There's nothing quite like stepping out onto your own balcony on a sunny day. For many apartment dwellers, the balcony is a place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. But if you have a balcony with railings, you quickly realize that the boundary between your private space and the outside world is razor-thin. Passers-by can easily look in, and neighbors often have an unintended clear view of what you're doing. Finding the right solution for balcony screen privacy is therefore one of the most discussed topics among balcony owners. In this article, we discuss how to achieve that desired privacy without losing the open character of your balcony.

The challenge of privacy on a balcony with railings

A railed balcony has a beautiful, transparent appearance that creates a spacious feeling. The downside, however, is that those same railings offer little protection against prying eyes. You sometimes feel a bit 'on display,' which isn't conducive to relaxation. Many people therefore resort to a standard balcony screen for privacy. While effective, it often presents practical problems on a railed balcony. Think of screens flapping in the wind, unsightly fastenings with zip ties, or the fact that a completely closed screen also completely blocks your own view.

Types of balcony screens and their pros and cons

If you search for balcony screen privacy, you'll find a wide range of options. It's important to choose one that fits the rules of your Homeowners Association (HOA) and the construction of your balcony.

• Textile screens: These polyester cloths are popular because they are relatively inexpensive and come in many colors. They offer immediate full privacy but can give a somewhat 'cooped-up' feeling on a railed balcony.
• Natural mats: Reed, bamboo, or willow branches give a warm, natural look. They subtly break the view but can turn gray or fall apart over time due to weather influences.
• Plastic screens: These often resemble natural materials but last longer. However, they are less environmentally friendly and can sometimes retain heat on the balcony in full sun.

The natural way: Privacy through planting

At Vercony, we believe that a balcony screen for privacy doesn't always have to consist of a roll of plastic. One of the most beautiful and effective ways to reduce visibility is by using greenery. Plants soften the hard lines of metal and concrete and provide a natural filter. This way, you retain the feeling of freedom while still being sheltered.

Our unique planters are specially designed for this situation. Instead of planters that hang on the railing and often clutter the view, the Vercony planter stands firmly on the ground. The planter is designed to extend through the railings to the outside. This creates a 'green plinth' at the bottom of your balcony, precisely where people can look up from below. It's a stylish way to take your balcony screen privacy to the next level.

Why the Vercony planter is the ideal green solution as a balcony screen

When choosing privacy solutions for your balcony, you want them to be safe and durable. Traditional screens that you attach to the railings catch a lot of wind. This can put a significant strain on the structure. The Vercony planter solves this cleverly:

• Stability on the floor: Because the planter stands on the ground, there is no risk of blowing over or shifting. The center of gravity is low, which is essential at higher altitudes.
• More privacy & less visibility: If you place a few Vercony balcony planters next to each other, you can easily create a green sense of privacy.
• Double-sided green: Because the planter extends through the railings, you enjoy the greenery on the inside, while passers-by see a beautifully planted box on the outside.

The best plants for a privacy screen

Not all plants are equally suitable to serve as a 'screen.' For optimal balcony screen privacy, you want plants that grow luxuriantly and preferably retain their leaves in winter. Here are some suggestions that fit perfectly in our balcony planters:

• Ivy (Hedera): The absolute favorite. You can easily weave the tendrils horizontally along the railings. This way, you can decide exactly how high you want to make the balcony screen.

• Ornamental grasses: Think of varieties like Carex or Festuca. These grasses remain low and compact but are dense enough to prevent direct visibility. They also sway pleasantly in the wind.

• Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus): There are dwarf varieties that grow excellently in containers. They have large, glossy leaves that completely block the view.

• Lavender: Although not as tall, a row of lavender in the Vercony planters creates a visual barrier that also smells wonderful.

Conclusion

Achieving balcony screen privacy on a balcony requires a smart approach. Instead of completely boarding up your balcony with plastic or fabric, the gradual path with greenery offers a much more beautiful result. With the Vercony ground-level balcony planters, you choose a safe, stable, and above all aesthetic solution that transforms your balcony into a private paradise. No more visibility, no more hassle with flapping screens, just undisturbed enjoyment of the outdoors among your own plants.