Your home should be where you feel the most at ease, but without some privacy fence ideas, it's difficult to truly unwind if you have unwanted eyes peering over your shoulder. "Privacy fencing, whether along a property line or around a specific area in your garden, creates a sense of sanctuary, seclusion, and peace," says Janice Parker, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based landscape architect. "A garden, at its best, should connect us to nature, which is easier to do when you can relax in a peaceful setting." Because you don't see the entire garden at once, hidden areas created with privacy screening create a sense of mystery. "Mystery makes an excellent garden!"
Fortunately, clever retaining wall ideas and privacy fence ideas (some of which are even DIY landscaping designs) can make your backyard the secluded oasis you desire. "A privacy fence does all the work of a typical fence—indicating boundaries and keeping people and animals in or out—while also blocking views into the yard," says Kevin Lenhart, a landscape designer and design director at Yardzen, one of the nation's largest online landscape platforms.
Here's a step-by-step guide to creating backyard landscaping and a privacy fence—whether you use a pergola or a trellis—to keep onlookers out and your peace of mind in.
Are privacy fences a good idea?
"From an ecological and natural point of view, privacy fences are the least desirable element in the landscape," says Jonathan Fargion, a landscape designer based in New York City. This is not to say that privacy fences are always a bad idea; instead, there are a few things to consider before getting started.
Privacy fences divide the land into lots, which can be hazardous to bugs, insects, and other wildlife. "As a rule of thumb, fences should be at least two inches off the ground to let critters the freedom to move between properties," Fargion says. He believes privacy fences work best on small properties like townhouse gardens. He recommends using natural greenery in larger yards, such as trees, to keep unwanted eyes out of your space.
How tall can I make my privacy fence?
Six-foot-tall fences should block most views from the ground level. "I'd advise not going any taller than you have to, both to save on expenses and to limit the shrinking, enclosing effect fences can have on a space Lenhart advises. If you need more height, he recommends adding 12 to 18 inches of lattice to the top of a fence to add privacy while reducing the visual impact of a taller fence. If you choose a natural privacy hedge, it can grow much taller, often reaching 12 feet.
What is the best type of privacy fence?
The best privacy fence will be determined by the goals of each homeowner for the fence and their yard. "Privacy fences must, by necessity, obscure sight lines," Lenhart says. As a result, many privacy fences are constructed of solid wood and designed to be completely opaque. If complete seclusion is desired, something solid with no gaps is most likely the best option.
Some fences are more open and allow for more airflow in a space. "A privacy fence fails if you can see through it, but there's a gradient with which designers can play," Lenhart notes. In these instances, he says the goal is to include gaps that are large enough to be visible but small enough to prevent a clear view. "The homeowner's style and priorities will dictate the particular fence design to use on a given project," Lenhart explains.
Opaque fence ideas
1. A wood fence
Fargion recommends using natural building materials for your privacy fence. Wood is a common option and one of the most affordable choices. While there are plenty of wood types to choose from, he recommends cedarwood for privacy fences.
2. Horizontal wood planks
Horizontal planks tend to be more costly but can look more elegant. Planting greenery along the horizontal privacy fence creates a nice juxtaposition.
3. Vertical wood planks
Take some time to think about if you want vertical or horizontal planks. If opting for vertical placement, slight variations in the lengths of the fence panels will add an extra touch and draw the eye up.
4. A basket weave fence
Add movement to your backyard with a basket weave privacy fence. It’s a less traditional take on a classic wood fence and is sure to wow anyone who stops by.
5 .A mural fence design
Enjoy artwork every time you’re outside by painting a mural on your wooden privacy fence. Use bright colors for an extra dose of whimsy.
6. A black fence to highlight nature
If you plan to plant a garden in front of your fence, consider painting the wall black or another dark color. “Painting a fence a dark color is a quick way to de-emphasize it while spotlighting plants or other elements in front of it,” Lenhart explains. The dark hue recedes into the backdrop, allowing the plants and flowers that are in front to shine.
7. A fun-colored fence
If you don’t want your fence to disappear, consider painting your privacy wall a vibrant hue, too. This tactic may be appropriate if you want to create the appearance of an outdoor living room.
8. Match the fence and shutters
To create a seamless transition from the house to the front yard, paint your wooden fence the same color as your shutters. It’s an easy way to maintain continuity and ensure the landscaping matches your home.
9. A bamboo fence
While a bamboo fence could add a tropical touch to your backyard, there are other benefits, too. Bamboo tends to be cheaper than hardwood but it is incredibly strong.
10. A vinyl privacy fence
Generally a more cost-effective option, vinyl privacy fences can be a great choice if you’re budget-conscious. It’s also a low-maintenance option, great for anyone who doesn’t have hours to spend on the upkeep of the yard.
11. A stone wall fence
Stone is another natural material that is used frequently in privacy fences. A stone fence can be more expensive on the front end, but it is low-maintenance landscaping and easy to maintain thanks to the stone’s incredible durability.
12. A corrugated metal fence
For ultimate privacy, consider a corrugated metal fence. Just remember, “This approach offers total privacy, but can make spaces feel smaller from the inside, and less inviting from the outside,” Lenhart says of fully opaque options.
13. A recycled fence
As you explore fencing options, consider reused materials, too. If you’re interested in creating a recycled fence, keep an eye out for unused metal or wall sheet paneling to salvage.
Accessorize you privacy fence
14. A low garden
Dress up a dull wood fence by planting a garden right along the fence line. Hosta, Hydrangea, and ivy are all popular choices for this area of the yard.
15. Add a wreath
Consider adding some accessories to your new fence to spice up your outdoor space even more. You could hang a mirror or lights from it and add shelves to hold drinks or candles. This type of fence design would work particularly well if the fence is close to outdoor furniture and the privacy wall is decorated similar to the way an indoor wall would be.
16. Light up your fence
Continue to enjoy your backyard with outdoor lighting as evening rolls around. Install in-ground or stake lights along your fence line to add a soft glow along the perimeter of your property. “Using three dimensionality, either in trellises or the framework of a fence, provides a good opportunity to uplight the fence in the evening,” Parker says. “Unique sconces can be hung on the fence in many ways—this is a fun and chic way to light the garden.”
17. Consider curtains
Who says curtains are only for the inside of the house? Hang up the breezy cloth material around a porch or pergola for an extra layer of privacy and a cozy atmosphere.
18. Lattice walls add charm
Lattice walls feature thin strips of wood interlaced in a crisscrossed pattern. You could leave this fence style as is, or add an extra appeal with climbing vines.
Semi-opaque fences
19. A weathered steel fence
Weathered steel, also known as corten steel, is a collection of steel alloys that are designed to maintain a stable, rustlike appearance after just a few months in the elements. It’s a common choice in construction settings—and may be appropriate in your yard too. It can add a warm, lived-in appearance and an eclectic aesthetic to your landscaping design.
20. A slat fence
Leaving a little room between your wood slats will allow light to come through and make the space feel more open.
21. A log privacy fence
When considering your fencing materials, don’t limit your privacy fence wood options to cut and sanded planks. Consider reclaimed wood logs for a rustic look. Since the logs won’t all be the exact same size, they’ll have small gaps that let sunlight in.
22. A mod midcentury fence
Space out your fence planks and opt for a darker wood, such as walnut, for a midcentury-style wood privacy fence worthy of groovy backyard entertaining.
23. Combine a retaining wall with a privacy fence
Retaining walls help create usable space out of sloped areas of the yard by holding soil in place. Double up and build a privacy fence on top of your retaining wall.
