So you have a small backyard, but you also want it to be private? It’s possible! There are lots of ways to make your small space feel secluded and intimate. Here are my top tips for creating privacy in your yard:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Adding privacy to your backyard can create a more enjoyable outdoor space. |
| Plantings, such as tall grasses or hedges, can be a low-cost option for creating privacy. |
| Outdoor curtains or DIY privacy screens can be an effective and stylish way to create privacy. |
| Lighting can be used to create ambiance and privacy in your backyard. |
| Maintaining privacy in your backyard during the winter months can be achieved with evergreen trees or temporary screens. |
Plant Evergreen Trees
Planting trees is one of the best ways to create privacy in your backyard. Not only are evergreens dense and block light, but they also grow very quickly.
This means that if you have a small backyard, you can plant one tree and it will soon grow tall enough to provide shade for your yard! Plus, planting trees is a great way to add curb appeal on its own!
Using rocks in your backyard can not only add aesthetic value but also provide privacy. Check out our article on how much rocks cost for backyard tips to learn more about creating a natural barrier for a private outdoor space.
Fence It In
Fences are the most common way to keep people out of your yard. There are all kinds of fences, from chain link to arbors and hedges.
If you want to make sure your furry friends don’t get loose in the neighborhood or need a barrier for an area of your yard that faces heavy traffic, fencing is a great option.
A fence can also be used as a privacy screen so that passersby won’t see what’s going on in your garden or patio while still allowing light through it.
If you have pets and/or children who play outdoors, consider adding a fence around their play area so they’re safe from cars and other hazards like swimming pools or ponds near the house.”
Build A Deck
A deck is one of the best ways to make your backyard feel more secluded. If you have space for a full-size deck, that’s great but even if it’s just a small deck off the back door, that can be enough to give you some privacy from neighbors and passers-by.
Decking material comes in two main types: wood and composite. Wood is sturdier but requires more care than composite material like Trex or Timbertech, which won’t rot or splinter over time. Both options are available in different colors (and shades of gray) so that they match the rest of your yard’s landscaping theme.
Lighting can be a great way to create ambiance and privacy in your backyard. Learn how to hang backyard lights with ease by reading our article on how to hang lights in a backyard globe for helpful tips and tricks.
Build A Pergola
Pergolas are a great way to build a private getaway in your backyard. They offer shade, as well as protection from the rain and sun.
Pergolas can be made from wood, metal or stone, and they often have vines or flowers growing up them to add privacy (and beauty).
Pergola structures are typically built into a hillside so that they have a roof over part of their surface area. This keeps water from accumulating on the floor while still giving you plenty of open space under which you can sit.
The idea is that since no one else can see under your pergola, you’ll feel like you have more privacy than if it were exposed on all sides even though anyone could see through gaps between boards if they tried hard enough!
Build An Outdoor Wall Or Garden
If you have a small backyard, consider building an outdoor wall or garden. This is an easy way to create privacy in your yard with little effort. You can also use plants to create privacy if you don’t want to build a wall around your garden. If you do decide on building a wall, then there are many different options available:
Use Trellis Or Lattice To Make A Wall
You can use trellises and lattices as walls for privacy by placing them along the perimeter of the yard so that they cover up any areas that are not being used.
You will need to make sure that these structures are tall enough though so that they cover up everything else besides where people will be walking through them (and probably some of their own foliage).
Bees can be a concern for some when trying to enjoy their backyard. Don’t let these insects ruin your outdoor experience. Check out our guide on how to control bees in your backyard for easy tips on dealing with these pests.
Use Cloth For Sails
To make your small backyard private, you can do a few things. One of the easiest and most cost-effective is to hang some cloth for sails or use a privacy screen. Another option is to put up a fence, pergola, deck or wall.
You could also use reclaimed wood fence panels to give the illusion that you have more space than what’s actually there and it works!
Another way is to use bold and bright colors in every corner of your small yard; this will help give it more dimension and make it look bigger than it really is.
Putting potted plants everywhere will also help create visual interest that distracts from any empty space or blank walls around your property
Use Bold And Bright Colors
If you want to make your yard look more private, try using bold and bright colors. In general, colors that are darker and deeper will help obscure the view of your backyard from outside.
This can be especially helpful if you have an open air design or a large deck that’s visible from the street.
Using bright colors in contrast with these darker or deeper hues will also help draw attention away from the space. In other words, it’ll make it seem like there’s something interesting going on in the other direction!
A gazebo can be a great addition to your backyard, providing both privacy and a place to relax. To ensure your gazebo stays in good condition, read our article on tips for maintaining and keeping your gazebo in good condition for helpful advice.
Put Up Privacy Screens
Privacy screens are a great way to hide things you don’t want others to see. They can be made from a variety of materials and they come in all sizes, so they can be used both inside and outside your home. If you have an ugly view that needs to be hidden away, privacy screens are an ideal solution.
If you want to use your backyard as a place for entertaining friends or family then having some privacy is essential for creating a nice atmosphere.
Privacy screens do an excellent job at disguising fences and retaining walls that you may have put up because they don’t look the best when viewed by guests.
Privacy screens are also great if you have kids who play in the backyard: hiding their toys out of sight means they won’t forget them when they come inside!
Privacy screens can even go over your garbage bins so that no one can see into them when placed outside near windows or doors – this helps keep unwanted pests away from food scraps too (like rats).
Use Reclaimed Wood Fence Panels
A reclaimed wood fence is a great way to make your backyard private. It can be used to create a rustic look, a modern look, or even a shabby chic look.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to this type of fencing with the right style and color choices.
The best part about using reclaimed wood for fences is that they are affordable (some say they’re even cheaper than regular wooden fences).
Plus, you’ll get all the benefits that come with using reclaimed materials such as environmental friendliness and sustainability!
Securing your gazebo is essential to creating a private and safe outdoor space. Learn how to anchor your gazebo to concrete with our step-by-step guide on how to anchor a gazebo to concrete for added security and peace of mind.
Put Potted Plants Everywhere
If you have a small backyard, you can use potted plants to create privacy. Potted plants can block views of your neighbors and create a buffer between the street and your property. They can also be used as a buffer between your yard and your neighbor’s yard.
If you have bushes or trees in the area, consider pruning them so they are shorter than 4 feet high, which will make it difficult for others to look into your home through them.
Keep Your Yard Clean And Neat To Avoid Unwanted Visitors!
If you want your backyard to be private, it’s important to keep everything clean and tidy. This will make it less likely that the neighbors will come over and use your yard as their own personal trash can.
If you have pets, make sure they are always using the correct place for their waste by picking up after them regularly.
If they go in the wrong place, they may end up attracting unwanted attention from other animals or even neighborhood kids who might think it’s fun to play with guinea pig poop!
Also remember that having a messy lawn can make your home look unkept and unsafe. Keep on top of trimming hedges, bushes or trees so that no one can see through into your yard or roofline from nearby properties
There are many ways to make your backyard private
There are many ways you can make your backyard private:
- You can use trees, fences, walls and decks to block the view of neighbors.
- You can use cloth for sails.
- You can use bold and bright colors in order to make a statement.
- You can put up privacy screens or build a fence around the entire perimeter of your yard so that no one can see it from outside unless they have a ladder or go onto the roof of their house (which is illegal).
Conclusion
Now that you have a better idea of how to make your small backyard private, the next step is to go out and do it!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful in creating a private backyard:
How to Create Privacy in Your Backyard: This article offers practical advice for adding privacy to your backyard, including using plantings and fences.
Privacy in Your Yard: The Spruce provides a comprehensive guide on creating privacy in your yard, with tips on landscaping, fencing, and more.
Easy Yard Privacy Tips: Better Homes & Gardens offers simple tips for creating privacy in your yard, including using outdoor curtains and vertical plantings.
FAQs
How can I create privacy in a small backyard?
One way to create privacy in a small backyard is to use vertical plantings, such as trellises or hanging planters. You can also use outdoor curtains or install a fence or wall around the perimeter.
What are some low-cost options for creating backyard privacy?
Using plants, such as tall grasses or hedges, can be a low-cost option for creating privacy in your backyard. You can also repurpose materials, such as old shutters or pallets, to create a DIY privacy screen.
Can I use lighting to create privacy in my backyard?
Yes, lighting can be a great way to create ambiance and privacy in your backyard. Use string lights or lanterns to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
How do I maintain privacy in my backyard during the winter months?
Consider using evergreen trees or shrubs to maintain privacy in your backyard during the winter months. You can also use outdoor curtains or build a temporary screen with fabric and PVC pipe.
Can I create privacy in my backyard without blocking natural light?
Yes, you can create privacy in your backyard without blocking natural light by using sheer outdoor curtains or plantings that allow light to filter through, such as bamboo or lattice fencing.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.