Privacy Ideas for Screened Porches

Hedge Screen

• Plant a line of hedges just outside your porch to create a screen that blocks the room from prying eyes. Hedges are available in a variety of heights, but the trick is to choose a height that is tall enough to provide privacy while not completely blocking the scenic view that surrounds your porch. To make sure you choose the correct height, have a friend or family member hold up a piece of cardboard that is the same height as you plan for the shrubs so you can stand inside the porch and see how your view is affected. Small ornamental trees can work as a privacy shield for your screened porch as well. Whether you choose shrubs or trees for your screen, determine their full-grown width so you know how far to plant them from your home's foundation. Shrubs that are planted very close to your home require the most maintenance because they must be trimmed regularly.

Trellis

• Vine-covered trellises are an attractive way to provide privacy for a screened-in porch. Trellises come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic or aluminum, and allow air and light to pass through them even when covered with climbing vines. You can position several trellises outside your screened-in porch so neighbors and passersby can’t see into the space. However, because the trellises must be strong enough to support the weight of the plants, they may need to be connected to planter boxes filled with soil to anchor them in place. If you don’t want to use vines to create a screen for your porch, try using lattice panels in place of the trellises by staking them in the ground in a row in front of the porch.

Blinds

• Instead of using your landscape to shield your screened-in porch from view, add features inside the space to make it feel more private. You can purchase blinds that are made specifically for a screened-in porch to place over the porch’s screens. Screened-in porch blinds are usually made from natural materials that still allow the breeze to pass through even when closed. They also have the added benefit of blocking your porch from sun, so it will feel cooler even when the sun is scorching. In addition, blinds help block rain so you can comfortably use the space in inclement weather.

Shutters

• Porch shutters are similar to blinds, but they offer greater privacy and provide a more formal look. They are typically made of wood and can be opened or closed based on your needs like blinds. Some shutters open in the center, while others tilt up or down to open. Because they typically feature slats, they also allow some light and air into your porch even when closed. You can paint your shutters to match the look of your porch so they provide a decorative look that adds to the visual interest of your home.