Believe it or not, wood fences play a part in making outdoor spaces more interesting and inspiring places to spend time. Yet they are the most overlooked. Why? Because fences are primarily functional in nature. They serve a specific purpose. Fences mark a boundary as well as offer a degree of protection, or a bit of privacy.
Yet when it comes to “honey, we really need to do ‘something’ with the backyard”, (whatever that is), it likely won’t involve the fence. Whether it’s a picket fence, wood panel or split rail fence, it’s a big, visible part of your landscape. It’s what you see when you look out the window.
Fortunately, there are a number of creative things you can do to liven up a bland, boring fence that will give your yard or garden a brand new look!
The power of paint
Paint is a miracle worker. Frankly, a weathered and worn fence isn’t doing much do much for the landscape. But nothing says a wood fence has to be brown, either. A bright color really pops and brings an artistic quality to the scenery.
TIP: Be sure to do all the proper prep-work before hand so your time and effort pays off. Here’s a helpful article about how to professionally prep a wood fence for painting from Tony Almond Home & Garden.
A wood fence is your pallet
A mural is a way to have your yard in bloom all year round. For those of us who are not as magical with a paintbrush, an artistic friend or co-worker may be excited about having their work on display in your backyard.
If you’re an avid DIYer, grab some stencils or trace designs to paint.
Hang some wall art
A solid, wood panel fence is no different than your walls inside. Maybe all your fence needs is some “wall art”?
1) Hang flower-filled boots from the fence in the same way you hang stockings from the mantle at Christmas.
2) Lay a shelf across it to display a row of bird houses.
3) Spray paint plastic hubcaps to look like flowers and hang them up on the fence. Then paint on stems and leaves OR use section of old garden hose for stems.
4) Hang decorate plates. Use solid color plates or square picture frames (without the glass) to make geometric designs on the fence.
Pretty ideas for a rustic log fence
Rural homes often make use of natural materials to make a simple fence. But resist thinking in terms of straight lines. Selecting imperfect, crooked branches such as those common among willow trees will give your fence a more playful and whimsical appearance.
In the photo above, I used cottonwood bark to make decorative flowers. The logs are a perfect spot to display my flower baskets.
A little night magic
Light the night with solar fairy lights. The soft glow creates a wonderful ambiance in the backyard that’s great for entertaining, or romantic evenings for two. A wood fence makes it so easy to set up your lights, too!
There lots of possibilities to improve a wood fence in the backyard. Ideas that are easy on the budget. I hope you’ll be inspired to try one of them and see what a difference it makes. Plus, it’s always rewarding to be able to say: I did it myself!
More fun yard and garden ideas
