53 Privacy Fence Ideas You Should Copy for a Quiet Retreat

Building a privacy fence in your backyard can make your home feel more secluded and help you to enjoy your outdoor space in peace. You can block your backyard from nosy neighbors or erase unsightly views with privacy fences and walls in a range of materials—from vertical or horizontal wood to upcycled pallet wood, vinyl, lattice, metal, bamboo, brick, concrete, mixed materials, or planted hedges, shrubs, and other natural greenery.

Check out these privacy fence and wall ideas in a range of styles and price points to help you choose the best option for your backyard and complement the architecture of your home.

Vertical Wood Fence

A vertical wood fence that surrounds your property is a go-to option that can work in any backyard. Interior designer Alvin Wayne echoed the warm wood fencing with outdoor furniture in a similar tone in this spacious backyard with a detached patio and outdoor living room.

Horizontal Wood Fence

Add fencing to the top of an existing wall to add extra height that protects you from the gaze of a neighboring property. Michelle Boudreau Design topped off this painted white privacy wall with natural wood fencing in a modern horizontal layout to shield this backyard pool area.

Layered Wood Fence

Reinforce your privacy fence by layering new fencing on top of existing fencing for a double layer of protection that will help insulate your backyard from noise as well as prying eyes. Emily Henderson Design layered stained vertical wood boards over the weathered fencing on this backyard patio.

The new boards stop 3/4 of the way up to add a textural feel. Large wood planters with vertical plantings create an anchor for an outdoor seating area.

Bamboo

Bamboo is an affordable and sustainable material that is a popular method for adding privacy to an outdoor space. You can use bamboo to fence in a large yard or to provide privacy on an apartment or townhouse balcony or terrace, like this space from Fantastic Frank.

Soften your bamboo fence with string lights and trailing vines for a decorative feel, and pair with rattan furniture for a vintage bohemian look.

DIY Wood Slat Screen

Build a DIY wood slat privacy screen to shield a dedicated space like an outdoor seating or dining area. A Beautiful Mess left enough space between horizontal wood slats to allow light to pass through and create a semi-opaque effect to retain an open feel. White paint gives the privacy fence a light profile to keep the space feeling airy.

White Picket Fence

A white picket fence is quintessential Americana. Interior designer Maite Granda used low straight top picket fencing at street level of this Florida cottage set far back from the street to give the facade a welcoming and open feel. The fencing is taller on the sides and back to add privacy for the backyard.

Picket Fence Options

Picket fences are classic and ubiquitous. Choose a painted wood finish or vinyl for an affordable and low-maintenance option.

Privacy Hedges

Combine fencing with hedging to create a privacy wall around an area such as a hot tub. A Beautiful Mess upped the privacy around a poolside hot tub with curved privacy hedges that create a green living wall that looks right at home in this backyard surrounded by mature trees.

Painted Privacy Fence

Treat your privacy fence like an accent wall and decorate it with paint. Dazey Den added personality to this casual, boho-style backyard privacy fence with a colorful geometric accent in the form of a giant yellow circle that channels the sun.

Scalloped Picket Fence

A scalloped white wood or vinyl picket fence adds curves to the mix. Mary Patton Design ran scalloped picket fencing around the periphery of this stately Texas home to give it an approachable feel while providing privacy for the backyard and separation from the street in the front.

Wood and Concrete

Mix concrete walls with horizontal wood fencing for a textural modern look. Gaia Inspired flanked a concrete wall with stained wood fencing and a matching gate to create privacy and security for this Southern California home.

Reclaimed Wood Fence

Use reclaimed wood to create a rustic and sustainable DIY privacy fence. Funky Junk Interiors decorated the rustic mismatched boards of this tall backyard privacy fence with a collection of old tools and added storage for practical items like shovels and ladders for added function.

Metal Privacy Fence

Black metal fencing will add a crisp modern feel to your backyard privacy fence. Michelle Boudreau Design walled off the pool area with a mix of solid and perforated metal fencing with a geometric pattern that looks sharp against the white walls of the home.

DIY Pallet Wood Fence

Use upcycled wood pallets to build an inexpensive privacy fence. Or build a privacy screen to place in front of a garden trellis filled out with greenery to add an extra layer of privacy in a shared backyard that can be used as a support for plants and flower pots.

18 Pallet Fence Ideas That Cost Next to Nothing to Build

Solid Walls

If you want VIP-level privacy in your front, side, and backyard, skip the fence and opt for a privacy wall. This Palm Springs home from Michelle Boudreau Design has a fortress quality to it, with clean solid white walls around the periphery that complement the midcentury modern home and highlight the natural landscape behind it.

Laser-Cut Wood Panels

Add extra height to a corner of your privacy fence by installing wood panels on top of existing fencing. Emily Henderson Design installed laser-cut wood panels in a geometric design to anchor this backyard seating area. The extra height makes the space feel more protected and cozy.

Add-On Fencing

Another way to add height to an existing privacy wall is to add a short layer of fencing on top. Blanco Bungalow paired white stucco walls with natural wood horizontal boards to add privacy to this backyard dining area. A large shade sail tarp above protects the dining space from both the elements and the neighboring home's upstairs windows.

Redwood Fencing

Use local wood to create a privacy fence that matches its surroundings. Seed Studio Landscape Design added a redwood privacy fence around the periphery of this Northern California property that echoes trees in the backyard and complements this dark gray midcentury modern home.

Garden Trellis + Concrete

Soften a contemporary backyard by mixing cottage-style and modern finishes. PJCArchitecture fenced this New York City townhouse backyard with white square trellis fencing that adds contrast with the concrete patio tiles and built-in benches and landscaping to create a sophisticated spot for entertaining.

Wood Planters

Create a higher level of privacy by topping a painted cinderblock wall with natural planters that run the length of the wall. Plant them with grasses and trailing plants to add volume and texture that will add natural camouflage, like this backyard space from The Home Consultant. The same wood tone is used on the planters and wood fencing attached to the privacy wall for a cohesive look.

New and Old Wood

If your backyard fencing needs to be partially replaced or completed to wall off the entire space, don't worry about matching wood tones. In this Florida backyard from interior designer Maite Granda, a weathered wood side fence in good condition is finished off with newer wood fencing around the other sides that will develop a patina over time.

Mixed Height Fence

Adapt the height of your privacy fence to the layout of your yard and the location of your neighbors. This horizontal knotty pine fencing from The Home Consultant is higher on the side than the back to protect this drought-resistant backyard space from the house next door.

Wraparound Privacy Hedges

Create a cozy feel in your backyard with tall wraparound hedges, like this multifunctional pool deck from interior designer Maite Granda. A play house and swing set built with its back to the wall provides additional cover.

Wood Fencing + Wall

Create visual interest by mixing privacy fencing and walls of different styles. Kern & Co. paired simple vertical wood fencing with a wood paneled wall with a railing detail and decorative columns, painting it all white for a cohesive feel.

Living Privacy Wall

Create a natural and organic feel in your backyard with a living privacy wall. Mix hedges, plant-covered fencing, shrubs, mature trees, and other landscaping to create a seamless feel that will fill in over time, like this Florida backyard from interior designer Maite Granda.

Stepped Design

Mimic the form of a sloping backyard with a stepped privacy fence. Seed Studio Landscape Design added stepped vertical wood panels in this steep backyard property that echoes the landscape for an organic feel.

Square Garden Trellis

Use garden trellis panels for privacy anywhere from a balcony to a backyard. Kate Marker Interiors created an intimate feel around a gravel fire pit patio in a cottage backyard using tall garden trellises painted white and matching Adirondack chairs for a timeless feel.

Diagonal Trellis

Top a privacy fence with a layer of diagonal garden trellis for added privacy and a timeless look, like this backyard space from Leanne Ford Interiors. Then let the trees on the other side of the wall grow wild and long to create a naturally secluded feel.

Colorful Privacy Fence

A painted wood or powder coated metal fence in a vibrant color will add personality to your facade. Dazey Den matched the bright orange of the privacy wall gate to the color of the front entry and door for a cohesive feel on this midcentury modern Palm Springs property.

Dark Horizontal Wood Slats

Give your backyard privacy fence a modern look with dark paint or stain. Calimia Home matched the brown-black fencing with a pergola in the same dark stain to add contrast with light stone patio tiles and furniture in this outdoor space.

The privacy wall is lined with simple trellises planted with climbing vines that will provide additional cover as they grow and spread.

Gray Wood Privacy Fence

Complement a painted gray house with a gray wood privacy fence for a cohesive feel, like this small backyard space from Home By Polly that is set up like a small outdoor living room.

Wood and Metal Fence

Add privacy to a modern home that's exposed to the street by filling out an existing stucco wall with wood fencing. The Home Consultant used the same wood on the top half of the wall as well as the front door and garage gate that is framed out with modern black metal and matching hardware.

Rustic Reclaimed Wood

Create a private lounge space in an open backyard using the same reclaimed wood as your fencing. S.U.S.A.P decorated this reclaimed wood mini wall with dark stained boards and pallet wood seating for a rustic boho-style feel.

Lushly Planted Privacy Walls

Use your privacy fencing and walls to create a lush backyard garden feel. Modern Glam paired x-shaped landscaping on the white side wall with a solid wall planted with vines and flowers and edged with manicured shrubs in this spacious backyard.

Opaque + Semi-Open Fence

Top opaque wood fencing with a top portion that is spaced to allow some light to filter through to keep your privacy fence from making your backyard feel too closed in. Seed Studio Landscape Design kept the majority of this privacy fence opaque to ensure privacy, but added spaced panels on top that lighten up the overall feel.

The warm wood fencing adds contrast with cement finishes and pale upholstery around the fire pit lounge area and outdoor bar.

Varied Height Landscaping

Create an organic feel in your backyard by landscaping your privacy fence with bushes, shrubs, and trees of varying heights. This contemporary backyard from Fantastic Frank is softened by a row of voluminous bushes in varying shades of green for a lush feel.

Fence + Pergola

Create an extra layer of privacy by placing a pergola with a semi-open roof and side panels with its back to the wall to create a partially shaded seating area in your backyard. Seed Studio Landscape Design used the same wood on both structures for a cohesive look in this backyard and contrasted the hardscaping design with materials such as concrete and metal for a sculptural feel.

Board and Batten Wall

Bring the indoors outdoors with a board and batten privacy fence. This outdoor living room and fire pit area from Leclair Decor is anchored by a painted white fence with an integrated door that blends in with the neutral decor of the outdoor gathering space.

Fence Decor

Decorate your privacy fence with lightweight decor items like woven baskets or vintage tools. Arbor & Co. hung baskets on the fence to create an accent and an anchor for this covered outdoor patio seating area.

Semi-Open Wood Slats

If you don't require or desire total privacy, create a semi-transparent feel in a smaller backyard with a wood slat privacy fence that leaves space between for light to circulate. This rustic space from Fantastic Frank has a semi-opaque privacy wall that is fronted with a planted half wall that helps to create additional shelter from the neighboring property.

Mismatched Wood Tones

Give your backyard a textural feel by mixing mismatched wood tones. Seed Studio Landscape Design used a variety of horizontal and vertical wood finishes that look assembled over time to create an organic and relaxed feel in this modern backyard.

Cinder Block + Wood

Add height to a cinder block privacy wall with a layer of wood on top. Marie Flanigan Interiors mixed materials in this backyard pool area for a private feel.

Fence + Retaining Walls

Finish privacy fencing and retaining walls in the same wood for an integrated feel. Seed Studio Landscape Design used thin strips of wood on the stepped privacy and retaining walls of this sloped backyard that includes multi-level dining and lounge spaces.

Two-Tone Fencing

Don't feel compelled to match your fencing if you're trying to add privacy to a large backyard. Finding Lovely mixed dark and light fencing around the periphery of this spacious backyard space, while a mix of trees provides additional cover.

Low Wall + Hedges

Plant a low privacy wall with hedges tall enough to obscure the windows of the one-story house next door to ensure that your backyard is private while maintaining an open feel. Michelle Boudreau Design mixed a white dividing wall with hedges that don't block the view of palm trees in this desert backyard.

Horizontal + Vertical Wood Slats

Add interest to a backyard privacy wall by mixing both vertical and horizontal wood slats or panels. Seed Studio Landscape Design used medium-width horizontal panels on the privacy fencing of this elegant backyard grill space and layered on thinner wood slats in the same warm tone to clad the outdoor kitchen.

Curving Hedges

If your property line isn't a simple straight line, it can be a challenge to put up a fence that looks polished and integrated with your landscaping. Cheat a non-linear backyard property line by using vertical hedges instead, or cheat an awkward fence by planting in front of it, like this space from Michelle Boudreau Design.

Fencing + Hedging

Depending on the layout of your backyard, it may make sense to use fencing on one side and privacy hedges or shrubs on the other. This space from Seed Studio Landscape Design mixes both to provide varying levels of privacy on the deck, dining, and lounging areas of this backyard.

Fencing + Wall

A privacy wall is often the best solution to separate adjacent homes that sit closely together, whereas a high-enough fence suffices to divide your backyard from the neighbor next door. This Los Angeles property from The Home Consultant is broken up by a converted garage and driveway patio that mixes cinderblock walls on the patio side with fencing around the yard.

The rusty tone of the fence complements the terracotta tile flooring, and a warm wood planter on top of the painted cinderblock wall adds warmth and additional privacy thanks to a mix of plants.

Matching Wood Fencing

While you can use your privacy fence to create an identity for your home, if you live in a dense neighborhood or an urban environment, sometimes using the same fencing as your neighbors is the best choice to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.

This urban backyard space from Seed Studio Landscape Design has the same weathered wood fencing as the neighbors, but the backyard itself has been modernized with a two-level entertaining space with lounging, dining, and bar zones.

Hidden Privacy Wall

Dress up a standard cinder block privacy wall with a row of manicured hedges to upgrade your backyard. Add curves for a more organic feel by edging the wall with gravel or small rocks and add landscape lighting for the hedges to turn your privacy fence into a feature.

Front Privacy Fence

Create a sense of privacy in a home that is exposed to the street with a high privacy wall that wraps from the front to the sides and back of your property. Seed Studio Landscape Design built a vertical fence around this midcentury modern home, leaving one side open to keep the walkway and side entrance accessible.

A bright orange paint accent on the top of the garage complements the warm redwood tones of the fencing and the charcoal and white paint on the classic midcentury home.

Tall Living Privacy Fence

Give a luxurious backyard the feel of a private resort with an extra-tall living privacy wall. This landscaped pool area from House of One includes a row of hedges as tall as the pool house that gives the space with its green lawn and ivy-covered walls a sense of grandeur.

U-Shaped Privacy Fence

Shield a rectangular backyard lot with u-shaped privacy fencing for a uniform look that will allow landscaping, outdoor furniture, and decor to take center stage. Seed Studio Landscape Design paired rustic wood fencing with light tile flooring and colorful landscaping to give this space an open and airy feel.

Read the original article on The Spruce.