12 Unique Ways To Make A Basic Chain Link Fence Look Better And Add Curb Appeal

So, you installed a chain link fence in your yard to keep the pets in and potential intruders out. While the fence can definitely help with security, it's probably not quite the attractive installation you had in mind for your landscape design. Chain link fences also don't offer much privacy, which can be a problem when you want to relax outdoors or let the kids play without prying eyes. Luckily, thanks to plants and other backyard additions, there are plenty of unique ways to make a basic chain link fence look better.

In addition to creating privacy, the best thing about covering a chain link fence is the added curb appeal. Contrary to popular belief, chain link fences still require maintenance. They can rust over time if not properly coated or cleaned regularly (which can become an eyesore if you've been slacking in that area). A fence covered with vibrant florals, on the other hand, gives it an elegant look even when it's dirty beneath. If your basic chain link fence could use a good facelift, here are some neat ideas to make it look better.

Transform your plain chain link fence into a lush, living wall with climbing plants. These types of plants, like climbing roses, wisteria, and honeysuckle, grow vertically on vines and can completely cover the fence to make it look naturally elegant. They come in a wide variety of colors and textures that will help soften the plain wire fence. Plus, depending on the type of climbing plants you choose, you may be able to bring more pollinators into your yard like birds, butterflies, and bees, which will benefit your garden. Just keep in mind that you will have to wait for the vines to grow over the fence before they will truly add privacy.

Fence slats are a popular and practical way to add a touch of privacy and design to your chain link fence. From sleek and modern to soft and rustic, they're available in a variety of materials and styles. You can also customize slats by installing them horizontally or vertically and getting creative with different colors and lattice patterns. Not only will fence slats upgrade enhance your home's curb appeal, but they will also provide a much-needed sense of privacy, allowing you to enjoy or relax in your backyard in peace.

A fresh coat of paint can truly work wonders on a chain link fence, transforming it from a plain barrier into an eye-catching feature. A playful pop of color can completely revamp your fence and give your home a major curb appeal boost. For example, you can spray paint it a bold, vibrant hue like sunny yellow or turquoise, or go for a softer, muted color like sage green to blend more with the natural surrounding. You can even get creative with patterns, spray painting intricate designs like flowers, geometric shapes, and more. While this won't provide privacy, it will give your fence more curb appeal.

If you want your backyard to look like a peaceful, tropical retreat, bamboo screens are the perfect solution. Bamboo's earthy tones and unique texture add a touch of elegance, creating a natural look and privacy for your outdoor area. Plus, bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, not to mention extremely durable. Not only will a bamboo screen make your fence and yard look better, but it's also a way to block your neighbor's unsightly yard. You'll just attach the bamboo to your existing chain link fence to give it an entirely new appearance.

Outdoor lighting is an easy solution for a fence upgrade. Not only can it make your fence look more appealing, but it can also help deter unwanted visitors. String some cozy, twinkly lights along your fence to add a warm, inviting glow to your yard, or use solar outdoor lanterns for a classy touch. Plus, they're a festive way to decorate your fence for the holidays or a backyard gathering with loved ones. You can even get creative with different colors and patterns to match your yard theme or the season.

You may have seen plenty of mesh banners on the fences of construction sites or baseball fields, but you've probably never thought to add one to your backyard fence. Banners are pretty easy to install — as simple as using a few zip ties — and can add instant decor to your yard. They also come in a variety of colors and designs, where you can customize a mesh banner of your favorite sports team, hobbies, artwork, and more. They can also be solid black, green, or another color. Best of all, they're low maintenance; most banners are made of durable vinyl material that's able to withstand rough weather and UV rays.

Are you a gardener with limited outdoor space? Take advantage of vertical space instead by hanging your potted plants on your chain link fence. You can use decorative planter boxes to hold multiple plants at a time and arrange them as a vertical garden. This way, you'll have more yard space as well as a beautiful fence covered in lush and elegant plants (all easy to achieve on a budget). Outdoor potted plants like clematis, roses, and winter jasmine are all low maintenance with vibrant colors, so they're great options to liven up a plain chain link fence.

An arched trellis is a clever way to add a touch of elegance and functionality to the area around the gate of your chain link fence. Not only are they visually appealing, but they're also incredibly practical if you're a gardener. Originally designed for vegetation, trellises have actually helped stimulate fruit production for centuries. They later became popular yard decorations and fence covers. So, if you're looking to grow some delicious fruits or vegetables while making your chain link fence look more appealing, a trellis can provide the perfect support for your climbing vines. You can even DIY a trellis using materials you may already have.

Another way to make a basic chain fence look better and add some serious curb appeal is with bushes. Growing bushes and other plants can help landscape structures blend more with the natural elements and greenery, helping make the yard feel more inviting. For example, you can plant several tall shrubs along the fence line to create a natural screen, blocking views from neighbors or passersby. Flowering shrubs, such as roses or hydrangeas, can also add lovely colors and fragrance to your yard, softening the hard appearance of the fence.

Who doesn't appreciate the intricacy of a magnificent mural? You can usually spot them on the sides of businesses, storefronts, and brick buildings, where (even on an abandoned property) the beautiful artwork instantly catches your attention. Why not add this type of breathtaking design to your fence? A fence mural is a savvy way to incorporate art in your yard, adding a unique and eye-catching element to your landscape. You could hire a local artist or DIY the project. Try using durable yarn, rope, or outdoor paint to create the design.

Wood planks are typically the other go-to option for installing a yard fence. They can add a rustic or modern look to your chain link fence, depending on the type of wood, stain, and arrangement of the planks. Wood planks are also easier to customize with paint or yard decorations. Strategically placing the planks in front of your chain fence can add more interest as well as more privacy to your outdoor space. If you'd like your fence to have a natural look and blend more with the surrounding landscape, wood will help with that, too.

Do you enjoy decorating your home with ornaments for the holidays? You can do the same on your fence, too. Fence ornaments are a creative and budget-friendly way to enhance the look of a plain chain link fence, adding color, texture, and visual interest to it. They're also pretty quick and easy to install, instantly making a fence more appealing and personalizing it. From bird feeders to seasonal decorations, there are plenty of ornament options to choose from that will reflect your personal style or garden theme.