Fences provide privacy, structure and security for your yard, but our fence decorating ideas can make these functional structures special. You can beautify a simple wood slat fence with artistic details, hide a chain link fence with climbing plants or add evening ambiance with twinkling string lights. Paint, plants and a few accessories can go a long way to jazz up your home's surroundings. Decorate your fence and add an eye-catching, attractive look with these easy DIY ideas to personalize your yard.
Bob Stefko
1. Plant flowering climbing plants
Add interest to your fence façade by planting flowering climbing plants. Incorporating a trellis along the fence will encourage vertical growth. Choose from vibrant pink bougainvillea, edible nasturtiums and colorful clematis to create the perfect look for your garden. Stick to annual, non-woody plants and remove them at the end of the growing season.
Photo: Jacob Fox, Stylist: Joseph Wanek
2. Hang string lights
Keep the party going after the sun goes down by hanging outdoor string lights on your fence. For a permanent installation on a wooden fence, add cup hooks in the desired locations. For a plastic fence, use adhesive plastic clips or hooks. String lights come in a variety of styles, including clear bulbs, mini tin can lights, and woven lanterns. There are also LED lights that last longer and are easier to care for. If you like the look of string lights, try hanging them over your patio for a roof-like effect.
Marty Baldwin
3. Set up a container garden
Decorate your fence with hanging pots. Fill containers with herbs for fragrant summer dining outdoors, or plant annuals for seasonal color. Look for window planters that can be hung above your fence, or opt for wall planter hooks that drill directly into your wooden fence. If your fence is in the shade, plant a mix of flowers that thrive in low-sun conditions.
Helen Norman
4. Attach decorations
Express your style by attaching artistic elements to your fence, such as metal sculptures of flowers or animals. In this photo, vintage watering cans are hung on string from a picket fence to display seasonal flowers. This charming second-hand container complements the cottage feel of the home. If you're looking for something similar, visit second-hand and thrift stores to find vintage buckets and bottles that can be used as planters.
Jay Wilde
5. Paint a mural
For a unique landscaping look, paint the inside of your wooden fence with a striking mural. Here, a repurposed pallet becomes a canvas for hand-painted dragonflies. Think of it as a backdrop for your outdoor living room. This fence decor idea can be used for stucco, cement block, or wooden fences. Adapt the design to match what you have in your yard. If your home is contemporary, use an abstract painting as inspiration or use a stencil to create a pattern across your fence.
David A. Rand
6. Add Trim
Give your plain wooden fence a classy look with wooden trim. Create curves, repeating shapes, or add horizontal trim pieces for fence decor ideas with traditional appeal. Use contrasting colors to add visual interest to your backyard and make it more unique.