
Balcony Privacy Screen
Installing a balcony privacy screen is the best way to make your outdoor space feel more private and isolated.
There are many options available. It’s worth looking into the market before you buy one. Some are better suited for apartments than others.
That’s precisely what we’ll do here. We will discuss the various types of balcony privacy screens and the pros and cons. You should feel more confident when looking for the right balcony privacy screen.
Balcony Privacy Screen vs. Other Options
You don’t have to use a privacy screen on your apartment balcony to keep your prying eyes out. You can plant plants on the railings or install curtains. Or, you could paint.
Privacy screens are a better choice than these other options.
It should be quite obvious. A privacy screen is designed specifically for outdoor privacy. They are generally more weather-resistant than curtains and can be installed by rental agreements.
A balcony privacy screen is the best choice if privacy is your goal and you need it quickly.
How to Buy an Apartment Balcony Privacy Screen
These are the most important things to consider before you buy a privacy screen. These are:
Weather
Some privacy screens are not suitable for all weather conditions. A plastic option is better if you get a lot of rain. You might also want to avoid metal privacy screens if you have windy balconies.
Restrictions on Rental Agreements and HoA
Retractable privacy screens, such as retractable ones, require complete installation. These are not options that will be allowed by most rental agreements.
They can also be attached with cable ties making them permanent and less intrusive. You should ensure that your DIY option is compatible with any agreements or restrictions.
Unique Considerations for Apartments
Apart from the fact that high-rise balconies are windier than lower ones, there aren’t any other unique factors to privacy screens for apartment balconies.
Storage space is the biggest difference between apartments and houses. Choosing a privacy screen that is easy to store if you don’t intend to keep it up is best. Fabric or retractable/expandable options might be best, as bamboo fencing takes up a room when unused.
Bamboo or Reed Fencing
Although bamboo fencing and reed fence are two different products that are often confused, they look very similar and can be used as privacy screens on balconies. You can cut the pre-cut bamboo fencing with scissors or create your bamboo fencing using canes.
Installing railings on a balcony is easy. Simply cable ties the fencing to your railings. It will be more challenging if you have glass balconies or walls. Instead of using adhesive hooks, tie them in corners.
A bamboo or reed privacy screening can look messy at times. This would look great on a boho-style balcony, but it would not work well with more modern designs.
You can buy ready-made fencings such as this Roll of reed fencing and this Roll of bamboo fencing.
Retractable Screen
The retractable privacy screen is very self-explanatory. It is usually made of polyester fabric or mesh strung between two poles. It is easy to open, and you can hook it up. You can close it by unhooking it and rolling it up. It functions like a horizontal window blind, but it is horizontal.
Polyester is weather-resistant, and most outdoor privacy screens have UV protection to prevent fading. Opaque fabric will be the most private option for your balcony. It can also serve as a sunshade.
Renters may have problems with installation. The support posts will need to be screwed to the floor. This could require drilling. The holes will not be obvious and can be easily filled with caulking. This type of privacy screen for balconies offers more flexibility than other types. It could be worth the investment.
Metal Privacy Screens
Metal privacy screens are a great option for those who need privacy, but they offer a lower privacy level than fabric screens. We have a buying guide that reviews the best choices and gives coverage ratings.
A metal privacy screen for your balcony is more decorative and can be used to grow plants. A metal screen could block the view from your balcony, but they are better suited for dividing spaces or hiding things such as trash cans and AC vents.
Metal screens don’t have to be installed; many are self-supporting. They’re an excellent option for renters. However, avoid them if your balcony is windy. The metal screens can be blown over by strong winds and cause more damage than the other options.
Mesh Privacy Screen
The mesh privacy screening is made of polyester fabric and is easy to install. Grommets are included with most screens, which can be used to attach to railings. Installation might be more difficult on glass balconies and walls.
Mesh is a great compromise between privacy and visibility. Mesh can provide up to 90% coverage while still letting in light. They are suitable for all types of balconies and offer good height-length options.
They are not the best option for privacy screens on apartment balconies. You probably already know that mesh is often used to block construction sites.
Fake Leaf Screen
A faux leaf balcony privacy screen may be the best option if you desire privacy and a feeling of being in the middle of a forest.
They are exactly what they sound like. Rolls of mesh or expandable trellis covered with fake leaves. Zip ties are used for installation, but they won’t work with all types of balconies. You could also hang the screen using adhesive hooks, provided they can support the weight.
Fake leaf screens can be quite affordable, but it is worth paying a little more for better-looking leaves like the one we recommend. Fake leaf screens can look cheap and tacky. You can make your faux ivy curtains by following our guide.
Canvas Privacy Screen
Canvas screens are a classic choice for privacy on an apartment balcony. Canvas screens are more expensive and less commercially available than mesh screens, so you will probably need to make your own.
Normal canvas is made from cotton. It isn’t weather resistant. For better waterproofing, the outdoor canvas should be coated with polyester. This is important because standard canvas can quickly become moldy.
The screen you choose to make or purchase will determine how easy installing is. Grommets can be used to hang the screen. You can also make curtains.