Having the perfect outdoor living set-up is key to making the most of your backyard space during drier months. Pergolas are a great addition to your yard, bringing shade, a designated outdoor living space and to provide structural interest.
If you've already explored the best pergola ideas and have picked out one for your own space, you might want to think about how to add more garden privacy to this area of your yard. This is especially important if you plan to use your pergola for hosting or relaxing and don't want surrounding neighbors to see in.
The good news is there are many ways to make your pergola more private. Here are five ideas from backyard design experts to get you started.
5 pergola privacy ideas
You can design a pergola in an endless number of ways, as these outdoor structures serve a wide range of purposes. Whether you're using a pergola for outdoor dining or simply as a space to sit and enjoy cozy fall evenings, it can be wise to consider adding some privacy to make it more comfortable.
1. Hang curtains on your pergola
This is a great solution for adding adjustable privacy to your pergola. Hanging outdoor curtains brings class and elegance to an outdoor space, and their practical purpose means you can close them to make your pergola more secluded when needed.
'Installing fabric curtains to a pergola is a great way to add privacy, as well as color and movement in an outdoor living space,' says landscape design expert Joe Raboine. 'Curtains create beautiful motion when they catch the breeze, and you can change colors or patterns depending on the season,' he adds.
Using outdoor curtains will also help create some pergola shade and are also often used for balcony shade. Choosing weather-resistant materials means your curtains can stay in place throughout the year.
Find outdoor curtains for your pergola online, like this selection of outdoor curtains at Wayfair.
Joe is Vice President of Design, Oldcastle APG and has worked in the industry for 25 years.
2. Use a decorative privacy screen
If you're looking for a privacy solution you can rely on year-round, try using a privacy screen. These come in a wide range of styles and often resemble garden fences that create a wall for your pergola.
'Decorative screen panels are great for adding privacy as well as some aesthetic flare to a pergola,' says Joe. 'There are metal pergolas available today that can be purchased with additional decorative panels to create privacy without being too opaque or distracting from the overall design of the outdoor space,' he adds.
You can also use privacy screens for patio privacy and can choose screens of different materials to complement other furnishings you have in your outdoor space.
For example, this metal privacy screen from Amazon allows plenty of light in, while this wooden privacy screen from Amazon provides a natural look.
3. Opt for a pergola with a roof
A low-maintenance and easy way to ensure your pergola has privacy is investing in one with built-in coverage - like a roof. Pergolas come in a range of styles, including those with a trellis roof that let a lot of light in. However, you can also choose a pergola with a solid roof or one with slats that can be opened and closed.
'You can top your pergola with retractable or decorative shade panel,' suggests backyard design expert Leslie Adkins of Trex Decking. 'These stylish and functional panels can be tailored to the size of virtually any structure to provide added protection from sunlight and harsh UV rays, diffuse strong winds and reduce temperature for added comfort,' she adds.
Often this is a perk of pergolas over gazebos, as you can adjust the amount of sunlight that comes through - like this pergola with a sliding roof from Wayfair.
Leslie Adkins is Vice President of Marketing and ESG Development at Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance, low-maintenance composite decking and outdoor living products. She has extensive expertise related to outdoor design trends, along with practical tips for planning and building a dream outdoor space.
4. Add plants for a natural screen
An alternative way to add pergola privacy is by opting for the best plants for privacy and creating a natural garden screen. There are lots of ways to achieve this, from planting trees for privacy near your pergola or creating a container garden alongside you pergola.
'Adding more plant life and greenery is never a bad idea, and a pergola is the perfect place to create a vertical garden,' says Joe. 'Climbing vines that grow well in your climate can spread throughout the structure, creating more privacy and adding to the scenery,' he adds.
Depending on where you want privacy on your pergola, you can opt for the best plants to grow up a pergola or even use trellises to create a green wall at the sides of your pergola.
'Many homeowners also like to use tall planters filled with hardy ornamental grasses for privacy to give their pergola a lush, retreat-like feel,' says Aaron Brundage, landscape design expert at System Pavers.
'By choosing hardy, drought-resistant grasses that are native to your US hardiness zone, you’ll have year-round privacy that adds texture and movement to your outdoors while requiring very little upkeep,' he adds.
Aaron is a landscape design expert and Director of Operations at System Pavers, a national outdoor living renovation company.
5. Install pergola shades
You can also choose to install shades on your pergola, which offer privacy in the same way outdoor curtains do. While there are lots of outdoor shades to choose from, roller shades are a good option if you're looking for adjustable privacy.
Outdoor roller shades are made from durable materials to withstand different weather conditions. They can be rolled up or down depending on the privacy and shade you want to create - just like these outdoor roller shades from Amazon.
Having outdoor blinds can also uplift your outdoor living room and make it feel cozier when using your pergola in the evening.
FAQs
How do you block sun from a pergola?
There are lots of ways to create more pergola shade to block out sun and keep it cooler. For example, you can use roof shades, roller shades, curtains and even tall planting to cast shade in this area of your yard. Not only will they keep the sun out of your pergola, but these methods are just as effective at creating privacy.
The best thing about these pergola privacy solutions is they can be used in different ways to create as much privacy as you like. You can even try using a few of these methods together to enhance the appearance of your pergola and boost the amount of privacy it has, such as growing climbers on a privacy screen.
One thing to consider before putting your pergola in place and installing more privacy, however, is whether you can build a pergola next to a neighbors fence in your area.
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