December 2023

50 Ways To Block Your Neighbour’s View In December 2023

Giving yourself some privacy and stopping people from looking into your garden or home is important. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can do this without spending a lot of money.

In this article, we are going to share a bunch of garden screening ideas. You will be able to implement a lot of these ideas yourself. Or you could speak to a landscape architect and get them to help you. 

Topics that you will find covered on this page

Here are 50 ways to block your neighbour’s view:

1. Hang curtains or drapes

This is an easy and inexpensive way to block light and views into your home because you can find curtains or drapes in a variety of materials, colours and patterns. You can purchase them at most home décor stores.

2. Install blinds or shades

Like curtains, blinds and shades can also be used to block light and views because you can get them in a variety of materials, colours and shapes. You will need to make sure that they fit your windows properly in order to get the best results. Therefore, be careful when you are measuring your windows or glass.

3. Put up frosted or privacy window film. 

This type of film is applied to glass and prevents people from being able to see through it. It means that you can still see out, but people cannot see in. It is available in a variety of different designs, so you can find one that suits your taste. You can purchase it at most hardware stores and places like B&Q.

4. Place potted plants in front of windows

Potted plants are a great way to add some privacy to your home and they can also help to block views. Place them in front of windows that you don’t want people to be able to see into. Be careful to make sure that the plants you choose are not too tall or they will block your own view.

5. Hang a privacy screen

A privacy screen is a great way to create some privacy on your patio, deck or porch. You can find them at most home improvement stores. They come in a variety of materials, such as, wood, fabric and metal. You can also find them in a variety of sizes and designs, so you can find one that suits your needs. You can also hang them from awnings or pergolas which will mean that you can still enjoy your view.

6. Build a fence. 

A wooden fence is a great way to create some backyard privacy. You will need to check with your local council or planning department to see if there are any restrictions on the height of fences in your area. You can find fencing at most home improvement stores. 

If you don’t want a wooden fence you can just as easily use a metal fence. This could be more sturdy. 

Be sure to get a professional to install it if you are not confident in doing it yourself, as it is not always as simple as it looks.

7. Plant trees or shrubs

Trees and shrubs can provide both privacy and beauty to your garden and can be used to block views of your home from the street or from your neighbour’s house giving you some garden screening. The best type of plants or shrubs to use are evergreens, as they will provide privacy all year round. 

When choosing trees or shrubs, be sure to consider their mature height and spread so that you don’t plant something that will become too big for the space. Also, be sure to check for any underground utilities before you start digging things up.

8. Install lattice panels

A lattice screen is a great way to create privacy on your patio, deck or porch and can also be used to block views. They are usually made from wood or plastic and come in a variety of sizes and designs. You can find them at most home improvement stores.

9. Hang a tapestry or piece of fabric. 

A tapestry or piece of fabric can be hung in front of a window or other area to block views and create privacy. This will mean that no one can look in.

10. Place furniture in front of windows. 

Placing a couch, chair, or another piece of furniture in front of a window can block views and create privacy. This can be a great way to add some extra seating to a room as well. Just be sure that the piece of furniture you choose is not too big or it will block your own view.

11. Use shutters. 

Shutters can be placed on the outside of your home to block views into your windows. Shutters are normally made from wood or vinyl and come in a variety of styles. You can find them at most home improvement stores.

They can also be placed on the inside of your home, but this will mean that you will not be able to see them out as easily.

12. Install frosted glass doors. 

Frosted glass is a type of glass that has been treated so that it is not completely transparent. This means that people cannot see through it as easily. It is often used in bathrooms and showers as it provides privacy while still letting in light. You can also use it on any windows that you do not want anyone to see through.

Frosted glass doors can be used to block views and create privacy. 

14. Put up roller shades. 

Roller shades are a type of smart blind that can be used to block views and create privacy. They are normally made from fabric or paper and can be found at most home improvement stores like B&Q.

They work by rolling up or down to cover the window. They can be left down all the time or only used when needed.

15. Install a pergola

A pergola is a type of garden structure that can be used to create privacy and block views. It is usually made from wood or metal and has a lattice roof. You can different types of designs to suit your garden.

Examples of the types of shapes you can get are:

  • Rectangular
  • Square
  • Round
  • Hexagonal
  • Octagonal

16. Hang outdoor curtains

Outdoor curtains are just like regular curtains but they are made to withstand the elements. They are usually made from weather-resistant fabric and can be hung from a rod or wire. Outdoor curtains can provide privacy and block views on your patio, deck, or porch. 

A weather-resistant fabric is made from a material that can withstand exposure to the elements without being damaged. 

You can find outdoor curtains at most home shops or online. 

Be careful to measure the space you want to cover before you buy them.

"A trellis is a type of garden structure that is made from wood, metal, or plastic. It has a lattice design and is often used to support climbing plants."

17. Use trellises

A trellis is a type of garden structure that is made from wood, metal, or plastic. It has a lattice design and is often used to support climbing plants. Trellises can also be used to create your own garden privacy and block people from looking in. 

Climbing plants that you can use are:

They can be placed against a wall or fence and covered with plants to create a natural privacy screen. Trellises can also be used on their own as a freestanding privacy screen. 

You can find trellises at most home and garden stores. 

18. Place potted plants on your patio or deck

Potted plants can be used to create privacy and block views on your patio or deck. 

Potted plants can be bought at most garden stores. Be sure to get a pot that is the right size for the plant and has drainage holes, as otherwise, the plant will not be able to thrive. 

Some plants that do well in pots are:

  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Sage
  • Basil

19. Hang wind chimes

Wind chimes are a type of decoration that is made from hanging metal or glass pieces. They make a tinkling sound when the wind blows and can be hung from a porch, tree, or gazebo. Wind chimes can also be used to block views and create privacy. 

They work by hanging in front of the window and blocking the view. The sound of the wind chimes will also help to create a feeling of privacy as well as a relaxing sound. 

20. Install a water feature

A water feature, such as a fountain or waterfall, can be used to block views and create privacy. They come in all sort of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, metal, and plastic. 

Water features can be placed in your garden or on your patio or deck. The sound of the water will help to create a feeling of privacy as well as give you the calming sound of water.

21. Use lattice panels to build a privacy screen

Lattice panels can be used to build a privacy screen that can then be placed in front of windows or other areas to block views.

22. Plant tall grasses or shrubs around the perimeter of your property

Tall grasses or shrubs can be used to create a natural privacy screen around the perimeter of your property. The best types of grasses you can use are:

Shrubs that can be used are:

  • Holly
  • Boxwood
  • Rhododendron 

If grass is too hard to grow, then the simple option may be to add some tall trees to your garden,

23. Hang a banner

A banner can be hung in front of a window or other area to block views and create privacy. The banner could be a popular saying or just a design using different colours and shapes.

24. Paint your windows

Window paints that create privacy are special paints that allow you to see out of the window but prevent people from seeing in. They are perfect for apartments, homes, or businesses that don’t want people to be able to see inside. 

Applying a coat of paint to your windows can help to obscure views and add privacy to your home. 

25. Install shutters on the inside of your windows.

Shutters can also be placed on the inside of your windows to block views and create privacy. These are specialist shutters that are designed to fit on the inside of your window and can be opened and closed as needed.

Installing shutters on the inside of your windows is a great way to add privacy to your home. They can also help to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter by blocking out sunlight. 

26. Use a privacy screen protector

A privacy screen protector is a type of film that can be applied to your computer screen to prevent people from being able to see what is on the screen. They are made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and metal. 

Privacy screen protectors are perfect for areas where people might be able to see your computer screen, such as in an office or on a public transportation system. 

27. Place furniture in front of doors

Placing a couch, chair, or a piece of furniture in front of a door can block views and create privacy. However, be careful not to block yourself in. 

28. Hang curtains over doors

Curtains can also be hung over doors to block views and create privacy. You will ideally need thick curtains that will not let any light through.

29. Install a door sweep

A door sweep is a type of seal that can be installed at the bottom of a door to prevent people from being able to see through the crack beneath the door. They can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and rubber. 

Door sweeps are perfect for creating privacy in homes, offices, and other buildings. They are also helpful for keeping out drafts and reducing noise pollution. 

30. Use a security door

A security door is a type of door that is designed to be more secure and can be used to block views and create privacy. They are normally quite thick and made from metal or heavy-duty wood. 

Security doors are perfect for homes, offices, and other buildings that require a higher level of security. They can also help to keep out drafts and noise pollution. 

31. Hang blinds over doors

You can hang blinds over your doors to block views and create privacy. This will mean that no one can look through any windows that you might have in the door.

32. Place potted plants on your porch or deck

Potted plants can also be used to create privacy and block views on your porch or deck. Plants that are good for this purpose include:

  • Bamboo
  • Holly
  • Boxwood
  • Rhododendron 

Potted plants are a great way to add privacy and block views on your porch or deck. They can also help to improve the air quality and make your outdoor space more inviting. 

33. Install a fence

You can install a fence and use this to block views and create privacy around your property. Fences can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.

Fences are a great way to create privacy and can go around all your property or just the side where you want to create privacy.

The height of the fence will depend on how much privacy you want to create. A taller fence will block more views but will also be more expensive. So, so think carefully about your fence height.

You should also check whether there are any local authority restrictions on the height of your fence.

34. Hang planters from your balcony or deck

A planter is a type of container that is used to grow plants. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and ceramic.

Hanging planters from your balcony or deck is a great way to create privacy and block views. You can grow a variety of plants in the planters, such as:

35. Use window film

Window film is a type of material that can be applied to your windows to obscure views and add privacy. It is made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and metal.

Window film is a great way to add privacy to your home and stop eyes looking into your property.

36. Install window treatments

A window treatment is a type of material that is used to cover windows. Window treatments, such as curtains or blinds, can be used to block views and create privacy.

37. Use contact paper

Contact paper is a type of adhesive paper that can be applied to your windows to obscure views and add privacy. You can buy contact paper from a variety of places, including Amazon.

38. Hang tapestries or fabric over doors or windows

Tapestries or pieces of fabric can also be hung over doors or windows to block views and create privacy.

39. Place mirrors on your patio or deck

Mirrors can also be used to reflect light and create privacy on your patio or deck. Mirrors can be hung on walls or placed on the ground to reflect the light.

40. Use an outdoor privacy screen

An outdoor privacy screen is a type of structure that can be placed in your yard and used to block views. 

Outdoor privacy screens come in a variety of different styles and can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and fabric. 

They can be bought from a variety of places, including online retailers or even places like Home Bargains, B&M Bargains and B&Q.

41. Install landscaping elements

As we have previously mentioned you can add landscaping elements, such as trees, bushes, or fences. These can effectively be used to block views and create privacy.

42. Use a pergola

A pergola is a type of structure that is used to provide overhead shade and protect an area from the sun. A pergola can be placed in your yard and used to support climbing plants or vines.

It can help protect privacy by shading an area and blocking views. 

43. Plant hedges around the perimeter of your property

Hedges can also be planted around the perimeter of your property to create a natural privacy screen. In the UK hedges are normally made up of evergreen plants, such as yew, box, or holly. Alternatively, you could look at using evergreen trees.

Hedges can be planted to different heights, depending on how much privacy you want to create. A high hedge will block more views but will also take longer to grow.

44. Hang curtains over your balcony or deck

Curtains can also be hung over your balcony or deck to block views and create privacy. You could use any type of curtain for this, and don’t necessarily need to buy something specific. A normal bedroom curtain would work.

45. Use an awning

An awning is a type of structure that is used to shade and protect an area from the sun. It can be placed over doors or windows, or even over a patio or deck. 

An awning can help protect privacy by shading an area and blocking views. They come in all sorts of shapes and colours so you can choose something to fit in with the style of your home. 

46. Install roller shades on your windows

Roller shades can be used to block views and create privacy. They work by rolling up or down to cover the window. When buying a roller shade make sure that it is made from a light-blocking material.

47. Place furniture in front of your windows

Placing furniture in front of your windows can also block views and create privacy. However, be careful not to block yourself in.

48. Hang blinds on your windows

Blinds can also be hung on your windows to block views and create privacy.

49. Install solar screens on your windows

Solar screens are a type of screen that can be placed on your windows to block sunlight and heat. They are made from a variety of materials, including fabric, and plastic. 

50. Paint your windows

Painting your windows can also obscure views and create privacy. 

There are many different ways that you can create privacy and block views in the UK. By using some of the methods listed above, you can make your home more private and secure.

We hope you found some good ideas to help you protect your privacy from your neighbours.

Meet the author

Jane Parkinson

Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.

Meet The Team

UK Care Guide - A trusted resource

Share this page

Clicky