Use These Apartment Patio Privacy Ideas For Peace of Mind

This post is all about apartment patio privacy ideas.

One of my #1 pet peeves is attempting to relax on my apartment balcony and feeling like my neighbors are watching me. They’re nice people, but the introvert in me just wants a few moments to myself to dive into a good book and drink a cup of tea without eyes on me. 

Because of this, I was determined to find apartment patio privacy that worked for my unique space, wasn’t super expensive, and helped me to feel relaxed in my space. 

Rent is WAY too expensive these days to pay for a home that you don’t feel completely comfortable in! 

Let’s dive into some beautiful and practical privacy screens, plants, curtains, and more to give you plenty of inspiration for your unique apartment balcony! 

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Best Apartment Patio Privacy Ideas

1. Balcony privacy that doubles as patio decor

This option won’t offer the most coverage, but it does complement your space!

Attach lights, patio decor, plants, or mini shelves for storage to a lattice screen. Really, any outdoor decor that is light enough not to knock over the display. Don’t forget to consider wind and rain too!

I love the look of the wooden ones, but you can probably find metal ones as well if you live in a windy area and need a more sturdy option.

2. Tall grass for a natural DIY privacy screen

Pampass grass or feather reed grass is the way to go if you want a natural barrier! They sway in the breeze to create a relaxing vibe but still offer a bit of privacy to your outdoor living room.

I love this option because it is affordable and doesn’t involve a ton of building. You can thrift some nice big pots or DIY wooden boxes for it to live in.

Just don’t forget to water it!

Check out your local garden center to buy full-grown ones, or if you want to be adventurous, you can grow them from seed!

If you want a cost-effective natural screen, this will be your best bet!

3. Bamboo curtains for versatility

Bamboo roller blinds are a classic and are popular for a reason!

They offer the perfect amount of privacy without blocking out all of the sunlight.

That being said, they are adjustable, so you can change them depending on the time of day you’re relaxing on your porch. You can still get some fresh air while relaxing on your patio, but it won’t feel like you’re boxed in.

{RECOMMENDED POST: 8 Unique DIY Bamboo Fence Ideas For Your Backyard Oasis}

4. Stunning curtains for a cozy patio feel and a touch of elegance

Something about white curtains swaying on a balcony just looks so luxurious and doubles as a decorative element while still offering some utility.

There’s no denying that keeping up with white outdoor curtains will be added to your to do list, but I think it’s worth it.

Create that cozy indoor/outdoor vibe that you find at fancy resorts right on your own patio! These are made of outdoor fabric so hopefully you won’t have to replace them often.

A simple tension rod can make this a simple DIY project and really elevate your space without drilling holes. Great option for apartment renters! Pick up a tension rod in gold to give a more elegant feel. It will also look less like a shower curtain rather than choosing white. Since it’s stainless steel, it is durable enough for the outdoors!

If you have a small balcony, a shower tension rod should be just big enough to work!

5. Patio privacy with plants for a private oasis

This patio screen will take some time and creativity, but the finished product is stunning and brings a touch of nature to your urban space.

Customize your very own plant wall that either has small pots or a complete wall of packed-together plants.

Think of those fern walls that businesses sometimes have! Another benefit of this option is that plant leaves can offer

Best privacy plants for apartment balcony

The best privacy plants for your apartment balcony are the ones that you can easily maintain and that grow tall, “climb” or have large leaves becasue that creates the biggest barrier to the outside world.

Whether you want to put the plants in a pot or allow them to sprawl over your patio lattice, these are the best privacy plants for your apartment balcony:

• Bamboo: Fast-growing and dense; great in large containers and easy to maintain.
• Tall Ornamental Grasses (e.g., Feather Reed Grass, Fountain Grass): They add height and movement and are relatively low-maintenance
• Climbing plants: These are great to add to a trellis or privacy screen. Plants like English Ivy, Honeysuckle, and climbing roses have a unique look but still offer privacy.

6. Cloth for a budget-friendly privacy screen

Most of the balcony walls on this list are renter-friendly, but this one is extremely renter-friendly. This is also a great option if you have limited space and don’t have the room to throw up a large room divider on your patio.

Simply attach fabric around your patio railing. It won’t cover your patio completely, but while you’re sitting, it offers a bit of privacy.

Be sure to add a zipper or buttons to the DIY screen so it doesn’t end up on your neighbor’s patio.

7. Bamboo fence for a natural-looking privacy wall

If you don’t have a roof to attach a rolling bamboo curtain, go for a horizontal option instead that attaches to your apartment railing!

These can simply be secured to your patio railing with some twine or thin wire.

These are a popular choice for renters because they are super easy to install and you can easily take them down when it’s time to go!

{RECOMMENDED POST: 9 Clever Bike Storage Ideas for Apartments To Maximize Space}

8. Tall plants like real bamboo (no green thumb needed)

If you don’t want to use grass for privacy, go with potted bamboo! It can grow super tall and really fill out containers nicely. I love that it still lets in a bit of natural light as well. It’s an easy way to get some privacy from nosy neighbors but not feel completely blocked off.

You only need to buy a bit to create the perfect barrier using the leaves of your bamboo plant.

Bamboo plants are also great because they are incredibly resilient, even a beginner gardener can care for them!

Pick up a few large pots so they have enough space to really thrive and create a natural barrier.

9. Hanging plants or plants with a vine to block a small space

If you dream of having a mini jungle in the extension of your home, creeping vines are the way to go!

I love that they offer shade to keep your apartment patio cool and are a natural barrier to the bustle of the city.

Some of my favorite creeping vines include ivy, climbing roses, trumpet vine, Jasmine, and wisteria.

10. DIY patio privacy wall using pallets with string lights

Isn’t this chevron privacy wall stunning?!

This option may work best if you live in an apartment on the ground floor and need a privacy wall, as it can be quite heavy.

For a super cheap option, you could also attach multiple wooden pallets on top of each other for a DIY privacy wall!

Don’t forget to add outdoor rugs to really piece your outdoor room together!

11. Outdoor room divider for small apartment patio privacy

Basically, any thrift store that you go to will have room dividers!

I love that you can easily create a bit of privacy by just expanding them open and then storing them away when you’re done.

If you only want privacy on your balcony sometimes (like for gatherings or dinner parties!) these are the best option for you!

12. Sheer mosquito net for a bug-free outdoor area

Tackle two common issues at once: getting attacked by mosquitoes on your balcony and a lack of privacy.

Mosquito nets are cheap and light enough that they are easy to install.

They are pretty sheer, so you won’t be completely visibly covered, but it’s better than nothing!

These mosquito nets are a great choice if you are looking for natural ways to keep your space relatively bug-free.

13. Vertical garden for a little privacy

Make your own vertical gardening area on your patio with porch planter baskets.

Having your own fresh herbs or flowers right at your fingertips is always a nice treat.

Again, this won’t offer the best privacy, but it is still a lovely distraction! If you have a small patio, potted plants in a vertical display are the perfect space-saving option.

{RECOMMENDED POST: 23 Beginner-Friendly Terrace Gardening Ideas For Your Cozy Apartment}

14. Apartment patio shade ideas

If you’re lucky, your apartment gets plenty of sun.

The downside of course, is that this makes it incredibly hard to relax outside in. Many of the ideas on this list will help to create shade on your apartment patio or porch.

This half umbrella is perfect for apartment patios because it is big enough to create shade as you curl up with a good book, but it isn’t so large that it will take up a bunch of space.

FAQ Apartment balcony privacy ideas

How do I add privacy to my apartment patio?

To add some privacy to your apartment patio, use barriers like curtains, privacy screens, railing fabrics, potted plants, and room dividers to make your space feel less exposed.

Try to use a mixture of natural barriers like tall plants or hanging plants with sturdy items like lattice or bamboo screens to create a nice visual balance.

Using a variety of privacy options can make your apartment patio feel private but not completely blocked off from the outside world.

How to make an apartment patio look nice?

To make an apartment patio look nice, you can use a mixture of decorative elements and useful items to create a cohesive space.

Some things you can add to your apartment patio are outdoor rugs, umbrellas, planter boxes, water features, string lights on your balcony railing, a small table to add decor to, lattice panels, and more!

These options look nice but also offer privacy by keeping them attention on your beautiful patio and not on you as you enjoy your morning cup of coffee!

How do I make my rental balcony private?

Use temporary barriers like bamboo screens, tall plants in pots, hanging plants, room dividers, and fabric railing covers, to make your rental balcony apartment feel more private.

You don’t need to drill a bunch of holes or buy large outdoor furniture to create a cozy and relaxing rental apartment outdoor space. There are plenty of creative ways to design your dream space without being an interior designer!

Have any other balcony privacy ideas? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well.

Stay well, 

Maggie

This post was all about apartment patio privacy ideas.

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