Finally — the outdoor living season is just ahead. Unless you're blessed with acres of land and lush greenery (yes, I'm jealous), you've probably found yourself wondering how to make your outdoor space feel like yours and yours alone (not a shared space with your lovely neighbors). Lucky, privacy screens are a simple, stylish, and affordable solution — and Wayfair has a selection of privacy screens that are bound to turn your outdoor area into a secluded oasis.
As the name implies, these screens present a stylish opportunity for the perfect patio privacy ideas. "Privacy screens create a sense of seclusion, allowing homeowners to entertain, relax, and engage in activities with peace of mind," Jordan Clough of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture tells me. "They can also help transform a space into a serene environment by reducing outside noise pollution in more urban environments," he adds. And for anyone with a small backyard, privacy screens become essential. "You can use screening to create a definition for boundaries, enclosing the garden without taking up lots of floor space," Reilly Gray tells me, co-founder of Suns Lifestyle.
So, with spring and summer right around the corner, it's time to refresh your outdoor decor with a privacy screen from Wayfair. Below, I've found six top-rated screens from the brand — ranging in material, design, and shape.
Price: $152.99, Was: $169.99
Size: 76'' H X 45'' W X 19.75'' D
This option brings a sleek and modern flair to your backyard style. With diagonal lines throughout the design, this privacy screens allows some light to pass through, but will still make your outdoor space feel private. Made from commercial-grade plastic and a thick gauge steel stand, this privacy screen won't break easily. Plus, it's weather, crack, and fade resistant. What more could you ask for!
Price: $299.99
Size: 76'' H X 45'' W X 19.75'' D
Sure, privacy screens are important for sectioning off your yard or providing necessary privacy, but their look is equally as important. This style flaunts an attractive geometric flower-like motif. Keep in mind that since this design is metal, it will rust. However, this won't affect the structural integrity of the screen. Instead, it'll create a stunning patina and add a bit of character to your backyard design.
Price: $126, Was: $159.99
Size: 73.5'' H X 36'' W X 2'' D
Often times, built-in privacy screens are made from wood. "Wood is by far the most trendy fencing material - for design flexibility, cost, and ease of installation, maintenance and repair," Jordan tells me. If you're not keen on building a privacy fence, opt for a freestanding option like this one. The horizontal slats are a tasteful design feature that don't feel too busy. This privacy screen could benefit a home of any design style.
Price: $269.99, Was: $339.99
Size: 72.24'' H X 48'' W X 12.95'' D
This privacy screen-planter combo offers ample privacy while providing a section for some greenery. Made from weather resistant PVC, this style is build to last for years in the outdoors elements. With its bright cedar color, this screen will balance nicely with any natural elements in your outdoor space. If you live in a city, this screen can serve as a practical partition and a stylish space for plants.
Price: $155.43, Was: $169.99
Size: 76'' H X 45'' W X 19.75'' D
This privacy screen features a unique geometric pattern. While creating some separation between spaces, the screen also lets ample light through. Made from a durable plastic and a thick steel base, this privacy screen will stand sturdy in any weather conditions. Because of its exciting pattern, it's bound to bring some geometric joy to your outdoor area.
Price: $175.24
Size: 72'' H X 47'' W X 16'' D
I love the arched shape of this privacy screen — it reminds me of a grand door to a castle. As a stand alone screen, this style can provide your backyard with lots of privacy. When positioned in a set, this screen can create a large partition that'll tastefully divide your yard, patio, or garden. With weather resistant properties and ground stakes for stability, this screen won't cause you any problems during inclement weather conditions.
FAQs
How to Choose the Right Privacy Screen
Wayfair has over a thousand options for privacy screens, so it can feel overwhelming to decide which is best for your space. However, Jordan tells me it's a good idea to start by looking at screens that match the architectural style of your house. "Look for cues in other exterior carpentry that might guide the detailing, like railings, shutters, decking etc," he says. Matching a privacy screen to your home exterior will create a cohesive look.
On a similar note, Reilly tells me it's important to consider the bigger picture. "It's important you choose the right type of screening that will not only suit the look and feel you're trying to achieve, but also considers elements like durability, weather resistance and the level of privacy you need," Reilly says. "Take into account the installation options too, to decide whether you need something freestanding, wall-mounted or integrated with your planting," he says.
When it comes to color, "neutral tones like anthracite greys, warm off-whites and natural wood tones are versatile enough to work in most gardens, creating a more cohesive look," Riley shares. Along with neutral tones, Jordan says dark colored screens make for a nice visual. "Plantings really pop against a dark backdrop," he tells me.
At the end of the day, your outdoor area should feel like a exclusive and private space — regardless of its size. And with a privacy screen, you can accomplish just that. But, since outdoor areas are an extension of your home, they're deserving of the same thoughtful design. Aside from privacy screens, Wayfair has an extensive selection of outdoor decor and outdoor furniture. Turn your backyard or patio space into an outdoor living room with these pieces from Wayfair, below.
More Outdoor Decor From Wayfair
Price: $189.99
Planters serve as a stylish way to incorporate plants into your outdoor decor. Made from high-grade recycled plastic, this is a planter style that will stand sturdy in your outdoor space and withstand any bad weather. Since this style is rather tall at 30" in height, it can act similarly to a privacy screen — sectioning off your outdoor space or providing a sense of privacy. This style is sleek and modern — certain to elevate the decor of your yard, patio, or garden.
Price: $71.99, Was: $111.99
Size: 5' x 7' (more sizes available)
Make your outdoor space really feel like an extra room of your home by adding an outdoor rug. This style is made from a highly durable material that can withstand lots of foot traffic, weather, and is easily cleanable. The material is soft to the touch and will elevate the overall look of your outdoor space.
Price: $456, Was: $1,115
Creating an outdoor oasis requires the perfect seating. This loveseat is just that. With its sleek dark wood frame and ivory upholstered cushions, this loveseat will not only look elegant in your backyard, but will become a comfortable spot to lounge outside. And since the ottoman is included, you can kick up your feet and relax for hours in style.
Price: $69.99, Was: $80.75
Of course, you'll need lighting in your outdoor space after the sun sets. Since indoor lighting trends are steering us away from large, over-powering light sources, consider the same for your backyard or patio. This modern floor lamp will create an ambient light and turn your space into a stylish spot for evening entertainment. Plus, this lamp is solar-powered, so it'll charge all day in the sun.
Price: $176
In the heat of the summer, you need to have a shady spot to relax in your backyard. Consider incorporating an umbrella, like this sleek blue option. With a UV-resistant shade and an ability to tilt, this umbrella will keep you protected from the sun all throughout the day. Plus, its stand is made from a high-density plastic that can be filled with sand or water to keep the umbrella sturdy in any weather conditions.
Price: $46.99, Was: $85.00
To really make your outdoor space feel like another room in your house, you need small decor items like pillows. A few throw pillows here and there will make your patio feel like a living room of its own. I love the simplicity of this style, along with its subtle yet intriguing geometric pattern. Add this pillow to your outdoor seating to make the space feel much more comfortable and cozy.
Aside from privacy screens and other outdoor decor, read on to discover more backyard ideas to transform your outdoor areas into a stylish extension of your home.
