It sounds like you want to go the "vine route" with climbing roses and such. One way to beautify the fence before planting vines is to add a lattice panel and secure it to the fence first. I did a design for the HGTV show, Outer Spaces where I had to add privacy to a yard that had a chain link fence and a neighbor with an RV in full view. Here is a link to the photo on my web site to show you what I did.

http://www.shirleybovshow.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=71

Also, don't disregard using shrubs to grow a nice tall green hedge in front of the fence. I like clumping bamboo for an informal and breezy look. Good luck.

Shirley

http://www.EdenMakersBlog.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Shirley Bovshow Website

I can't believe (but sure would like to) privat can be sheared just once a year and look nice and maintain its size in any zone. A minimum of once a month during growing season. And I know there is someone who posts regularly on this site that shears his once every 2 weeks. He inspired me to shear mine every three weeks.

Here's a couple of ideas--

Ilex crenata 'Steeds'-- a little leaf holly that can be pruned to a narrow hedge. Should work well particularly if there's not full sun. Likes some light.

Clematis ternifolia (used to be paniculata) Sweet Autumn Clematis--will cling to the fence and cover it in no time. This is a vigorous grower with masses of fragrant white blooms from August to September.

Espaliered anything--use the fence as supports. If there's enough light try some fruit trees...

Paint the chain link fence black before planting. I've seen this done on TV and it really helps to tone down the "unappealing" look.

Q. Is there any way to make chain link fence look attractive? We probably don't need to poll the answers to that question. Q. will planting something unattractive in front of chain link fence improve the situation? Another 'no' probably. This is my theory: if you left a pile of clothes in the middle of your bedroom floor for long enough it would appear to be normal and you would just step over it because this how you cross the room. The constant hum of city traffic that keeps a newcomer awake is not noticed by the city dweller who finds the quiet in the country unnerving. So the chain link fence is there to stay and drawing attention to it will not make it go away. What to do? Make the backyard a place. Make it a place that suits you, a place you want to spend some time in. If you want it to be low maintenance don't have any plants back there.

To keep privet tight and formal you will need to cut it several times a year. But you don't have to keep it that way, if you don't want to.