Just because you’re friends with your neighbours, doesn’t mean you want them watching every moment of your daily life. Most homes have not been designed with privacy in mind, so it’s common that simple privacy updates need to be made. Whether you need a little privacy while you relax in the backyard or don’t want prying eyes staring back at you through a window, there are many easy ways to increase your home’s privacy. Take a look at these 5 updates a pro can help you with today.
1. Add Blinds, Curtains and Shutters
Probably the easiest and cheapest way to increase your privacy is to install curtains and/or blinds inside your home. If you’ve been living without them for some time, trust us when we say your neighbours will thank you for finally putting them up. Whether you go with curtains or blinds is up to your style preference. Depending on how much light you want to block out, you can select the appropriate fabric or material for your windows. If you don’t love the look of curtains or blinds (which is why it took you so long to cover your windows), consider installing shutters. Shutters are another great option that conceal what you’re up to inside while still allowing for light and air to flow into your home.
2. Update Windows
Windows are great for brightening up our homes during the day, but at night they can make you feel exposed and vulnerable. Some of your windows could be awkwardly placed so that blinds and curtains might not be the perfect solution. While you can’t alter the placement of your windows without undertaking a major renovation, there are updates that can be made to your current ones. Tinting, frosting and glazing are all options that allow light to enter the room while removing visibility into the inside. Applying a tint to your windows is fairly inexpensive and is a great solution for any window you want privacy for.
3. Install a Privacy Fence
Fences are great for boarders but they also help conceal what’s on the other side. A privacy fence is the perfect option to keep your neighbours’ eyes off your backyard activities. Whether that’s relaxing in your hot tub or simply gardening at your leisure, a privacy fence lets you carry out your activities in private. With so many styles to choose from, you’re sure to find something that suits your home and gives you a little more privacy. Take a look at some of our favourite styles in this article. Be sure to speak to a fence expert about specific height requirements so that your fence is tall enough to keep prying eyes out.
4. Plant Trees and Shrubs
Similar to a privacy fence, you can plant various trees and shrubs to help increase your privacy. They’re practical and cost-effective for increasing privacy both inside and outside of your home. A tree planted at the right angle can help obstruct views from your neighbours’ second story into your home. While tall shrubs create the same effect as a privacy fence, they do so in a less obvious way. No, you’re not trying to keep your nosy neighbour’s eyes off your home, you’re just expressing your sudden love of greenery! Speak to a landscaper about designing a functional and beautiful layout that also helps increase your home’s privacy.
5. Install a Trellis
While a privacy fence and shrubs may be a great solution for some homeowners, others might not have the space to add these items. If you have limited options or space, not all is lost. You can install a trellis that will take up much less space while still providing some privacy. It will also add an element of natural beauty to any outdoor space, especially if you add some ivy or other climbing plants to grow along the structure. This will also help to increase privacy and decrease the amount of watching your neighbours can do.
Increasing your home’s privacy will give you piece of mind that your neighbours aren’t watching your every move. You’ll be able to carry out your daily activities in the privacy of your own home. When you’re ready to increase your home’s privacy, be sure to connect with a pro on HomeStars. Start now by getting quotes so you know exactly how much your added privacy will cost.
