How to Make Your Apartment Balcony More Private

If your apartment balcony is like most, it's the only bit of outdoor living space allotted to you. There's also a good chance your neighbor's balcony is incredibly close to or even a part of yours, with very little separating your space from theirs. Your balcony may also face other apartment buildings or public spaces. All of these factors make it quite difficult to feel any amount of privacy while enjoying the balcony. With a few add-ons such as roll-up shades, potted plants or trellises, you can make the space a little more private without physically altering the space.

Tape measure
Roll-up outdoor shade
Drill with small drill bit
Philips-head screwdriver
Tall potted house plants
Trellis
Climbing plants

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the open area above the balcony railing using a tape measure. Purchase a roll-up outdoor shade that will fit the area. You may repeat this for other openings in the balcony if you need privacy from three directions.
- 2
  Hang the blinds per package instructions by pre-drilling pilot holes with a small drill bit. Secure the enclosed screws in their respective hanging brackets by using a Philips-head screwdriver or drill bit.
- 3
  Place tall potted plants, such as palm trees or rubber plants, strategically around the balcony to establish maximum privacy. Place them to the side of a seating area and between your outdoor space and your neighbor's, for example.
- 4
  Place a trellis over a side opening on the balcony to partially block the view of neighbors. Secure the trellis by placing the bottom in a rectangular planter. Plant climbing roses, ivy, hibiscus or other plants that will climb the trellis and block the view to give you more privacy.

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