With spring here and summer just around the corner you will be starting to spend more and more time in your outdoor areas and therefore more time on your patio. Patios are very much an outside extension of our living areas and therefore privacy is of the utmost importance for making sure that we are fully comfortable while enjoying them.
Creating a perfectly private area allows you to create the most relaxing and comfortable environment for you to spend as much time as you want during the summer weather spells. Creating a more private patio area also allows you to not have to worry about any interruptions by those noisy neighbours.
1 - Install A Privacy Screen
One brilliant way that you could increase the privacy of your patio is to install a privacy screen. Privacy screens are phenomenal as they not only help to keep eyes off your patio but they can also look extremely appealing. They can be made from all sorts of materials and can be decorated with plants, paint or however you want.
Privacy screens are not only to keep eyes off your garden, they can also act as an outdoor accent wall that can take the aesthetic of your patio to a whole new level. You can use any material you would like such as wood, bamboo, vinyl or anything else you would like. Wooden screens will help to give your garden a more natural look whereas vinyls or metals will give a more contemporary feel to your outdoor patio.
In addition to looking extremely impressive, privacy screens can also help to keep bugs away both during the day and at night during the summer months. While it will not fully get rid of all bugs, this wall can be quite effective at slightly minimising the annoyance of bugs while you are utilising your outdoor space.
2 - Build A Permanent Structure To Block The View From Above
Another extremely effective privacy feature for your paving is a permanent roof structure. A permanent roof structure over your paving area is a great way of adding a huge amount of privacy to your outdoor space. It essentially turns your patio area into an outside room which not only creates more privacy but also offers protection from the unpredictable weather in the UK.
These are perfect if you do not have the space for a privacy screen. There are a number of different permanent covers that you can use within your garden. You can use a full roof, fabric roof or even a bamboo structure which allows little rays of light to penetrate through creating a beautiful atmosphere while also keeping eyes off your patio area.
While this is by far the most expensive method, it is also by far the most permanent and effective method. In addition to this, these structures also allow you to be able to enjoy your patio all year round no matter the weather and therefore help you make the most of your stunning patio.
3 - Add A Parasol
As a slightly cheaper and less permanent alternative to a permanent structure which is incredibly effective at upping the privacy of your patio area, you could also opt for a parasol. Parasols are a perfect summer accessory to not only keep eyes off your patio but also to offer a cooler shaded area as an escape from the summer heat.
There are a huge number of different parasols on the market that you can choose from. No matter what colours, materials, or designs you are after you can be sure to find something that perfectly fits and accentuates the beauty of your paving.
In addition to this, the addition of a pergola helps to extend your living space outdoors and allows you to increase the time that you can utilise your paving. They are also an entertainer's dream which can be perfect for entertaining outside on your patio during the summer months.
4 - Add Plants To Paving
One of the most aesthetically pleasing ways of upping the privacy of your paving would be to add some large plants to your outdoor patio. Large plants are a phenomenal way of filling in any exposed spots that you may have while also adding a pop of colour and creating a stunning natural atmosphere.
Not only do the plants look amazing but they can also provide needed shade from the extremely hot afternoon sun in the summer months. This makes your paving far more relaxing and comfortable which in turn means that you are far more likely to utilise the space. Plants also help to distinguish different areas of your paving and make it feel more homely.
You could also take it a step further and install a hedge wall to create ultimate privacy. This very much serves the same purpose as a privacy wall but gives a completely different atmosphere and feel to your patio. It helps to create an almost room-like feel which increases the comfort of the space.
5 - Add A Water Feature
Water features are a phenomenal feature for increasing a different kind of privacy, audio privacy. It is never fun sitting on your patio with family or friends and having conversations that you know your neighbour next door can hear every word of. Audio privacy is something that not many people think about but can make a huge difference in feeling completely comfortable on your paving.
In addition to this, the noise of the water can also create a very calming and relaxing atmosphere which is perfect when wanting to unwind in your outdoor areas. This makes the whole experience on your patio far more enjoyable and therefore means that you are far more likely to utilise your patio.