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13 Ground Floor Apartment Privacy Ideas

Are you caught in an endless struggle between the need for privacy and your need to catch a glimpse of the outside world?

Such a dilemma is faced by many people who live on the first floor of a building.

Related: First Floor Window Security Ideas

It is worth mentioning that this type of living brings its own set of problems.

As multi-family apartments and houses continue to spring up all around the city, they are challenged with the issue of quietness, privacy and safety.

There are a lot of things that distinguish life on the ground floor from life on the upper floors. 

Whether it’s a passerby sipping his coffee and staring at you while you sit on the porch with friends, or a neighbor parking his car while staring at your window, it’s hard not to worry about being seen from the street.

Fear of invasion is a sporadic phenomenon that any homeowner or renter may experience at some point in their life..

It is natural to have the need for a little bit of personal space to call your own, by yourself.

At the same time, there is no reason to feel that you can’t get a little bit of enjoyment and relaxation out of the sights and sounds of life around you.

A lot depends on your own ingenuity, but fortunately there are several options available commercially as well. Elegant and subtle solutions to the problem of ground-floor living are detailed in this guide.

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1. Artificial boxwood panels

With artificial hedge panels, you won’t be compelled to make eye contact with strangers or expose your property to unwanted attention.

Faux boxwood hedges are an ideal choice for both residential and business use as privacy screens and room separators.

There are essentially no limitations to what can be done with these hedges, because of their adaptability and availability in both indoor and outdoor ground floor apartment configurations.

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the wall-type hedges may also be useful in dampening nearby noises.

The dog next door is no longer going to go crazy and bark at you all the time.

You won’t have to put up with their antics when you’re around with a boxwood hedge installed that completely blocks the view.

Even if he barks, you’ll not hear him because of the dense artificial plants!

2. Vertical slats

Many methods exist for you to cover your window. 

Adding seclusion and blocking sunlight from entering via patio doors and big windows is easy and affordable with vertical blinds.

A variety of light and privacy levels may be achieved by adjusting the slats on both horizontal and vertical blinds. In a rental property, blinds that have been custom-made, cleaned, and maintained will not fade with time.

When it comes to flattening down fabric louvers, the most common technique is twisting them up vertically.

To close windows, they are simply wound up using a cord or wand so that they lie parallel to one other. This is what vertical slats look like.

Because the slats can be tilted, these vertical blinds can keep unwanted guests from seeing into your home through the windows.

As with any other type of window covering, it’s possible that replacement will be required. 

Your room’s decor or the weather may not allow you to keep your current blinds. Your vertical blinds should be carefully stored so you can use them again in the future.

3. Privacy curtains and drapes

For people who spend a lot of time staring at their computer screen or looking out the window, window curtains can be a lifesaver. 

When it comes to renovation projects, this is one of the easiest and least expensive solutions (although some models require hooks). 

While window treatment solutions can be expensive, there are less expensive options that perform the same function.

For a more professional aesthetic, curtain rods and window coverings are a cost-effective way to add privacy and sun protection to a space without breaking the bank. 

From lightweight and simplest to massive and lavish, today’s alternatives offer a variety of ways to shield light and viewers’ gazes.

4. Shades and blinds

Low-cost roller shades are ideal for darkening and protecting your space.

Depending on your preference, they can be installed within or outside the window frame and come in a broad range of colors and patterns to suit your taste and style.

Both standard and cordless options are available.

As an extra layer of seclusion, they may be used with sheer curtains.

Modern window treatments allow you to select between light filtering, room darkening, and complete blackout.

This degree of privacy can also be provided by blackout or lined fabric blinds and honeycomb shades.

Take into account the fading effects of sunlight on textile materials and the amount of protection you need in your rooms while looking at your selections.

For example, if you want to sleep in but don’t want to be woken up by the sun, blackout shades are a great option.

Biodegradable wood shades offer a realistic, earthy look that modern designers crave.

Blinds made of bamboo and teak let the light in and add warmth to the room.

5. Sliding panels

As a general rule, it’s difficult to hide large expanses of space such as between rooms or between sliding doors or French doors. 

It’s a lot more challenging to coordinate window coverings.

Roller blinds are the latest fad in window coverings. 

In addition, many homeowners like to use roller coverings.

When it comes to a sliding glass door, however, the issue with a roller shade is that you really have to roll it up over your head to go in and out of the door. 

Alternatively, you could just use the same material as a sliding panel and move it over the sliding glass door.

Traditional vertical blinds and drapes may be replaced with sliding panels. 

There is a track system that suspends the sliding panels from which they are hung.

Closing the panels on the tracks provides privacy and light control while they span doorways or large expanses of space. 

In order to allow an uninterrupted view and access to the doors or room opening, the sliding panels stack on one or both sides when opened or retracted.

6. Plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are a staple of Southern design, but they also work well as window coverings in a wide range of architectural styles.

In terms of window decor, the swinging wood shutters are a stylish alternative to shades/blinds and will add a dash of elegance to any house.

To top it all off, the company that constructs your apartment can help you finance plantation shutters, which means you get a higher price when you put your house on the market.

As long as you don’t want to let in too much light, you can cover the lowest portion of a window with shutters that provide seclusion while letting in plenty of light.

7. Reed fencing panels

Freshwater reeds grow naturally in large quantities along riverbanks, marshes and estuaries and are used to make reed fences

Whether you want to cover a porch, patio or balcony, you can create both privacy and a tropical atmosphere with these panels.

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It’s best to use zip ties or wire ties to bind the pieces together.

Consider adding a second layer for the best level of privacy, as well.

8. Strategic furniture arrangement

Adjusting the position of your furniture may instantly improve your mood and well-being.

See Also: Balcony Furniture Layout: 17 Arrangement Ideas

Simple modifications such as rearranging your furniture have a significant impact on the level of comfort you enjoy in your own home.

Be careful not to sit with your curtains open in front of a window that faces a parking lot or busy street.

Try to change the angle of the seat you use most often to work in your favor in a ground floor apartment with limited space.

Make the switch from a high chair to a floor cushion if your favorite area to recline is constantly in someone’s line of sight. It will help you avoid unpleasant eye contact with people since you’ll be lower to the ground.

To keep the space bright and private at the same time, use furniture like a dividing screen or an open bookcase to block the inside view of your apartment.

9. Diy / designer room divider

Whether you live in a sprawling mansion or a small studio, you need room dividers to make the most of your living spaces.

Ingenious room divider ideas will help you divide and conquer your space in a snap, so you can take advantage of your floor plan.

Read More: House Not Built According to Plan (Prevent Nightmares!)

When it comes to creating multifunctional areas with privacy and seclusion, room dividers are a real godsend. They can even make a room seem larger than it actually is. 

With enough substance and durability, some room dividers are practically as effective as interior partitions. 

Another option is to use more basic materials and create a little wall between rooms.

If you’re looking for seclusion and storage in one place, a concertina screen or a clever pegboard shelving is just what you need. Peg systems can be used to hang jewelry and purses, but they can also be used to hold books and valuable items on wooden ledges.

10. Retractable wall / folding side / screen fence

Retractable screen walls that can be closed and opened with a single action of the handle protect personal space. 

Useful as an outdoor sunshade or patio side awning, but also as an indoor privacy screen, room divider or dressing room partition.

Many homes have retractable wall dividers that can be rolled up and stowed away when not in use.

It holds up well against torrential downpours and blistering sun.

Thanks to the use of high-quality materials, its design is durable and will not wear out easily over time. 

The canopy made of this product can be well-supported and shielded by aluminum brackets, which are lightweight and sturdy.

11. Lattice privacy screen / wooden lattice panel

Whether it’s on the pages of your favorite home magazines or in the aisles of your local hardware store, lattice paneling can be seen just about wherever you look: porch, patio, and terrace to name a few.

The basic, cross-sectioned wood or plastic panels have been around for a long time, but have you ever thought about how they may enhance your outdoor living space?

There are several ways to use lattice panels, whether as a typical garden privacy screen or as an exquisite deck accent.

Lightweight vinyl lattice or garden lattice is all you need to get started on your home improvement project.

For both practical and ornamental purposes, lattice panels are an excellent choice for interiors.

Turn your lattice into unique headboards, plant stands, or even wall decoration to beautify your home.

These privacy screens are made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, vinyl, and metal. 

Square, geometric or diamond shaped holes in various sizes are a popular style for a living wall or classic lattice fence panel, but there are also more intricate and attractive patterns for indoor and outdoor applications.

With the addition of a simple lattice fence, you can shield your favorite outdoor retreat from prying eyes while still allowing in enough sunshine.

12. Window film / cloaking window film / window cling

Using the best privacy window coverings is a simple solution if your home’s windows make you feel vulnerable. 

The greatest options for privacy and light are available. 

Window films that are completely opaque will keep out both light and prying eyes, while those that are just partially opaque let in more light. 

For a fraction of the cost of curtains and blinds, one-way or two-way total privacy may be achieved with varying degrees of light permeability, depending on the design.

Some options also save you money on your electric bills.

When it comes to installing window film, tenants have two options: static cling and permanent adhesive.

There are several aspects to consider when selecting window films, including intended function and aesthetics.

Decorative patterns and bright colors can be used, while simple, practical films that provide privacy, UV protection and light shielding are available for a variety of applications.

Whether for your bathroom or kitchen, a wide selection of window films will make any glass surface look and perform better, just like cloaking window films for glass walls in the office.

Self-adhesive window films and adhesive-free glass clings are both completely removable and low-cost options for re-creating the appearance of glass without the need for specialized tools.

For seclusion, light filtering, or brightening up a room, these easy-to-install window clings and films are ideal.

13. Balcony / deck privacy planter

Sometimes, your neighbors are to blame for making you so irate.

Find Out: Neighbors Smell Coming Through Vents (Solved!) 

Somewhere nearby, you could also hear the annoying sound of an air conditioner. 

You’ll be able to enjoy the privacy that comes with planters even more as your gardening abilities develop. 

With artificial hedges and privacy planters, you can quickly and efficiently delineate a space, control traffic, or hide an unsightly object or structure.

The immediate vicinity is enhanced by their architectural charm and sense of nature.

Pressure impregnated red cedar is used for the exterior of the planter, while the natural rot resistance of cedar is used on the interior.

You can keep the neighbors out of your patio, porch, or deck by simply rolling up this screen.

Before choosing a planter divider, consider the level of protection required.

Do you want to see everything only from the inside, or do you prefer a pared-down view?

Apart from completely obscuring the view, you can also opt for a semi-transparent commercial trellis with faux vines or a planter screen with a shielding plexiglass pane, which offers less protection.

Closing thoughts

A ground floor apartment located in a noisy community or shared with many neighbors may present some challenges for those who value privacy and safety.

The overall sense of being stuck in the middle of a lot of people is not one that most would enjoy.

This may seem challenging, but it’s still possible to make your ground floor apartment more private and secure.

By going with the ideas discussed here, you will be able to find suitable ways to increase your privacy while retaining the convenience and amount of light that you desire.

Zebedee Nambaleo
Zebedee Nambaleo

Zebedee is the founder of RealEstate Ke. He creates content by carefully examining and analyzing the real estate market, home improvement resources, and government data. His analysis is based on the principle of supplying high-quality, relevant, and in-depth information to his audience. By evaluating the current conditions and predicting future trends, he provides his audience with invaluable insights that allow them to make better decisions.