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8 clever outdoor buys that create privacy without blocking light
Garden screening inspiration that will ensure your outdoor space still feels airy and bright
When designing an outdoor space, whether it's a sprawling garden or a compact patio, privacy is usually one of the first considerations.
Creating secluded zones where you won't feel overlooked can take a little bit of planning, and it's rarely as simple as blocking out your neighbours behind an imposing wall.
As well as being tricky to implement, brick walls, dense hedges and tall fences can block out light and create a feeling of being boxed in — a far cry from the relaxing, airy sanctuaries we're trying to create.
"I always think the key is finding ways to soften visibility rather than completely blocking it," Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys, tells Country Living.
"Natural light has such a big impact on how a space feels. If you block it out completely, rooms and gardens can quickly feel smaller and a bit gloomy, whereas keeping that light flowing makes everything feel more open, brighter and much more enjoyable to spend time in."
As well as investing in outdoor buys to create privacy, it's worth considering how planting can help create a more light and airy space. "Planting can also help," Luke explains. "I’d always lean towards something a bit more airy, like ornamental grasses or climbing plants, rather than dense hedging."
If you're tackling a new outdoor space or want to make your existing garden feel more secluded, these clever buys will help create privacy without sacrificing light.
Lattice panels or fences
Perfect for romantic, whimsical or country cottage gardens, lattice gives a place for climbers and other plants to grow and is useful for sectioning off parts of the garden you may want to be more private. As plants and flowers intertwine, they form a natural screen and act as a softer barrier to neighbouring houses or other areas of the garden.
An aluminium pergola
They may not be as romantic as wooden varieties, but the flexibility makes them an attractive choice. "Aluminium pergolas are a really smart option, especially ones with an adjustable electric roof," explains Luke. "They let you control how much light you bring in throughout the day, and if you add optional side screens, you can create that extra layer of privacy without fully closing the space off."
A trellis extension
Add lighter panels at the top of a wall for more privacy without sacrificing light. Trellis designs will let the light through for a dappled sunlight effect that's particularly beautiful in the evening. "I like using decorative screens or trellis panels," Luke explains. "They give you that bit of separation without feeling too heavy – and if you pair trellis with climbing plants, you get a softer, more natural look that still lets light filter through."
Bear in mind that homeowners typically need planning permission for any fence or structure over two metres high.
Garden mirrors for tall walls and fences
While tall walls or fences are one of the easiest ways to keep gardens private, they can also block out light. Outdoor mirrors can be a great workaround, giving the illusion of space. They also give off a secluded, 'secret garden' feel, as they create the impression of a doorway.
"Outdoor mirrors are great for reflecting light and making smaller gardens feel bigger," Luke explains, continuing: "Lighter colours can also make a real difference, whether that’s pale paving, gravel, or even just painting fences in softer shades to help bounce light around."
Slatted panels or fences
Slatted panels are an obvious choice for letting the light into a garden. "Slatted fencing or louvred panels work really well because they break up sightlines without making the garden feel boxed in," Luke explains. This works particularly well in small gardens, where homeowners want to create some privacy while still maintaining a light and airy space.
A wooden pergola
While it may be less flexible than an adjustable metal pergola, many wooden pergolas are designed with a minimal structure to make space for climbers and vines to flourish. This is a beautiful addition to any garden, but it works particularly well in a pretty cottage-style garden with a looser structure, providing privacy but also creating a soft, lived-in feel.
Add lanterns and string lights to bigger structures
By defining boundaries through lighting, you're instantly creating a cosy, cocooning effect – blocking out neighbours and surroundings in the process.
"Lighting is another easy one to layer in," Luke explains. "Solar stake lights, festoon lights or a few well-placed lanterns can instantly make a garden feel brighter and more welcoming in the evening, and I’m a big fan of a bit of uplighting to highlight plants and add depth."
Try a removable screen
A removable screen is a genius addition to a garden. You can remove it to create more space, or use it on hot days when you need more shade, want to sunbathe in private or are hosting an event in the garden. A twist on this idea is to fill a planter-on-wheels with tall plants and roll it around your patio space or garden as needed.
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