Want to add privacy to your garden or lawn? Check these decor ideas

By Pooja Khanna Tyagi

Outdoor screens aren't just decor elements—they can add privacy and shade to the backyard, swimming pool, garden or rooftop. It is essential to consider factors like durability, longevity, degree of privacy and maintenance before selecting the best outdoor screen. Here are some ideas to get you going.

Give an oriental look to the outdoors with a bamboo screen. Bamboo poles are available in various sizes and can be used to make an outdoor fence. The best part about bamboo is that it is eco-friendly, termite resistant, cost-effective and highly durable for outdoor weather conditions.

A freestanding vertical garden, apart from being one of the modern gardening trends, can also function as a privacy screen. A vertical garden is a great way to infuse colour, texture, pattern and fragrance to the outdoors.

Consider adding a tall, vertical garden to your outdoors. Photo courtesy: Onur Isik / EyeEm/ Getty Images

A metal lattice screen imparts a high-end, modern look to the outdoors. Metal screens require less maintenance and cast interesting shadows throughout the day. However, it is advisable to avoid the use of metal lattice screens in coastal areas as the metal may rust or corrode in salt-laden air.

Wood lends elegance and an organic warmth to the outdoors. Consider a criss-cross lattice or choose between an array of horizontal or vertical panels that are made with narrowly spaced strips of wood. Wooden screens require periodic maintenance and polishing. Another alternate to wood is WPC or wood plastic composite that replicates the look of real wood but is easy to maintain.

Grow a living wall with shrubs, vines or trees as it functions as a natural privacy screen that enhances the look of the outdoors. Another advantage of a living wall is that it absorbs air pollution and improves the quality of air. Note that this type of privacy screen will require frequent maintenance as the plants will have to be trimmed regularly.

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A living wall is a natural screen. Photo courtesy: Mint Images/ Getty Images

Place large potted plants along the boundary of your outdoors as this is one of the easiest ways to screen the space from neighbouring views. Another advantage is that the potted plants allow wind and light to pass through.

Clear glass or frosted glass panels can be used to create a semi-open enclosure which allows light to filter in but blocks the wind and outdoor views. A combination of glass and steel is one of the most popular ways to create an outdoor screen.

If you want to give extra privacy to your outdoor space then incorporate a privacy screen on the sides and a pergola on the top. Grow twining plants on the pergola.

Create a cosy canopy outdoors. Photo courtesy: Johner Images/ Getty Image

Create a private space that also functions as an outdoor room with the help of outdoor curtains. This arrangement is one of the best ways to create an outdoor space that is perfect for relaxing and lounging.