8 Privacy Fence Ideas for Yards of All Sizes
Privacy fences have a clear function, but they don't have to look clunky or cold. Adding planters, using an unexpected material, making the fence part of storage, or even hanging decorative items can make any fence look more inviting.
Whether you're trying to gain privacy from a neighbor, keep pets or kids contained, or simply secure your property, these privacy fence ideas deliver solitude while also making your outdoor space cozy—like an extension of your home rather than a barrier.
Kritsada Panichgul
1. Metal Privacy Fence
A corrugated metal fence is not only cost-effective, but it's also more durable and easy to care for than wood. The material is rot-, rust-, and mold-resistant, making upkeep minimal. And because it doesn't have slats, sheet metal provides an abundance of privacy. It also works well for hanging planter boxes or outdoor wall accents.
Metal adds a modern, industrial touch to your yard. Its reflective nature is great for nearby plants who like a lot of light. However, it also means you might need to break out the sunglasses when you're outside on a sunny day. The material can also get hot to the touch on warm days. Overall, though, metal is a low-maintenance fence solution that can last for decades.
Bill Bennett
2. Traditional White Fence
Get all the charm of a traditional picket fence but with added privacy by opting for white wood or vinyl planks with no gaps. Lattice detailing at the top of this privacy fence adds a stylish touch that will never go out of style. The fence blends seamless with the rest of the house, thanks to cohesive matte black railing and post cap details. The gate's location at the driveway makes it easy to access the outdoor area, especially if you're entertaining and don't want people trudging through the house.
Related: Our Favorite Decorative Fence Ideas
David A. Land
3. High Wood Fence
There's a lot to love about this small backyard oasis, including the high fence that keeps it private. There are no gaps in the slats, so neighbors, traffic, and anything else outside the fence is out of sight. A light wood stain keeps the outdoor area airy and bright. If you are building your own DIY privacy fence that's designed to be extra tall, it may require a permit and need additional support beams.
Bob Stefko
4. Trellis Fence
This privacy fence features no space between slats, which works especially well if the back of the fence faces toward a wooded area or somewhere infrequently viewed as the back will need support panels. Adding a trellis to a fence is a great way to let in light and add style to the overall look. It's also the perfect place for displaying vining plants, like these purple clematis.
Ed Gohlich
5. Mixed Materials
Mix and match privacy fence materials to create a custom look that works with your yard. In this space, a wood fence with horizontal slats adds a modern edge to a nearby bamboo privacy fence. While a smaller outdoor space, every aspect is thoughtful. The living fence wall allows light and air to circulate while the surfboards and storage shed allow for functional privacy. If your fence isn't quite as private as you'd like, consider adding bamboo or another tall plants for additional coverage.
Marty Baldwin
6. Living Green Wall
An array of lush tropical plants help transition this privacy fence into the home's brick exterior. Horizontal wood slats offer a modern look, and dark stain cohesively blends with the gravel. The wall of live plants adds color to the patio, which lacks a grass lawn. It also provides a focal point while infusing the largely neutral space with some warmth and earthiness. Look for wall-planter hooks at most hardware stores and simply screw into wood fences.
Nathan Kirkman
7. Lattice Fence
If you have an outdoor kitchen, keep it private yet elegant with a lattice-topped privacy fence. This design features solid paneling at the base to conceal the yard and lattice at the top to visually expand the small backyard. The stylish privacy fence idea gives the outdoor space the cozy feel of a room, especially when paired with a pergola. Decorative plates mounted on the fence give the classic white fence even more charm, and the lattice top softens the look while allowing for vining plants.
Dominique Vorillon
8. Hidden Fence Door
A changing area, outdoor shower, or shed where valuables are kept requires as much privacy and security as possible. This wood fence features a sliding barn door that can be pulled closed as needed to block views, while simultaneously blending in with the surrounding fence. Installed with small gaps between boards, the privacy fence lets light into the backyard while still keeping the area secluded. Adding hooks to the fence further maximizes space and storage.
