Balcony Gardening & Outdoor Living: Creating Privacy on Your Balcony Smart Screening Ideas for Comfort, Style and a Little Personal Space
Living in an apartment or unit doesn’t mean you have to give up on private outdoor space. In fact, with a little creativity, your balcony can become a cosy retreat, a leafy escape, or even your own alfresco dining zone all while giving you a bit of privacy from neighbours.
Whether you own or rent, there are practical, stylish, and affordable ways to create privacy on your balcony without breaching strata by-laws or breaking the bank. Here’s how to do it right.
Why Balcony Privacy Matters
Balconies are a valuable extension of our homes, especially in apartment living. They’re places to relax, entertain, or just enjoy the fresh air. But because they’re often overlooked by neighbouring units or nearby buildings, it’s not uncommon to feel a little exposed.
Creating privacy isn’t just about blocking views it’s also about making your outdoor space feel more comfortable, personal, and enjoyable.
Popular Privacy Options
Here are some of the most effective ways to create privacy while still keeping your balcony bright, breezy, and beautiful.
1. Reed or Bamboo Screening
One of the easiest and most popular options, reed or bamboo screens can be attached to existing railings using cable ties or string. They’re lightweight, natural-looking, and allow airflow while providing a decent level of screening.
✅ Great for renters
✅ Affordable and easy to install
⚠️ Check with strata if attaching anything externally
2. Trellises with Climbing Plants
Installing a vertical trellis or plant wall is perfect for privacy and greenery. Use planters with lattice backs, or freestanding trellises you can lean against a wall or railing.
Popular climbing plants for Aussie balconies include:
Jasmine: fragrant and fast-growing
Star jasmine: compact and tidy
Passionfruit vine: edible and beautiful
Native hardenbergia: purple flowers and hardy
✅ Natural and cooling
✅ Strata-friendly if freestanding
⚠️ Ensure plants don’t encroach on neighbouring property
3. Outdoor Curtains
Sheer or weather-resistant curtains add a soft, breezy feel while letting in light. You can hang them from a tension rod or a removable pole attached to your ceiling (if permitted).
✅ Elegant and renter-friendly
✅ Provides flexible privacy – open or close as needed
⚠️ Check weight limits and fixings allowed by strata
DIY Privacy Ideas for Renters
Renters often face extra restrictions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t personalise your balcony. Here are a few no-drill, damage-free ideas:
Zip-tied screening: Bamboo or synthetic screens attached to railings with reusable cable ties
Portable planter boxes: Add height and privacy with tall potted plants like bamboo palm, bird of paradise, or golden cane palm
Free-standing lattice screens: Lean against a wall and decorate with fairy lights or faux ivy
Reclaimed shutters or doors : Old timber panels make charming privacy screens and can be repurposed creatively
Hanging baskets : A row of cascading plants doubles as décor and privacy barrier
These DIY options are great for small budgets and don't require permanent changes, making them perfect for renters or strata-titled properties with restrictions on modifications.
Budget-Friendly Balcony Makeovers: Real-Life Inspiration
Here are two examples of successful balcony privacy transformations that didn’t break the bank.
Sophie’s Renter-Friendly Urban Jungle (Melbourne, VIC)
Sophie lives in a one-bedroom apartment in inner Melbourne. Her balcony faced directly onto the neighbour’s kitchen. With a $200 budget, she created a private, green space using:
Reed screening from a hardware store, tied to the railing
Three large pot plants (including a tall fiddle leaf fig)
A freestanding bamboo shelf stacked with herbs and hanging succulents
Now, her balcony feels like a lush courtyard retreat, and the best part? It’s completely removable.
Liam & Josh’s Alfresco Chill Zone (Brisbane, QLD)
In a modern complex, Liam and Josh wanted a chill-out space with some privacy for evening drinks. They installed:
Outdoor curtains hung from a tension rod (no drilling!)
A low timber bench with built-in planters
Solar-powered fairy lights and a patterned outdoor rug
The entire project cost under $350 and gave them a relaxed, stylish spot with just enough privacy from neighbouring balconies.
A Note on Strata Rules
Before making any changes to your balcony, especially anything visible from the street or common areas, check your building’s by-laws or speak with your strata manager. Some strata schemes have restrictions on external fixtures, colours, or structural changes.
Most of the options listed here especially free-standing, removable, or non-invasive ones are typically acceptable, but it’s always better to get the green light first.
Final Tips for a Private, Beautiful Balcony
Mix plants with screening to soften the look and feel
Use layers – a combination of high and low elements creates better coverage
Choose materials that are weather-resistant for longevity
Keep the space clutter-free so it feels open, even with added privacy
Incorporate lighting for evening ambiance think lanterns, solar lights, or LEDs
Wrap-Up: Your Balcony, Your Sanctuary
With just a few clever additions, your balcony can become a beautiful, private extension of your home whether you want to create a garden oasis, a breakfast nook, or a spot to unwind after work.
The key is choosing options that suit your space, your lifestyle, and your strata rules. And remember: even the smallest balcony can be transformed with a little creativity and a touch of green.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should seek independent legal and professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction
