How to Transform Your Patio Into a Secluded, Private Getaway

Your balcony is your little slice of the outdoors only steps from your main living space. So during the warmer months, you'll want to make the most of it. But if you don't feel like hanging out with your neighbors every time you step out onto the patio, it may need a quick tweak or two for privacy. Here are a few ideas to help transform your balcony into a secluded oasis.

Just add plants. Greenery not only makes your balcony feel like a garden getaway, it also separates you from your neighbors. Set up a planter wall and feed some vines through its latticework or hang large flowering planters around the edges of your patio space. You can even set up boxy faux hedges in lieu of a privacy fence.
Try a screen. You can also mark the boundaries of your balcony with a screen. Look for a chic folding screen that's transparent enough to allow natural light to filter through, perhaps one stretched with a light material or crafted from a slatted material like repurposed shutters.
Hang some curtains. Outdoor curtains come in a huge variety of patterns and hues, and they're durable enough to withstand a summer rainstorm. Find a set of curtains you love at Target or Walmart or make your own out of simple white dropcloths.
Incorporate water. Maintaining privacy also means keeping your conversations between you and your friends or significant others. A gurgling fountain doesn't just look pretty, it also ensures that your neighbors don't overhear your chatter or even the soft music you play during your at-home happy hour.

Balcony Landscaping: 5 Tips on Increasing Privacy [Rent.com]
How to Make the Most of Your Small Apartment Balcony [The Spruce]
18 Easy Ways to Add Privacy to a Deck or Patio [HGTV]