There are many ways to add privacy to your home so you can relax and entertain in comfort.
Below are some great ideas from Bunnings Workshop members for inspiration. Let us know if you need a hand adding privacy to your home.
1. Install a fence
Building a fence is one of the most effective ways to make your home more private and secure. Bunnings Workshop member @Rodney used Merbau decking boards and Whites Screen Up posts to build a D.I.Y front yard fence, while @Remarka6le built a Pine fence with steel posts to enhance his privacy.
Our collection of Top 10 most popular fence projects contains more inspiring fence builds and makeovers.
2. Extend an existing fence
You can create extra privacy in your outdoor space by adding a fence extension. Community member @Shannon added panels to extend the height of his fence using a modular design that can be removed for maintenance.
Experienced Workshop member @ProjectPete shows you How to add an extension to a Colorbond fence in his step-by-step guide.
3. Build a privacy screen
Screens can help create privacy, hide unsightly views and add style and character to your home. Workshop member @WendyL used Merbau fence panels to create a high privacy screen, while @Bankzee used steel framing, Merbau and decorative panels to fill four-metre gaps between the posts of a new pergola for a privacy screen.
Don't miss our Top 10 most popular screening projects for more clever screening ideas.
4. Tint your windows
Installing window film is a simple and efficient way to improve privacy in your home. It can also help reduce the amount of harsh sunlight entering your space. In a quick and easy project, Workshop member @prettyliving installed mirror-tinted window film to create privacy and remove sun glare, while Jess also used film to add privacy to her front door glass.
The Bunnings guide How to install window film contains handy tips.
5. Use plants as screening
Hedges and screening plants can turn your outdoor space into a private green oasis, provide formal partitioning from the street, and screen out unwanted views. Workshop member @suequarford planted Port Wine Magnolias and Camellia sasanquas to screen the front of their property, while the ever popular @royq project training climbers to screen fence provides inspiration for backyard screening.
For more assistance, check out the following guides by horticulturalist and Workshop member @Adam_W:
6. Enclose your deck or alfresco
Alfresco areas and decks are great for relaxing and entertaining guests. Enclosing or partially covering these spaces can add privacy and help you make the most of them all year. The alfresco extension by @Baggs is insulated and provides privacy and protection from weather.
Turn your deck or alfresco area into your own private and relaxing retreat by following the step-by-step guide How to build privacy screening.
7. Install outdoor blinds
Outdoor blinds are a flexible way to add privacy to a deck, patio or pergola without permanently enclosing the area. They can also provide shade and extra protection from the weather. Workshop member @sandy_d attached a retractable outdoor blind to her barbecue entertaining area with pergola, demonstrating how a blind can be incorporated into an outdoor structure.
The Bunnings guide How to install bistro blinds has practical advice about attaching blinds to a pergola or outdoor entertaining area.
8. Add window shutters
Window shutters can block unwanted outside views while giving you control over the amount of light entering a room. They can also add character and become a decorative feature inside the home. Workshop member @JoeAzza made internal solid-panel shutters for three bedrooms using Pine and MDF.
The Bunnings guide How to mount D.I.Y. plantation shutters provides step-by-step instructions for assembling and installing an adjustable shutter kit.
9. Add a barn door
A sliding barn door can close off a hallway or wide opening to create greater privacy while adding style and character to the home. Workshop member @buildwithroneth designed and built a barn door to provide privacy between family living areas and bedrooms.
See our Top 10 most popular barn door projects for more inspiration, and the Bunnings guide How to build and install a barn door for step-by-step instructions.
10. Build a room divider
A room divider is a practical way to improve privacy and define separate zones in an open-plan home while keeping the spaces feeling light and connected. Workshop member @Huma built a timber and acrylic room divider between their lounge and hallway, then added hooks for hanging plants and lanterns.
The Bunnings guide How to make a room divider shows how dressed timber battens can be used to create a simple dividing screen.
11. Improve acoustic privacy
Privacy is not only visual. Reducing sound transfer between bedrooms, living areas, home offices and guest spaces can make a home feel more peaceful and comfortable. Workshop member @bluejay16 built a sound-reducing privacy door between a cottage and rear extension using a solid-core door with acoustic panels and insulation.
Experienced Workshop member Adam shares more practical ideas in his guide How to soundproof your home.
12. Mask unwanted noise with a water feature
Moving water can help mask traffic and other distracting outdoor sounds, making a courtyard or garden feel more private and relaxing. @Adam_W built a raised pond with built-in seating, creating an inviting garden space where the soothing sound of moving water can be enjoyed.
For a compact alternative, follow Adam’s step-by-step guide How to create a pond in a pot.
Need more help with increasing privacy in your home?
The Bunnings Workshop community can assist with further inspiration and advice on making your home more private.
Please don’t hesitate to head to hit the Ask a question button and tell us what you would like to achieve. We’re here to help.
