As the summer of 2020 carries on, families and friends alike are spending more time in their own backyards. From intimate family time to responsible social gatherings, comfortable outdoor spaces with adequate privacy have never been more prevalent.

Whether you are looking to block out the neighbours, hide an unappealing view or chisel out a dedicated space in your backyard, creating privacy can be a challenge. The good news is there are many solutions depending on the space and your needs. From pergolas and freestanding canopies to hedges and privacy fences, discover all the ways to create a secluded hangout space. Here are a few ideas for creating some private spaces in your backyard, rooftop, or balcony.

1. Fence It Up!

When it comes to outdoor privacy, wood fences are a practical necessity. There are a variety of species to choose from, ranging from light to dark, and just as many style choices. Wooden fencing not only enhances backyard privacy – it also enhances the overall design. Compared to other materials, wooden fencing can be cost-effective and long-lasting with routine maintenance. For additional privacy in their backyard, the homeowners also installed a versatile freestanding canopy.

2. Use a Hedge

A tall hedge provides as much privacy as fences. In fact, it’s known as a living fence. While trees usually create a sense of traditional look to an exterior, hedges are often synonymous with a modern flair. A hedge often reaches higher than a fence for even more screening. This privacy landscaping idea in Scarborough provides year-round screening for the homeowners. Where space may be tight, fast-growing evergreens or a sheared private hedge can provide a simple solution for separating joined yards or blocking sightlines out of the kitchen window.

3. Privacy Panels

A short wire fence encloses this backyard in Oakville, Ontario, and a wooden lattice screen is erected at the back of the pergola, adding architectural interest and creating privacy. Privacy screens are normally made from lattice, shutter-like louvered wood panels or sections of ornamental iron. They have anchoring posts that can be set into the ground, enclosing a cozy corner while preserving desirable views. Wooden screens may not provide complete privacy, however, they add that visual interest to a landscape and allow natural light and breezes in.

4. Draw the Curtains

Just like curtains in your bedroom conceal what’s inside, outdoor curtains will also work like a charm in your backyard. The curtains on this pergola help block the neighbors’ view as well as add to the exterior design of the space. Provided by ShadeFX, these outdoor curtains are available in different styles and colours, which means you can pick ones that blend seamlessly into your outdoor décor, or pick a colour with pop as a focal feature.

5. Grow a Garden

Going natural with a mix of ornamental trees and grass is a great alternative to create a bit of privacy while adding a pop of colour. If you are lucky enough to have space in your backyard like this residential project in Wasaga Beach, you’re really only limited by your budget. It’s a good idea to check with a nursery or landscape professional to see what combination of trees, grass, and tall-growing flowers might be best to fit your needs. If you have a small balcony, you can use potted trees or plants to easily block off your space.

6. Add Retractable Shade

It may seem farfetched, but retractable canopies provide plenty of privacy from second-story windows, particularly those of neighbouring houses. Of course you also gain protection from sun and rain, as well as an attractive addition to your pergola, trellis or outdoor structure. A backyard in Birmingham, Michigan has a ShadeFX custom structure and retractable shade attached to the house.

Sunshine and warm temperatures continually invite you and your loved ones to spend entire days outdoors. It is important that you be able to enjoy endless hours in your backyard without worrying about too much exposure to the sun or curious onlookers.

When it comes to shade and privacy, we can help.