Tired of always feeling like you’re being watched by neighbours and passers-by? It’s important to feel that you have some privacy in your home and that you’re not constantly being spied on by others. Unfortunately, due to the location and structure of some homes, it can be very difficult to maintain this privacy. Fortunately, there are some solutions. Below are a few tips on how you can make your home feel less like a fishbowl.
Voile/net curtains
If passers-by or neighbours can easily look into your windows, consider whether you need to put up some kind of window barrier to stop them looking in. The obvious solution is to use regular curtains, however this means blocking out light. Voile and net curtains are a solution to this – they are translucent curtains that can distort the view into your windows while letting in light. This will prevent nosy people from looking through your windows, while still allowing light to pass through.
Walls and fences
Walls and fences are a good way to maintain privacy in your garden. Most gardens have walls and fences already, but they are not always tall enough to stop people looking into your garden. An expert business such as FSBD will be able to give you a range of suggestions that ensure privacy but also look amazing, enhancing the overall appeal of your home.
Look at the range that this excellent Minneapolis fence contractor has on offer for some ideas. Consider opting to raise the fence or adding lattices if people are able to easily peer over it. Of course, raising a fence or adding a lattice or a fence shared by a neighbour will require getting their permission, so bear this in mind. Internal dividers may be a better solution for keeping privacy if a neighbour doesn’t want to raise a fence – you could cordon off a social area of a garden with an extra wall, fence or metal divider so that you have some privacy when using this part of your garden.
Blinds/shutters
Voile and net curtains may let in light, but you often won’t have a great view out of them. Blinds and shutters can help you to let in light and see outside, while simultaneously stopping people staring in. This is achieved by keeping the slats down but open. The difference between blinds and shutters is that blinds hang from the top, while shutters are fixed to the side of the frame. Consider which option is best for you.
Window screens
You can also look into screens such as these SecureView screens. Such screens are designed solely for providing privacy – distorting the view into your home, while still giving you a clear view out of your home. They can be custom-fitted to different types of windows including large glass doors and large windows.
Trees and hedges
Trees and hedges can provide a natural barrier against nosy neighbours. You can grow a tree outside a window to stop people looking into. Alternatively, you can use strategically located trees and hedges in your garden to stop people looking in. Just be wary that planting a tree or high hedge may have a negative impact on your neighbours – especially if it blocks out views or stops a neighbour getting as much sunlight in their garden. It’s best to check that they’re happy with it before going ahead. In most cases, you don’t need planning permission.