14 Cheap Ways to Block Neighbor’s View

Last updated:
Brad Smith
Written By Brad Smith

Seeking privacy in your backyard doesn’t have to break the bank. After exploring several cost-effective strategies to shield my own garden from prying eyes, I found that outdoor privacy screens offer a versatile and aesthetically pleasing solution. They are easy to install, come in various designs to complement any garden theme, and provide immediate seclusion for those leisurely outdoor moments.

For those looking to enhance their backyard privacy without extensive renovations, I highly recommend checking out the array of outdoor privacy screens available on Amazon. These screens not only ensure privacy but also add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.

Below are a few things that homeowners can do to block their neighbors from seeing what’s going on in their backyards. Some of these measures may be more effective than others, depending on the proximity of the neighbor and the level of privacy desired.

Outdoor curtains

Outdoor curtains are the cheapest backyard privacy idea and a great way to block your neighbor’s view of your yard. You can use them to create privacy and make sure that you’re spending time outside without your neighbors being able to see what you’re doing. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a romantic picnic or just want some privacy for yourself, they will do the trick.

hang outdoor curtains

Unlike permanent options like walls or fences, outdoor curtains are also light and versatile.

They are also great for those who have pets that like to get out into their yards, as well as people with children who play outside often. These types of curtains are made from durable materials that won’t fade in sunlight or become damaged by rain and wind.

List of benefits:

  • The bottom of the curtain is weighted so that it stays in place.
  • There are several designs to choose from, including sheer and opaque.
  • They can be installed easily, with no tools required.

Corrugated metal fence

metal fences

Corrugated metal fence panels are an excellent option to block your neighbor’s view! They offer a sleek and modern look.

  • Corrugated metal is strong, durable, and can stand up to very high winds. It is also cost-effective, which makes it a great choice for large areas of fencing.
  • The unique design of corrugated metal fence panels allows them to be installed in a variety of ways, including horizontally or vertically on top of posts, horizontally between posts (like a chain-link fence), or even as a free-standing structure attached directly to the ground.
  • They are easy to install. There is no need for special tools or expensive materials like concrete slabs or lumber – just some common sense and basic construction skills will do!
  • Corrugated metal fence panels come pre-painted in many different colors, so you don’t have to worry about painting them yourself.

This type of fence has become popular because it offers privacy without blocking all-natural light from entering your yard; they allow some sunlight through which helps plants grow better than if there were no fence at all!

Garden structures

vertical garden

Fences are great, but they’re not the only way to block your neighbors from seeing you in your backyard. You can add garden structures that have the same effect, but also offer you places to relax and enjoy the yard. Even better is that these structures can help beautify your yard. And with so many different styles of sheds, pergolas, and arbors, you can choose one that fits in with your home’s design. Here are a few of our favorites to start your search for a garden structure!

A garden shed is a great place to add some privacy to your yard. It helps block your neighbor’s view from their windows or the street. If you choose one with a slanted roof, it even makes it harder for them to see out their second-story windows! Plus, since your shed is blocking their view, they won’t be able to see when you’re having a party or working on projects in the yard.

Another option is pergolas and arbors. These structures provide shade while also allowing airflow through, which keeps the space cool during the summer months. This makes them perfect for entertaining guests who might want some relief from hot temperatures without being indoors all day long (or worse yet, inside all evening!).

Privacy screen for backyard privacy

outdoor screen

We know what you’re thinking. There are a million reasons to get a privacy screen for your backyard: you don’t want your neighbors seeing when you’re changing in and out of your swimsuit or playing with your kids, or maybe you just have a lot of naked garden gnomes that you’d prefer not to be seen by all. But there’s one reason, above all, why you should invest in a privacy screen for your backyard:

It helps keep your backyard safe from peeping Toms.

You may not realize it, but you can be at risk of having perverts watch you in the privacy of your own home. And when we say “perverts”, we mean anyone who’s not invited over to your house and is looking in through windows or over the fence. Even if they don’t do anything further than that, the fact that they’re watching can make you feel unsafe and powerless.

With a privacy screen, though? You can feel safe knowing that no one can see into your backyard without being invited over. Your family will be able to enjoy their playtime without fear of creepy eyes peering through the fence at them as they swing on their swing set. You’ll feel more comfortable taking off that swimsuit cover up or changing into

Evergreen trees and shrubs

evergreen shrubs

Evergreen trees are a great option for creating privacy around your yard and home. They’re easy to plant and grow, and they’ll last for years. Plus, they’ll provide shade in the summer months so you can enjoy your backyard without worrying about how close your neighbors are!

If you’re looking for something more permanent, consider using an evergreen tree as a barrier between you and your neighbor’s property line. You can also add some decorative fencing along with it so there’s no doubt where one person’s land ends and another person’s begins!

When choosing the right evergreen tree for the job, try to find one that will grow tall enough to block out those nosy neighbors! Also, make sure there isn’t anything blocking its path from reaching full height—such as power lines or street lights—as these could inhibit its growth potential over time.

Stone walls

stone privacy wall

Stone walls are not the cheapest option but still, they are a great way to block your neighbor’s view.

Stone walls can be made from many different materials, but one that is most commonly used is granite. Granite is an excellent choice for stone walls because it is durable and resistant to stains, which makes it an ideal material for a wall that will be exposed to the elements all year round.

Another popular choice for stone walls is sandstone, which has been used throughout history in various ways including decorative pieces like statues and even cathedrals. Sandstone offers both strength and beauty when it comes to stone walls.

The final type of stone wall material that we’ll discuss today is limestone, which has been used as far back as ancient Egypt. Limestone looks great when incorporated into any design scheme, but it can also work well on its own in its natural state if you prefer not to add any paint or other decorations.

No matter what kind of stone wall material you choose, these tips should help make sure that your project goes smoothly!

Italian cypress

italian cypress

Italian cypress, or Cupressus sempervirens, is a dense evergreen coniferous tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall. It’s most commonly used as an ornamental plant because it’s so easy to shape, and also because it has a natural tendency to grow in a columnar shape.

It’s native to the Mediterranean region and southward into Iran, but it can be found growing around the world today. The name comes from where it was first used in Europe.

Italian cypress is an excellent choice for trees to block your neighbor’s view!

Here are just a few reasons why:

  • It can grow up to 80 feet tall, so it will definitely block your neighbor’s view of you.
  • The tree has a conical shape, which means it grows straight up, so there’s no need to worry that it’ll spread out and take over your yard or the street.
  • It can grow in most soil types, so there’s no need to worry about having the right type of soil in order for you to plant this tree.

Trellis for backyard privacy

trellis

Trellis is great at keeping the people on either side of you from peeping into your windows, and we think that’s pretty fantastic.

But there’s more to Trellis than just privacy. It’s spacious enough for a family of four (or a small family of five), made from sturdy aluminum, and can be installed in under an hour. That’s right—it takes less time to set up than a new flat-screen TV. And then it’ll be there making eyes watery and noses run for years to come in your beautiful home, providing you with hours upon hours of blissful peace and quiet, so that you can finally enjoy your alone time.

Potted plants

beautiful plants

If you’re looking for a way to block your neighbor’s view of your yard, but you don’t want to build a big wall or fence, consider potted plants. They’re easy to move around and they can be put in any area of your yard that needs some privacy.

You can use planters that are on wheels so you can easily move them around your yard. These planters come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s bound to be one that will fit perfectly on the deck or patio where you need some extra privacy.

If there’s an unsightly part of your yard that needs help, such as an old shed or an old car that doesn’t run anymore, place some potted plants in front of it. This will hide the eyesore from view and make it look like something else is behind the plants, like a rock or a tree stump. If you have a garden, these planters can easily be placed around it to keep weeds out and water in without having to worry about them being damaged by heavy rainfalls or windstorms.

The great thing about potted plants is that they look beautiful when they’re healthy and green, but they also add color to any area where they’re placed.

Choose your plants carefully. Some better options are:

  • Ferns (lots of foliage)
  • Agave (spiky leaves)
  • Yucca (pointy leaves)
  • Lemon Cypress (trees that can be shaped into a hedge)
  • Cactus (spiky leaves again—these are basically hedgehogs for your yard)

Wooden boards

cheap wooden pallets

There are so many reasons why wooden boards are great to block your neighbor’s view!

  • They’re natural. You don’t have to worry about chemicals or other pollutants being used in the construction of your privacy barrier.
  • They’re sturdy! Wooden boards are a choice that’s built to last, and won’t bend or break under pressure from a strong wind or other weather-related events.
  • They’ll improve the look of your property! Just think—you can get rid of that chain-link fence you’ve been meaning to replace for years, and add some fresh new landscaping around the new privacy barrier you’ve put up in your yard!
  • Your neighbors will be jealous. If you’re not ready to start replacing the rest of your house with wooden boards, just imagine how mad they’ll be when they see how beautiful your yard looks with all that new wood!

Lattice fence

lattice panels

If you’re looking to add more privacy to your yard, a lattice fence is a great way to do it. It’s also relatively inexpensive and easy installation. Here are three reasons why you should consider a lattice fence:

It adds color and texture to your yard.

Lattice fences come in many different colors and designs, so you can find one that complements the style of your home. They also allow air circulation which is good for keeping your plants healthy as well as allowing sunlight in. This makes them perfect if you have plants near the fence line but still want some privacy.

It allows for easy maintenance.

You don’t have to worry about painting or staining the lattice fence as you would with wood or vinyl because they’re already treated with weatherproofing chemicals to protect against mold, mildew, and UV rays from the sun. You’ll also be able to clean up any spills right away because there’s no need for repainting or staining every time something gets on it!

It’s affordable and easy installation.

The cost of installing a lattice fence is much lower than other types of fencing such as wood or vinyl, which can run upwards of $20 per foot for materials alone (not including labor).

Clumping bamboo

clumping bamboo

Bamboos are one of the best privacy screens that can be used to block the view of your neighbors. There are many reasons why bamboos are better than your regular fence: they’re cheap, they grow fast, and they are easy to maintain.

If you’ve got neighbors who like to spy on you and invade your privacy, you definitely want to find a way to block their view. Here’s how clumping bamboo can help:

Clumping bamboo is the best option for a privacy screen because it grows more slowly than running bamboo and it doesn’t require a root barrier. This means you can plant the bamboo right up against your neighbor’s property line without worrying about it invading their yard.

The best part about using bamboos as a privacy screen is that it looks good year-round. It doesn’t need to be pruned as other plants do and there is no need for special care or maintenance. Plus, when you have bamboos in your yard, you won’t have to worry about mowing them down every week as some other plants might require!

Overhead shade

overhead shade

There are lots of reasons why people choose to get overhead shades in their backyard, but one of the biggest reasons is to block neighbors’ views. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy your own backyard in peace and quiet, overhead shade can help you do that.

Overhead shades go up over your yard so you can enjoy a little more privacy when you’re outside. It’s also great for those occasions when you just want some time alone or with your family without feeling like someone is watching you from next door.

Whether it’s because there’s always been something about the neighbors that makes them hard to get along with, or maybe they’ve recently started leaving trash on your lawn or making noise at night–whatever it may be, getting an overhead shade installed outside will give you some peace of mind when it comes to blocking out those pesky neighbors!

If this sounds like something worth considering then we’d love for you to check us out! Our team has years of experience installing overhead shades in backyards all around town so we know what works best depending on where your neighbor’s house sits relative to yours; plus our prices are competitive too which means there’s no need to break the bank just so that pesky person next door doesn’t have an easy time watching everything in your backyard.

Ornamental grasses

ornamental grasses

These plants are sturdy, cost-effective, easy to install, don’t require much upkeep, and best of all—they look fantastic. They’re available in a wide range of heights and widths, which means you can let them grow naturally for fun or sculpt them into place for more formal looks. And if you ever want to change up the design or move them around—it’s easy peasy!

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several cheap ways to block your neighbor’s view. While some of these methods are more permanent than others, all of them will help to keep your privacy intact.

If you are looking for a quick and easy solution, consider using a privacy screen or planting trees or shrubs. If you have the time and money, building a fence or wall may be the best option for you.

No matter what method you choose, be sure to carefully measure and plan before starting construction.

smith brad omni

Written by Brad Smith

CEO & Lead Interior Designer

Brad Smith is an experienced interior designer and the founder of OmniHomeIdeas.com. With a Master's degree in Interior Design from Pratt Institute and a passion for creating safe and healthy living spaces, Brad shares his expert insights and innovative design ideas with our readers. His work is driven by the belief that home is where every story begins.