Pretty Updates to Make Your Property Feel Private
Regardless of where you live, you probably look forward to returning home for some peace and quiet after a long and busy day. Having somewhere to retreat to is a blessing, whether it’s your cosy lounge, a peaceful patch of garden, or even a quiet room upstairs to escape to.
Knowing you can relax in complete seclusion at home might mean upgrading your exteriors, renewing your windows, or landscaping your outside spaces to guarantee they are out of view to passers by.
Whether you live in the city or in a row of off-street terraces, this article explores stylish solutions and inspiring ideas to make your home more private.
Secluded Windows
With windows providing the most obvious view into your home, it makes sense to explore different methods to ensure certain ones across your home are as private as possible.
Privacy is particularly important in bathrooms, downstairs bedrooms, and ground-floor cloakrooms, especially if rooms are visible to passers-by.
One of the most versatile and cost-effective solutions for creating privacy can be achieved with high quality window films. This modern approach allows natural light to flood in while keeping prying eyes at bay. Window film can transform ordinary glass into elegant mirrored or frosted patterns, adding a decorative element to your home's aesthetic.
For a more permanent solution, specialised glazing options like frosted or opaque glass provide robust privacy protection, and offer some incredibly decorative designs. These obscuring alternatives are often used in bathrooms for total privacy, providing a soft, ambient quality to your interior.
Those seeking a softer, more traditional approach might consider the addition of linen or textured blinds.
These window treatments can be carefully selected to complement your home's colour palette while offering adjustable privacy levels. The fabric's texture adds an extra layer of visual interest, making these blinds both functional and decorative.
Whichever solution you choose, the goal remains the same: creating private, comfortable spaces where you can feel completely at ease, all while maintaining the natural light and beauty of your home's windows.
Stylish Shutters
Many of us share a guilty pleasure of scanning property details on Rightmove, despite having no plans to move - the fascination of viewing someone else’s home. Perhaps this then also fuels our need to find barriers to obstruct passers-by sneaking a look through our own lounge window whilst we’re watching TV.
In the last few years, shutters have been hugely popular, although some designers are now questioning the longevity of this trend.
Whether you’re a fan or not, there’s no denying that they are an incredibly practical solution to increase privacy across your home. Shutters can regulate light and help to retain warmth in your property.
With differing angles and spaces between slats, they’re also a durable option. They are available in various materials, painted plastic or wooden styles, and in colours that can complement both traditional and modern interiors.
Natural Solutions
With your interiors ticked off, making outside spaces, gardens, or balconies more concealed is another great solution for extra privacy. The last thing you might welcome is a neighbour or passer by peering over your fence as you enjoy your garden.
One of the most beautiful and underrated ways to add privacy to your garden is by planting fast-growing hedges. Not only do they create a natural barrier, but they also add a touch of calming greenery for a relaxing outdoor zone. For the quickest options, consider investing in hedges such as:
Leylandii: Known for its rapid growth, this conifer can provide quick privacy.
Privet: These hedges are another fast-growing option that are easy to maintain and can tolerate various growing conditions.
Laurel: With its glossy leaves, cherry laurel offers both privacy and visual appeal.
Euonymus: These hedge plants are versatile evergreens with attractive foliage making them an ideal choice for those seeking both privacy and visual appeal.
Yew: A slower-growing, dense solution that is ideal for formal gardens and topiary.
If you have the space and budget, well-positioned trees, planters, and striking water features can keep prying eyes away and are a natural way to carve out interesting zones throughout your garden. Similarly, adding elegant louvered pergolas and arbours create secluded living spaces, and look gorgeous covered with flowers, or fitted with retractable canopies.
If you have limited garden or space outside, vertical gardens or ‘living walls’ offer an innovative solution. Living walls not only provide privacy but also improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and add visual interest to blank walls.
If you have green fingers, you can also use dense climbing plants like ivy, clematis, or jasmine on trellises and lattice woodwork to add height or cover up external areas further.
Large plants are perhaps the most effective option for adding some privacy - and shade in the summer - across balconies or small city gardens.
Decorative Exteriors
For properties with front gardens, low courtyard walls can be topped with ornamental ironwork, chic screens, or stunning trellises to define boundaries without feeling oppressive. Horizontal or vertical slatted fencing offers a modern look while allowing light to filter through. Materials like cedar or composite wood are long-lasting and have a sleek appearance.
Laser-cut metal or wood panels with intricate designs can serve as eye-catching privacy screens. These can be used as standalone features or incorporated into existing fencing for added visual interest.
Combine the best of both worlds by integrating plants into your fencing. Espalier fruit trees or climbing roses trained along wire supports can create a stunning, productive privacy barrier.
While traditional wooden fences serve their purpose, there are more aesthetically pleasing options available that can enhance your property's style and be a prettier design choice.
Likewise, consider incorporating ornate arched features and purpose-made garden structures to enhance both privacy and the overall appearance of your property and outdoor areas.
Last Thoughts
Making your home as private as you want, on the inside and outside, is achievable with inspiring ideas and a sprinkle of creativity.
Combining natural elements, decorative features, and innovative solutions, you can transform your property into a secluded retreat that reflects your personal taste and enhances your living spaces.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
