Garden screening can be used around the garden in myriad ways. Garden screens can add privacy, create zones, provide shade, and cover up unsightly walls, bike sheds and bin stores. Simple panels can be used practically and decoratively, and it's up to you how you want to implement them into the design of your garden.
How do you privacy screen a garden?
Screens can be used as decorative features, whether they're standing alone or wall-mounted, and they can help to cover up any unsightly or unattractive walls and fences.
More generally, screens can make your garden areas more private. Add them on top of fence panels to hide your garden from neighbours, or use a series of panels to create walls for where you need that extra bit of privacy.
Screening is also an effective way to create zones in your garden (also known as zoning), where the screen panels are used as walls to divide the garden. This creates a sense of peaceful privacy while also providing some well-needed shade.
A hot tub zone is a perfect example of where this could be useful! Privacy can also be created around pergolas, lounging areas, or any peaceful spot in the garden.
What to consider when garden screening
Screens vary in style depending on what you're using them for. If you're not looking to completely block out sunlight, screens with more openings tend to be better - like the Wickes Willow screen and the Alhambra screen listed below.
For screening that can be freestanding in the garden, you're going to need thicker panels that are designed for this. Thinner panels are usually best for wall-mounting, or attaching to any existing surfaces around the house and garden.
You'll likely also want to make sure that whatever you choose matches your garden! Thick, metal panels are better suited to more modern-looking gardens, but when styled right they can fit in even the most rustic outdoor areas. Wooden screening can be more versatile, particularly in gardens that already have wooden features or decking, but it isn't always as robust.
Pairing your screening with the right fencing can create cohesively-styled outdoor areas. While you're on the lookout for improvements, we covered the best fence panels for your garden.
So, read on for our garden screening ideas, with our top picks of the best garden screens available.
8 garden screening ideas for 2024
Puzzle Decorative Garden Screen
Use for: Decoration, privacy, zoning
Buy from Moda (£60.00)
The artistic impact of the Puzzle garden screen can be used in many ways, whether that's as a feature on a wall or freestanding for a bit of privacy.
These large garden screens work wonderfully as zoning walls - place a few of them together to create a patterned wall around a lounging area, providing shade, privacy and style.
Wickes Willow Garden Screening
Use for: Zoning, privacy, shade
Buy from Wickes (£94.00)
For a more natural appearance, willow screens do a good job of matching a garden's earthy tones.
The easy-to-attach screens can be used as zoning walls to create a private, shaded area while still allowing some natural light to come through. This type of screen is also ideal for covering up unattractive walls or fences. 200 x 400cm.
MirrorOutlet Metal Garden Screen
Use for: Decoration
The silhouetted tree design of this metal garden screen is stunningly eye-catching, but it's more than just a pretty pattern. The screen's mirror backing will reflect colours and images from your garden and its surroundings, creating the effect of a larger space.
This garden screen is best used decoratively against an existing wall, as a freestanding reflective panel may be a confusing sight for the garden. There are fixings attached to the back to make it easier to hang and the screen can also be used indoors. 120 x 60cm.
Forest Garden Trellis
Use for: Climbing plants, decoration, privacy
Buy from Wickes (£34.50)
Wooden trellis panels are a perfect base for climbing plants. The holes are wide enough for plants to grow through, providing the plants with a stable support.
Trellis panels can also be attached on top of fences, to give your garden that extra bit of privacy from the outside world. 183 x 90cm.
Elegance Gothic Garden Screens
Use for: Zoning, climbing plants
Buy from Agriframes (£153.00)
We often turn to Agriframes for high-quality metal garden structures, and it currently stocks a range of zoning screens in classic styles. We love the gothic design of these ones, which are ideal for screening off veg beds and other garden features.
Get them in sage green or rust, and try adding climbing plants for a real statement.
Forest Garden Diamond Fence Top Trellis Panel
Use for: Privacy, climbing plants
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These thin fence top panels are an easy way to make your garden a little bit more private.
It's ideal for those fences that just aren't high enough, where you need a small amount of extra coverage to have a more secluded garden. You can also place them vertically on a wall for climbing plants.
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Rowlinson Ledbury Contemporary Screen
Use for: Zoning, privacy
These screens are similar to fences, and they're an effective solution if you're looking to create any isolated garden zones. Not much light will pass through these panels, and you can't get much more private than this, but they're easy walls to put up (and they have a lovely, light colour, too!).
MirrorOutlet Amarelle Extra Large Screen
Use for: Decoration, zoning, privacy
In one of the more abstract designs we've seen, this garden screen would be a head-turning feature of any garden while still offering all the practical uses. It can make a wall more attractive, create a secluded area in your garden, provide privacy and shade... It's the type of screen that can be used as effectively as you can imagine.
The intriguing pattern allows for plenty of natural light to pass through, while still fitting in with the theme of nature. It can be hung inside or outside, and there are fixings already attached to make the process a bit easier.
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