Pergola Privacy Ideas: Walls, Screens, Plants & More
Why settle for a basic pergola when you can create your very own private retreat, perfect for peaceful relaxation and vibrant social gatherings? Privacy is a luxury that everyone deserves. That’s why we’re here to walk you through some of the most stylish and practical pergola privacy wall ideas, showing you how you can enjoy your garden to the max. Say goodbye to exposed, uninviting pergolas and hello to chic privacy screens, decorative panels, lush greenery, elegant trellises, flowing curtains and more, combining seclusion with sophistication.
Our goal? To ensure your pergola not only guarantees privacy but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
Read on to discover how a well-chosen pergola privacy screen can redefine the boundaries of your outdoor space, making it the perfect backdrop for daily life and special moments and the ultimate outdoor statement piece.
Benefits of pergolas with privacy walls
Pergolas with privacy walls are a lifestyle upgrade offering multiple benefits. Here’s why adding a pergola privacy screen to your UK garden could be the game-changer you never knew you needed.
Privacy for pergolas with hot tubs
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When you’re slipping into your hot tub's warm, bubbling water, you want it to be away from prying eyes. That’s where privacy walls come in. Transforming your modern pergola into a secluded spa retreat and offering a shield from neighbours and any potential passer-by, pergola privacy walls allow you to fully unwind in peace.
Ensuring your well-deserved moment of relaxation remains uninterrupted, a privacy wall is the perfect blend of openness and seclusion, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing your privacy.
Hosting events and socialising
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Transform your pergola into the ultimate social hub. Privacy walls create a more intimate setting that’s perfect for entertaining. Whether it’s lively barbecues, tranquil afternoon tea or starlit evening cocktails, they ensure your gatherings remain undisturbed, making your guests feel comfortable and giving your pergola a feeling of exclusivity.
Want to take your pergola to the next level? Read our guide that discusses pergola ideas for every space.
Creating a private reading and relaxation nook
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Are you someone who treasures those priceless quiet moments outdoors? Privacy walls can transform your pergola into the perfect spot to unwind with your favourite book, meditate or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of your garden, free from distractions and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Spending time outdoors with family
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There's nothing better than spending quality time with family. One of the greatest joys in life, enjoying time with your nearest and dearest outside in the sun, is an underrated way to strengthen bonds and create memories.
A pergola with privacy walls offers an intimate yet open spot to do just that. It allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones, play games, share meals, lounge around, and enjoy each other's company.
Using your pergola as an outdoor kitchen
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Outdoor kitchens and al fresco dining are all the rage, and a pergola with privacy walls takes this to the next level. Creating the ideal setting for culinary enthusiasts, you can cook, grill and dine under the sky and enjoy both the freedom of the outdoors and the privacy of your own cooking space without worrying about the neighbours.
Plus, pergolas with privacy walls add an extra element of protection from the unpredictable UK elements, making your al fresco experience more comfortable and enjoyable. For more outdoor cooking inspiration, take a look at our guide which takes a look at outdoor kitchen ideas.
Creating a comfortable outdoor living space
Extend your outdoor space effortlessly! As the weather starts to warm up, privacy walls can turn your pergola into the ideal outdoor living room, blending the comfort of the indoors with the beauty of your garden.
Not only do they provide seclusion and structure, but they’re also a great backdrop, providing you with a canvas to hang lights, art or plants — the options are endless! Add a comfortable sofa set, and you have an inviting private outdoor living room and, most importantly, the perfect spot for your morning coffee.
Pergola privacy wall ideas
Transforming your pergola into a private paradise can be an exciting project and is easier than you think — especially with the right pergola privacy wall ideas. Here’s a look at various options to help you get inspired.
Using plants and flowers
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Creating a natural privacy wall with plants and flowers is a visually stunning and eco-friendly outdoor privacy wall idea, ranging from simple potted plants to more complex vertical gardens. Just remember, this will require regular maintenance like watering and pruning, but the rewards are well worth it, leaving you with a living wall that changes with the seasons.
It’s suitable for almost any pergola design but is especially great for wall-mounted pergolas or those next to a fence. It can also be a reasonably budget-friendly option, but this depends on your chosen plants.
Fast-growing privacy trees
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Fast-growing trees are a great option for anyone looking for outdoor privacy wall ideas, offering a sturdier natural barrier. Planting these trees around your pergola will create a thick and leafy screen that’ll continue to evolve over time as they grow. Fast-growing trees need some attention and regular care in their early growth stages but soon become a beautiful and practical feature in your garden. Great for larger pergolas, costs vary depending on your choice of trees.
Trellises
Adding trellises to your pergola will bring structure and elegance. They’ll act as a sturdy support system for climbing plants and can be attached directly to your pergola. Trellises require minimal maintenance — mainly cleaning and occasional vine trimming — making them an excellent outdoor privacy wall idea for those with busy lifestyles who might not have time to maintain more time-consuming tree and plant barriers. They’re also highly versatile and complement nearly every pergola style.
Curtains
Draping your pergola with curtains is a quick and elegant way to create privacy. And you only need a curtain or hooks, making it easy to set up, too!
Adding a soft and romantic touch to your garden, they are highly versatile, easy to switch out if you get bored and want to try a new style, and can be adjusted depending on how much privacy you need. They’re a low-maintenance option, simply needing to be washed and stored during the off-season, and vary in price depending on materials and size.
Pergola privacy screen
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Pergola privacy screens are a sleek, modern solution that can be tailored to fit any pergola, immediately creating a stylish barrier. They require very little upkeep apart from routine cleaning but might need additional framing or support depending on the type of screen you choose. This contemporary outdoor privacy wall idea suits a wide range of aesthetics and comes in budget-friendly and premium options. It's easy and affordable to transform your outdoor space with a stylish and functional pergola privacy screen in the UK, offering both seclusion and sophistication.
For general garden privacy inspiration, take a look at our guide that covers garden screening ideas.
Decorative panels
Feeling creative? Decorative panels could be the way to go, infusing your pergola with artistic flair.
Relatively easy to install, they can be mounted and securely attached to your pergola to create a unique and eye-catching wall that enhances privacy as well as the aesthetic of your garden. Similar to privacy screens, they are generally low maintenance, requiring cleaning and maybe the occasional touch-up to keep it looking fresh. A versatile choice, suitable for most pergola designs, costs vary significantly based on the materials and complexity of the designs.
Exterior privacy wall ideas
For a more permanent solution, exterior privacy wall ideas are worth considering. Although they require professional installation for safety and stability, exterior privacy walls offer a durable and enduring option, justifying the initial investment with their long-lasting benefits.
Upkeep is minimal, and exterior privacy walls can be tailored to complement your pergola and garden.
Pleached trees
Pleached trees are trees that are trained to grow in a particular shape, resulting in a stunning and effective foliage screen that’s usually in a straight, single line. Adding structure and greenery to your garden, they’re an elegant decorative feature that’ll look beautiful next to your pergola.
We won’t lie — pleached trees are a high-maintenance option, involving regular upkeep and pruning. They’re also more expensive, as you’ll likely need to hire a professional to grow and maintain them. But they’re also an incredibly rewarding choice. Popular trees for pleaching include beech, hornbeam, lime and some fruit trees like apples and pears.
How to build a pergola privacy wall: what you need to consider
Building a pergola privacy wall requires thoughtful planning to ensure it meets all your needs in terms of style, functionality and budget. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind.
Design and placement
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Assess your space: Before deciding on a design, you’ll need to evaluate the area where your pergola stands. Consider factors like sun exposure, wind and the views you want to keep or obstruct.
Style: Ideally, your privacy screen should complement the style of your pergola and overall landscape. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist design or something more traditional, ensure it aligns with your style and garden’s aesthetic.
Materials: Materials matter. Not only will they impact the appearance of your privacy wall, but also its longevity and future maintenance needs. Wood, metal, fabric or a combination of everything, each offers a different look and level of durability.
Privacy vs. airflow: Privacy is great, but you don’t want it to impact the airflow of your pergola. After all, you still want to feel like you’re outside in your garden, not your house.
While a solid wall is long-lasting, robust and offers more privacy, it also provides less airflow compared to other options like trellises or fast-growing trees, which offer more of a compromise between the two.
Installation
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DIY vs. calling in the professionals: Do you have the skills and tools to install your privacy wall yourself? If not, you might need to bring in the help of a team of professionals, especially if you’re dealing with heavy materials or a complex design that might require expert installation.
Safety and stability: No matter what pergola privacy wall ideas you decide to go for, ensuring that they’re correctly installed is essential for ensuring safety and stability.
Local regulations: Check for any local building codes or rules that might affect your project. While it’s highly unlikely, some areas might have restrictions on structure height and placement relative to property lines.
Cost
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Budget: Make sure to research and decide on your budget before starting your project. Costs can vary widely based on materials, design and whether you’re going down the DIY route or hiring a professional to help you.
Long-term expenses: It’s easy to only focus on the upfront costs of any home improvement project. But it’s also important to consider long-term expenses such as maintenance, repairs and potential modifications.
Value: Consider how your addition will enhance the value of your property. While more permanent options, like an exterior wall, come at a higher price point, a well-constructed and -designed privacy wall can be a significant selling point and a smart investment.
Transform your pergola into a private paradise
Pergola privacy walls are a simple and effective way to transform your outdoor space, combining privacy with style and functionality. From the greenery and natural charm of plants and trees to elegant curtains and screens, each choice turns your pergola into a secluded haven, perfect for relaxing, social gatherings and taking a private dip in the hot tub.
Remember, the key to success lies in thoughtful design, placement and a clear understanding of what’s involved when it comes to costs and installation. But whether you choose to test your DIY skills or enlist the help of professionals, there’s no doubt that these outdoor pergola privacy wall ideas can result in a more enjoyable outdoor living space.
Bring your vision to life with Harbour Lifestyle’s premium range of luxury pergolas. Discover our award-winning collection, where quality meets design, to create the private garden of your dreams.
Take a look at our guide for further pergola shading inspiration.
FAQs
How do you add privacy to a pergola?
There are endless ways that you can add privacy to your pergola. Installing curtains or drapes along the sides provides a soft, adaptable barrier. Alternatively, adding plants, pleached trees or trellises for climbing plants adds a natural, green touch.
You could also add decorative panels for a beautiful and artistic touch or look at exterior privacy wall ideas for a more permanent option.
Can you add walls to a pergola?
Adding walls to a pergola increases privacy as well as protection from the elements. These can be permanent structures or more flexible options like retractable screens or curtains.
It’s important to ensure your pergola can support the weight of any additional walls. For those who want the option of more privacy but don’t want to go down the wall route, Harbour Lifestyle offers pergolas that come with drop-side features, essentially providing a retractable wall at the press of a button.
Can I build a pergola next to my neighbour's fence in the UK?
Yes, in the UK, you can generally build a pergola next to your neighbour's fence, but it's important to note that height restrictions exist.
If your pergola is within 2 metres of the boundary, it can only be a maximum of 2.5 metres high. If your pergola is further than 2 metres from the boundary, it can be a maximum of 3 metres high.
In addition, if your pergola has a pitched roof (A-shaped), it can only be up to 4 metres high.
How can I enclose my pergola?
You can enclose your pergola in several ways, depending on your needs. For a temporary and more flexible enclosure, curtains or retractable screens are a great option. For a more permanent fix, you could opt for a wooden exterior privacy wall, or pleached trees and trellises for a green wall with good airflow.
