If traditional timber fencing doesn't suit your style, you're likely on the lookout for more modern fence ideas when finalising your landscaping design. But, what modern fence ideas are available to match the rest of your home's exterior?
From bold and bright painted timber fences to panels made of tiles and metal, we've rounded up a selection of 10 modern fence ideas that won't just define your garden, but also mirror and complete the look and feel of your contemporary home.
So whether you're in the market for garden fence ideas that offer privacy, or simply something more decorative, here's 10 modern fence ideas that won't let your boundary down.
1. Paint a traditional timber fence in a bold shade of blue
If you're already happy with how your current fencing performs, but are less impressed by its appearance, steer clear of researching the costs for different types of fences, and dig out your paintbrush instead.
Painting a fence is a great way of transforming something more traditional such as a timber fence into a more contemporary feature in your garden. Here, a bold shade of mediterranean inspired blue provides a dramatic focal point and pairs perfectly with the timber decking and white rendered garden wall.
For a selection of blue fence paints, try this Cuprinol range currently available at Wickes.
2. Choose stylish slim slats
Often the first product that springs to mind when you think of modern fence ideas, narrow vertical slatted panels are a fail-safe option if you want your boundary to be in fashion.
"Slatted fencing provides a contemporary look and lets light through, which works well for screening or zoning," says Jenny Davis, head of marketing at Forest Garden, although it's worth checking the gap in between the slats she suggests.
"Sometimes it doesn’t offer as much privacy or sound insulation as a solid panel," she advises, so if these are your priority, carefully consider which product you choose.
"Make sure you also consider other contemporary fencing options such as hit and miss panels, and combination panels," adds Leigh Barnes, fencing expert at Jacksons Fencing, noting how in the right setting even more traditional timber fencing can be used effectively.
Shop for modern slatted fence panel ideas
A modern horizontal slatted panel with sufficient gaps for light to filter through
A double slatted modern fence panel in popular anthracite grey
A simple slatted panel available in rich cedar tones or a lighter larch
Jenny Davis is the Head of Marketing at Forest Garden, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wooden garden products. Residing in Worcestershire, UK, Jenny is a mother of two boys and an avid gardener who enjoys growing fruit and vegetables. She also actively participates in testing Forest Garden’s products.
Leigh has over 20 years of experience in the timber and construction industry. Since joining Jacksons Fencing in 2019, he has been instrumental in leading the retail team, focusing on driving the timber division side of the business.
3. Pair a simple white picket fence with a scandi inspired patio
Although a picket fence seems more synonymous with countryside front garden ideas, adding a taller white painted picket fence to a scandi-style patio area works really well.
Throw in an outdoor fireplace and log store, pale wicker garden furniture and outdoor rugs and you've got a cosy seating spot that excudes hygge and can be used all year round.
And while the fence may not provide much privacy alone, placing it in front of lush, green garden hedging helps zone the space perfectly.
4. Create drama poolside with hardwood and walnut modern fence panels
Using fence panels as part of your swimming pool landscaping ideas will not only make the area more secure, safe and provide users with some privacy, but can also add some drama to your pool patio ideas.
Here, modern walnut slatted fence panels are interspersed with these Artisan Smooth Meranti Hardwood Wall Tiles from B&Q that are suitable for outdoor use. Adding a three dimensional finish and an eye-catching contrast to the simple slats, they are also available in popular anthracite grey and lighter grey shades.
5. Use your modern fence as an extra planting area
If the extent of your landscaping options is limited to finding the best small patio ideas, you may be weighing up how you can have fencing and plants in the same space. Will a fence block the light too much, or will plants be too exposed if you don't have a fence?
The solution? A modern fence idea that comprises both – slim slats with integrated shelves for plants in pots and wide enough gaps between the slats to hang trailing plants too.
You can find this Slatted Wall Planter with two shelves from Crocus. It can either be mounted to a wall, or, as in this idea, joined together with other sections to create a fence that's also perfect as a garden screening idea that won't completely block the light.
6. Bring corten steel into your modern fencing plans
While timber and composite fencing are great for modern fence ideas, corten steel is another material that lends itself well to use on boundaries when designing a garden for a contemporary home.
With it's earthy, rusty tones, its ideal for pairing with with brick raised beds and can even be softened with bespoke designs, such as these panels featuring a floral design.
The nature of the product means that once the rust has formed on the surface, it becomes practically maintenance free and can last for centuries, leaving you to focus on your lawn care calendar and other gardening jobs.
7. Stain horizontal slats in dark walnut
Although it can be easy to turn to the ever popular anthracite grey when thinking about modern fence ideas, darker timber tones can be another way of adding depth to your garden schemes.
Walnut stain, such as this Ronseal Walnut Satin Water Based Exterior Wood Stain from Screwfix, comes with a 10 year guarantee and is a fail safe approach to creating a classically stylish fencing solution that looks up-do-date, but equally won't date. It also provides a good contrast to wooden pergola ideas that are often paler in colour, but works equally as well with black if a darker scheme overall is your goal.
8. Pick composite fencing for privacy and easy maintenance
It's rare to come across modern fence ideas that don't include composite fence panels – particularly if a low maintenance garden is your goal.
Available in a variety of styles and colours, it's designed to mimic wooden fences, although the quality can differ depending on how much budget you have to spend. Closed panels are also great for creating a private space, making them suitable for front garden fence ideas if you want to prevent your home being viewed from the street.
You can find a good selection of composite fence panels and fixings at Wickes, as well as B&Q who also offer decorative panels for adding detail to the top of your modern fence ideas.
"Fence toppers and accent panels offer the opportunity to create a modern garden boundary that is both functional and visually appealing," says Leigh Barnes, fencing expert at Jacksons Fencing. "They give privacy without feeling oppressive, and allowing the fence to enhance the overall aesthetic of the outdoor space."
9. Use a low level modern fencing with hedging
Fence or hedge is a common question when discussing your external landscaping with a garden designer, but there's no reason you can't have both.
Simple, low level fencing combined with well manicured hedges will create a clean and crisp boundary whether you're located rurally with stunning views, or in a suburban landscape where you want to inject a sense of a nature to more solid fence panels.
Keen to get coverage as soon as possible? Take your pick from the fast growing hedges experts say will get your garden green in no time at all.
10. Update your fence with artwork
If budget plays a big part in your modern fence ideas, "Vertical board fencing is usually the most economical option, especially when covering large boundary areas," says Jenny Davis.
"It offers strength and privacy at a reasonable cost, but it’s important to consider the long-term value too – pressure-treated panels last significantly longer and can be more cost-effective over time due to lower maintenance needs."
However, in order to give it a modern twist, consider painting it and adding artwork for a unique finish. For a similar look to this idea, paint your wooden fence with this Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care Black Paint from Amazon, and add this Copper Flying Birds Metal Wall Art, also from Amazon.
Or, if you like to contrast your modern fence ideas with something more natural, check out our guide to the best climbing fence plants.
Before you start finalising your modern fence ideas, it's also sensible to understand some of the legalities involved. Check out what the experts say is required regarding planning permission for fencing, and we settle the age-old argument regarding which side of the fence is mine, so you can tackle your project with confidence.
