A balcony with railings has a beautiful, open appearance. It provides plenty of light and an unobstructed view. However, this openness also has a downside: you often feel like you're 'on display' to neighbors or passers-by. Moreover, the wind has free play between the bars, which can make a quiet afternoon in the sun less comfortable. A balcony screen is the first solution many people think of. But how do you choose the right partition for a railing balcony without it looking messy or completely blocking your view? In this article, we delve into the world of balcony screening and show how you can create an attractive and sheltered spot with clever solutions, such as Vercony's unique planters.

Why choose a balcony screen?

There are several reasons why apartment residents look for a good balcony screen. The most common reason is, of course, privacy. Especially in densely built cities or apartment complexes facing each other, it can be nice to have a barrier between your private space and the outside world. After all, you want to be able to have breakfast in your pajamas without the whole street watching.

In addition, wind protection plays a major role. At higher altitudes, it can be very windy, and an open railing balcony offers little shelter. A screen breaks the wind, making your balcony feel a few degrees warmer. Finally, there is the aesthetic aspect: a screen can immediately give a dull, gray balcony a warmer or more modern look, depending on the material you choose.

Different types of balcony screens

When you are looking for a balcony screen, you will come across countless materials. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, especially when dealing with a railing with bars:

• Reed mats or bamboo mats: These give a natural, almost holiday-like appearance. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to attach to the bars with zip ties. The disadvantage is that they can gray or become brittle after a few seasons.
• Synthetic fabrics: Often made of weather-resistant polyester or HDPE. They are available in many colors and patterns. They are very effective against the wind but can sometimes give a somewhat 'closed' and plastic-like effect on a railing balcony if stretched over the entire length.
• Wooden screens: These offer maximum privacy and a robust look. However, on a balcony, they are often heavy and difficult to attach to an existing metal railing without damaging it.
• Glass screens: Modern and sleek. They block the wind but let in the light. The price is often high, and of course, they offer no privacy.

The disadvantage of traditional screens on a railing balcony

Although a traditional balcony screen is functional, it has drawbacks for a home with railings. Firstly, dense screens catch a lot of wind. During a strong storm, enormous force is exerted on your balcony railing, which in some cases can even cause damage or a whistling sound. Secondly, many VvEs (Owners' Associations) do not like it if each balcony has a different type or color screen, which can lead to restrictions in your choice.

Moreover, a screen completely blocks contact with the outside world. You are, as it were, in a closed box. That is why many people are looking for a 'softer' alternative that limits visibility but keeps the atmosphere open and green.

Vercony: The natural and safe solution

At Vercony, we believe that you don't need a massive screen to feel secure. Our unique planter offers an innovative alternative to the standard balcony screen. The Vercony planter stands firmly on the ground and extends outwards through the railings. This has a number of great advantages for your privacy and comfort:

By placing the planter on the ground, you create a natural barrier precisely where most of the view is: at the bottom of your balcony. If you choose full, green plants or dense ivy here, you create a 'living balcony screen'. Because the plants extend outwards through the bars, they break the wind before it reaches your balcony, without putting enormous pressure on your railing. Water drains away through the bottom, and because the planter is not hanging from the railing, you don't have to worry about scratches or instability.

Creating a green screen with plants

Do you want the benefits of a balcony screen but the look of a garden? Then use our planters to create a green wall. Some suggestions for maximum screening:

• Ivy (Hedera): The king of privacy. Weave the branches through your railings, and within a season, you will have a completely dense, evergreen screen that takes up hardly any space.

• Ornamental grasses: Tall grasses such as Fountain Grass or Maiden Grass wave beautifully in the wind. They provide a diffused view: you can still look through them a bit to the outside, but passers-by cannot just peek in.

• Bamboo (in planter): There are non-invasive species that grow excellently in planters. They grow tall and provide a dense, Asian-looking partition on your balcony.

Conclusion

A balcony screen is a smart investment for anyone looking for more peace and privacy on their railing balcony. Whether you go for a sleek fabric, a natural reed mat, or Vercony's innovative green solution, the most important thing is that you feel at home in your own outdoor space. Our planters offer you the opportunity to combine privacy with style and nature, without the disadvantages of heavy, hanging constructions. Transform your balcony today and enjoy your own sheltered paradise in the city!