Skip Traditional Fences: Add Privacy To Your Yard With This Boho-Inspired Idea

Even though you're looking to add privacy to your yard, you still want your home to reflect your unique personality. The everyday fence or hedge isn't for you, but a boho-inspired DIY is just the ticket to add style to your outdoor space. Macrame is a creative privacy screen idea that lets you skip the traditional fence while still enjoying a bit of solitude.

The fascinating history of macrame dates back to the 13th century where it wasn't just decorative, it was functional. By making a macrame divider to add privacy to your backyard or patio, you are combining both form and function to beautify your outdoor space while keeping prying eyes out. This project is both beginner- and budget-friendly, and offers a variety of options. So even if someone decides to follow your lead, no one will have a privacy screen quite like yours.

To complete this project, you'll need about 200 yards of synthetic or weather-treated fabric per 2-by-5-foot panel, and a wooden or metal support. This can be a curtain rod, a pergola, or anything else that will hold the woven material. You'll also need some kind of strong supports, like heavy-duty hooks, eye screws, or zip ties. The materials will vary depending on whether you are creating a screen on a frame or a free-hanging curtain, so plan to get more cord than you think you'll need and save the receipt. It's easier to return unused cord than to have to buy more and hope it matches.

First, attach a sturdy frame, curtain rod, or wood pole to the top of the area that needs a screen. Depending on the size of the space, you might need more than one to go from one side to the other. Attach the bar with strong supports like hooks or brackets, so the weight of the finished screen and is fully supported.

Now it's time to create your boho-inspired screen. To make a panel, measure your desired length and cut the cords to double that length. Fold each cord in half and loop it onto your top rod or frame bar, securing it with a lark's head knot. Once each strand is secure, work the rows of of your desired pattern, like the one made by blogger Rachel of A Beautiful Mess. You can also search for a pattern online, or try one of the easy patterns from Deepa Rai on YouTube.

The nice thing about macrame is that you can take it apart and adjust it to your liking. Add beads, create unique patterns, put planter boxes at the base, or weave plant hangers directly into the screen. You can also make a macrame knot curtain, or a hanging macrame plant wall. Another option is to use a folding room divider frame that allows you to move your screen to add privacy as needed. You may find them at thrift or big-box retail stores, or build your own to make a macrame room divider that can be placed outdoors, with some weatherproofing.