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38 Attractive Fence Ideas, from Rustic to Ornate
From privacy fences to border dividers, we'll help you find the right fence for your situation!
Fences serve a lot of purposes.
Sometimes you need them to keep deer or other critters out of your garden. Sometimes they're a good way to keep too-close neighbors from feeling, uncomfortably, like roommates. Sometimes a fence is just a handy way of saying "this is where I'm going to stop mowing my lawn because I don't have all day."
But whether your fence is to keep young kids out of the pool, backyard chickens out of the vegetable patch, or simply to mark off the front lawn on your Cape Cod style home, it should look beautiful.
If you're thinking of adding a fence to your property, or updating the fence that you have, these garden and backyard fence ideas are sure to give you plenty of ideas, whatever your budget! Ahead, we’re kicking things off on a high note with a low split-rail fence idea from designer Emily Henderson (pictured above).
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A Low Split-Rail
Oftentimes a fence says "keep out," and that's useful. But sometimes you want a fence that says "come on in!"
The low split-rail fence surrounding Emily Henderson's backyard courtyard, with smart double-hinged swinging gates, is less about keeping people out and more about making sure the gorgeous surrounding countryside feels like a part of the space.
Curious? Take a Stroll Around Designer Emily Henderson’s Oregon Farmette
Backyard Fence With Country Style
Once a neglected foreclosure in rural Wisconsin, this farmhouse home is now brimming with country appeal, especially in the backyard. Nestled next to a cheerful seating area and garden beds, the wood fence features a “Fresh Produce” sign with plenty of vintage flair.
Take a Tour: This Renovated Farmhouse Is Packed With Smile Inducing—and Budget-Friendly!—Decorating Ideas
Modern Black Fence
This black fence adds a touch of modern flair to an otherwise classic vegetable garden on a Florida horse farm. The fence and a layer of chicken wire keeps out the farm’s many, many animals—95 and counting!
Come See: Take a Peek Inside This Family's Colorful Home That Doubles as a Horse Farm
Rustic Fence
The owners of this Washington State farmhouse were on the hunt for a home that was old and teeming with character, and they certainly found it. They even kept the original fence, which we think looks rustic and beautiful.
Peep Inside: This Antiques Dealer’s Farmhouse Is Just as Beautiful as You Would Expect
Beach House Fence
This Massachusetts beach house owes its beautiful curb appeal to the pretty white fence that encircles the exterior and a stone walkway that welcomes guests inside.
Find Out More: 9 Beach House Decorating Ideas from a Massachusetts Home
While you don't necessarily want bamboo growing wild in your backyard, it is beneficial as a natural means of fencing. Use it for privacy or to fence off your garden.
Pole Fence
For this Alabama farmhouse, the homeowners went with a classic pole fence fit for the countryside.
Want to See Inside? This Alabama Farmhouse Is One Of the Most Colorful Homes You'll Ever See
Sweet and Low Backyard Fence
A tall fence would have covered up this small converted schoolhouse, so the homeowners wisely chose a shorter style that allows passersby a full view.
Look Inside: This Converted Schoolhouse Is Filled to the Brim with Colorful Decor
Traditional Garden Fencing
You can keep your fencing totally traditional by using old-school wooden rails, a look that has withstood the test of time. This kitchen garden at a New York retreat spotlights raised garden beds edged with Belgian block stone, pairing nicely with the tried-and-true fence.
Keep Reading: The Best Raised Garden Beds to Buy That We've Tried and Recommend
Perfectly Imperfect Wood Fence
Backyard fences needn't be perfect. Often, the ones that display knotty or distressed wood, chipped paint, or varying lengths, shapes, and widths are the most charming.
Wagon Wheel Fence
Flea market finds like rusted wagon wheels can be soldered together to make a standard backyard fence stand out.
Garden Fence That Doubles as a Privacy Screen
Make your fence do a little work like these Birmingham, AL, homeowners did. They hung container plants on their fence to help soften the look of the screen.
Flower Pot Fence
The clay planters atop these posts offer vibrant pops of color along the traditional white fence. Plus it's a great way to expand your container garden!
You Can Do It: 55 Ideas and Plants for Container Gardening
Post-and-Rail Fence
A wooden post-and-rail fence echoes the X-shaped railings on the porch of an Alabama Tudor home. Just imagine swaying the day away in that hammock!
Modern Backyard Fence
This contemporary fence sports a warm stain that's simply picturesque when paired with the accompanying perennials below. Plus, it happens to be a perfect perch for visiting cardinals.
See more at Deuce Cities Henhouse.
Trellis Fence
This Rhode Island home has been beautified by its green-thumbed owner, who built a backyard fence from a trellis and planted bountiful wisteria to fill the spaces.
Country Fence
Is there anything more classically country than a wooden fence set behind a swing? We love the simplicity of this view from a spacious Kentucky farm.
Vertical Privacy Fence with Garden
A plain vertical fence gets a lot nicer looking when decorated with climbing ivy, flowers, shrubs, and hanging planters. This outdoor space seems more like an oasis than a backyard.
Horizontal Privacy Fence
Whether you’re working with a backyard or front entrance that could use a wee bit more privacy, this modern fence does the trick with its narrow spacing and modern look. Complementary trees and plants keeps it from looking staid.
Antique Fence
We love a weathered fence, and this one, in front of a historic 1800's home in a California State Park, is even more delightful because it matches the design elements of the house. Some posts even have mini roofs—how cute!
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