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Fall is just around the corner! ‘Tis the season for chill evenings outdoors, savoring the cooler weather with friends and family. No wonder this time of year inspires so many outdoor DIY projects! While having a custom fence or trellis built for your outdoor space may be the project of your dreams, there are times when an affordable or temporary solution is needed. Perhaps you’re renting and not able to make permanent changes to the property. Or maybe you’re needing to spend money on more pressing home repairs.

Believe it or not, there are many budget-friendly privacy screen options that will do the trick. There’s no need to put your backyard haven on the back burner! The key is finding a solution that matches your budget AND reflects the style you seek, as well as the durability that you need. Here are a few ideas to get you started… [photo and privacy screen from City Farmhouse]

A Slatted Screen

Many design lovers who prefer a modern style naturally gravitate toward slatted screens featuring horizontal planks. If you’re feeling particularly handy, there are many online tutorials for building horizontal fence panels. If you’re not building an entire fence, the process can be a quick one. [photo via Pinterest]

If you love the photo at the top of this post and are looking for a great tutorial on how to build a slatted wood privacy screen, head on over to City Farmhouse. If you aren’t inclined to install posts and do the building yourself, how about a less involved option?… For starters, IKEA has an APPLARO series that involves wall panels in various renditions (alone, attached to benches, etc.). Meg from Design.Wine.Dine used the panels to create an amazing patio garden then decorated with metal hanging planters to add in more greenery:

If for any reason you aren’t able to attach the panels to the wall, consider anchoring them another way, such as inserting the posts into concrete-filled pots/planters. Speaking of panels in modern planters, this photo provides plenty of delicious design inspiration [via Pinterest]:

Powerful Planters

What just might be easier than building or assembling a modern trellis? How about planting something tall! A few modern planters and the right greenery can get the job done. Horsetail reeds are a good option if you have a moist climate that doesn’t get too frosty in the winter. They provide height and a contemporary feel:

These Low Galvanized Charcoal Planters from CB2 can be used to create a contemporary vibe. While tall plants don’t come cheap, they definitely result in an amazing look and a thick barrier if planted close together. If cacti aren’t an option, consider tall native grasses or other false plants. This 35-inch false snake plant will provide tons of privacy without any worry about water or sun.

If you’re able to make a more permanent change in your yard, you can always skip the planters and spend the money on getting thick plants that create optimum privacy. Selections such as arborvitae just might be the perfect choice for your outdoor space. [photo from Arboretum]

Curtain Call

Are outdoor deck curtains calling your name? From a cabana feel to a chill, modern vibe, outdoor curtains can definitely play up the “backyard haven” element of your outdoor retreat, providing the privacy you need in the process. [image below and details at Southern Living]

There are many ways to incorporate curtains, including using chainlink fencing supplies for a budget-friendly installation! [details at Polkadot Chair]

Below we see white curtain panels from Improvements, a company that also sells the Outdoor Curtain Rod with Post set to match! Freestanding rods and posts can be a good option if you want to avoid pouring concrete or securing the rods to the exterior of your home. However, keep in mind that you may need to find a way to ensure that the rod will not topple over in high winds (for example, weighing down the posts or placing them in sturdy umbrella pole holders).

Going Faux

Looking to add some greenery to the privacy screen of your choice? Don’t underestimate the power of faux plants. If you live in a climate where winters obliterate your outdoor greenery, this option might be a good one for you. The key is to stick with realistic-looking selections. Sometimes greenery minus the flowers are the way to go. Faux boxwood panels are an increasingly popular option and you can get 12 20×20 inch panels here to completely cover a chain link fence or trellis. [photo via Artificial Plants Unlimited]

If you’re looking for faux vines to grace your trellis while the real ones grow in, you can always find a temporary solution, like this faux ivy from The Bloom Times, available via Amazon:

Whether you’re making big changes or small ones, we at Decoist wish you the best with your outdoor projects. Hopefully today’s post helped provide some design inspiration. Thanks for reading!