Home Improvement Ideas Outdoor Structures Pergolas, Arbors & Trellises 18 Trellis Ideas to Turn Your Yard into a Gorgeous Private Escape By Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on June 17, 2024 Close Photo: Bob Greenspan A beautiful trellis idea is the perfect way to add a sense of privacy and structure to your backyard. Whether the design is wood or metal, a garden trellis creates an attractive backdrop for outdoor living spaces. These examples of trellises, ranging from simple structures to elaborate designs, will help shape your patio or garden in style. We have modern, traditional, cottage and more styles to choose from on this list of our favorites. Living Trellis Art Is Taking Over Homes' Walls (and Instagram) This Spring 01 of 18 Create a Small-Space Trellis Werner Straube A sense of separation from neighbors can be difficult to achieve, especially in small yards. To help create a more intimate backyard atmosphere, close off your outdoor space with a fenced trellis idea that brings an immediate sense of seclusion to a petite patio. Choose lattice panels with a tighter pattern and add climbing perennial vines for even more privacy. 02 of 18 Design a Deck Trellis Kritsada Panichgul Besides offering privacy, a trellis can help create a more clearly defined outdoor space. Surround your deck or patio with a trellis to separate it from the rest of your home's exterior and make it feel like its own little world. You can use this trellis idea to separate a driveway from a backyard or a pool area from a storage shed. Or install a trellis around a dog run to keep pups safe while adding a decorative touch to your landscape. Use a trellis to create a more cohesive deck design and provide a visually appealing backdrop for a seating or dining area. 03 of 18 Incorporate a Modern Trellis Idea Edward Gohlich Unexpected lattice patterns can put a contemporary spin on a classic trellis idea. Here, a wood trellis with an abstract design tops a deck railing for an added decorative element in this calming outdoor space. If a simple trellis doesn't offer enough privacy, consider planting a hedge alongside your deck for a more secluded feeling. 04 of 18 Define a Work Space Stephen Cridland This long sectional trellis creates a useful zone for potting benches and garden prep work. The front of the trellis acts as a staging area for an assortment of potted flowering plants, while the screen keeps clutter and unsightly equipment out of view. The open trellis allows airflow in and out of the potting space to keep it from getting too hot, so gardeners stay comfortable on sunny days. The 10 Best Potting Benches of 2024 05 of 18 Surprise with Unexpected Garden Trellis Ideas Laurie Black Photography Even small gardens or yards can benefit from a well-placed trellis idea. Here, a trio of structures, including a free-standing trellis that hides a utility meter, a larger L-shape trellis for privacy on the brick deck, and a gated arbor to access the backyard, all fit in a side yard that's only a few feet wide. Get creative with small spaces to maximize their visual impact and function. 06 of 18 Grow Flowers with a Garden Trellis Backdrop Davree Media, Inc Beyond providing privacy and creating a smooth transition from one outdoor space to another, trellises can also act as a background or support for plants. Colorful flowering vines or blooming shrubs are perfect for pairing with garden trellis designs. Here, the structure serves as a backdrop for shrub roses, turning a basic flower bed into a stunning focal point. While a trellis will act as adequate support for most plants, you should always keep an eye on its stability as your plant grows larger. Heavier flowers (like dense wisteria) and some vegetables (like squash) may require additional support to ensure the trellis remains sturdy. 07 of 18 Feature a Decorative Trellis Gate Ed Gohlich Photography Inc Set a stunning scene for visitors the moment they enter your garden. Here, a magnificent trellis and pergola combine with a gated fence to form the garden's entrance. The grand structure is flanked by urn planters, offering an elegant introduction to the formal garden. The curved stairway leading up to the entrance adds a sense of grandeur that enhances the impressive profile of the trellis. 9 Types of Wood Fences to Consider for Your Yard 08 of 18 Install a Gated Arbor and Trellis Stephen Cridland Employ a trellis fence to create a private entrance to your garden or backyard. This white gate and arbor duo is set to the side of the home, allowing guests to bypass the front entry and head straight to the backyard. The structure provides virtually the same privacy and security as a fence but is far more charming, lending a country appeal. 09 of 18 Enhance a Seating Area Stephen Cridland Elevate a simple bench by using a beautiful garden trellis as a backdrop. Here, three overlapping lattice screens act as an impactful "wall" for this private seating area. The middle panel is topped with a gable for a playful architectural touch. The bench could be switched out for a bistro table and chairs for morning coffee and evening glasses of wine for two. 10 of 18 Feature Open Trellis Design Bob Greenspan With its wraparound form and projecting top, this trellis idea lends privacy to a delightful and relaxing setting. Thanks to hedges and climbing vines, the sense of shelter is unmistakable, but—because of the L-shaped trellis layout—the space doesn't feel too enclosed. A pair of cushioned chairs add to the vacation-like escape. Visitors will want to stay all day in this cozy spot. 11 of 18 Form a Modern Trellis Design Matthew Benson Traditional white or wooden trellis designs provide classic charm, but other materials work well, too. Here, a wire trellis fits with the modern look of this patio. The thin metal bars allow climbing vines to take center stage. The contemporary look is perfect for this urban space, and the trickling fountain adds a pleasant sound to mask the noise of the street below. The 7 Best Garden Fountains of 2024 for a Serene Outdoor Atmosphere 12 of 18 Update with a Patio Trellis Perimeter Gordon Beall Photography Add distinction and structure to your backyard with a patio trellis. This screen wraps around the patio's perimeter, adding an attractive curve and an architectural element. It incorporates small window areas along the top so that views outward aren't obstructed completely, which helps maintain an open feeling. Climb onto the hammock for a brief afternoon nap in luxurious privacy. 13 of 18 Consider an Arched Trellis Idea Colleen Duffley A small side yard doesn't have to serve only as a transition space. This narrow pathway becomes a destination unto itself, thanks to a pair of graceful trellises topped with arched rails and flanked by stout posts and finials. The curved tops help balance the latticework's long, straight lines and make the trellises appear more significant, transforming a narrow side yard into a pretty vignette. 14 of 18 Get Creative with Trellis Fence Ideas EYESWEET INC A trellis fence offers a more decorative way to divide your yard. Choose a design that complements your garden's overall style. The swooping lines of the latticework fence and arbor seen here reflect the curves in the landscaping, furniture, and decorative stone balls. The playful curves and straight lines bring a dramatic look to this space, enhanced by the elaborate birdbath and abundant flowers and greenery. 5 Decorating Secrets to Make Your Outdoor Space Your Favorite Room 15 of 18 Build a Trellis for a Deck JON JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY Adding a trellis to your deck is an easy way to create a private setting for conversation or relaxation. Here, a series of large-grid panels top the built-in benches around this spacious deck's edge. The deck gets plenty of shade from the large trees surrounding it, so it's usable even during the warmest days. 16 of 18 Separate Your Garden Into Zones Peter Krumhardt Dividing your garden into zones can help create order within the design, and a trellis is a great way to do so. Above, a screen separates a water garden and the rest of the yard, sectioning off the space while allowing a breeze and sunlight to pass through. Making the water garden a distinct spot gives it more importance and adds another architectural dimension to the landscape. 17 of 18 Make a Private Patio Trellis Laurie Black Photography Outdoor areas take on an instant charm when enclosed in an intimate way. This latticework trellis provides an appealing backdrop for a bistro table and chairs and boasts a cutout "window" to help connect it with the surrounding landscape. Without the screening, the scene would seem too exposed and less inviting. 18 of 18 Designate Backyard Trellis Rooms Mike Jensen Use trellises to carve your landscape into separate areas, designating specific "outdoor rooms" for conversation, dining, play, and other outdoor activities you typically host in your yard. Vine-clad lattice fences are a natural option for the walls between rooms, while arbors and gates can serve as doors. 6 Outdoor Room Design Tips for an Entertaining and Relaxing Space Frequently Asked Questions What is the best material for a trellis? You can buy a trellis in many different materials, though the best selection for your backyard depends on the weather you experience. For some areas, a wood trellis made of weather-resistant cedar will do just fine, while others may require a more durable material such as PVC. Where can I buy a trellis? Look to purchase a trellis from your local hardware store, home improvement store, garden center, or fencing specialist. The latter will likely have the largest selection of styles available to you, and can help answer any specific questions you may have regarding installation and care. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit