It can be difficult to relax when you feel like you’re being watched. Here in the UK, many of us live in densely populated areas with overlooked gardens. But don’t worry – we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks for making the most of the outdoor space available to you. From utilising plants and their natural beauty to integrating modern solutions like awnings and external screens, we’ll explore how to create a space that is more than a shield, it’s a prized extension of your home.
Why a big fence isn’t the answer
It can be tempting to deter those prying eyes by erecting a huge fence around your garden, but we don’t recommend this method. Under UK building regulations, any garden fence, wall, boundary, or thick hedge can be no higher than 2m. Plus, a very tall fence casts a lot of shade on your garden. Not only will this prevent you from enjoying the sun on a pleasantly warm afternoon, it’ll also limit future options for planting around your property.
Create privacy with plants
Plant trees with light and airy foliage that will still let sunlight through. If you don’t want to plant anything permanent, consider a container garden (tall plants in large pots/planters). Bamboo is a great plant for privacy as it grows very quickly. However, we recommend growing it in pots as it can be invasive.
Plants are beautiful, but they require upkeep and take a significant amount of time to grow. If you need easy and quick privacy solutions, choose an awning or an external screen.
Use garden furniture to create new ‘rooms’
Outdoor furniture can work to partition your garden into separate spaces, each with their own vibe. If you’re looking to create a peaceful escape from your home’s interior, choose an area of your garden that faces away from your house. On the other hand, you might want to use your garden furniture to create an outdoor ‘extension’ of your house. If your garden furniture is directly outside your house, install an awning to increase your privacy and protect you from hot sun or unexpected drizzle.
Create a cosy enclosure
An overhead structure can help you create a different space. If the best spot in your garden is overlooked by neighbours, a pergola can create a sense of privacy instantly. Unlike awnings, which are permanently attached to an exterior wall, pergolas are free-standing and can be installed anywhere in your garden. Pergolas also provide shelter from breeze and drizzle for that warm and comfy feeling.
When buildings are tall, go low
In a built-up area or courtyard, choose low seating for privacy. Short, squat armchairs or squishy bean bags make excellent choices for cuddling up beneath your awning or pergola. If you’ve always wanted a garden that looks like it’s straight from a Pinterest board, hang strings of garden lights to block the view further and create a lovely ambiance at the same time.
Build a pavilion or a summer house
If you’ve got the space and the know-how, a summer house or pavilion can really help you make the most of your outdoor space. A private space is created in front, while the roof and walls provide a barrier from prying eyes. If you want to make this area feel even more private and separate from the rest of your property, hide the summer house behind large shrubs or leafy trees.
No space for a full summer house? Opt for an arbour seat to create the same effect on a lower budget.
Make the most of your garden’s corners
A disused corner of your garden can be turned into a private retreat, perfect for reading, relaxing, or just enjoying your morning coffee. Install a standalone pergola in the corner of your garden or create an enclosed nook with external screens. Then all you need is a few pieces of garden furniture – maybe a couple of comfy chairs and a coffee table.
Keep your options open
To maximise the potential of your garden, we recommend taking a flexible approach to garden design. Retractable awnings can be adjusted according to your needs at that moment. The position of the sun in the sky, current weather conditions, and level of privacy required are all subject to change multiple times a day. And if you don’t want to plant anything permanent in your garden, consider layering an external screen with a container garden. By layering tall plants in pots in front of your external screen, you can achieve the effect you want while still having the opportunity to change things around later.
Install a water feature for noise screening
A water feature goes a long way to provide privacy for your conversations. It also helps to hide the sound of traffic (or noisy neighbours) nearby. A good water feature should provide a level of sound that is just the right level – not too overwhelming.
Use lighting to your advantage
Some awnings come with ambient lighting options, which can help you feel secluded on a warm spring evening. The lights are placed on the underside of your awning, helping you to create a cosy atmosphere without attracting undue attention from above.
Some more questions to consider…
Where are you trying to get privacy from?
If your garden is overlooked from above, consider an awning or pergola. If your garden is visible from the side, try an external screen or layers of planting.
Where is privacy the most important to you?
Take a walk around your garden. Where are some areas where privacy might be a concern? On the other hand, are there any areas that are already completely hidden from view? What about areas that are currently visible, but have really great potential if you make a couple of changes?
What if I have a shared garden?
Depending on the layout of the building you live in, your shared garden may be overlooked from above as well as from the sides. In these cases, it’s best to opt for a combination of an awning and valances or external side screens to keep your section of the garden feeling private. It’s likely that in a shared garden, your portion isn’t very big – so we definitely recommend installing a retractable awning to maximise your options.
Made to measure awnings and bespoke privacy solutions from Littlehampton Blinds
Whether you want to create a private reading nook, a versatile space for outdoor entertaining, or a quiet corner for enjoying the sunset, we can help you make the most of your garden. Our made to measure awnings and external screens are available in many colours and patterns with an attractive variety of optional features like LED lights. With our extensive range, we ensure that your privacy doesn’t come at the expense of style or personal expression. Contact us today or visit our showroom for more information.
