I think your best bet, if allowed there, is attaching some sort of trellis or fencing on top (for your vines to grow on).

Or an extra tall trellis/screen:

To Joseph Corbett. The purposefully, perpetually argumentative creep who lives in the condo above isnt someone i even want to acknowledge, let alone have a drink with. Haven't spoken to him in 4 years, but the taunting, badgering, harassment continues.

No one needs to explain why they want privacy, or be mocked for it. It’s something very normal. It’s not a character flaw.

Jinx, this is the internet

Jim, I’m aware of that.

Yeah. You gotta question the sanity of the guy mocking me for wanting privacy. I have to imagine they didn’t get enough attention as a child.

Also they are too thick headed and up their own ass that they failed to realize that I mentioned you can see INSIDE my place (In 3 different locations) I even said “most importantly” 😂 🤡

What about some potted palm-like trees that you can place around your specific seating?

I think adding a patio cover would solve the problem. You could do a sail cloth to test it out or build a pergola like structure, but put a roof on instead of the slats. Although I think slats would work as well, but not as private.

At some point you've pretty much just added a room without the benefits of it being outside. I think I'd go w/ a pergola, ideally with something like 1x14's or something that has the height to provide the privacy you want but still allows a lot of air and sunlight. You'd need to structure it somehow to keep the boards from warping - maybe some strong cable running through with clamps on either side of each board.

Yes, you need privacy. Why anyone would question the benefit of it is more head scratching than I care to do. Anyway. Potential solutions (and I don’t know your budget)....add a screened porch. An integratated (permanent) aluminum porch would be a more expensive project. But will add home value. Wood, particularly cedar will add expense but a quality (thick) powder coated aluminum will look substantial. a pergola is an nice alternative for a fraction of the price. For an actual porch I suggest roll down shades in UV grade sunbrella fabric. I had my porch built Around “standard width“, sunbrella roller shades. I know that sounds crazy but try and quote custom width shades from a top quality manufacturer and you’ll buy their off the shelf product and build your porch around it! Other ideas, potted plants, small backyard trees. Thinking crape myrtles.

Too many Trolls in this thread.

@Stax when I moved to the US I thought I'd moved to a third world country with some of the things I was seeing here. Ie not something I had been exposed to in Europe so not sure what you mean with a real country. It may be advanced in many ways, but also as pointed out behind in many others.

@opaone - 'A man called Ove' is set in Sweden and most people there value their privacy too and don't want neighbors looking into their spaces either. I think it is very similar to the area of the US I'm in. Some care a lot, some care a bit, and some don't care.

OPAONE: the original poster came here for advice on increasing their outdoor privacy. Not for a multi-cultural lesson on the merits, or lack thereof on the issue of privacy itself. This website is geared toward the “amerco” culture and theres not a thing in the world wrong with wanting privacy. And I don’t think it matters what culture you live in. I’m very much aware of other cultures. Have worked for and with many Europeans via a Finnish owned company and Ive never heard them express an interest in having less privacy. However, your “sage advice” is noted. Been properly filed. And I will treasure forever! Thank you so much!

@robert brewington, you raised the issue and said that it was a head scratcher, I was simply providing some additional info for you in hopes you'll not have to scratch too long. :-)

It does though relate to the OP's question. They are considering something that could block airflow and sunlight. Different perspectives on what other cultures do can be beneficial. Our just completed house has numerous features that came from our own times outside of the U.S. as well as input from others about their knowledge of other cultures and how they may do things differently. Our architect and builder have both used some of these on other houses since. Perspective is a good thing.

@lyfia, One of the key threads that Backman wove through A Man Called Ove is struggles with privacy, wanting more of it and that it may then not actually be good for us. I wasn't referencing privacy in Sweden per se but the struggles in the story.

I would love to hear more from you about privacy in Sweden vs the U.S., but perhaps in a different thread.

We’re in some kind of alternate universe here.

This door and eyeball represents the sociological, cultural, and psychological analyzations of wanting privacy on one’s patio. Perspective, you American heathens!

Is it open? Or closed? What does it all mean! Embrace the eyeballs wanting to see you!

Hah! :-) Graphic of the day.

I’m glad you took in the spirit it was intended! Just having some fun. :)