The key to making a patio more private is clever screening – here's 8 of my favourite solutions to make your space feel secluded

The first thing to mention about patio privacy ideas is the importance of choosing the most private spot in the garden for your patio if you're designing the space from scratch. It might seem obvious, but it makes sense to choose the place that feels most secluded for your patio, and that might not necessarily be adjacent to the house.

Alternatively, if you're modifying an existing patio a few subtle enhancements can make a huge difference. There are many easy ways to adapt the space so you can enjoy your patio in peace.

From fast-growing hedges and climbing plants to retractable roof covers and pergolas, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to how to design a patio with privacy in mind. The good news is that there are lots of simple design tricks that can be utilised to ensure your space feels peaceful and secluded.

1. Screen a patio with airy trees

Planting trees or tall shrubs along boundary lines is an elegant garden screening idea that works particularly well for patio privacy. It also softens hard fence lines and garden wall ideas, and can screen out unwanted views.

"We often use multi-stem specimens, which can be maintained at a smaller, manageable size," says garden designer Karen McClure. "Deciduous varieties like Acer griseum offer the added benefit of striking bark texture, providing winter interest even when foliage has fallen. Another favorite tree in my planting palette is Aralia elata (Japanese angelica), valued for its tall, slender trunk and airy canopy. It's an ideal choice for maximising vertical space, especially in compact gardens."

When selecting trees, it's important to consider how they relate to the entire planting scheme. "We design with a layered approach," says Karen. 'Trees form the structural backbone, with shrubs, herbaceous planting, grasses, and ground cover carefully composed in front. This creates depth, texture, and harmony throughout the garden, ensuring every element complements the next."

Evergreen options are also excellent for year-round patio screening as part of your patio planting ideas. Karen suggests pleached Ilex aquifolium ‘Nellie R Stevens’, a holly variety with smooth, non-prickly leaves that’s both easy to maintain and beautifully structured. Find Ilex aquifolium 'Nellie R Stevens' at Amazon.

Karen McClure

Karen McClure has successfully grown her company Karen McClure Garden Design from her passion for the landscaping industry. She is a fully accredited member of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD). The driving force behind KMGD, Karen continues to learn, develop and grow her company, to provide clients with the best garden designs.

2. Put up a pergola if you're overlooked

"Freestanding aluminium pergolas are a fantastic solution for patio privacy because they offer both structure and flexibility," says John Foster, exteriors installation and services manager at Hillarys.

"With the option to add retractable screens, you can easily adjust your level of seclusion and shade throughout the day. This makes them ideal for creating a private, comfortable outdoor space that adapts to your needs, whether you’re entertaining or simply relaxing with a book."

The latest pergola ideas are great for patio privacy, especially the models with louvred roofs that can be closed at the touch of a button, such as the one pictured above.

John Foster

John Foster oversees the national installation team for Hillarys. With a construction background and specialist product knowledge, John has a hands-on approach, dismantling each product down to component level and rebuilding it to truly understand how every part functions.

3. Raise the height of a fence with a decorative fence topper

If your fence isn't quite tall enough to screen an undesired view, try adding a decorative topper like these sections of curved screen that fit easily onto existing fence panels. The latest designs are made from eco-friendly recycled materials, come ready to use, and are a long-lasting way to add height to a fence.

A beautiful trellis will enhance your patio privacy ideas as well as provide an attractive backdrop for outdoor living spaces. Trellis toppers can also be used as a framework to support climbing plants. Ideas range from simple structures to more elaborate designs, in both traditional and modern styles.

Find out how to fix trellis to a fence to give your garden more privacy as well as enhance the look of your fence with a design upgrade.

4. Use an attractive instant hedging screen

Planting a hedge is a great patio privacy idea but one that takes time to become established and fulfil its role. So what are the choices if you're looking for a faster result?

"If you can't wait for a hedge to grow to gain patio privacy there are such things as instant hedging screens," says gardening expert and MD of Hedges Direct Jamie Shipley. "Hedging screens come ready-made to give you an attractive and environmentally friendly 'living wall' instantly. They are grown on galvanised steel frames using several plants in each trough to create full coverage of the framework. They are lightweight, simple and easy to install."

If you're interested in instant hedging screens you can buy suitable posts, metal or wood, from your local DIY store or builder's merchant along with metal brackets to fix the screens to the posts or to a wall. Your local store will be able to advise on appropriate fixings.

Alternatively find out what the best options are for fast growing hedges such as Cherry Laurel from Gardening Express that will give you lush green screening from neighbours in no time.

Jamie Shipley

Jamie Shipley is currently managing director at Hedges Direct, a position he has held since 2018. He has extensive knowledge and experience of the horticulture and landscaping industries.

5. Use climbing plants to cover boundaries

"To make a small garden feel more private include climbing plants such as Trachelospermum jasminoides (climbing jasmine) and let them scramble up against your boundaries to blur the edges of the garden," says garden designer Cassandra Crouch.

"Adding height with climbing plants and large shrubs will make the most of vertical space. Also, don’t be afraid to include elements such as pergolas or overhead structures too, as this will help to create even more of a secluded feel."

Climbing jasmine is a real favourite for creating patio privacy. It makes it on to our list of the best climbing fence plants as well as the best climbing plants for pergolas. It's easy to see why, as this fast-growing climber looks great with its starry white flowers, and has the most amazing scent to enjoy while sitting on the patio. Find variegated climbing star jasmine at B&Q.

Cassandra Crouch

Cassandra Crouch Garden Design is a small professional practice working for clients in London, the home counties and across the country. Qualifying at Capel Manor College, she won the SGD 2010 Student Award, and was a finalist in the SGD 2014 Award for future designer. She was a finalist in the SGD Awards 2016.

6. Include a decorative screen to make your patio feel more private

"One of the quickest and most affordable ways to add privacy to a patio is by using decorative screens," says Reilly Gray, co-founder of Suns Lifestyle. "They can also help create zones throughout the garden. A versatile option, decorative screens can be made from a range of materials including wood and metal, and can be customised to match the style and aesthetic you want to create."

The use of strategically placed screens to make a patio feel more private is a common design trick, particularly if your outdoor space is overlooked. Choose a lattice style that will allow light to pass through so your patio won't feel claustrophobic. Featuring ornamental laser-cut patterns and made of materials such as metal and wood, they add a unique design element as well as giving you much-needed seclusion.

I love the patterned details of this decorative black garden screen at B&Q.

Reilly Gray

Reilly Gray is co-founder of British, independent, family-run outdoor living specialists Suns Lifestyle. Specialising in high quality, luxury, outdoor structures, kitchens and furniture, the entire collection has been designed for you to enjoy life outdoors all year round.

7. Maximise the height of your fence

“One way to get more patio privacy is to maximise the height of any fences," says DIY expert Jimmy Englezoss. "If you need a higher boundary, you can look into applying for planning permission for a taller fence."

Another idea is to experiment with different fence panels to obstruct the view. Add more privacy to the patio by considering what type of fence panel would work best for the space, says Jimmy. "Closed board fence panels that partially overlap provide stability and security, preventing any onlookers from seeing in."

Consider adding raised beds with a selection of plants as part of your patio privacy ideas too. They will grow tall and add a double layer to make the space feel even more private.

Jimmy Englezoss

Jimmy is the senior brand manager at Ronseal. He regularly provides insights and guidance on the correct way to prepare wood for treatment, as well as handy tips and hints for general woodcare projects.

8. Get one of the latest stretch patio awnings

The latest retractable patio cover ideas are great if you want to screen your space with a stylish awning. Remote control operation means a touch of the button is all it takes to slide the privacy screen into place.

Many patio cover styles can be enhanced by the addition of sleek extras like infrared heaters and LED lights, plus these are one of the best garden sunshade ideas. Some offer vertical awnings too that you can add to your design if you want to feel even more enclosed.

As well as being great for patio privacy, it's good to know you're protected from sun, wind and rain, and can still use your outside space.

FAQs

What’s the best plant to block my neighbour’s view of my patio?

“Bamboo is a great choice for a privacy screen while helping incorporate more natural elements into the garden," says Jimmy Englezoss, senior brand manager at Ronseal. Several of these low-maintenance plants can be used to create an attractive green screen.

It's best to choose a non-invasive variety of bamboo and plant it up in large containers, preferably on wheels so you can shift them around as the occasion demands. Colourful flowering pots will pop against the neutral backdrop of the bamboo screen.

"Another option is to add a row of pleached trees as part of your garden design, which can be used to create a canopy above the fence line to improve your privacy," he adds.

One final thought is to think about how private your patio will be at night too. If you like the idea of sitting outside after dark, opting for subtle patio lighting ideas that gently illuminate the space rather than creating a bright glare will naturally create a more secluded feel.