Do you want to shade the balcony or create some privacy? Use plants, even artificial ones

Balconies are spaces that, regardless of their size, deserve to be enjoyed to the fullest. They allow us to spend some time outdoors, especially when we do not have the privilege of having a garden and are often in need of a place to relax.

It often happens, however, that these are also spaces exposed to the curiosity of neighbors, people walking down the street or other onlookers. It can also be that due to their exposure, they become boiling hot in summer and therefore not very pleasant to relax in. To help us make them more beautiful and comfortable, we can use curtains and umbrellas, but we can also some uniquely different solutions, such as using green walls that provide privacy or shade in a natural way. Here are some ideas, even ones using artificial plants.

Just like fences, faux ivy panels can screen an area discreetly and give an impression of greenery much more than many other claddings.

Narrow planters with faux bamboo are also very popular, and create a higher wall.

Vertical gardens, or green walls that are a real living picture, are one of the most popular installations in recent years. Extremely scenic and "space-saving", they are however, also demanding in terms of care. However, there are artificial but realistic versions that can be used to create a partition wall on the balcony. Imagine what a unique backdrop for your outdoor living room this would be.

You can also choose real, climbing plants, to grow in order to create a natural barrier.

There are products you can buy or DIY projects you can undertake that combine wooden walls with a planter positione below it, which is another great way to create some privacy for yourself.

And if you add a net, or any other sturdy, stable trellis to your planter, you will have created a wall on which to grow vines. There are many species that benefit from the sun and that not only give beautiful foliage but also very beautiful flowers.

Bougainvillea, clematis and solanum are examples that could be used.

Well-kept wooden walls (which you could create using pallets and reclaimed wood) can become the support for many pots full of flowers.

Alternatively, you could think about shielding yourself from the sun and from prying eyes with a series of hanging planters from which the hanging foliage of plants of many different types provide the privacy and shade.

If, on the other hand, you prefer certain types of bamboo or tall grasses, there are varieties that can grow even in very little soil and develop quite a lot in height: perfect for narrow and long planters that will line the balcony railings.

On larger balconies it is possible to contemplate using wooden screens and dividers like those used in the garden or on large terraces - and then you can decorate them with flowers, even using potted shrubs or climbing plants.

Would you like to use any solutions like these on your balcony?