When speaking of decor, we normally picture items within the confines of our homes - on the walls, in the corners, and on the tables.
While that’s the common angle to look from, it’s not the only one.
If you have a garden (lucky you!), you shouldn’t overlook its decor. In fact, you should make sure your outdoor decor is as stunning as your indoor because it’s an extension of your home.
We’ve already spotlighted a few impactful garden decor ideas, but there’s room to go more in-depth. So, let’s zero in on a physically large, yet often neglected part of your garden - the fence.
A regular, run-of-the-mill fence is hardly a decor element in itself, but it’s got all the makings of one. You just need to pick up some tips on how to decorate a fence to truly make it shine.
Regardless if you have a wooden, colorbond, vinyl, or chain link fence, there are fence decorations out there for you.
Keep reading for some inspiration!
6 Best Garden Fence Decorations
Even if you’re short on space in the garden, there’s so much potential laying dormant on your fence.
Don’t let it be a death sentence for your fence - decorate the life out of it.
Here’s how:
1. Light It Up
Let’s start with an easy one - lights. Or specifically, string lights.
Pick string lights that fit the look of your garden - twinkling fairy lights for an understated, subtle glow, or bold globe bulbs for a statement accessory. When figuring out how to hang string lights on a fence, use outdoor-rated hooks or adhesive clips to keep them secure.
You have full creative control over how you use your lights. You can drape them loosely if you want your decor to be more laid-back. Or, weave them through the fence slats for something more unconventional.
Make these fence decorations stand out even more by intertwining some climbing vines or hanging lanterns alongside the lights. Once you’re set up, plug them in, and prepare to never leave your garden in the evenings.
2. Install a Faux Green Wall
If your fence isn’t exactly a sight for sore eyes, you may need to cover it up. But if you’re not one for painting or engaging in elaborate makeovers, you may need something more low-maintenance, like an artificial green wall.
A faux vertical garden is an easy way to hide unsightly spots on your fence. Plus, it’s a choice that branches off into many versatile options - from an artificial flower trellis to a dense faux boxwood hedge.
And if you’re dealing with shared fences, rental restrictions, or HOA limitations, you can install a freestanding artificial hedge like our client here. This will give you the same look without asking you to drill or damage your fence - a dream among garden fence decorations.
3. Suspend Planters
Hanging planters are the ‘it’ new element that will overhaul your fence. And for good reason - they add dimension, color, and life (even if you use artificial plants!).
There’s much to laud about suspended planters, but for most homeowners, customizability is the best part.
First, you can choose the type of plant you like - real, fake, lush, dainty, trailing, etc. Second, you can upcycle items into planters or buy new, modern pots that match what you’re going for.
If you don’t want the same design repeated, mix and match different planters or hanging elements. For example, you can break up the fence by alternating between green wall panels and hanging planters. This will give the fence some rhythm and add layers to your design.
4. Paint Over It
Can you give your entire backyard a fresh new outfit just by touching up the fence?
Since we’re asking this in our blog - yes, you can. And it’s actually very easy to do so.
When pondering how to decorate a fence with paint, the options are endless. For example, you can go all out and paint a mural that depicts a scene from your life, a favorite movie, or just something you think looks nice. Alternatively, simply highlight certain parts, like the fence posts, the trim, or the slats with a different paint color.
If you decide to decorate a fence with a coat of paint, prep the surface. Clean it up, sand down any rough patches, and prime it so that it lasts.
5. Install a Bench
Sometimes, you may decide against hanging things directly on your fence. But instead of giving up on garden fence decorations entirely, you can start decorating around your fence.
For example, you can install a bench against your fence so that you have a cozy spot to sit in and enjoy your garden. This complements the fence and the surrounding decor without overshadowing it - it’s basically a little nook.
And you don’t have to stop there - you can add potted plants or lanterns on either side to frame the bench and give it a “come sit here” vibe. Throw in some colorful cushions and some decorative stepping stones leading up to it and voilà, you’ve got a fancy yet functional upgrade.
6. Hang Birdhouses
How about lending Mother Nature a helping hand by hanging birdhouses on your fence as decoration?
Roll out the red carpet for your feathered friends and provide a cozy little home for them in your yard. A birdhouse will be a delightful addition to your outdoor space and will help local wildlife in small yet impactful ways. The birds will have a safe spot to nest, which is especially important in urban or suburban areas with a scarcity of natural shelter.
We also recommend installing a birdhouse camera, too. That way, you can have a front-row seat to a fun daily livestream of your new visitors without disturbing them.
Do You Need to Decorate Your Fence?
Of course not.
If you’re lucky enough to have a pretty outdoor fence and you believe that it doesn’t need any embellishments, leave it be.
Decorating your fence isn’t a silver bullet for everyone. Those with a fence that fits their desired aesthetic and adds to the yard's beauty don’t need to look for ways to ‘enhance’ it.
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
But for other, less lucky homeowners, the fence may be an eyesore. This is especially true if you haven’t touched it since the day you put it up. In such cases, decorating it can be akin to buying a new one. Plus, it’s much cheaper than doing a complete overhaul.
Finishing Thoughts
The sky’s the limit when learning how to decorate a fence.
Outdoor makeovers are just as crucial as indoor ones. Since the yard is an extension of your home, you should always be on the lookout for new ways to make it sing.
Don’t be shy about experimenting with different ideas. After all, fences aren’t just for keeping things out; they’re for drawing eyes in.
If you need more ideas, check out our other blogs for more tips and tricks. Once you see what else is possible, your fence is just the beginning.