You want to increase the privacy of your balcony. Many stylish options include plants, screens, and super-sized containers.

There are many factors to consider, such as the size, shape, and aspect of your garden on your balcony. With some thought, you can create an intimate and fun space for entertaining friends, enjoying the sun, or chilling out and having some quiet time.

Janna Robertson is a Lifestyle-Tech expert, interior designer, and lifestyle-tech expert. When choosing outdoor products, you should ensure they can withstand the weather.

Ten Balcony Privacy Ideas for a Stylish, Private Space

There are many ways to transform a small, cozy balcony into a private spot.

Beth Murton is the head of gardens at Homes & Gardens. She says balconies can be overlooked and uninviting because they are exposed to the elements. While you may not want to completely block out your balcony view, especially if it is beautiful, you can introduce a component to make the space more inviting.

Balcony planters in a row are a great way to keep things simple

It only takes a little effort to add privacy to your balcony. A simple line of planters can be added to the balcony railings to hide a small seating or dining area quickly. Beth Murton says to look for containers easily slotted onto the barriers.

Janna Robinson says to consider your climate when selecting your foliage. This is especially true if you choose natural rather than artificial greenery. If you prefer artificial foliage, make sure to check the quality. Can it be exposed directly to the sun? Is it resistant to water and weather? What is the stated longevity of the product exposed to outdoor elements?

Janna says, ‘The truth is that artificial outdoor foliage and plants have a shelf-life, so choosing the best product for longevity and value is essential. ‘The most common outdoor artificial greenery is UV-resistant/treated. These products are treated with chemicals that resist fading, harsh sunlight, and direct sun.

Create a Natural Screen with Large Leafed Plants

James Dowsing Reynolds, designer and founder of Dowsing & Reynolds, says: ‘Play with the scale – don’t think small just because your area is small.’ Use big-leaf evergreen plants such as Fatsia japonica for the jungle feel or silver-leafed sun-loving plants like eucalyptus, lavender, or oleander to give your garden a Mediterranean look.

Large-leaved balcony plants can create a lush tapestry and a beautiful backdrop. They also provide privacy and shade. Chusan palms, cordyline, and phormium can all withstand most weather conditions. Aim for various leaf shapes and textures to keep the design visually interesting. Are you feeling particularly daring? You can also try the colors and patterns of exotic plants such as coleus and calathea.

Install A Wooden Divider

Slatted wood walls are a great way to hide your balcony while allowing light to filter in.

Using slatted timber panels with integrated shelving creates a modern-style wall without overwhelming the room. The gaps between the battens also allow air to flow, ventilating the room, keeping plants healthy, and allowing strong breezes to pass.

Integral shelves provide stylish storage and display options without wasting valuable floor space. You can use aromatic culinary herbs, colorful flowers, or a mass trailing plant for your Living Wall.

Plant a living screen to hide a space from view

The combination of built-in balcony seating and tactile planting will always be a winner, especially when privacy and shade are needed.

This streamlined garden, designed by Adolfo Henry, features a row of Calamagrostis’ Karl Foerster’ that creates an elegant living border. It looks exceptionally graceful when it sways in the wind. These ornamental Grasses are planted in powder-coated aluminum planters behind a timber-clad corner bench. They will grow into a tactile border in summer, which dies in winter and then regrows in spring.

Robert Silver, CEO of Pro-Gardening Blog, suggests other planting options for balconies. Plant a row of semi-evergreens or evergreen trees to create a barrier. Bamboo is a fast-growing, privacy-enhancing plant. Ornamental grasses can add height to your garden and provide privacy.

Invest In Freestanding Privacy Screens

The garden zone is as effective in a smaller backyard as on a large balcony. A freestanding screen can divide a balcony area for dining or relaxing. There’s no more straightforward option for balcony privacy regarding a screen that can be moved into place as and when required.

The designs of screens are vastly different. They range from bold, chic designs made from coated wire and polyester rope woven around a metal framework to rustic willow wands woven into a wooden panel. The overall weight and stability of the screen depend on not only the materials and the size but also the footprint and dimensions.

Many options are available, from solid metal plates to feet with protruding fins and even those with built-in box planters. Each option offers a different level of stability. This is important if you have a very high or exposed balcony.

Get Privacy with Climbing Plants

Letting plants create privacy is a great feeling, especially on a balcony. Climbing Plants can be grown in small areas as they require little space to grow and cover upright supports, railings, and trellis. It is essential to select plants that can survive in your chosen environment and consider how much sun, wind, and shade your site receives.

David Angelov is the CEO, Founder, and Master Gardener at Plant Parents Design. He says: “One of my favorite climbing plants is the hydrangea. The evergreen leaves are rich in color and provide a great depth of color throughout the year. They also produce flowers twice a year. The hydrangea can climb on any surface and be easily pruned to the desired height and density. Climbing hydrangea will grow in a pot that is over 20ins in diameter.

David’s recommendation is a good one for quick coverage. A clematis may also be grown in smaller pots, but only in the summer in Massachusetts. It does not survive our zone 7 b’s winters. The flowers are spectacular, and they cover the plant. The plants increase in a single season. They should be cut to the ground at the end of the year.