You guys know how much I value a beautifully designed yard , and having that perfect screen just makes your outdoor space feel like a total sanctuary.

I’ve been seeing so many amazing ideas, and I’m pulling together 15 concepts that I just love. They all have this fantastic modern vibe  that works so well.

Creative Fence Solutions

I’m wrapping up with some truly creative solutions for those tricky privacy problems. This Herringbone Privacy Screen is just fantastic and SO on-trend right now.

It’s made from pressure-treated pine slats and hangs from a chain. Can you believe that?! It brings this amazing sculptural feeling to any patio or deck. I love it!

A stunning herringbone privacy screen
credit: www.hgtv.com

Of course, you can always go for a natural privacy fence using greenery, like these gorgeous cypress trees. I’ve talked about privacy plants before, and they are such a beautiful way to create a screen.

A living wall of cypress trees creates a border
credit: www.exteriorworlds.com

I am obsessed with this look: a modern planter just loaded with tall greenery! Horsetail reeds are pretty much perfect for this.

They have a tall, skinny look that makes an ideal plant-based fence. You can see here how a long, modern planter full of reeds gives this really green, lush screen to a contemporary yard. So beautiful!

Tall horsetail reeds in a planter for a natural screen
credit: www.thegardenglove.com

And for the last one, I have to show you this. Interior designer Barry Harrison had this super creative idea for adding privacy to a really compact lot. What a challenge!

He built this amazing screen using potted plants. It’s made from cedar posts, galvanized metal plates, and rods. Then he used galvanized hooks to hold all the terra cotta pots. He filled them with succulents. It’s just brilliant!

A creative privacy screen made of potted plants
credit: www.deborahsilver.com

Horizontal Plank Fences

OK, one of the biggest trends I’m seeing everywhere right now is the horizontal-planked fence. I personally think this is such a great look. You can space the planks super close together, or you can leave a little room for vines to climb up.

Either way, the final look is so modern and sleek. In this picture, we see a privacy fence that’s also working as a trellis. The wood they used is a whitewashed western red cedar. Gorgeous!

A modern privacy fence for a patio space
credit: www.matthew-cunningham.com

This modern deck is enclosed by a privacy fence that mixes up the width of the planks. The result is just fantastic! It adds so much variety and visual interest to the space.

A slatted outdoor privacy fence with varied planks
credit: www.korbicharchitects.com

By using planks spaced really close together, this next fence is the perfect solution for screening off areas like a hot tub or a custom spa.

Privacy fencing around a custom spa
credit: www.randythuemedesign.com

When you’re trying to pick a wood or a finish, it’s a great idea to think about the colors that are already in your yard. Look at the color of your home, too. If you feel like doing a DIY project, this tutorial I found features planks with a gray stain.

A DIY privacy fence project
credit: www.homedepot.ca

And if you’re feeling extra creative, you could pick a fence that has an irregular pattern. I love this! You can leave some gaps for plants to peek through. It adds a really beautiful, unexpected touch to your garden.

A garden privacy fence designed around plants
credit: www.matthew-millman.com

For a look that’s really unique, try mixing your materials. Think about using wooden planks *with* cinder blocks. Below, this front patio fence uses tigerwood plus cinder blocks. What an amazing combination!

A privacy fence combining cinder blocks and wood
credit: www.designplatformllc.com

Metal Fencing Options

Next up, let’s talk about metal fencing. I’m seeing some really clever corrugated options and even some smart upgrades for chain link. Below is a corrugated metal fence that stairsteps right down, following the slope of the yard. It’s such a clean, modern look, especially with the wooden posts mixed in.

A corrugated metal privacy fence
credit: www.fencer1.net

This corrugated fence is so smart. It uses wood to build supports and little ledges. These are perfect spots to place things like small plants or candles for some extra style.

A corrugated metal fence with built-in ledges
credit: www.reclaimedhome.com

Do you have a chain link fence that’s just not giving you any privacy? I get it! The great news is that today you can find all kinds of chain link fence slat options. These block up all those openings in the fence and give the chain link a completely new look!

Adding privacy slats to a chain link fence
credit: www.cloturesfrontenac.com

If you really don’t like the look of your chain link fence but can’t tear it down (maybe you’re renting), you should think about a temporary fix that still has a high-end feel. This is a Cedar Panel DIY project I saw.

The blogger, Rachel Denbow, used cedar planks to build a series of panels to hide the chain link. The best part? It doesn’t permanently change it at all. So clever and modern!

A DIY cedar panel privacy fence
credit: www.smileandwave.typepad.com

For a fun tropical vibe that’s also really affordable, you can always look at bamboo fencing. You can run it along the whole length of your chain link fence, and it adds this great, breezy flair.

It’s a really fun accent, especially for summer. This look can also push your yard into Boho chic territory. Just add a ton of potted plants and some textiles with fun patterns to your outdoor space.

Bamboo fencing adds a privacy layer to chain link
credit: www.bamboofencer.com

I hope all these ideas got you inspired as you think about your own yard projects! Whether you hire someone to build a custom fence or you’re planning to build one yourself, just remember there are so many fantastic options out there for every budget. Here’s to getting a little more privacy in your yard this summer!