If you’re renting in Australia, finding a home with a balcony or patio is a rare find. Apartment balconies can provide a convenient and secure outdoor area to relax and enjoy fresh air. However, if your balcony is close to your neighbours’, privacy can be an issue. Therefore, to remedy this problem, an easy fix is a privacy balcony screen.
This closes up your space and offers some form of security as they serve as a barrier between you and the outside world. More specifically, they block off unwanted elements like nosey neighbours and street traffic. They also offer sun and rain protection. Plus, a high-end, beautifully designed, and well-installed one enhances the aesthetics of your home.
Top 4 balcony screens for renters
Roll-up shades
Roll-up balcony screens are a great and practical outdoor privacy solution. Perhaps, the best feature of this option is its adaptable functionality and flexibility. They can be rolled up and down depending on the current weather condition and preference of the user. Made with materials like polyester, PVC, or bamboo canes, roll-up blinds are designed to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. Installation is quite easy, so you do not have to enlist any professional help. However, one downside is that sizing and customizations are limited to the type of material you find or choose.
Bamboo screens
A bamboo screen is suitable for environmentally conscious homeowners seeking a more rustic view. Given their visually appealing characteristics, bamboo shades add warmth and character to any setting. One noteworthy adaptability of bamboo shades is their use as foldable room dividers for indoor and outdoor spaces. Potential downsides mostly stem from moisture and sunlight exposure. So, we recommend regular oiling, varnishing, and waxing to maintain a protective layer over the wood.
Faux ivy screen
If you’re looking to spruce up your balcony with a dint of nature, here’s your ideal option. While they lack textural appeal and are of no benefit to the environment, they still provide the realistic look of ivy. They are created from synthetic materials like polyethene and polyester. Two unique selling points of faux ivy are that they are quite affordable and UV-resistant; therefore, they can withstand the impact of sunny conditions for a long time.
Installing it is simple if there’s some sort of frame or railing ready. If not, you may need to call on a professional, depending on the type of material you want – wood, metal, etc. However, if you want something more natural, here are some of the best screening plants for privacy from neighbours.
Perforated Screens
Just as the name suggests, perforated screens come with a lot of holes in them. This design allows for sufficient airflow while still providing a covering for your site. We recommend this option largely because it makes room for unlimited customizing options in terms of material, colour, and other aesthetics. Speaking of “other aesthetics,” buyers can incorporate specific artwork, quotes, or images of themselves, their favourite superstar(s), loved one(s), etc. This allows renters, or anyone at all, to create a truly personalised space. Mind you, customization may cost extra.
Factors to consider before buying a balcony screen
Price
Prices for balcony screens vary considerably, so, go through the available types online and decide how much you want to spend. This price variation is mostly due to type, material, design, and brand. Therefore, the more expensive ones are not necessarily better than the less pricey alternatives. Check out our tips for renovating on a small budget.
Purpose
This borders on why you want to buy a balcony screen. Go for the roll-up or perforated screen if you’re looking to shut off nosey neighbours and streetlights. But, if you live in a high-traffic area with people constantly trespassing, the bamboo shade works fine.
Tenancy agreement
You may want to check your tenancy agreement again if it prohibits balcony screens or similar structures. Better still, simply discuss with your landlord or agent and find out what you can’t change when renovating an apartment. Either way, only proceed when you’re certain about not breaching any agreement.
Preferences
Of all the available types and designs, which do you prefer? Do you want it customised? These are personal questions; therefore, only you can answer them. If you want a motorised balcony screen, go for it but prepare for the cost.
People also ask
Does weather affect the longevity of my balcony screen?
Yes. Balcony screens are weather-resistant but they can only “resist” so much. In other words, continuous exposure to harsh weather constantly wears their integrity and resistance level.
How do I install a balcony screen?
Except if you’re going for high-end and motorised options, installation is quite straightforward. Most already come with a user guide with step-by-step instructions on how to properly attach or mount a screen. Also, you could just go online for a more detailed process.
How do I maintain my balcony screen?
Regular cleaning is not negotiable, as it prevents the buildup of debris on the material. Cleaning is relative to the type of screen you have. Fabric screens like outdoor curtains, for example, have to be washed, while damp cloth will do for faux ivy or roll-up shades. You shouldn’t wash bamboo-made screens but rather oil, varnish, or wax them.
