Whether you’re looking to spruce up an existing wall, or want inspiration for a garden wall you’re going to build, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got ideas to suit every size, shape and style of garden – at all budgets. Ready to get inspired? Check out these wonderfully creative garden wall ideas below…
My Favourite Garden Wall Ideas
1. Go Bright and Bold
Kicking off our list of garden wall ideas is a vibrant option that’s easy to achieve: turn your brick wall into a striking feature by adding a fresh coat of paint in a bright colour. Complement with bright flowers and garden furniture for one of the easiest, most contemporary garden wall ideas.
2. Paint Your Wall with a Tropical Mural
Wall ideas don’t have to be complicated to be special. If you’re after something unique, opt for a tropical wall mural. For a professional finish, find a local mural artist. Alternatively, give it a go yourself! This idea is adaptable for both a big and small garden.
3. Create a Feature with Natural Ivy
Ivy offers an easy way to bring life to your garden wall and outdoor space. Climbing plants are a great way to bring more greenery into a small garden without taking up too much space.
Living walls create a green wall surface that easily blends in with the rest of the garden. This helps prevent garden boundaries from looking too abrupt and stark (which can make a small garden look smaller).
4. Or, Opt for Artificial Ivy
For a low maintenance-living wall, choose artificial climbing plants instead.
5. Decorate an Old Stepladder
Create a rustic look, and extra planting space, by repurposing an old step ladder. Fill with terracotta planters to complete the look. This is one of the best garden wall ideas if you’re feeling thrifty.
6. Divide Areas with a Gabion Wall
If you’re after a new retaining wall, why not consider a gabion wall? Gabion walls are made by enclosing bricks or stones in wire mesh and can double up as seating. They’re an interesting alternative to traditional retaining walls and also offer bugs and insects a comfortable habitat.
7. Paint Abstract Designs
Unleash your inner Picasso by painting a plain wall in bright colours. Better yet, get the kids involved and see what decorative garden wall ideas they come up with!
8. Use Wooden Pallets as Planters
Bring life to your garden wall by installing an upcycled pallet and filling it with succulents. This is one of the simplest, yet most creative, garden wall ideas – it’s easy to do and looks extremely dynamic.
9. Transform Garden Walls into Hedges
Have you got a wall in your garden but would prefer a hedge? Use hedge wall tiles, as seen in the garden above, to quickly transform garden walls.
10. Try Out Tiles
The versatility of tiles can’t be overlooked; use either new or reclaimed tiles to cover the entire wall, or place tiles sporadically to create a feature instead.
11. Integrate an Eye-Catching Water Feature
A water feature isn’t just an eye-catching feature, it also creates a relaxing ambiance and soothing sound. Plus, installing a water feature doesn’t have to be pricey or complicated; you can find solar-powered fountains that are incredibly easy to run and instate. If you want high drama, you could even incorporate a water wall.
12. Paint Leftover Breeze Blocks
Create a wall with breezeblocks. They’re one of the best surfaces for masonry paint, so let your imagination run wild!
13. Make Your Front Garden Wall Stand Out
Front garden walls can dramatically increase kerb appeal. Why not take inspiration from the front garden above, where retaining walls create raised garden beds. They border the steps and lead up to the main entrance.
- READ NEXT: 30 Simple Front Garden Ideas
14. Match the Wall to Your Garden Fence
If you have a retaining wall, paint it the same colour as the fence. Choose a light palette to stop the space feeling too enclosed.
Alternatively, if you’re using a specific colour scheme across your outdoor space, mimic this across walls and fences. This is a great way to help a small garden look bigger by avoiding stark garden boundaries.
15. Paint Walls Sunshine Yellow to Make Plants Pop
Make use of garden wall ideas that showcase your planting.
Bright and bold, a sunshine yellow wall is a lovely accent to make plants stand out. In particular, purple lavender and foxglove are striking against a yellow backdrop.
16. Install a Trellis
Trellises instantly transform dull garden walls. They’re interesting enough all by themselves, but fast-growing climbing plants will help complete the look.
17. Bring Artwork Outdoors
Decorate walls with mosaics, ceramics, plates and picture frames. This is one of the best garden wall ideas if you want to get creative, or feel like getting thrifty at car boot sales.
Plant a nearby flower bed in matching colours for cohesion.
18. Add Interest to Plain Walls with Planters
Give new meaning to the term “raised bed“! A brick wall can be easily spiced up with the addition of planter shelves. Bright white planters contrast nicely against red brick.
19. Paint the Gate
Ok, so this isn’t so much about changing the wall as it is about upgrading the gate (if you have one) – but it’s amazing how much a modern gate colour can boost the appearance of an entire wall.
20. Install an Outdoor Wood Burner
Installing a wood burner in a garden wall creates a really eye-catching centrepiece.
21. Open Up the Space with a Garden Mirror
You can’t go wrong adding outdoor mirrors to garden walls. Window-style outdoor mirrors are particularly charming and you could even use more than one. They’re the perfect way to make a small garden feel bigger too.
22. Use Limewash for a Vintage Feel
Limewash can be used to create white walls; it gives a matt-textured finish and brings a ‘worn’ vintage look. Pair with coordinating accessories and some hanging baskets to complete the wall.
23. Use a Mirror as a Centrepiece
Make any brick wall the focal point in your garden with a large contemporary mirror. This will make your garden look larger and makes a great backdrop for garden furniture. It’s also one of the best garden wall ideas if you want a quick way to cover a large space.
24. Upcycle Plastic Bottles
Fancy a bit of DIY creation for the back garden? Cut and paint old plastic bottles then fill them with real or faux flowers. You could also use a network of hanging baskets for this contemporary garden design.
25. Go for Light Colours in Courtyard Gardens
A light coloured wall will open up a courtyard garden, giving the illusion of more outdoor space. Go for light stone walls, pastel coloured flowers and neutral garden furniture as pictured above.
26. Set the Scene with Text
Add some word art to your garden wall using large statement letters. It’ll create a talking point and is a brilliant way to define garden zones.
27. Integrate Raised Garden Beds
If you already have a low garden wall, you could change it into a raised bed like the one pictured above. This is an interesting take on a traditional retaining wall and it increases planting space whilst adding depth.
28. Embrace Aubrieta
Make garden walls pop with purple Aubrieta plants. They need full sun and work well cascading down walls.
29. Decorate with Eden Rose
A charming pink and white climbing flower, Eden Rose is perfect for adding colour and fragrance to garden walls and fences.
30. String Lights for a Magical Atmosphere
Fairy lights easily boost the aesthetic of a brick wall. Even better, they take up no floor space (perfect for a small garden!) and are an affordable way to light any outdoor space. For example, fairy lights create a magical backdrop for an outdoor dining area.
31. Include a Viewing Window
If you’re building a central garden wall, creating two garden zones, you could install an arched window within it. This unusual element of garden design exudes a real ‘secret garden’ vibe and screams of romanticism.
32. Install an Eye-Catching Outdoor Clock
Fill an empty brick wall with an eye-catching clock. Large, roman-numeral style clocks look great in both traditional and contemporary outdoor spaces.
33. Go for a Subtle Vintage Clock
Antique clocks such as the one above are another great option. These take up very little wall space but still add a charming decorative feature.
34. Add Drama with Black Paint
Bring opulent drama to your garden by painting an entire wall black. It makes an impactful statement and any plants grown in front of the wall will absolutely pop.
35. Mix Textures Using Old Pipework
Do something a little different by topping your wall with upcycled pipework. You’ll allow ample light through while also adding privacy to your garden space.
36. Guide the Way with Subtle Lighting
Subtle lighting can have a big impact. If it’s possible, insert lighting into the gaps in a stone wall to illuminate walkways.
37. Embrace a Secret Garden Theme
Adding a wall in the centre of the garden can create a secret garden feel. This technique will create distinct garden zones and invoke a sense of romanticism. Install an archway instead of a regular door to create a feeling of mystery and adventure. Decorate with climbing plants.
38. Use Low Walls as Borders
A low retaining wall can add interest and structure to garden borders. You could even create a tiered garden across different levels using several retaining walls. This is a great way to use walls in a functional yet eye-catching way throughout your outdoor space.
The impact of retaining walls shouldn’t be overlooked: they can be used as an amazing way to dramatically change the landscape in your garden.
39. Decorate with Terracotta Pots
Simple garden wall ideas can be extremely effective: add some rustic decoration to exterior walls by installing a trellis and decorating with terracotta planters.
40. Create Mystery with a Hidden Door
Create a sense of playfulness by integrating a hidden door into your garden wall. This is a great element of garden design for larger budgets and will prevent standard doors from breaking up the look of your garden.
41. Plant in Colour
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Add plants to your wall in blocks of colour to keep your garden bright yet coordinated.
42. Go for a Sloping Wall
Freshen up your garden by opting for a sloping wall. This unique idea can change the whole feel of your outdoor space.
43. Design a Climbing Wall
If you’ve already got a wall, why not make it into a climbing wall like the garden above?
44. Project Images at Night
Add interest to white walls without physically changing them by projecting silhouettes at night time. This is sure to make the wall an eye catching feature at summer parties.
45. Use the Wall as Storage Space
Make the most of your garden wall by using it as a storage space to hang tools, such as BBQ utensils!
46. Intertwine Climbers and Fairy Lights
Bring magic to your garden wall by intertwining fairy lights amongst climbing greenery. Solar powered lights won’t require a mains cable.
47. Let Light Through with Frosted Glass
If you’re worried about a garden wall blocking sunlight, opt for a frosted glass wall, like the one pictured above.
48. Create a Garden Cinema
Add a sheet to your garden wall to create a projector screen. A garden cinema will create the cosy feeling of an outdoor living room and will make an excellent backdrop to an outdoor dining area.
49. Decorate with Neon Lighting
Decorate a living wall, vertical garden or plain wall with neon lighting. This is a great way to add atmosphere to a covered seating zone in the garden.
50. Grow a Vertical Herb Garden
As garden wall ideas go, vertical herb gardens are both practical and attractive. Basil, rosemary, mint and oregano are perfect for vertical herb gardens.
51. Add Planting Pockets
An easy way to plant a vertical garden: use planting pockets on garden walls to massively increase the number of things you can grow.
52. Make Your Own Shelving
DIY shelving allows you to dress your garden wall on a budget. The shelves pictured above are an easy DIY creation made from just a few pieces of decking wood!
53. Use Jasmine to Decorate the Wall
Producing delicate fragrant flowers with bright green leaves, Jasmine will rapidly climb a garden wall, fence or trellis.
54. Top Low Walls with Box Balls
Box balls are a stylish way to decorate low garden walls. They’re also useful if you want to conceal the area behind the retaining wall as well.
55. Build Wall-Mounted Bird Houses
Encourage birds into your garden by making and decorating your own bird houses! This is a great way to get the children involved with gardening.
56. Use Stencils for Text
Add a vintage feel to the garden wall by using stencils to create blocks of text on a brick wall.
57. Train Espaliered Trees
Train trees, such as apple or pear trees, to grow as espaliers. Espaliered trees create living art and a beautiful way to cover up a garden wall or fence.
58. Consider a Slatted Fence Instead
Garden walls can block light, which will make a small garden feel even smaller. A slatted garden fence is a great alternative, allowing ample light into your outdoor space while still retaining privacy.
59. Use Golden Bamboo to Screen Your Garden
Cover up an unattractive garden wall with bamboo. You could use natural bamboo rods, rolls of bamboo fencing, or wooden cladding.
60. Recycle Old Cycles
You don’t have to take things as far as the garden above (although you could!), but a painted bike used as a planter is definitely a great way to spruce up a wall. Coordinating the colours is also a strong look.
61. Integrate a Wall into Your Landscaping
This landscape project uses walls to divide the space. Opt for smooth stucco and industrial concrete as demonstrated in the garden design above for a contemporary feel.
62. Decorate Using Paint and Stencils
For a personal touch, decorate your garden wall using paint and stencils. No artistic talent required, and an affordable way to update a boring brick wall.
63. Create a Unique Outdoor Wreath
Liven up a plain wall by hanging a giant outdoor wreath such as the one pictured above. Terracotta pots and a watering can complete the look!
64. Upcycle Garden Equipment
Watering cans, flower pots, forks and even old wheelbarrows can all make interesting wall ornaments. Even better if they can double up as planters!
65. Decorate with Portraits
Picture frames and portraits look great hung on the garden wall, just be prepared for them to be reclaimed by the elements and the weather. Our advice is to buy portraits second hand so you don’t mind too much if they get a bit weather beaten.
66. Plant Within Your Stone Wall
If you have a stone wall, grow alpine plants in the spaces to give your garden a rustic feel.
67. Grow Plants Vertically
Don’t just stick to a couple of planters when planting a vertical garden – cover entire walls and spaces with different forms of vertical planting.
68. Hit Charity Shops for Wall Décor
You never know what you might find in a charity shop, but you’ll almost definitely be able to pick up something that will look quirky and cool hanging on your garden wall.
69. Create Rustic Beds with Low Walls
Keep beds neat and tidy by opting for a low stone wall like in the garden design above. Also, the low height will make this garden wall idea a breeze to install.
70. Paint Walls Terracotta
A timeless choice in the garden. Terracotta walls create a striking contrast in an outdoor space with plenty of green foliage.
71. Get Creative with Garden Graffiti
If there are any local graffiti artists in your area, you could ask for some cool wall art. Pick something that fits with your garden’s theme, or remember that animals, plants and faces always work well.
72. Install a Wall-Mounted Outdoor Bar
Utilise an empty wall or fence by installing a wall-mounted drinks bar. This is a great way to use a wall to create different garden zones.
Load with your favourite spirits, mixers and garnishes.
73. Use Walls to Bring an Interior Feel Outside
Bring the inside out by using a wall in your garden to create a secluded outdoor dining area and kitchen. Light stone or neutral colours will bring a Mediterranean feel to your outdoor space.
74. Opt for Natural Stone Cladding
Natural stone cladding walls allow you to rapidly create the look of a genuine stone wall for a fraction of the cost. You could also use wooden cladding for an alternative look.
This is one of the best garden wall ideas for tighter budgets.
75. Paint Quirky Characters
A particularly cute idea if you’ve got kids, paint quirky wall art characters that interact with other elements in the garden.
76. Opt for a Green and White Colour Scheme
Paint everything white, then bring plenty of greenery into the mix to create a striking garden.
77. Plant Layers To Conceal Unattractive Walls
Cover an unattractive wall with plenty of greenery. Use climbing plants on the wall itself, and then create different layers with additional trees and shrubs positioned in front of it. You could even create areas of leafy shade for hot days.
78. Create Drama with Corten Steel
Introduce corten steel to your garden landscaping project. Dramatic and ultra-modern, corten steel makes a simply stunning backdrop and you can also install it in front of an existing wall. Add rich greenery for a jungle-feel.
79. Invest in Outdoor Artwork
Add the finishing touch to a garden wall with some weather-resistant wall art! Support local artists or pick up some unique pieces online.
80. Support Small Businesses
Support small businesses by hitting your local garden centre or searching online to find handmade garden wall décor such as this colourful mosaic.
81. Grow a Wall of Wisteria
Elegant and easy to care for, wisteria produces cascades of flowers that look incredibly striking during summertime.
82. Use Outdoor Wallpaper
That’s right – there’s wallpaper available for outdoor use! It doesn’t require the same artistic prowess of painting and looks incredibly striking.
83. Add a Unique Touch to Stone Walls
Add a personal touch! Make gaps in a stone wall and decorate with meaningful knick-knacks!
84. Hang Macramé Planters
Macramé is still going strong as a popular technique for indoor and outdoor décor. The textures combine very well with plants.
85. Consider Log Clusters
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If you’re looking for a unique retaining wall, or just a way to spruce up the area in front of an existing wall, log clusters similar to the ones pictured above bring a creative and rustic feel to the garden.
86. Create a Handprint Mural
If it feels as though your kids are growing up too fast, decorate your wall with a mural of their hand prints so you’ll alway have a reminder of them at this age.
87. Alternate Living Walls with Panelling
One of the more luxurious garden wall ideas, make a real statement by alternating between living panels and decorative metal panels like the image above.
FAQs
What’s the best way to hide an ugly garden wall?
There are a few simple ways to hide an unsightly garden wall.
- Attach decorative panels onto the wall
- Use faux hedge wall tiles to turn the wall into a “hedge”
- Add a living wall that suits your climate
- Put a trellis on the wall and use this for climbers and vines
Where To Go Next…
Climbing plants can make a wonderful addition to any garden wall – adding visual interest and splashes of colour. Next up make sure you check out our article on the fastest growing climbing plants, so that you can get good coverage quickly!
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