Garden Styles & Decor · In the Garden

Creative ideas that bring wood fences to life

Wooden Gate with a bicycle wheel in the center. Artistic way to improve a wood fence in the backyard

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

Split rail fence across a meadow. Fence is painted red
Never under estimate 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.

Wood picket fence around a flower garden  painted bright blue

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.

Fence with a painted floral mural showing big red poppies, ferns and butterfly. One way to improve a wood fence in the backyard

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”?

Vintage rusty bicycle hangs on a wood panel fence a decor. Flower basket over back wheel and flower basket on handle bar

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

split rail fence made from logs. Bark flower art to embellish. Flower baskets sit on top of logs. One way to improve a wood fence in the backyard
I made this log fence that lines the driveway to my home.

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!

close up of a solar fairy lantern hanging on a wood fence post
Solar Fairy Lights
Solar fairy lights at night hang on a fence post and brighten things up at night. It's a way to improve a wood fence in the backyard

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

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