The truth is many of us are guilty of spying on our neighbors while they spend time outdoors. In contrast, we hate it more when we discover they are also spying on us. When this becomes a habit, how to make the outdoor living area or our apartment balcony private is usually the next thing that comes to mind.
Using balcony railings cover for privacy and an awning that provides defense from weather elements, such as the sun, rain, and many more, would give you the privacy and comfort you desire.
It is no lie that we all love to enjoy our private life, especially in the company of our loved ones. Having an enclosed balcony or other outdoor living areas gives you the freedom you need to gallivant around securely without prying eyes.
Generally, making the balcony private requires building, which is tricky and requires proper planning, so you don’t damage the outdoor space or attract wrath from your neighbors if there are any.
When proper planning is implemented, you will know what type of screen will work best for your balcony area. While planning, it is crucial to consider the extent of the weather elements in that area.
An area with high wind or storm will require more careful and professional Fixing. Below are some screens you can use for your balcony and tips on making an apartment balcony private.
DIY Balcony Privacy Screen Ideas
The video below will show you different ways to make your balcony or small outdoor area private and comfortable.
Some of the materials used in this video are listed below. With these ideas, you can upgrade and enhance the look of the small outdoor space.
Outdoor Screen to Make Your Balcony Private
One can use different types of materials to make the balcony private. Many of these screens require installation and can be done by anyone.
However, some of these screens might require expert input for their installation, and some of the balcony privacy options are
1. Balcony Railing Cover
If you are interested in half-screening your balcony, the balcony railing cover is one of your best choices. This privacy cloth is easy to install and can be done by anyone; there is no need for technical know-how.
Concern about the durability of this balcony cover? This material is made to withstand any weather elements to ascertain that it is durable and suitable for outdoor use. Unlike regular materials, the balcony cover is designed to prevent tears, enhancing the cover’s longevity.
Furthermore, this cover can be utilized for different purposes, such as blocking wind, sun, and other home areas.
2. Using a retractable screen
This comes with a lot of flexibility, making it ideal to use on the balcony railing. This screen is easy to install and use.
If you have railings installed on your balcony, it will be easier to use this screen. This retractable screen can also be installed behind the railings, depending on how you feel it is best.
To use the screen when the weather is unpleasant or when privacy is needed only requires pulling out and fixing it to its pole. No maintenance is necessary for having this screen installed on your balcony.
3. Use of Blinds
Making use of blinds is another of making the outdoors private. Blinds are flexing in style and design.
Also, blinds help to improve the look of the outdoor area, balcony, or anywhere it is placed. It adds humor while also making it private and comfortable to use.
There are different types of blinds you can use around the outdoor area. You can make it half or full blinds, depending on your balcony design.
With this, you can roll up or down as pleased to have a comfortable outdoor area. Also, blinds do not require much maintenance as they are made of durable and weather-resistant material. This is to ensure they are suitable for outdoor use and do not get affected by weather elements
4. Curtains
Installing curtains is easy; however, it requires frequent maintenance to keep them looking good. This is because curtains tend to get dirty when used outdoors as a result of exposure to elements.
Nonetheless, curtains are flexible when installed in the outdoor area. It can be used when the weather is not friendly or when privacy is needed.
Also, maintaining these curtains is cheap compared to other ways of making the balcony private. Additionally, curtains come in different colors and designs to enhance the look of the outdoor area.
5. Bamboo and Reeds
Suppose you are thinking of giving your outdoor space an ancient feel and look. Then bamboo fences and reeds are the most ideal.
The bamboo or reeds requires little maintenance and are usually durable and sturdy when used for this purpose. Reeds are usually woven into tiny pieces when compiled into bamboo.
Over time, there is a possibility of the bamboo losing its feel and changing in color. However, this is not a problem as it can be corrected using a wood seal.
The application of bamboo as a privacy screen is versatile. This makes it more appealing when a little touch of creativity is added.
6. Glass screen
The is the use of tempered glass to privatize the balcony. This type of screen installation usually requires an expert’s input. You can make it a full screen or half rail; then, you support it with curtains or blinds.
Supporting it with curtains or blinds
It is necessary to know that a full glass screen without curtains or blinds will leave the outdoor space exposed.
For this reason, using half-screen rails is better when you think of screening your balcony. With that, you can use various wind blockers or sunshades to make the area comfortable.
Complimenting it with curtains and bamboo will allow for the passage of fresh air. Also, you can roll up and roll down to make the outdoor area more comfortable.
How to hang curtains on the apartment balcony
Hanging curtains on the balcony can be stressful and, at the same time, simple without much stress. This will be determined by the type or shape of the balcony in your home.
Some balconies have a frame or roof-like structure, making screening the environment easy. While some may be open, making it difficult to install or build screens on them.
A balcony with a frame or roof hanging a curtain will not take much of your time. To do this, you need some of these accessories, depending on how you want your outdoor area to look.
- Brackets or Nails
Depending on the resource you have and how you want your balcony to look will determine which one to use. These nails and brackets both serve the same purpose.
The nail and the back are used to hold the rope or rod where the curtains will be placed. The brackets will give the outdoor area a classic look, but most time is not usually necessary.
These nails or brackets will be fixed at the two-end corner where the curtain will be placed.
- Tension Rods, Galvanized Pipes, or Ropes
These accessories can be used to hang the curtain to give it a firm grip on the outdoor space. It also makes adjusting the curtain easy to enhance the comfort of the outdoor area.
7. Wooden screen
Installing a wooden screen can be stressful and also fun at the same time. Building a wooden fence if there are technical know-how and tools available can be done personally.
If not, it is necessary to seek the help of a professional. The flexibility of wood in blocking and making the balcony private is next to none.
Woods can be fixed stylishly to beautify the outdoor space. Sometimes adding some creativity by including some carved wood would do a lot of magic.
Furthermore, wood does not require any maintenance, as it is suitable for any weather. To enhance this wood’s longevity, you can seal or coat it, improving the feel of the wood and space.
8. Outdoor Plants
Another way to make the balcony private is the use of plants. I believe all terraces are usually guarded to ensure they are safe to use.
You can then extend the railing and make it a fence. When this is done, plant a flower that would arch through the railing poles, thus making the outdoor area private.
There are many advantages of having plants around the home; with this, you are just about to tap into such an advantage.
For this purpose, plants such as Jasmine are the best as they can withstand several weather changes. However, maintaining plants can be tedious as it requires frequent watering to nourish them for proper development.
Conclusion
These are some of the materials to use when you think of making an apartment balcony private. You don’t need to follow the illustration in the videos above, as they are just general ideas.
The types of materials and how you will make your balcony private will be determined by your balcony styles. However, it is necessary to always go for flexible design options.
Such as blinds or curtains and many more, as they can roll up or down to enhance the outdoor area’s comfort. Also, using rigid materials such as wood will be ideal if you are in a windy area.
Nonetheless, we hope these ideas bring lasting solutions to your balcony, patio, porch, and other outdoor areas you may have.
