These Privacy Screens From Wayfair Will Turn Your Backyard Into An Outdoor Oasis — And Keep Nosy Neighbors Away

Privacy screens are a necessary feature of backyard design, and Wayfair has some of the finest options. Here, outdoor design experts explain their importance

outdoor dining area with table, bench, and three chairs
Wayfair boasts a collection of decorative and functional privacy screens that will improve the design of your outdoor space.
(Image credit: Suns Lifestyle.)

Finally — the outdoor living season is just ahead. Unless you're blessed with acres of land and lush greenery (yes, I'm jealous), you've probably found yourself wondering how to make your outdoor space feel like yours and yours alone (not a shared space with your lovely neighbors). Lucky, privacy screens are a simple, stylish, and affordable solution — and Wayfair has a selection of privacy screens that are bound to turn your outdoor area into a secluded oasis.

As the name implies, these screens present a stylish opportunity for the perfect patio privacy ideas. "Privacy screens create a sense of seclusion, allowing homeowners to entertain, relax, and engage in activities with peace of mind," Jordan Clough of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture tells me. "They can also help transform a space into a serene environment by reducing outside noise pollution in more urban environments," he adds. And for anyone with a small backyard, privacy screens become essential. "You can use screening to create a definition for boundaries, enclosing the garden without taking up lots of floor space," Reilly Gray tells me, co-founder of Suns Lifestyle.

So, with spring and summer right around the corner, it's time to refresh your outdoor decor with a privacy screen from Wayfair. Below, I've found six top-rated screens from the brand — ranging in material, design, and shape.

FAQs

How to Choose the Right Privacy Screen

brown wood privacy screen with ivy growing on top

A privacy screen can blend in tastefully with the foliage in your backyard.

(Image credit: Ramsey)

Wayfair has over a thousand options for privacy screens, so it can feel overwhelming to decide which is best for your space. However, Jordan tells me it's a good idea to start by looking at screens that match the architectural style of your house. "Look for cues in other exterior carpentry that might guide the detailing, like railings, shutters, decking etc," he says. Matching a privacy screen to your home exterior will create a cohesive look.

On a similar note, Reilly tells me it's important to consider the bigger picture. "It's important you choose the right type of screening that will not only suit the look and feel you're trying to achieve, but also considers elements like durability, weather resistance and the level of privacy you need," Reilly says. "Take into account the installation options too, to decide whether you need something freestanding, wall-mounted or integrated with your planting," he says.

When it comes to color, "neutral tones like anthracite greys, warm off-whites and natural wood tones are versatile enough to work in most gardens, creating a more cohesive look," Riley shares. Along with neutral tones, Jordan says dark colored screens make for a nice visual. "Plantings really pop against a dark backdrop," he tells me.

At the end of the day, your outdoor area should feel like a exclusive and private space — regardless of its size. And with a privacy screen, you can accomplish just that. But, since outdoor areas are an extension of your home, they're deserving of the same thoughtful design. Aside from privacy screens, Wayfair has an extensive selection of outdoor decor and outdoor furniture. Turn your backyard or patio space into an outdoor living room with these pieces from Wayfair, below.

More Outdoor Decor From Wayfair

Aside from privacy screens and other outdoor decor, read on to discover more backyard ideas to transform your outdoor areas into a stylish extension of your home.

Devin Toolen
Style Editor

Devin is a New York-based Style Editor for Livingetc who is keen on all aspects of personal style. From a young age, she was drawn to the design world, whether that was taking sewing classes in her hometown, or flipping through the pages of her mother’s interior design magazines. She spent hours on end watching HGTV home improvement and design programs, often sharing her opinions as if the TV could hear her.

After graduating from Villanova University with a BA in Communication and Spanish Language Studies, Devin moved to Paris, France to pursue her Master’s Degree in Fashion Studies at Parsons. It was here she refined her love for style in every sense of the word. While there to study fashion, living in Paris allowed Devin to fall in love with interior style. She grew fond of the city’s mix of both classic and contemporary designs that felt intentional and personal.

After moving back to the United States, Devin worked at Tom Ford and later Cosmopolitan Magazine. She loves sharing design choices with her readers, from explaining how to incorporate trends into interior spaces to sourcing the best products for your home. Devin believes style should be inclusive, exciting, and at its core, fun