Garden wall ideas: 20 stunning looks for the boundaries of your plot
20. Elevate the mood with an eye-catching hue
'Give your beloved "outdoor living room" a glow-up by painting your exterior space – it can make such a difference and is so simple to do,' says Co-Founders of COAT Paints Rob Abrahams and Rob Green. Plus, all you need is a tin of paint and a few brushes, so it's a great choice if you're after a budget-friendly update (or cheap fence ideas).
There are plenty of hues to choose from, but how about taking a cue from this set-up above? It will help your plot's perimeter blend in with the surrounding greenery of your garden. 'That way, you'll blur the boundaries of your outside space and make it look bigger than it actually is,' says Rob and Rob. Plus, it'll win you style points too, due to its soothing and sophisticated vibe.
Why not attach simple wooden shelves as well? Not only will they add to your garden storage but they'll also provide space for decorative features such as potted plants or solar lanterns. Perfect for an outdoor dining zone or kitchen.
1. Grow a row of espaliered trees
Tall walls and privacy fences are important for making a space feel more exclusive and keeping prying eyes out. And, they're useful for defining different zones in a yard, too. Take this stone wall, for instance, which adds texture and character to a seating zone whilst screening off the pool beyond.
A row of espaliered trees is ideal for adding a shot of green to the scene and won't take up much space. Once established, it'll offer a welcome patch of leafy shade to the area too, as the sun moves throughout the day.
2. Add a whimsical window
Whether you go for a modern look or a classic design like this, an arched window is a simple way to break up an otherwise imposing stretch of wall. This one frames the leafy views beyond beautifully, whilst a colorful window box makes a lovely finishing touch.
Hanging baskets are also a great way to liven up garden walls, bringing more flowers and foliage into any sized space. Why not upcycle an old shelving unit like this one with a lick of paint to secure to the wall, too? Then, you can adorn it with matching planters filled with blooms, micro greens, or perhaps an aromatic herb garden.
3. Add extra greenery with an outdoor wreath
Looking for something a little more unique for your garden wall ideas? It won't last forever, but a giant outdoor wreath will certainly turn heads and makes a lovely accent for a garden party or special occasion.
If you're feeling creative, you could make one yourself from seasonal foliage and flowers from your garden. Spritz it with water to help maintain its freshness for longer, or opt for a dried design with the likes of lavender and eucalyptus for less maintenance.
4. Dazzle with tiles on your garden wall
Bring boring boundaries alive by adding richly-colored glazed tiles as part of your garden wall ideas. Stick to one bold shade for maximum effect and let natural light play across the undulating surface, picking out the subtle variations of tone.
Look for unusually shaped tiles such as triangular, hexagonal or lozenge for a textured finish and ensure the glaze is frost proof.
5. Make it a fun feature
It's bold, it's pink, and it will certainly be a talking point. Garden wall ideas like these add an artistic, almost sculptural presence to a space.
With its cut-out design and the addition of animal topiary, it makes for a fun feature for any garden, no matter its size. It could also be used as part of your garden screening – what a way to hide the compost bin!
6. Frame a bold garden wall
Painting an outside wall black may seem drastic but with some careful thought and clever planning it can boost the color of plants and furniture around it and create a super stylish feature.
Treat brickwork to a fresh coat of matt black masonry paint and add simple wooden pergolas in front for a 'frame'. Use this structure as a support for leafy climbers and strings of festoon lights. Then, bring groups of tall, planted containers in on either side and add comfy garden furniture to create the perfect outdoor chill-out zone.
7. Hang laser-cut panels
Add a decorative touch to a dominant brick wall with some laser-cut metalwork panels. A stylish and contemporary way to introduce color and pattern to an outside space, without appearing twee or fussy, there are many different options available.
Choose from off-the-peg panels in Corten or stainless steel or go for a bespoke steel design that can be powder coated in a color of your choice. This classy trio in burnt orange forms a key part of this design by Peter Reader Landscapes and looks stunning against the cool, grey paving and slatted timber fencing.
8. Install a wall-to-wall mirror
Replace a boring wall with a space-stretching garden mirror and not only will it create the illusion of more room but it will also reflect extra light too. This concept is great for small, urban courtyard garden ideas such as this London plot by Silva Landscapes.
Made up of several frameless panels, they have been carefully installed to create a single, flush-fitting mirrored surface that spans to the end of the garden. Planting right up against the mirror and encouraging branches and ivy to overhang the top edge enhances the effect and helps it blend in.
9. Fit fretwork screens
Decorative and undeniably beautiful, intricately cut metal screens make stunning alternatives to traditional walls and fences. They offer privacy and security while still letting daylight filter though. And, these garden wall ideas need very little upkeep too.
There are numerous off-the-peg designs to choose from including leaf, flower or geometric patterns that repeat across entire panels or feature as a single, large scale motif. Materials vary too, from elegant rust-look Corten steel to smooth, powder coated aluminium.
10. Play with texture on your garden wall
Bring a playful yet industrial feel to your outside space with a textured wall. Perfect as a statement screen behind a lounging or cooking area, a wall with a three-dimensional surface can add a touch of pattern and warmth without being overwhelming.
There are several ways to achieve this look. For instance, you could go for a bespoke style in cast concrete blocks as shown in this chic design by Gregory Phillips Architects, or try 3-D exterior cladding. Whatever finish you choose it will take on a whole different dimension when lit up at night with outdoor lighting.
11. Fake space with a mirror
If you want to conjure up more space, try using well-positioned garden mirrors and never-ending paving. Best located in a corner where it can be viewed from an angle, the trick is to run a path and planting right up to the base of the mirror to create the illusion of a continuous space.
Choose from lightweight acrylic or tough mirror glass and make sure the product is well-sealed against moisture seeping in.
12. Use a quick-build veneer wall
If you love the intricacy of a handcrafted stacked stone wall but can't justify the time and cost of installing the real thing, then cheat the look with a stone veneer. Perfect for retro fitting or covering a newly built flat block wall, you can achieve a naturally hewn, textured finish that will add structure and drama to your outside space.
Highlight the finished surface even more by incorporating a timber bench into your retaining wall – a great space-saving solution for small gardens.
13. Grow a living wall
Do your bit for wildlife – and make the most of a limited space too – by planting a living wall. A lush tapestry of foliage and blooms is a great way to spruce up a plain wall and makes an eye-catching feature.
There are many different growing systems out there but one of the easiest to maintain is a pod system such as this one. Made up of a series of stackable planters you can easily arrange them to suit your space and grow a wide range of plants to get the look you want.
It's also easy to arrange and replant them as needed, plus you can water the top row and let the irrigation system take care of the rest.
14. Play with shadows
Just like gardens, walls can take on a different role at night. A crisp, stone-clad wall by day can easily become the perfect screen for displaying dramatic shadows and dancing plant silhouettes when lit up when dusk falls.
Quick and easy to do, play around with affordable solar lights. Tuck them into pots and borders slightly away from the base of key plants to get the best effect. Alternatively, invest in mains-powered uplighters that can be angled and layered as part of a permanent garden lighting scheme.
15. Paint a space-enhancing mural on your wall
Turn an eyesore into a work of art with a beautifully painted mural. Yes, it's a bold step, but as shown in this show-stopping garden design, it can add a spectacular and truly individual feature to your outside space.
The secret is to go for an evocative image that will blur with the view beyond your garden – it could be the sky, rolling hills or an undulating row of trees. Avoid using any exacting details and use cool, gentle receding tones to help create the illusion of space.
16. Mix and match finishes
Treat garden walls as a blank canvas and make your mark by mixing color, planting and interesting surfaces. Timber panels, metal sheets, porcelain tiles and innovative ceramic stoneware cladding all have their own individual characteristics and can be combined in different measures to create a chic and contemporary look.
Layer up with statement planting – such as this combo of clipped box, silver foliaged olive trees and white bark Himalayan birch – to bring the finished look alive.
17. Create an illusion of another world
Add a surprise element to your backyard by hanging a shuttered mirror, false doorway or a garden gate. Surrounded by creepers and nestled amongst foliage, these enchanting gateways add a feel of mystery and intrigue and conjure up the illusion of extra space too.
18. Try sleek and versatile fencing
Great for a smart and contemporary look, narrow-slatted fences make an eye-catching alternative to traditional brick walls. Not only can they be painted any shade and help to visually lengthen a small garden, they can also easily accommodate water features and outdoor wall lights.
Fitted in front of the existing boundary, any less-than-lovely pipework or wiring can sit neatly in the gap behind, out of sight, appearing only at the point it is needed. The finished result is chic and super smart as shown in this gorgeous garden.
19. Go for stacked timber walls
There's no better combo than logs and flames for cozying up an outside space, so swap plain walls for a large scale, tactile wood pile. Held securely in place within tall steel storage units, the cut timber ends merge to create an organic patterned jigsaw, creating a fuss-free, contemporary look.
These garden wall ideas and expert tips will help you transform your plot's perimeter into an eye-catching feature