Budget-Friendly Ways To Give Your Home More Privacy

Owning a home instead of an apartment usually means you have an additional layer of privacy, since you’re not sharing walls with a stranger. Unfortunately, owning a home sometimes means you are visually exposed and sometimes strangers can see into your home. If you feel like you don’t have enough privacy on your property, you’ll want to think of ways to remedy the situation.

To add privacy to your home on a budget, buy sheer curtains for windows that you can use in the daytime, and weather-proof curtains for your patio area. Install bamboo screens for a cheap DIY fence, and make the most of private areas like your back and side yards by installing a pergola or sitting area. Plant tall grass, hedges, and trees to add an extra layer of privacy.

When you own a home, you shouldn’t feel like you are always on display. Instead, you should feel there is enough privacy and discretion on your property, so you can go about your day without worrying if anyone is watching. If you are interested in feeling less seen but are on a tight budget, keep reading to discover easy and affordable ways to add privacy to your property.

12 Cheap And Easy Ways To Give Your Home More Privacy

1. Buy Sheer Curtains For Daytime

If you are worried about people seeing into your home through the windows, then consider installing an extra set of curtains. Most people have a heavy set of curtains to block the sun or provide complete privacy at night. 

In addition to this initial set, you can add a sheer set of curtains made of a breathable and light-colored fabric. With this style of curtains, you can still get plenty of natural light and even a nice breeze. While the sheer curtains might be slightly see-through, they will make it very difficult for anyone outside to see into the house.

2. Add Tints To Your Street-Facing Windows

If you want a more permanent solution to your window vulnerabilities, consider investing in tinted windows. Tinted and reflective windows are becoming more popular, especially in climates with strong UV rays.

Most tinted windows provide excellent protection against sun damage, and they also add a level of privacy. In some cases, they can even help keep your home cooler without air conditioning. Just make sure your HOA or community allows tinted or mirrored windows before installing them.

3. Build Lattices And Plant Vines

If you want to take a slightly more natural and less obvious approach to addressing your privacy concerns, plant some vines. Many types of climbing plants can add a lot of extra privacy. 

To ensure these vines grow to the height you need them to, install DIY or inexpensive lattices. In just a few months, you can have a living wall that looks great and also adds an extra layer of privacy between you and the outside world.

4. Buy Cheap Bamboo Screens

Bamboo screens are wildly popular. All you need to do is go to your local Home Depot or Lowes and you’ll find close to a dozen different bamboo shades and screens. These screens are a good option for a few reasons.

For one, they are effective. Secondly, you can choose from various styles, so it’s easy to find a bamboo screen that matches your outdoor aesthetic. They are a natural material, so they have a smaller carbon footprint than plastic and man-made screens. These screens are also fairly cheap, making them a great option for those looking to add privacy to the home on a budget.

5. Plant Fast-Growing Hedges

If you want to go all natural with your privacy add-ons, one of your best options is to plant hedges. If privacy is a priority, and it should be, opt for fast-growing hedges. This should guarantee you some added privacy within a year or two. 

You can opt for hedges that grow flowers, fruit, and even some varieties that offer beautiful foliage in the fall. There are plenty of budget options. Most importantly, choose a plant that you can care for and a species that will thrive in your climate.

6. Add Curtains To Your Patio

To add privacy to outdoor spaces like your patio or pool, you may want to look into outdoor curtains. Curtains may be a no-brainer for inside your home, but they can be just as amazing when used in an enclosed patio or pool area. 

They provide privacy and shade and can even help keep out some rain. Ensure you have weather-proof curtains that are designed to stand up against harsh elements like moisture, heat, and UV rays.

7. Use Hanging Plants On Front The Porch

If you have a sitting nook on your front porch, you may want a space where you can hide from passersby. One way to stay incognito while relaxing on your front porch is to add hanging plants. 

Choose something with volume, like a type of fern, or even a hanging succulent that cascades down several feet. Hanging plants can breathe life into your front porch, all while giving you a bit of added discretion.

8. Build A Pergola Or Trellis For Backyard Privacy

In many instances, the backyard is more private than the front. To make your backyard even more elusive to outsiders, try building a pergola or trellis. Not only do these structures add a layer of privacy, but it’s common to add climbing plants.

The structure and the draped canopy of plants can create a stunning place to relax in private, regardless of how exposed your backyard is.

9. Make Your Already-Private Spaces More Habitable 

If you are on a tight budget, it’s best to simply enhance what you already have. If there is a private area on one side of your home, or a small nook in your backyard, use it. Find any space that is out of the line of sight of strangers and make the most of it.

You can create a small deck for cheap, or simply add some comfy chairs for seating. This will create an affordable and comfortable place to enjoy your outdoor space where privacy already exists.

10. Find Tall-Growing Decorative Grass

If you don’t want to invest in the major undertaking of hedges, opt for a less-permanent plant that provides privacy, like tall grasses. Various types of decorative grasses can grow six feet or higher.

Grass tends to grow much faster than hedges, and if you shop around, you can find it for cheap. Look for a cold-hardy option if you live somewhere with four seasons. This will ensure you have privacy even after temperatures dip below freezing.

11. Build A Cheap DIY Fence 

When you think of adding privacy to your property, a fence is likely the first image that pops into your head. The problem with some types of fences is they are expensive to install. There are, however, inexpensive and easy ways to build a fence. 

If you are handy with a tool set, and have someone to help you with the labor, you’ll be happy to know there are affordable ways to build a fence.

12. Plant Trees And Large Shrubs

Lastly, if you just moved into your home, plan to live there a long time, and know you will want more privacy, then plant a tree or large shrubs. A tree, whether it’s a fruit tree or a decorative tree, is a great sight to look at when you look out the window. 

It’s certainly better than staring at the street or your neighbor’s home. If a tree seems too big, opt for large shrubs, or flowering bushes that reach high enough to partially block your windows.

Summing Up Cheap Ways To Make Your Home More Private

Privacy is a big selling point for homebuyers. After all, part of owning a home is feeling a sense of security and discretion. If you don’t have enough privacy but are on a tight budget, consider installing cheap lattices and planting vines to grow on them. You can also plant tall grass, fast-growing hedges, or even a tree. Sheer curtains add privacy in the daytime, and weatherproof curtains are a great way to add privacy to outdoor areas like covered patios and pool areas.

Related Guides:

• Passage Vs. Privacy Door Knob: What Is The Major Difference?
• What Can You Do If Your Neighbor Is Watching You?
• Tinted House Windows: Pros And Cons