porches can feel cozy and private with the right fence. Dave and Jenny Marrs proved this on “Fixer to Fabulous” – they enclosed a small patio space with a slatted fence to create a private little oasis.

The key is starting with a nice concrete pad to define the space. Then the slatted fence gives you privacy while still feeling open and airy. If you’re worried about a tall fence making it feel cramped, go for a slatted design to add the illusion of more room. Or get creative with vertical elements like hanging planters to draw the eye up.

Sometimes you want privacy, but not all the time. Jasmine Roth has the perfect solution – a fence with retractable panels. When you need more seclusion, just close it up. But when you want an open vibe, you can fold the panels back out. It gives you the best of both worlds.

You can DIY this with some plywood and hinges, or find a pre-built version. Just make sure to weather-proof the wood so it can stand up to the elements. With a retractable fence, you get the privacy you want, whenever you want it.

Nate Berkus has been using trees and shrubs to add privacy for years. Back in 2006, he helped Oprah create a dream outdoor space, and used greenery to cover an unsightly retaining wall and provide privacy.

Trees like Pagoda dogwoods and Degroot’s Spire arborvitae can grow 15 to 30 feet tall and wide when fully mature. That provides a lot of coverage! You can find more mature trees at local nurseries to get privacy faster. Just make sure to pick options suited to your climate zone.

Dave and Jenny Marrs know how to transform an open outdoor space into a cozy, private courtyard. On “Fixer to Fabulous,” they used a slatted fence to enclose a previously unused alcove along the front of the house.

Even a shorter fence can create that intimate, separated feeling. The slatted design keeps things open and airy, but still provides the privacy you want. Just add some comfy chairs, and voila – you’ve got your own little outdoor oasis.

Sometimes a fence alone just doesn’t cut it when it comes to privacy. Jonathan Scott has a genius solution – add a hedge along the fence. The plants give an extra layer of seclusion, blocking views from nosy neighbors.

To plant the hedge, space the bushes 18-24 inches from the fence so they have room to grow. It might take 2-3 years to get that lush, full look. Or you can buy more mature plants if you want the privacy right away.

Emily Henderson came up with a super handy movable privacy screen. It’s perfect if you only need seclusion at certain times, or if your privacy needs change. Just wheel it out when you want it, then stash it away when you don’t.

Henderson and her partner built the screen themselves using 2×2 and 2×4 boards. They stained the wood to match the deck, then added hardware so they could easily roll it around. You can customize the design with different slats or a contrasting color.

Designer Dan Faires has a clever idea for using plants to add privacy – a vertical planter wall! Hang lightweight planters along the side of your porch or deck to create a lush, green screen. It’s way easier than trying to squeeze in big floor planters.

Go for shade-tolerant plants like ferns, and line the bottom of the planters with crushed water bottles instead of rocks to keep them lightweight. This DIY living wall looks gorgeous and gives you privacy without taking up valuable floor space.

Martha Stewart recommends Green Mountain boxwoods as the perfect privacy hedge. When fully grown, these evergreens can reach 3-7 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, creating a dense, attractive screen.

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