Have you ever thought about having a more private space on your balcony to read a book and drink a cup of coffee without being exposed to the outer world? Honestly, me too. The idea of having a space with natural lighting, fresh air, and privacy excites me a lot.
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For a while now, I’ve been looking for the perfect balcony privacy screen. After thorough research and endless store visits, I have a few pointers to share with you.
Read on if you want to learn how to choose a balcony privacy screen!
What Is a Balcony Privacy Screen for apartments?
To pick the right one, you must be familiar with the meaning of a balcony privacy screen. Balcony privacy screens are big screens made of different materials, such as wood, iron, bamboo, etc.
They come in various designs to fit different aesthetics.
Those screens can be stand-alone on your balcony to spare you the complex installations. They can also be installed for a more permanent solution.
They’re a practical and visually beautiful way for homeowners to improve their privacy. Besides providing privacy, they can also protect from the wind that balconies get exposed to.
In apartments, they can also increase the safety of the inhabitants. Glass screens don’t offer a lot of privacy so you might want to opt for other materials.
How to Choose a Balcony Privacy Screen?
To choose the perfect balcony privacy screen, you should consider your individual needs and wants.
Those include your budget, the climate, and rental agreements. They also include how much lighting you want this privacy screen to allow, what size you want, and which aesthetic would fit you more.
Budget
The most crucial factor to consider when getting a balcony privacy screen is how much it’d cost you. For example, privacy screens range from as low as $5 for a small standard screen up to thousands of dollars for fancier options.
While I was searching for the most affordable options, I found that bamboo privacy screens are wallet-friendly. They are also eco-friendly and can be used to separate shared balconies.
Climate
Not every privacy screen will be appropriate for any weather. For instance, if you experience a lot of rain, you should consider plastic options.
On the other hand, if you have windy, stormy weather, you should avoid metal balcony privacy screens because they’re prone to wear and tear.
Rental Agreements
Before setting up your balcony privacy screen, you should ensure you’re following the building’s rules. Some places, for example, only approve of certain heights for the privacy screens.
In other places, installing a balcony privacy screen using drilling could be prohibited. Consequently, that means it’s not allowed to install retractable privacy screens.
Lighting
When choosing a balcony privacy screen, you should consider the lighting that gets to your balcony.
If your home receives a lot of natural light, privacy screens that permit some light to pass through would be an excellent idea. You may opt for a mesh screen, for example.
Apartment and Building Aesthetics
Some privacy balcony screens can perfectly fit your needs but would look out of place on your balcony. For instance, bamboo and mesh privacy screens wouldn’t work with most modern designs.
On the other hand, wood privacy screens are easy to blend in with different styles.
Therefore, you should consider the design and the aesthetics of your balcony, apartment, and building before choosing.
Popular Privacy Screens for Balconies
Now that you have taken a look at the factors you should consider before buying, let’s take a look at the popular balcony privacy screens on the market.
Bamboo Balcony Privacy Screens
Bamboo is pretty affordable for privacy screens. Besides, you can adjust it to the size and shape you want, which is a luxury you don’t get with metal. It also doesn’t need any complicated installation processes, making it an excellent option for rentals.
All that said, bamboo isn’t a great fit if you want to block direct sun rays from entering your balcony, and it also doesn’t fit all aesthetics.
Metal Balcony Privacy Screens
Metal screens aren’t an ideal option if you seek complete privacy. However, they’re a great option if you want to separate your balcony from a shared space or perhaps from AC vents.
They are also ideal for growing plants as they allow enough light to pass through them. But, again, they’re not the best option if you live in a rainy area. Metal tends to rust, no matter how good care you take of it. Since a rusty privacy screen is probably not what you’re looking for, opt for a more durable material instead.
Mesh Balcony Privacy Screens
Mesh screens are the best when it comes to providing you with good lighting. They don’t offer considerable privacy, but they’re pretty functional.
Additionally, a mesh is easy to install unless it’s on a glass balcony, which makes it a great choice for rentals.
It can be easily adjusted to your preferred length and size, making it fit for all balcony sizes. Some people don’t prefer mesh aesthetics, but that depends on your taste. It would go well with industrial and modern interior styles.
Wood Balcony Privacy Screens
Another great option for rentals is wood balcony privacy screens. They’re freestanding and don’t need complex installments, just like bamboo screens.
They’re also fitting to almost all designs and can look very stylish in most colors. Concerning privacy, they do a great job providing you with what you need.
However, they require a lot of maintenance, from painting jobs to varnishing. When it comes to price, they could cost a pretty penny.
Conclusion
Considering a balcony privacy screen is a great choice to provide you with a private space that you can use the way you want. In order to be able to choose the perfect match for you, you should consider the factors that might affect your choices.
These factors include how much you’re willing to pay, the type of weather you’re exposed to, rental agreements, lighting, size, and the design you’re thinking about. If these factors are kept in mind, you’d be able to choose the perfect match for you.
