In this post – how we used planters to create a privacy screen in our beach home, plus ways to create stylish privacy with planters both indoors and out.
Why Use Planters for Privacy?
Planters offer a flexible, non-permanent solution for adding privacy. Unlike fences or walls, they can be moved, styled, and customized to fit any space or aesthetic. Plus, they bring natural beauty, fresh air, and texture to your surroundings.
Here in San Diego, we have a situation with the neighbor’s driveway and trash cans. As in – our view looks directly over them. To remedy this, we decided to add some planters in front of our windows so that we don’t see them. We are loving how they turned out, so I wanted to share how we decorated this little corner of our home.
How We Assembled a Privacy Planter Indoors
Whether you’re shielding your patio from nosy neighbors or carving out a quiet nook inside your home, planters can be a beautiful and functional way to add privacy. With the right plants and containers, you can create a living screen that’s as lush as it is practical. Here’s how to do it!
The planters we used measure 38L x 10W x30H Inches tall. This provides adequate coverage of the lower half of the windows without blocking our view of the ocean. Because we weren’t using the space for anything else, they are a perfect way to add interest to this corner. The planters are a dark bronze color metal with golden edges, which dresses them up a bit. They have a removable shelf inside as well.
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To fill both planters I used:
8 Faux Sansevieria (snake) plants in pots
12 Faux string-of-pearl succulents
30 lbs of decorative white rocks
12 black foam blocks
Assorted sheets of styrofoam (left over from the planter packaging)
2 long narrow boxes (what the snake plants were shipped in)
Packing tape
Scissors
Indoor Planter Supplies
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6 Pcs String of Pearls Plant Artificial Hanging Succulents Plants for Home Garden Decor
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Buy Now → Step 1:
I determined that the snake plant pots were going to sit too low in the planters, so I decided to reuse some of the packaging that came with them. I lined the bottom and sides of each planter with the styrofoam sheets they came with. Next I added a long cardboard box that had contained the snake plants to each planter. I lengthened each box by about a third by cutting up another box and taping a piece of the box on the end of each.
Step 2:
II cut 8 foam blocks in half lengthwise to fill in the gaps between the sides of the planters and the plant pots. I then cut 4 more blocks in half widthwise to create spacers between the plant pots. I was short two spacers, so I taped some styrofoam sheets together to create two more.
Step 3:
I removed the plants and spaced them out where they should go on a long sheet of styrofoam. I traced the pots and then cut holes in the styrofoam.
Once the styrofoam sheets were in place, I set each pot in a hole. The foam blocks underneath support the styrofoam on top.
Step 4:
I separated the string-of-pearl plants and poked them into the styrofoam sheet at intervals, doubling them up to make them fuller.
Step 5:
Lastly I added the white rocks to cover up the styrofoam. I contemplated adding more faux succulents in-between the snake plants, but for now I’m happy with how they look.
More Planter Inspiration!
Real or Faux?
As I mentioned in this post, we aren’t able to care for very many live plants these days because we bounce between the Bay Area and San Diego for months at a time. Therefore, most of the greenery I’ve added to our beach home is of the faux variety, unless they’re hardy plants that can go for weeks without water like succulents.
The only exception is my beloved fiddle leaf fig, who has hung in there with us through two moves and currently lives in our corner window. She (yes it’s a she) loves all of the bright San Diego sun here, so I’ve done my best to keep her alive when we’re away.
For outdoor planters, I tend to prefer live plants when possible. Artificial plants, even the really realistic ones, tend to look fake in bright sunlight, plus they fade over time. I will only use an artificial plant outdoors if it’s in a shaded area that wouldn’t support a live plant. For example, I used a faux boxwood topiary when sprucing up our tiny Bay Area porch because it’s completely sheltered from the sun and a real boxwood wouldn’t get enough sunlight.
Nearly Natural 3ft. Artificial Triple Ball Boxwood Topiary Tree (Indoor/Outdoor) T2021, Green
Buy Now →Best Outdoor Plants for Privacy Screens
For outdoor privacy planters it’s important to select plants that will grow quickly with enough height to act as a screen.
Great Plants for Outdoor Privacy Planters
- Bamboo – Fast-growing and dense; choose a clumping variety.
- Tall grasses (like Miscanthus or Pampas) – Soft movement and height.
- Boxwood or Privet – Easily shaped for a clean, formal look.
- Climbing vines (on a trellis planter) – Think clematis or star jasmine.
Live Plants for Outdoor Privacy
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Buy Now → Uses for Outdoor Planters
Line a Patio or Balcony
Tall planters with dense foliage are perfect for lining the edge of a patio, deck, or balcony. Use them to block street views or create a cozy outdoor “room.”
Trellis + Planter Combo
A wooden or metal trellis attached to a planter box allows for growth of climbing vines for vertical coverage that still lets in light and airflow. There are so many attractive options to choose from nowadays! Metal has a much more updated look than ones made from inexpensive wood lattice. Plus, metal trellises will last for many seasons.
Tiered Planters
You can create a layered screen using planters with different heights and widths. Place tall planters at the back and shorter ones in front to build depth and coverage.
Best Large Indoor Plants for Privacy Screens
Here are some good choices for larger indoor plants. I have included links for faux ones as well.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig – Broad leaves and tall height.
- Areca Palm or Parlor Palm – Soft, feathery fronds and good height.
- Rubber Plant – Thick, glossy leaves and a sculptural look.
- Sansevieria (Snake Plant) – Great for tight spaces and modern style.
Large Faux Plants for Indoor Privacy
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Buy Now → Uses for Indoor Planters
Divide an Open Floor Plan
Use large planters to define zones in open living areas. They work great between a living room and dining space, or to section off a home office.
Work-from-Home Divider
Use a planter to create a visual barrier around a desk or workstation to helps reduce distractions and add a calming touch of nature.
Entryway Definition
A planter can frame the entrance to a home or apartment that opens directly into a living space.
Privacy Buffer
A multi-tiered plant shelving unit placed near windows or glass doors adds privacy without blocking natural light.
Design Tips
Put Planters on Casters
For ultimate flexibility, place your planter on wheels. You can move it around as needed for privacy or sun exposure if using live plants. You can also add casters to your existing plants to make it easier to scoot them around.
Plants on Wheels
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Buy Now → Match your style
Choose planters that complement your decor—modern concrete for minimal spaces, woven baskets for boho vibes, or terra cotta for a Mediterranean feel.
Planter Styles
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Cauldron cachepot planter with black stands
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West Elm Colin King Rustic Ficonstone Planter
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Buy Now → Keep drainage in mind
Outdoor planters should have drainage holes; indoors, use a saucer or cachepot.
Willowy Matte White Ceramic Pot Saucer – Drainage Tray for 9, 10, 11, 12 Inch Planters + More Sizes
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Buy Now → Think about scale
For true privacy, use tall or oversized planters. Smaller pots won’t block sight lines. This is a “go big or go home” moment. You want to choose planters that, when filled with plants, will create the privacy screen you want. The larger the pots, the larger the plants!
Use repetition
A row of identical planters creates a clean, cohesive screen.
Final Thoughts
Planters are more than just plant holders—they can be your secret weapon for adding beauty and privacy in one move. Whether you’re greening up your balcony or defining a cozy corner inside, a well-placed planter screen can elevate your space instantly – and hide your neighbor’s trash cans!
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sharing @ between naps on the porch
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7 Responses
This is perfect Susan and they came out fabulous. You can even tell it’s faux plants. Well
Done. I love the look. XO- MaryJo
That’s suppose to say “can’t” tell. 🤣
Thanks MaryJo! We’re happy with the solution. Sometimes you have to get a little creative!
Wow, so beautiful!! Great tips. This will be one of my features at Thursday Favorite Things today. 🙂
Thanks so much Pam! Looking forward to stopping by!
Susan, I just love this! We recently did this in our backyard around our pergola, and it turned out great. We love the privacy it provides. I used long black pots and added faux arborvitaes along with some faux flowers.
We’re happy to feature your post tomorrow at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party. We’re so glad you started sharing at our party. 🙂 Join us again tomorrow! The party starts at 9 a.m. MST and runs through Tuesday, closing at 11 p.m. MST. 🙂
Happy to be a part of your link party! Thanks for the feature! I’ll be sure to stop by. Your pergola sounds gorgeous!