blocked window view - help!

last year

I have beautiful tall windows in my bedroom but most of the view is blocked by a garage wall and a walkway. To the right, there’s a lovely private courtyard, but directly outside the window it’s just… concrete.

How can I make this a better view?

Obvious answer is plants, and I’ll add some but that will get expensive. I’m looking for affordable, renter friendly ideas.

Thanks so much!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

Lyn Nielson
last year
last modified: last year
you could get an artist to paint a mural.

Be careful on painting it a color, it will glow up the room.

I'd put top down, bottom up blinds on the windows individually and adjust the open to just let in light and camp the wall. they come in many colors. You can also get some faux greenery screens.

https://www.amazon.com/PATIO-Paradise-Back-Artificial-Decor-Garden-Decoration/dp/B01N0ZN5UD/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1V8TZPIC0BZPO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NBvxjvh-jlczvb_Ryxp3kLdbB-bVSCLd3SWs-F_0rRgsjpSpMdFlM3LZCMPkEHIdHlFZRhQQMOd0lBG94VrMy5IyPP6nSn5TScmYmwn1qS5uI7Zmuo7W5hNWU6Le2Av2a_uIvUO63VAEROauE5tVBPAxkgQQtO4aIb6kKeP2Q4OXdToY3zIDuhUI9pAhPuRwccnMwscLwO6NBd07ZiQlGBURAGczkSePVJwzGUhPd61dtOeTE3pqBOpPaLnH-BjQlPBOx4qwfh4uqmzEDCm_PIMGfjzF7qEcE0iPh2Zb_v4.WYab1ccEkGGgo1oyZN-xMH6T16bomCBaaWD0RI9cbV0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Faux%2Bgreenery%2Bscreen&qid=1754338956&sprefix=faux%2Bgreenery%2Bscreen%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
User
last year
last modified: last year
Replace the curtains you have now with opaque sheers. You get the light, not the view.

Keep in mind you are renting; not investing.
Related Professionals
Salt Lake City Interior Designers & Decorators · Miami Architects & Building Designers · Wenatchee Architects & Building Designers · Waco Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fargo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Casper Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Little Rock Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lincoln Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Asheville Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Gainesville Interior Designers & Decorators · Tupelo Interior Designers & Decorators · Austin Interior Designers & Decorators · Greensboro Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Nashua Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Madison Furniture & Accessories
PRO
lisedv
last year
Place a tall plant in a pot and a bench with an accent pillow or 2.

https://www.amazon.com/Outsunny-Outdoor-Backrest-Armrests-Country/dp/B0CZY45XCB/ref=sr_1_8?crid=6N3FXKAINC7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tcOXEz6-LTfQreK_TIC8aT8txFHtvhivQsoJZFe2kUlX61TZJVkwaDElakNKfyOIijT8QQTdiMRmQe0fBgSBBPvyGUR8gfAyPX0TVkw2yrYgCGd9NgFS1ja1aGwnGC8TDV-N2e3Brfw28NfPPQeqr1RfzvohY0DjV2iVQb7oUVQ7DzTyH78HuzdGGcd8iN7k8qReL0flfkHQctv60KtzGvqBC_MKIVmrgNIIwc8d2_0r24rYdQVs1CE1QEawkYUEm61T_mwERT966Kkl11foP5ozrQPLxXkRf4XLr1KsrO8.VzZjPOvSQ2ZKH1Zx6-yAgNbVrYCURZBy1sjBWCy_e88&dib_tag=se&keywords=outdoor%2Bbenches&qid=1754343445&sprefix=outdoor%2Bbenches%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-8&th=1
Ellie
Original Author
last year
These curtains are temporary by the way! New ones are already on the way!
PRO
lisedv
last year
What will the new ones look like? sheers or something else?
Ellie
Original Author
last year
1 layer of thick white ones to block light (only will use when I have guests who like to sleep in) and 1 layer of sheer, lace. Both floor length. I definitely want to keep my windows open because I work from home and love the light that comes in!
Sigrid
last year
In the summer, put your potted plants outside. A bird feeder might get you some birds.
PRO
lisedv
last year
last modified: last year
Doesn't need to be as many pots as shown but it gives the idea to have something of interest to look at...
tracefloyd
last year
last modified: last year
If you're handy you could use scrap wood and make a planter with trellis that would be self supporting. Not too heavy so they are moveable. Even a pot with a leaning ladder.

You can take cuttings from plants in your area. Needlepoint Ivy grows quickly. Sweet Potato vine can be grown from a piece of sweet potato.

Check out FB Marketplace and Craigslist...lot of people have plants/pots or the Dollar Store for sale at good prices and even baby plants are cute...you can watch them grow.

Anything as a focal point, you don't have to disguise the whole wall.
Ellie
Original Author
last year
LOVE the first one, I think I can’t build that. The ladder to start is a great idea. Thank you everyone!
simplynatural
last year
last modified: last year
I see Asia: a warm earthy-colored wall with a dark band along the top, much like the tile-roofed clay walls surrounding Japanese temples' karesansui gardens (google Ryoan-ji). So maybe use the wall as a backdrop for a sculpture (here a Buddha, $67 from Wayfair, but could be anything that appeals to you) on a simple base (a black-painted plywood box would work, unless you want to get fancier).

The wall that bothers me more is the far one. In the photo, at least, it is not nearly as attractive, with its cool gray color, nondescript top edge, and what looks like just weedy dirt below it. I covered it with a vine here; don't know what would actually be possible. Maybe a few pavers with river rock joints for the area below it?
mmmunroe
last year
Paint the wall dark grey and add greenery, living wall, ivy (not the damaging type) or espalier apple tree in pot. The green against the grey will pop. Don't forget the lights!