Are you after some fabulous garden screening ideas for your plot? Both practical and stylish, they're an easy way to tailor your view outdoors, as well as your neighbour's.
There's a style to suit any sized plot or budget, too. Whether you need to up the privacy on your balcony, add a versatile shelter for a spot of sunbathing, liven up a hedge, or simply block off the bins, you can be sure that there's a screening solution for you.
From decorative designs and bamboo-filled planters to modern dividers and more, we've selected some of our very favourite styles for you to peruse. So, keep scrolling for a dose of garden screen inspiration when planning or updating your garden design.
1. Grow a living wall for natural privacy
If you're after an impressive look that's full of texture and interest, you can't go wrong with a living wall. Opt for one of these leafy beauties as part of your garden screening ideas and your seating space will be transformed into a jungle-like haven.
It's a fabulous way to inject extra greenery into a smaller plot or terraced area, without taking up too much seating space, and makes a great barrier. Pair with rich brown wooden decking and wicker furniture for a more natural look.
2. Choose the right fence for your garden and privacy needs
A garden fence not only improves privacy around your plot, but also effectively establishes its boundaries. Understanding how to fit a fence in your garden is therefore vital to the success of your garden screening ideas.
The fence type you choose should reflect the kind of property you own. For instance, many older homes tend to have more rustic garden fences in a shiplap or featheredge style, or perhaps materials like hazel hurdles.
By contrast, modern homes look great with contemporary fencing styles, such as slatted, which looks sleek and streamline while providing effective garden screening.
It's also important to think about what your fence is made of, says B&Q head of outdoor, Stephanie Chambers. "When choosing fencing, it’s important to think about both style and practicality. Pressure-treated timber is a smart long-term option as it offers better protection against weather and rot, while thicker fence panels tend to be more durable and sturdy over time."
3. Use different levels to create private spaces
Using a tiered, or sloping garden design can be a more structural way of adding privacy to often-used seating areas. You could even go as far as to create an outdoor conversation pit – a sunken sitting area that brings a sense of playfulness while also providing effective garden screening. These are ideal for mid-to-large size gardens and help promote a sense of closeness within the space.
Sunken sitting areas can also change the way garden features are viewed, such as flowerbeds, because of how they lower the eyeline.
4. Add fabric curtains to a pergola
Pergola ideas are a stunning addition to an outdoor space – they provide shelter and create a distinct zone for outdoor living. But if you're looking to up the privacy levels, then how about integrating some fabric panels both on the pergola roof, and draped down the sides to create curtains?
As well as helping to screen the seating area, it can also help keep the heat out during the hotter months. Pair with suitable outdoor garden lighting and you've also got a space that can take you from day to night with ease.
Try this Habitat Warm White Rattan Battery Operated Hanging Light from Argos if you're looking for an outdoor rattan pendant light.
5. Or, add an awning for shade and weather protection
Your garden screening ideas should address every direction, and that includes above. This is where an awning can prove especially useful.
Given the unpredictability of British weather, even during warmer months, an awning provides additional shelter. It will lend shade when the sun is out and also protect your patio design ideas and garden furniture from rain in the event of a sudden downpour.
Hillarys have a selection of awnings to suit gardens and homes of all sizes, shapes and styles.
6. Choose a contemporary slatted privacy fence in modern gardens
If your garden design needs to be on par with a new, modern extension, understanding how to make your garden and extension work together will be key to a successful outdoor space.
In this instance, a modern fencing idea has been employed that will suit most homes that have a contemporary feel. Horizontally slatted fences add a simple, but stylish finish, and have the advantage of still letting some light filter through the small gaps in between each slat.
For a softer look, you could always add some of the best screening plants in front of it. Plant climbing hydrangeas, alliums, ferns and Alchemilla mollis for a refreshing mix of green hues.
7. Extend the height of an existing fence with decorative trellis
If you already have a garden fence in place, but still have height to play with and won't break any fence rules in extending upwards, adding a decorative trellis along the top can work.
Just make sure you know which side of the fence is yours before making any changes to the panels, and also consider how you will maintain it. If you're short on time, a composite fence and trellis may give you the look for longer and won't need repainting or staining.
If you are adding new or updating an existing fence, Sophie Birkert, founder of Screen With Envy, confirms how it's always best to get your neighbour's permission first. They might well be pleased for the update, especially if you opt for a stylish design.
It's also worth double checking with your local planning authorities too, although most will allow you to screen up to two metres, says Sophie.
Shop for decorative screens and trellis
Use these screen as a standalone feature with the correct fixings, or place it on garden fence panels
Attach to the top of existing fencing to add a layer of extra privacy
Choose a portable screen so you can create privacy when you need it
Sophie Birkert is the founder and creative force behind Screen with Envy and developed the company 10 years ago after spotting a gap in the market for decorative screening products for the garden.
8. Alternatively, break up a garden wall with vertical trellis panels
If, however, you've opted to build garden walls to screen your garden, adding trellis panels can help turn your garden boundaries into something more beautiful.
Typically used to grow climbing plants, trellises can also better define a garden's overall area. For instance, in addition to being used around boundaries, they can also be installed so as to provide screening to a seating area, or around flowerbeds.
Trellises are usually square-shaped, although diamond latticework and more ornate patterns are becoming more and more common. It's key to choose a structure that complements the overall look.
9. Use low garden screening to zone your outdoor space
Garden screening ideas can also help to zone an outdoor space. When you start planning your zones, begin closer to the house, taking into account any patios and/or outdoor dining areas. These will help provide a framework for you to go on when choosing the best solutions to match your property's aesthetic.
If you simply want to zone a seating space from the lawn for example, plant low-level grasses to define the boundary between the two, rather than just using simple garden edging ideas.
Consider ways of maximising garden usage too. Features like verandas and covered outdoor spaces offer elegant screening. Weigh up the differences between a pergola vs gazebo and you could find they both provide an effective social hub when you come to entertain guests.
10. Plant bamboo in pots for instant screening
Bamboo has become one of the most popular garden screening ideas over the years, but more recently has come under a lot of scrutiny as planting the wrong type of bamboo can lead to serious problems.
It's therefore important to make sure you either plant it in pots, or use non-invasive bamboo if considering it for your garden. It is, however, a great way of adding a more distinctive theme in your garden design.
"You can use planted screening to emphasise a theme and enhance the appearance of your garden," agrees Jack Sutcliffe, co-founder of Power Sheds. "For example, if you want to give your Japanese garden ideas even stronger zen vibes, a screen of bamboo will stay green all year round and transport you to the bamboo groves of Kyoto."
For a flowery alternative with a more open feel, try Verbena bonariensis with its purple blooms. Or, you could try ornamental grasses – the RHS suggests Miscanthus 'Morning Light' for an informal summer look. Both will provide tons of pleasing texture and movement in the breeze.
Powersheds was started in 2019 by Jack Sutcliffe and Simon Hobson, who wanted to change how sheds were designed, bought, delivered, and assembled.
11. Choose the right trees for shading and privacy
If your garden is big enough, planting the best trees for privacy, including oaks, willows and magnolias will provide effective garden screening ideas. They will also lend ample shade and greenery to your plot in the warmer months – and in many ways, instantly help to get your garden summer-ready
Jack Sutcliffe suggests the following approach. "If there’s an area of your garden you want to keep in the shade in the warm summer months, use a canopy of tall deciduous trees. This is perfect for outdoor dining areas where you want to keep your food and drink cool and give guests an area to relax in if they want to get out of the sun."
12. Install a wildlife wall for a more eco-friendly approach
The average garden provides plenty of natural habitats for small animals, so your garden screening ideas should do the same. If you lean towards eco-friendly garden design, 'wildlife walls' are an innovative way of making the area outside your home more appealing to local species, and are a a great way of using leftover bricks in your garden too.
On the lower levels of a wildlife wall, insects and smaller creatures like hedgehogs that rely on them usually thrive. The upper levels, by contrast, are perfect for birds, so hang a few feeders and nesting boxes there for them to feel at home.
Incorporating bee bricks is another good way to enhance your wildlife wall; just make sure you have the right materials, such as plenty of supportive stone, first of all.
13. Use screening to hide unsightly garden features
Any outdoor eyesores such as bins, ugly fences or fuel tanks can also be covered with the clever use of garden screening ideas.
Experiment with different options to cover up any unwanted sights, especially if you're still in the process of renovating or landscaping. A wheelie bin store is a welcome addition to any garden, as it protects your privacy.
Here, willow panels have been used to screen off the bins. Alternatively, try a pre-built options such as this KCT Triple Wheelie Bin Storage from B&Q.
14. Carve out a private corner in a cottage garden
If your garden is bursting with colour and plants, and reminiscent of cottage garden ideas, take advantage of the flourishing foliage by training it up and over a metal frame.
Fast growing climbing plants will have soon created a secluded seating spot where you can escape to during the summer months. Or, turn it into a child-friendly space where they play under the shade when the sun gets too hot.
15. Opt for a decorative screen as a stand-alone feature
Sure, garden screening ideas can offer privacy, but they can also be a stylish design feature in their own right. If you're after a more decorative divide, then something like this is perfect.
These corten steel screens draw the eye and add a ton of visual interest. Paired with a steel fire pit and lush green planting, it doesn't just create a distinct garden zone, but will continue to add detail to the garden in the winter months when planting is more scarce. You could also use it along a fence line too.
"The best garden screening is multifunctional – providing both privacy from neighbours and gorgeous design," adds Sophie Birkert.
"Garden trends over recent years have also seen the home becoming multifunctional and this has extended into our gardens," she continues. "Look for screens which can be used to divide your plot into different areas, and consider ideas such as a summer snug or a WFG (working from the garden) area," she suggests.
16. Screen from above with a garden sail if overlooking is an issue
Whether yours is a terraced house or you want to protect your seating area from bedroom views, screening overhead can help add shade and privacy.
Garden parasols are one option, but in small garden design ideas, running a garden sail from one wall to another can work just as well. This Green Bay Sand Patio Anti-UV Shade Sail from Amazon comes in a variety of sizes if this idea works in your garden.
Positioning of any overhead screening is key, notes Jack Sutcliffe. "One of the first things to consider is the direction of your garden in relation to the sun. Think about where the sun is at the times of day you’re in your garden, and plan your screening accordingly.
"You should aim to maximise the shade in your screened area, without casting large shadows over the rest of your garden. You can use string or masking tape to mark out your plans in advance and then observe the sunlight’s trajectory throughout the day."
17. Grow hedges for natural garden screening
If you have any fast growing hedges bordering your garden, use them as a form of natural screening. Smaller shrubs and mighty evergreens both work great, but the regular maintenance of your hedgerows is what will help ensure privacy and keep unsightly views at bay.
First, clear the area beneath your hedges to let in more light and increase space; this helps the hedges grow quicker. Just make sure you know when not to prune hedges to get the best results.
Do remember that the roots of hedges can extend quite some way as well, so avoid planting them anywhere near soakaways, outbuildings or your neighbours' properties.
It's important to remember that garden screening ideas can get pricey, but there are ways you can keep your landscaping costs under control.
First, think about your materials budget and plan accordingly. Bamboo fence panels can be a cost-effective way of screening your garden, or covering up walls that you can't currently afford to replace.
And, if you've recently added a hot tub to your garden but feel it's too open, take a look at these hot tub privacy ideas for a suitable solution.
Some of this article previously appeared on Gardeningetc, a sister website to Homebuilding & Renovating.
