You may want to add an outdoor privacy screen to your patio to block neighbors and nearby foot traffic from peering in. However, privacy isn't the only reason to add one of these screens. For instance, you may want to block the sun as it rises or sets to protect your eyes while you enjoy time outdoors. Or perhaps you'd like to hide an air conditioning unit or pool pump. Whatever you need, we think you'll enjoy an outdoor privacy screen in the collection we gathered here.
Sunnyglade privacy screen fence
Stretches across any fencing style
Sun-resistant fabric lined with brass grommets is ready to provide instant privacy the moment you hang it up.
Pros:
- Easy to install with zip ties
- Wrapped edges to prevent fraying
- Up to 50-feet in length
Cons:
- Need multiple layers for complete privacy
- Grommets could be improved
Chainlink and picket fences don't offer any privacy. You may be painfully aware of this fact if you have a neighbor who loves to chat you up every time you want to barbecue in peace. By applying this privacy screen on top of your fence, you can slightly obscure sight into your yard or patio. Yes, a neighbor can still see most of what's happening—depending on the lighting and color chosen—but the barrier may lessen the conversation opportunities. Aside from helping with social situations, we also picked this privacy screen because of how easily you can install it. All you'll need is a stash of zip ties and an afternoon's worth of time to make your fencing a bit more useful.
DearHouse artificial ivy privacy fence screen
A more natural look
Get vine-lined walls without the wait or maintenance.
Pros:
- One-piece construction
- Better to look at than your neighbors
- Many size options
Cons:
- May have a weird odor
- A bit cheesy
Do you have dreams of ivy-lined walls and gardens surrounding your domicile? With this faux ivy privacy screen you can place plants anywhere you can zip tie or hang them. It comes in one roll allowing you to easily cover a large area without lining up different pieces. But if you must use multiple rolls, you can interlock them so they're easier to hang evenly. One tip we recommend is to adjust the leaves a bit to look less manufactured. Natural ivy leaves may grow in clumps here or there, and it's easy to zhuzh up the fencing to mimic that.
Enclo Privacy Screens Wilmington vinyl privacy screen
There are no trash cans to see here
Ground spikes let this screen stand on its own.
Pros:
- Hides your AC unit or trash cans
- Made of weather-resistant vinyl
- Two-pack
Cons:
- Won't work on concrete or pavers
- Could be longer on both sides
Do you know those communities of nice homes where you can't see any trash cans or AC units? Those items are still there, just hidden from public view. Chances are, they're using something like this privacy screen to handle the hiding part. And you know what? There's no reason you can't hide the stuff you don't like looking at either. These screens come in a two-pack, so you can surround that ugly AC unit if you need to. However, they're a bit on the short side, so hopefully whatever you need to hide is less than 48-inches tall.
Yardistry fusion planter privacy screen
Multi-purpose garden accessory
Use heavy potted flowers to keep the screen upright.
Pros:
- Made of solid cedar
- Works on grass or paved areas
- Planters on both sides
Cons:
- Could be wider
- Requires some assembly
We think this screen is an attractive way to add additional privacy to your outdoor space and an even better hiding spot for the stuff that normally floats around the patio. For instance, the boxes at the bottom are technically for flowers, but you'll be making the rules. We're talking storage for gardening tools, dog toys, and even pool supplies. Wouldn't it be nice if those things had a dedicated home beyond the line of sight? Plus, the screen is made of high-quality cedar, so it will fool neighbors into thinking it was custom-made. However, they may make small talk with you to ask if they can get one, too.
Outdoor privacy screens you'll love
Our favorite outdoor privacy screen is the Sunnyglade privacy screen fence. You can hang it nearly anywhere for starters, but it works best on an existing fence or railing. The color options also help coordinate the screen with your home's trim or outdoor scenery. And while it's not a solid barrier to anyone looking into your space, it will send a silent message for them to pass on disturbing you.
But let's say you want something that looks less like an intentional barrier and more like a happy accident that provides more privacy. Such is the case with the DearHouse artificial ivy privacy fence. This plant-based design could be mistaken for vines that took over your fencing—from a distance of course because they are fake. And if anyone asks, you're not avoiding people, you just really like plants, ok?
Why trust us?
At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
