I tried the viral £10 shower curtain hack to stop neighbours peeping in the garden – it did the job but it looked awful
IT seems that everyone and their Nan is putting up shower curtains in their gardens.
Whether it’s to stop nosy neighbours peeping in or to disguise shoffy fences that have seen better days, the new trend is spreading like a wild fire in the UK.
Take one look at the #showercurtaingarden trend on TikTok and you’ll find over 93 million videos with people sharing their take on it.
And it’s easy to see why, if your fence is damaged it can cost an average of £30-40 to replace it, whereas a shower curtain costs just £10 and can totally change the way your garden looks… or does it?
Comments online are divided over the hack – some rave about how it has turned their garden into a Mediterranean paradise while others say it just looks tacky.
One woman, Lisa Longden tried the hack and shared her verdict online saying: “If I can’t be somewhere exotic, I’ll fetch it here, right in my garden,” unlike a gardening expert told Fabulous it needs to stop as it’s a total mould magnet.
Living in London myself means I don’t have a back garden to relax in the sun in private.
While I do have a small front garden, everyone can see through the iron bars and while I’m trying to relax I’m fully aware neighbours, Lime bike users and delivery drivers are having a peep at what I’m doing.
So I decided to take matters into my own hands and buy a shower curtain from Amazon for just £10.
I went for a design which featured luscious, thick greenery and a gorgeous lake in the centre so I could attempt to feel like I was on Lake Como while in the heart of London.
Method in the madness
While many people who have shared the hack online have used a staple gun to attach it to their fence, I had to opt for a different method.
Because my front garden has iron bars – I used the hooks that came with the shower curtain and put them through each of the holes.
Next, I took each hook and placed them onto the metal points at the top of the fence to keep it in place.
The first step was done, and I was thrilled to block out the line of Lime bikes and cyclists who congregate right outside.
Not only that but I could already sense the extra privacy it had given me from people walking along the street.
The reality
As I settle down to relax and see just how much of a difference a shower curtain could really make – I decided to get fully into character.
Equipped with a glass of Aperol and a bowl of grapes and weather in the high 20s it was time to enjoy and pretend I was at Lake Como in Italy and not North London.
How to create privacy in your garden
CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden:
1. Fencing
- Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy.
2. Hedges and Plants
- Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier.
3. Outdoor Curtains
- Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution.
4. Sound Barriers
- A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern.
I enjoyed my new view for maybe five minutes before the shower curtain decided to get taken with the wind and spread dirt all over my cocktail and snacks, totally ruining the vibe.
While I tried to ignore it and get back to lounging, I got bored quickly and couldn’t block out the police sirens and bike bells going off behind the curtain.
Not for me
After trying the viral shower curtain hack for myself, I can safely say it’s not for me.
Although it can pass as looking quite nice in pictures, in real life it looks like exactly what it is – a shower curtain in your garden.
Yes, it kept the neighbours from peeping in but I’d much rather have nosy Nelly’s having a peek at me than stare at a tacky shower curtain all day.