Aug. 09, 2023
50 Functional Privacy Fence Ideas That Look Great in Your Yard
Your home should be the place where you feel the most relaxed, but without some privacy fence ideas it’s hard to truly unwind if you feel like you’ve got unwanted eyes peeking over your shoulder. “Privacy fencing, either along a property line or around a specific area in your garden, creates a sense of sanctuary, seclusion, and peacefulness,” says Janice Parker, a landscape architect based in Greenwich, Connecticut. “A garden should, at its best, connect us to nature, and this is simpler to do when you can relax in a peaceful setting. Hidden areas, made with privacy screening, create a sense of mystery, as you do not see all of the garden at once. Mystery makes a great garden!”
Luckily, clever retaining wall ideas and privacy fence ideas (some are even DIY landscaping designs) can ensure your backyard is the secluded oasis you want it to be. “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, one of the nation’s largest online landscape platforms.
Here, a guide to building backyard landscaping and a privacy fence—whether you use a pergola or a trellis—to keep onlookers out and a 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 doesn’t mean privacy fences are necessarily a bad idea, just that there are a few considerations to take into account before getting started.
Privacy fences cut the land into lots, which can be problematic for the bugs, insects, and other wildlife that live there. “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 explains. In general, he says privacy fences make the most sense on small properties, like town house gardens. For larger yards, he suggests making use of natural greenery, like trees, to keep unwanted eyes from infiltrating your space.
How tall can I make my privacy fence?
Fences that are six feet tall 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 says. If you do need extra height, he suggests adding 12 to 18 inches of lattice on the top of a fence, which will add privacy while minimizing the visual impact of a taller fence. If you opt for a natural privacy hedge, these can be much taller and often go up to 12 feet.
What is the best type of privacy fence?
The best privacy fence will depend on each homeowner’s goals for the fence and their yard. “By necessity, privacy fences must obscure sight lines,” Lenhart says. For this reason, many privacy fences are made from solid wood and designed to be completely opaque. If the goal is to have complete seclusion, something solid without any gaps would likely be the best choice.
There are also fences that are a little more open and offer breathability in a space. “Obviously, a privacy fence fails if you can clearly 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.
Different Types of Garden Fences
Gardening is one of those activities that allows us to express the full range of our creativity, and the choices aren't limited to which raised plant beds to build or spring flowers to plant. These garden fence ideas not only provide a physical boundary but also add an extra decorative element to your outdoor space!
Gardeners might need fences for a variety of reasons, which is why we're providing a range of options that are functional and stylish. For example, if you're hoping to grow cucumbers or tomatoes, you might want to opt for a wire or slatted fence to provide the vines with extra support. From using repurposed materials to creating living walls of succulents, we've got you covered with a range of creative options to help transform your garden into a beautiful oasis.
When choosing a fence, or any other landscaping idea for that matter, consider the style of your house and garden. For example, a traditional picket fence looks great with a cottage-style house. One with horizontal pickets would complement an Arts and Crafts-style home. That being said, picking out a fence is truly all about what you like, because it's a personal style statement as well as a functional part of your yard. Many of these fence ideas also fall under the DIY category, so you can save money if you can construct it yourself. You'll also find inspiring ideas to dress up your existing fence, like DIY picture frame planters or a nature-inspired "bug hotel."
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