Balcony Privacy Screens – Screening for Balconies & Railings

Balcony Privacy Screens for More Privacy Outdoors

A balcony privacy screen is designed to reduce direct views through or across a balcony railing. It can provide a simple way to make a balcony or terrace feel more private without constructing a completely new boundary.

Balcony screening is particularly useful in apartments and densely built residential areas where neighbouring balconies, windows or public areas overlook the outdoor space. Depending on the product, screening can be attached directly to a suitable existing railing using appropriate outdoor fixings.

Which Balcony Privacy Screen Should You Choose?

The right balcony privacy screen depends on the size and construction of the railing, the amount of privacy required, your preferred appearance and the level of wind exposure. Material and installation method are therefore just as important as colour and design.

Depending on the products available, options can include:

• PVC balcony screening;
• balcony screening fabric;
• artificial hedge screening;
• willow-effect or composite screening;
• other suitable garden screening for balcony applications.

Always check the specifications of the individual product before deciding which type is suitable for your balcony.

PVC Balcony Privacy Screens

PVC balcony screening provides a regular, manufactured screen that can reduce direct views through a balcony railing. Its uniform construction makes it an alternative to natural materials when you prefer a consistent appearance.

Depending on the individual product, PVC screening can be available in different colours, dimensions and constructions. Features such as double-sided finishing, UV resistance and visual density should be checked in the specifications of the selected screen rather than assumed for every PVC product.

See our PVC fencing rolls for additional PVC screening options.

Balcony Screening Fabric

Balcony screening fabric provides another way to cover an open railing and reduce overlooking. Fabric-style screens differ from rigid or slatted PVC products in appearance, flexibility and installation.

Check the material, dimensions, fixing points and product specifications before installation. The screen should be tensioned and secured according to its intended method of use.

Artificial Hedge for Balcony Privacy

Artificial hedge screening can create a green privacy screen without using a living hedge. It can be attached to a suitable balcony railing where the product and supporting structure are appropriate for the application.

See our artificial hedge screening if you prefer a green, hedge-like appearance.

Composite Willow Screening for Balconies

Composite willow screening combines a willow-effect appearance with a manufactured construction. It can be considered when you prefer the visual character of willow but want a more uniform screen.

Intergard composite willow screening is made from wood resin and PVC and provides more than 95% calculated visual density. Suitability for a particular balcony still depends on the dimensions, supporting structure and exposure.

How Much Privacy Does a Balcony Screen Provide?

The amount of privacy depends on the visual density, construction and installation of the selected balcony screen. A dense screen can considerably reduce direct views, whereas a more open construction will retain greater visibility through the material.

The final result also depends on gaps around the edges, between separate sections and above or below the screen. A product described as providing a high visual density should therefore not automatically be interpreted as creating a completely enclosed balcony.

How to Measure for a Balcony Privacy Screen

Measure the width and height of the section of railing that you want to cover before ordering a balcony privacy screen. Measure each section separately if the balcony has corners or railings of different dimensions.

1. Measure the total width of the railing to be screened.
2. Measure the usable height of the railing.
3. Measure separate sides individually where the balcony has corners.
4. Check the dimensions of the selected screen.
5. Take the required fixing method into account.
6. Check whether the product can be shortened if necessary.

Do not cover openings that must remain unobstructed for drainage, ventilation, access or another functional purpose.

How to Install a Balcony Privacy Screen

A balcony privacy screen should be securely attached to a suitable and stable railing or supporting structure. The precise installation method depends on the type of screen and the construction of the balcony.

1. Measure the railing and check the screen dimensions.
2. Inspect the railing and make sure it is stable.
3. Position the screen against the inside or appropriate side of the railing.
4. Temporarily secure one end before unrolling or positioning the remainder.
5. Attach the screen at regular intervals using suitable fixings.
6. Secure the top, middle and bottom where the product construction allows.
7. Pay additional attention to corners and exposed edges.
8. Check that the screen cannot move excessively in the wind.

Suitable cable ties may be used for products and railings designed for this method of attachment. Follow the installation instructions supplied with the individual screen.

Can a Balcony Privacy Screen Be Cut to Size?

Some balcony privacy screens can be shortened, but this depends on their material and construction. PVC slats, screening rolls, fabrics and artificial hedge products require different cutting methods.

Check the individual product instructions before cutting. Products held together with connecting wires, threads or other bindings may need to be secured before they are shortened.

Balcony Privacy Screens and Wind

Wind exposure is one of the most important considerations when installing a balcony privacy screen. Adding a dense screen to an open railing reduces the amount of air that can pass through and can substantially increase the wind load on the screen, fixings and railing.

This is particularly important on higher floors, exposed corners and balconies facing open areas. A screen should therefore never be installed solely on the assumption that the existing railing is strong enough.

Use appropriate fixings, follow the product instructions and make sure the supporting structure is suitable for the application.

Does a Balcony Privacy Screen Stop the Wind?

A balcony privacy screen can affect airflow, but it should not automatically be described as a windbreak. The effect depends on its density, dimensions, position and local wind conditions.

A dense screen can also experience considerable wind pressure itself. Privacy and wind protection should therefore be treated as separate performance requirements.

Does a Balcony Screen Provide Shade?

Some balcony screens can reduce direct sunlight depending on their density, position and material, but a privacy screen should not automatically be considered a sunshade.

If shade is the main objective, choose a product specifically intended for sun protection and check its documented properties.

Balcony Privacy Screen or Natural Garden Screening?

Dedicated balcony screens are designed around balcony privacy, while natural garden screening uses materials such as bamboo, willow, heather, bark or reed. Some natural screening may also be suitable for a balcony when securely supported, but wind exposure and weight require particular attention.

Explore our complete garden screening range to compare the available materials.

Can You Use Bamboo Screening on a Balcony?

Bamboo screening can be used on some balconies when the railing provides a suitable and stable support. Bamboo creates a natural appearance but adds both weight and wind resistance to the railing.

See our bamboo fencing rolls and check the dimensions and construction of the selected product before using it on a balcony.

Can You Use Willow Screening on a Balcony?

Natural willow screening can also be suitable for some balcony railings when correctly supported and securely fixed. Its natural stems create a more rustic appearance than PVC or fabric balcony screening.

Compare our willow fencing rolls if you prefer natural screening.

Maintenance of Balcony Privacy Screens

Maintenance requirements depend on the material of the balcony screen. Manufactured PVC and similar surfaces can generally be cleaned when dirt accumulates, while natural screening materials require different care.

Whatever the material, inspect the screen and its fixings periodically. This is particularly important after strong winds. Replace damaged or weakened fixings before the screen becomes loose.

Check Balcony and Building Rules Before Installation

Before installing a balcony privacy screen, check whether any rules apply to changes to the outside appearance of the building. Requirements can vary between properties, landlords, building owners and residents' associations.

Also make sure the screen does not interfere with drainage, access or other functional or safety-related parts of the balcony.

Balcony Privacy Screens for Trade & Larger Projects

Intergard also supplies privacy screening to trade and professional customers. For pallet quantities, larger projects or commercial enquiries, please contact Intergard with the required products, dimensions, quantities and delivery address.

Buy a Balcony Privacy Screen from Intergard

Buy a balcony privacy screen from Intergard to reduce overlooking and create a more private outdoor space. Compare the available materials, dimensions, colours, visual density and fixing methods to find the most suitable solution for your balcony or railing.

For other outdoor privacy solutions, explore our complete garden screening range, including bamboo, willow, heather, bark, reed, PVC, artificial hedge and composite willow screening.

Frequently Asked Questions about Balcony Privacy Screens

What is a balcony privacy screen?

A balcony privacy screen is a screen attached to a suitable balcony railing or supporting structure to reduce direct overlooking. It can also change the appearance of the balcony and create a more enclosed outdoor space.

Which type of balcony privacy screen should I choose?

Choose according to the required privacy, dimensions, railing construction, appearance and wind exposure. Options can include PVC screening, screening fabric, artificial hedge and other suitable screening materials.

How do I measure for a balcony privacy screen?

Measure the usable width and height of each section of balcony railing that you want to cover. Measure separate sides individually and compare the measurements with the dimensions of the selected screen.

How much privacy does a balcony screen provide?

The amount of privacy depends on the density and construction of the selected screen. Also consider gaps around the sides, top and bottom when assessing the final level of visual screening.

Are balcony privacy screens completely opaque?

Not necessarily. Some dense products provide a very high degree of visual screening, while others deliberately allow more light and air through.

How do you attach a privacy screen to a balcony railing?

The screen should be attached at multiple points using fixings suitable for both the screen and railing. Depending on the product, suitable cable ties or dedicated fasteners may be used.

Can I cut a balcony privacy screen to size?

Some balcony screens can be cut or shortened, but this depends on the product construction. Check the instructions before cutting so that connecting wires, threads or slats do not become loose.

Can PVC screening be used on a balcony?

Yes, suitable PVC screening can be attached to a stable balcony railing. Check the individual product specifications, installation instructions and wind exposure before fitting it.

Can bamboo screening be used on a balcony?

Yes, bamboo screening can be suitable for some balconies when the railing can safely support it. Its weight and increased wind load must be taken into account.

Can willow screening be used on a balcony?

Yes, natural willow screening can be used on suitable balcony railings when securely installed. It creates a more natural and rustic appearance than PVC screening.

Does a balcony privacy screen stop wind?

A privacy screen can alter airflow but should not automatically be considered a windbreak. Dense screens can themselves be subjected to substantial wind pressure.

Does balcony screening provide shade?

Some screening can reduce direct sunlight, but the amount depends on its density, material and position. Choose a dedicated sun-protection product if shade is the primary requirement.

Are balcony privacy screens safe in strong winds?

Suitability in strong winds depends on the product, fixing method, railing and exposure of the balcony. Dense screens increase wind load and require particularly secure installation.

Do I need permission to install a balcony privacy screen?

Permission may be required depending on the property and applicable building or tenancy rules. Check with the landlord, building owner or residents' association where relevant.

How do I clean a balcony privacy screen?

The correct cleaning method depends on the material. Follow the product instructions and periodically inspect both the screen and its fixings for damage or loosening.