26/06/2024 12:00 AM
Garden screening panels are a versatile, practical, and stylish addition to any outdoor space. Whether you are a homeowner looking to increase privacy or a business aiming to enhance curb appeal by hiding air source heat pumps or other equipment, screening fence panels offer a multitude of benefits. Let us explore the common uses and advantages of these panels.
In this blog we look at common ways that screening fence panels are used; such as creating a private oasis or hiding wheelie bins or a barbeque in a garden.
If you are looking for garden screening panels for commercial use, view our security website for ideas on how to hide commercial HVACs or to provide privacy for outdoor seating areas at restaurants or cafes. Create a more intimate dining experience and help shield customers from street noise and traffic with permanent screening panels
Types of Screening Fence Panel
There are many different options when we look at screening fence panels, below we show some of the most common styles and why they are commonly used. Types of fence panel for garden screens
Venetian Fence Panels - Venetian panels, characterised by their horizontal slats, are a popular choice for garden screening due to several practical and aesthetic reasons
- Allowing privacy but also light – The gaps between the pales allow for privacy and to hide items from a distance but still let in light and air while still blocking the view of unsightly areas.
- Modern aesthetic: Venetian panels offer a sleek and contemporary look, making them a stylish addition to modern garden designs. Their clean lines and structured appearance can enhance the overall aesthetics of the garden.
- Versatile design: These panels can be used in a variety of settings, from creating private garden nooks to acting as standalone decorative features. Their versatile design makes them suitable for numerous landscaping applications.
Trellis - Trellises are widely used for screening in gardens due to their functional and aesthetic advantages. Lattice with its smaller holes allows more privacy while Diamond, Square and Tartan provide attractive screens. Read our blog on comparing the different types of trellis
Privacy Panels – Venetian Hit and Miss and Woven are popular screens that offer increased privacy. Being semi solid, they provide effective screening without creating a harsh or oppressive feel. Our full range of fence panels can be found on our fence panel page
Top Uses for Screening Fence Panels
1. Hiding items in the garden - Screening fence panels are versatile tools used to hide unsightly items in gardens. We have seen many ways to hide items such as hiding bins or wheelie bins
2. Hiding a garden storage area, children’s toys, or garden tools.
3. Hiding garden sheds or more ‘industrial’ parts of a garden Hiding air conditioning units or air source heat pumps Hiding pool equipment, hot tubs, or associated pumps
4. Creating a screen for privacy - One of the primary reasons homeowners install screening fence panels is to create a private oasis in their garden. These panels effectively block the view from neighbours and passers-by, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without feeling exposed. If a garden is open (maybe in a run of terraced housing), installing a Venetian fence panel to hide behind can be a perfect way to help relax and enjoy your garden more.
5. Screen panels to reduce wind - Screening fence panels used as windbreaks or shelter, making your outdoor areas more comfortable on windy days. If you have a property with an alley that runs to the front of the property, a screening panel can reduce wind into the garden. They can also help create sheltered spots in your garden or patio, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather.
6. To produce Shade - Garden Screening panels can effectively produce shade in a garden by obstructing direct sunlight and creating cooler, shaded areas. Depending on the type of panel, some will create more shade than others. Paired with climbing plants you can create a green screen and produce a green canopy to block more sunlight.
7. Segmenting parts of a garden - For larger gardens, screening fence panels can be used to create distinct outdoor living areas. For instance, you can separate a dining area from a play area, or a planting vegetable area from a lounging space, making your outdoor space more organised and functional. They can also be used to keep pets in a certain part of the garden. Read our blog on garden dividers
8. A focal point or aesthetic appeal - Screening fence panels come in various designs, materials, and colours, making them a perfect addition to enhance the visual appeal of your property. Whether you prefer a modern, sleek look or a more traditional, rustic style, there's a screening panel to match your aesthetic. They can simply be used in the centre of a garden as a focal point or attached to pergolas or shelters.
9. Masking Old Fences or Wall - Older or unattractive fences and walls can be hidden with screening panels, giving the garden a fresh, cohesive look. Often we hear of neighbours not replacing their fencing or allowing people to paint their side of the fence (remember, you must ask a neighbour if you wish to paint their fence) and the answer can sometimes be to add some new screening panels in front of the old unsightly fence.
10. Creating a Backdrop - Panels can act as a backdrop for water features, sculptures, or flower beds, making them stand out more while hiding anything unattractive behind them. By using screening fence panels in these ways, you can enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden, making it a more enjoyable and visually appealing space.
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