As the days get warmer and we start spending more time outside, creating a garden that feels private, peaceful and stylish becomes even more important. After all, no one wants to relax outdoors feeling overlooked – but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on design to gain a little more seclusion.
From clever screening ideas to statement fences and lush planting schemes, there are plenty of ways to block out neighbours while giving your garden a sophisticated upgrade at the same time.
‘For me, it’s all about finding simple, stylish ways to make your garden feel like a true retreat,’ says Chloe Dacosta, design manager at Blinds2Go. ‘A space you can relax in without feeling overlooked and enjoy all summer long.’
The good news is that practical privacy solutions can be just as beautiful as they are functional. Here, gardening and interiors experts share the best ways to make your outdoor space feel more secluded before summer arrives.
More neighbour advice and garden inspiration:1) Use fencing to create privacy 
‘A traditional and cost-effective option for garden privacy is a classic fence; available in different styles to suit any garden,’ says Becky Rackstraw, director at Protek. Becky recommends slatted or top latticed fencing for smaller gardens and standard fencing for larger spaces.
For an extra layer of privacy, consider painting your fence in a darker, muted shade. ‘No matter the size of your outdoor space, paint offers an easy, affordable way to create privacy or carve out a stylish retreat without stretching your budget,’ says Helen Shaw, director of marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore.
Deep greens, charcoal greys and warm earthy tones can help boundaries recede visually, making a garden feel more enclosed and intimate.
Read more: Fence-gate: This viral paint fail is a lesson in DIY etiquette and boundaries
2) Plant hedges for natural screening
Getty Images/Westend61
If you’re looking for something a bit more natural, plant hedges. ‘There’s nothing wrong with a nice fence, but they’re expensive, can suffer serious weather damage in the winter, and need constant upkeep to look their best,’ says Ashleigh Bradshaw, lawn and garden expert at Hayter. ‘Instead, try a natural and beautiful solution – fast-growing hedges!’
For quick results, Ashleigh recommends trying privet, cherry laurel, bamboo or leylandii.
Laurel Hedging – Prunus laurocerasus – Pack of 10 Cherry Laurel Plants
Credit: Gardening Express
Read more: 5 low‑maintenance hedges that give you privacy without the upkeep
3) Add a pergola 
@ourhouseinlondonDining Pergola in white, Forest
For a more solid structure, pergolas are a great option. ‘Pergolas offer an ideal balance of style, shelter, and privacy, helping to block out neighbours without losing that important connection to the outdoors,’ says Chloe. ‘By adding side panels, screens, or blinds, they can create a more secluded space while still maintaining that connection.’
Read more: 7 beautiful climbing plants that will turn your pergola into a garden showpiece
4) Grow climbing plants
Valerii Maksimov//Getty Images
Want a good middle ground? Consider climbing plants. ‘Climbing plants never go out of fashion, and for good reason – they look great, they’re cost-effective and fantastic for privacy,’ Ashleigh explains.
‘Climbing plants instantly soften the look of hard surfaces, such as fences, walls and pergolas – creating shade, adding texture and colour to your garden. In terms of privacy, simply extending your existing wall or fence with a trellis is one of the fastest ways to add a natural screen between you and your neighbour’s garden.’
Read more: 7 climbing plants that thrive in shade, even in the darkest corners
5) Use screen planters
Forest
Ideal for renters and flat owners with balconies, screen planters are great if you’re trying to cover a small space. ‘A screen planter is ideal for artificially adding height to a specific area of a garden wall without extending the whole wall or fence to an unappealing height,’ Ashleigh says.
‘Screen planters make ideal beds for bamboo, as the bamboo is confined to one bed and will continue to grow upwards rather than outwards.’
Argos Lattice Wooden Garden Planter
Read more: 9 shrubs for pots that keep small patios and balconies looking good all year
6) Install an awning 
The kind of privacy you need in your garden will depend on the type of space you have. For some, they’ll want screeners at the side, and for others, they’ll be more anxious about being overlooked.
‘Awnings are another great option, particularly useful for blocking out overlooking neighbours from above, while also providing shade and helping to define more comfortable, private seating areas outdoors,’ says Chloe.
7) Use lighting to soften boundaries
Rather than trying to completely disguise a boundary fence, consider turning it into a feature instead. Decorative lighting can soften harsh lines, draw attention away from overlooking neighbours and make your garden feel more enclosed and intimate after dark.
‘Turn your boundary into a feature rather than a barrier you’re hiding behind,’ says Rachel Morris, garden lighting expert at 4lite. ‘Soft lighting can transform fences, walls and hedges into a stylish backdrop. Use light to accentuate texture, create silhouettes, or simply to showcase stunning decorative lighting in a considered, layered way.’
Position lights overhead, at the base of panels or behind planting to create a softer, layered effect that feels more atmospheric after dark. Warm white lighting tends to create the most inviting glow, while slatted fencing and trellis panels can cast beautiful shadows in the evening.
Read more: Why biophilic lighting is one of the biggest garden design trends for 2026
Check your permissions
When inspiration strikes, it’s tempting to dive straight in. Before you start any major garden project, though, it’s worth checking whether you’ll need planning permission — especially if you’re adding new structures or permanent features. To avoid any costly mistakes, contact your Local Planning Authority (LPA) before getting started.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest
The Garden Edit
Folding Bistro Set, 3 Pieces
Scalloped Edge Smooth Fibre Clay Plant PotCredit: Dunelm
Marcy 2-Seater Sling Garden Sofa, GreigeCredit: John Lewis
Gsycle Watering CanCredit: Amazon
Natural Pebble Outdoor Solar LightCredit: Next
Dibor Dining Chair Seat Pad SetCredit: Amazon
Comments are closed.