A good fence makes a good neighbor. But when that’s not enough, you can install a new screen door. An outdoor screen or partition is a free-standing or built-in fixture that protects your patio, porch or balcony from the view of neighbours and passersby. Whether you are enjoying the view of the sky from your apartment balcony or basking in the sun on a terrace in the suburbs, we have a screen to suit your needs. And the best part? Our screens are equally fashionable and functional, so you can fend off prying eyes without sacrificing style.
Ready to invest in a screen for your home, but not sure what type of screen is best for your outdoor living space? That’s where we come in to help. Below, we’ll break down five types of fail-safe outdoor privacy screens and tell you where to buy our favourites for each category. First, here are some considerations to keep in mind before you buy.
Types of Privacy Screens
Are you investing in a long-term outdoor retreat? Or are you looking for a quick and easy seasonal solution that can be installed and removed with minimal effort? There is no wrong answer here, but the best type and materials chosen depend on how long you plan to use the screen. Metal, wood or plantation screens are ideal for long-term use, while roller blinds or balcony screens are good for short-term use.
Determine the Location of Your Privacy Screen
Will your outdoor security screen work on an urban balcony or a spacious suburban patio? Different locations require unique solutions. Based on your location, consider the level of privacy needed (or desired) for that particular space. If you’re looking for an attractive privacy screen that won’t let your neighbours see-through, opt for material like bamboo or metal. If you’re looking to simply establish boundaries on your property, consider using an outdoor roller shade or privacy planter.
Creating a Cohesive Outdoor Space
Creating a cohesive, designer-inspired outdoor space requires attention to detail. Choose a privacy fixture that blends with your home’s silhouette and colour scheme for a seamless, effortless result. Consider your home’s architectural style and exterior finishes when purchasing outdoor privacy netting.
Just as you would inside your home, take care to select furniture and materials for your outdoor space that complement each other in terms of style, colour and texture. This will ensure that your outdoor retreat feels like a cohesive and polished space rather than a hodge-podge of disparate elements.
Best Metal Outdoor Privacy Screens
If you’re looking for an elegant solution that will provide long-lasting privacy for your outdoor space, look no further than a metal screen. Unlike other materials, metal is not susceptible to rot, mould or mildew, making it an ideal material for long-term outdoor use. Metal screens also offer the benefit of being highly customizable – you can choose from various shapes, sizes and designs to find the perfect screen for your home. Typically, these outdoor metal screens are made of laser-cut galvanized steel and are powder-coated to resist scratches, frost and cracks, with UV inhibitors added to reduce fading over time.
There are free-standing and built-in metal screens suitable for large and small outdoor spaces. Pro tip: Choose a motif and finish that matches your existing outdoor furniture or exterior architecture for an organic result.
Best Wooden Outdoor Privacy Screens
Looking for a rustic, lodge-inspired outdoor privacy screen? Consider using wood. The wood privacy screen is an excellent way to create privacy without sacrificing style. Wooden privacy fixtures create a sense of permanence and security in your outdoor space, not unlike fabric curtains or screens. Like metal screens, wood screens come in various shapes, sizes, and designs to suit any space. However, because these privacy fences are made of wood material, wood fence can be susceptible to rot, mould and mildew if not properly sealed or maintained. For this reason, we recommend that you choose weather-resistant wood pallets like teak, cedar or eucalyptus for your outdoor deck privacy screen.
Best Balcony Privacy Screens
Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some much-needed privacy on your city balcony with this weather-resistant screen. These budget-friendly balcony screens are made of high-density polyethylene and let in a breeze to keep you comfortable during the summer months. And the best part? Consider using an outdoor roller shade for a quick and easy solution for balcony privacy.
Most outdoor roller shades come with weather-resistant hardware that withstands direct sunlight and high winds. These outdoor roll-up shades are available in various materials like bamboo, linen or polyester and can be easily installed with no drilling required. Just roll up the shade when you want to enjoy some sun and let down the shade when you want your privacy level to be on top.
Best Outdoor Privacy Planters + Greenery Panels
One of the most popular ways to create privacy in an outdoor space is with plants. Living privacy screens made of bamboo, evergreens, or tropical plants are a beautiful way to add extra interest to your yard while creating a secluded oasis. If you’re not blessed with a green trees, consider using artificial plants, potted plants or greenery panels. These vertical garden options are maintenance-free and will look great season after season.
When choosing plants for your outdoor privacy screen, consider the size and growth habits of the plant. You’ll want to choose large enough plants to provide coverage but won’t grow so quickly that they become out of control. Bamboo is a fast-growing option that can reach up to 15 feet, while evergreens like Leyland cypress or Thuja Green Giant can reach 30 feet or more.
If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance option, consider using boxwood hedge or euonymus. These shrubs can be trimmed to any size and shape, making them a versatile privacy fence solution for small or large backyard patio or outdoor spaces.
Best Outdoor Roller Shades
Swap your free-standing screen for this sophisticated alternative. Outdoor roller shades are indispensable for those who want to create an intimate setting and extra shade on a covered porch, patio or gazebo.
Outdoor roller shades are a great way to create privacy on your deck or patio while enjoying the view. These shades are available in various materials like bamboo, linen or polyester and can be easily installed with no drilling required. Most outdoor roller shades come with weather-resistant hardware that withstands direct sunlight and high winds. Just roll up the shade when you want to enjoy some sun and let down the shade when you want privacy from your neighbours.
Each option offers a valuable escape from the sun, but PVC and natural bamboo are traditionally more durable than fabric options.
“I am really happy that I decided to install outdoor roller shades for my home. Not only do they provide some privacy and extra shade, but they also look really good and add a touch of sophistication to my porch or patio.The best part is that installing them was a breeze! There was no drilling required and the weather-resistant hardware kept them in place even during strong winds. I would definitely recommend these shades to anyone who is looking for a way to improve their outdoor living space.”
Sonya Shikhman, Partner at Bytensky Shikhman
Bamboo Privacy Screen
A bamboo privacy screen is a perfect way to add a tropical flair to your outdoor space. Bamboo living screens are available in various sizes and styles to suit any space. For a natural look, choose a screen made of whole bamboo stalks. Or, for a more modern look, go for a screen with horizontal or vertical slats. Bamboo fencing are lightweight and easy to install, making them a great privacy solution for patios, decks and balconies.
Bamboo screens are available in various sizes and styles to suit any space. And because bamboo is a fast-growing grass, it’s one of the most sustainable materials you can use for your privacy screen.
Installing a bamboo privacy screen for my home was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, with its natural look and tropical flair, but it also provides the perfect amount of privacy and shade for my outdoor living space. The bamboo screens are lightweight, making them easy to install!
Vlad, Founder of Mars Moco
Vinyl Privacy Screen
If you’re looking for a privacy screen that’s durable and easy to clean, consider using a vinyl privacy screen. Vinyl privacy screens are easy to clean and can withstand direct sunlight, high winds and heavy rains. These screens are made of PVC and come in a variety of colors and styles to suit any garden.
And because they’re made of PVC, they’re one of the most durable options on the market.
Privacy Planter Wall
If you love the idea of using plants to create privacy but don’t have the space for a free-standing screen, consider creating a privacy planter wall. This outdoor privacy solution is made.
A privacy planter wall is a great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space while creating an intimate setting. Privacy planter walls can be made from a variety of materials like wood, metal or composite. And they can be placed anywhere in your yard, from along the perimeter of your property to around your patio or any other private space.
Privacy planter walls are a great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space while creating an intimate setting. And they can be made from a variety of materials like wood, metal or composite.
Privacy Screen Roll
A privacy screen roll is convenient to add privacy to any outdoor space. These rolls are available in a variety of materials like bamboo, polyester or PVC and can be easily cut to fit any space. Privacy screen rolls are easy to install and can be placed anywhere in your yard, from your property’s edge to your patio or deck.
Privacy screen rolls are a convenient way to add privacy to any outdoor space. These rolls are available in a variety of materials like bamboo, polyester or PVC and can be easily cut to fit any space.
“I recently decided to install privacy screens for my home. After much research, I decided that installing privacy screens was the best way to give my family peace and security. The installation process was easy because the professionals were very knowledgeable about what they were doing. They even showed me around their showroom so that I could choose which designs would look best with our house. Seeing the finished product was truly amazing!
The privacy screens enhanced the beauty of our home while still providing us with well-deserved peace of mind knowing that we are safe from outsiders’ prying eyes. We couldn’t be more pleased with our decision! Not only do these new privacy screens uphold our religious principles by giving us more control over who sees into our home but they also benefit us in practical ways as well.”
—Christian, Founder, Above It All Roofing
Which One Is Better?
When choosing a privacy screen roll, consider the material. PVC is one of the most durable options on the market and can withstand direct sunlight, high winds and heavy rains. Polyester privacy screen rolls are also very durable but may fade over time. And bamboo privacy screen rolls are a great choice for a natural look.
