Do you feel like your house is on display for all of the neighborhood to see? With a few simple tricks, you can enhance the privacy of your property. You just have to be willing to invest in some small projects and improvements.
4 Privacy Tips for Crowded Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods can be great. They often come with amenities like swimming pools, clubhouses, tennis courts, playgrounds, parks, and sidewalks. They also put you in close proximity to other families and a social circle.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. As close as neighborhood developers are building homes these days, it’s easy to feel like you’re packed like a can of sardines – one neighbor five feet to your left and another five feet to your right. Getting privacy can feel downright impossible.
Ideally, it would be nice to have some additional space between you and your neighbors, but picking up your house and moving it isn’t an option. Instead, you’ll need to get creative about creating your own privacy. Here are several suggestions:
1. Install a Fence
If you’re lacking privacy in your yard, one of the best things you can do is install a fence.
For a cost-effective option that also looks crisp and clean, buy vinyl fencing. Not only is it easy on the wallet, but it’s much more durable than traditional wood fences. Vinyl fencing is engineered for maximum strength and durability, which makes it highly resistant to heat, cold, ice, snow, storms, hail, wind, etc. Plus, it never has to be repainted or stained. Just splash it with a garden hose from time to time and it’ll look good as new.
When it comes to vinyl fencing, you’ll find a variety of options, including full privacy fencing (in different heights), semi-privacy fencing (small slats), and even wall toppers (to go on top of a brick wall). Make sure the you choose is approved by your HOA.
2. Be Smart With Landscaping
Landscaping is probably your best weapon in the pursuit of privacy on your property. You can use it to strategically protect sight lines and even block noise. Plus, if you do it well, it’ll look good, and your neighbors will never know you’re trying to block them out.
If you’re looking to create privacy in your backyard and fencing isn’t enough, consider planting fast-growing trees. While it depends on which zone you live in, you can try eastern white pines (grows up to three feet per year), hybrid poplars (grows up to eight feet per year), silver maples (grows roughly two feet per year), green giant arborvitae (grows roughly three feet per year), dawn redwoods (grows two or more feet per year), leyland cypresses (grow up to four feet per year), or areca palms (grows roughly two feet per year).
3. Plan Outdoor Living Areas
If you have outdoor living spaces, you don’t want people watching while you’re trying to relax with the family. Be mindful of how you design these areas. Pergolas, awnings, and vertical gardens can all increase the sense of privacy. You may also set up a fountain to create the sound of flowing water, which dampens voices.
4. Pay Attention to Windows
Finally, think about your windows. You don’t want people to have clear sightlines into your house. The strategic use of blinds and curtains can help. With blinds, keeping them at a slight angle allows you to see out while preventing people from peering in at a distance. You can also dim your lights at night to avoid having your house glow like a castle.
If you have sidelight windows next to your front door, installing window treatments or blinds here is a must. This prevents people from being able to see into your home when standing on your front porch.
Adding it All Up
Wanting privacy is not a bad thing. It doesn’t make you a “Scrooge” or bad neighbor. In fact, you can love your neighbors and still want a little privacy and separation from them. After all, this is your house – the place where you’re supposed to be able to relax and unwind. By adding some privacy features and elements, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
