IKEA NÄMMARÖ: The 3-in-1 Privacy Screen for Balconies and Small Gardens

In cities especially, windows, terraces and loggias are often so close together that every step outside can feel like a small stage performance. Many renters want greater privacy, but without using a drill, upsetting the property manager or sacrificing what little space they have. This is precisely where a clever 3-in-1 solution from IKEA comes in, making a balcony or small garden feel noticeably calmer and more secluded with a single piece of furniture.

Why privacy on balconies and in small gardens has become so difficult

The shift towards urban living continues, while outdoor spaces are becoming smaller and more expensive. Every square metre matters. Open railings, overlooked courtyards and staggered rows of windows often mean neighbours are constantly sitting or standing directly in each other’s line of sight.

Market analyses show that the global market for privacy screens and fencing was worth around $19 billion in 2023, equivalent to roughly €17.5 billion. The subject of privacy screening is no longer a niche concern; it has become a global growth market.

“People who feel unobserved use their balcony or garden more often, for longer – and far more comfortably.”

However, conventional options such as tall fences, permanently fixed privacy walls or dense hedges come with drawbacks: they need space, cost a lot or face legal restrictions in rented homes. Many declarations of division and building regulations simply prohibit permanent additions.

The IKEA solution: a privacy screen that solves three problems at once

With its NÄMMARÖ range, IKEA offers a piece of furniture that performs several jobs at once: it provides privacy, seating and storage. At its heart is a solid acacia wood privacy screen that can be positioned without drilling or structural alterations.

Materials and dimensions: what the NÄMMARÖ privacy screen is suited to

The screen is made from solid acacia wood. This timber is considered durable and weather-resistant, and it has a noticeably more premium appearance than many softwood alternatives. Its slats are arranged to allow light and air to circulate while intercepting prying eyes.

• Privacy screen height: approx. 140 cm
• Width: approx. 80 cm
• Footprint depth: approx. 50 cm
• Version with integrated module: about 80 × 68 × 140 cm

This makes the system suitable even for narrow city balconies. Its height is usually enough to create a protected area when sitting or reclining, without closing off the outdoor space entirely.

For care, wiping it down with mild soapy water is generally sufficient. Refreshing the wood stain once or twice a year helps preserve its colour and surface.

3-in-1 function: privacy screen, bench and storage in one

NÄMMARÖ becomes particularly interesting when the screen is paired with a furniture module. The version featuring a bench and built-in storage makes double use of the floor area:

• The privacy screen interrupts direct sightlines from neighbours.
• The bench seats one or two people.
• The interior works as a storage box for cushions, throws, toys or gardening tools.

User feedback is clear: many people praise its straightforward assembly, sturdy build and unexpectedly generous storage capacity. Reviews particularly highlight that all seat cushions fit inside without difficulty – an important consideration for anyone who does not want to carry everything back indoors each evening.

Depending on the offer, the individual privacy screen costs around €75. The complete version with bench and storage is usually priced between €170 and €220. That places this solution well below the cost of bespoke joinery or permanently installed balcony cladding.

“One module – three functions: anyone short of space needs furniture that can do more than simply look good.”

How the privacy screen changes small outdoor spaces

Perhaps its biggest advantage is that NÄMMARÖ is not screwed into place. The unit remains freestanding and can be moved whenever needed. This mobility creates plenty of options for everyday use.

Flexible privacy at different times of day

The screen can simply be repositioned according to the sun’s position or activity on a neighbouring balcony. Different zones can therefore be created in no time:

• Morning: A sheltered breakfast spot with a view of greenery rather than the opposite building wall.
• Midday: A reading chair in the shade, screened from neighbours’ home-office windows.
• Evening: A small lounge area with fairy lights, where you do not feel as though you are “on display”.

Families with children benefit in particular: the screen can define a small play corner, with toys stored away in the compartment when visitors arrive or the balcony needs to be used for drying laundry again.

Layout examples: how the idea works in tight spaces

A different arrangement suits each type of outdoor space:

• Narrow balcony: Place the privacy screen parallel to the railing. Views from below disappear behind the wooden slats, while tall container plants or grasses provide extra screening above.
• Courtyard with a small garden: The bench and screen separate the dining area from the lounging space. Wheelie bins or an outdoor air-conditioning unit can be concealed behind them.
• Ground-floor terrace: Two modules positioned in an L shape create a small corner “oasis”. Cushions, throws and children’s toys can be packed away in seconds.

Even an outdoor area that was previously barely used can become part of daily life: somewhere to work, make phone calls, read or simply put your feet up.

Vertical greenery: making the IKEA NÄMMARÖ furniture even better with plants

Because its slatted structure is open, the screen is an ideal base for a lightweight green feature. Gardening experts have long pointed to the benefits of vertical gardening where floor space is limited.

The wooden frame can accommodate, among other things:

• hanging pots of herbs
• climbing plants such as sweet peas or small climbing roses
• lightweight modular planting systems with clip-on holders
• a row of hardy succulents in small containers

“Wood, a little greenery and a few textiles – that is often all it takes for a balcony to feel like its own little room.”

For a calm overall appearance, coordinate plants and textiles with the warm tone of the acacia wood. Light covers and delicate grasses create an airy feel, while darker cushions and evergreen plants lend more of the character of a sheltered lounge.

What renters should consider

Although the freestanding design resolves many issues associated with strict building rules, it does not mean the unit can be used without any consideration. Several points deserve attention:

• Stability: Wind can be an issue on high balconies. Rubber feet, additional weights or combining the screen with heavy plant pots will improve stability.
• Height restrictions: Some buildings have rules governing the maximum height of balcony furniture. Checking the tenancy agreement or building regulations in advance can prevent unnecessary stress.
• Drainage: The storage box should not stand in water permanently. Saucers or spacers prevent waterlogging and protect the wood.

Acacia wood needs regular outdoor care if its appearance is to be maintained. Anyone who likes the silvery-grey patina can deliberately allow the natural ageing process to happen. In that case, cleaning at longer intervals is enough.

How to combine the 3-in-1 privacy screen with other furniture

The 3-in-1 privacy screen shows its strengths most clearly when paired with other compact furniture. Folding chairs, a slim wall-mounted drop-leaf table or stackable stools can turn the setting into an office in the morning, a dining spot at lunchtime and a lounge in the evening.

It is also practical to add battery-powered fairy lights or solar lights, which can be attached directly to the wooden structure. This creates indirect lighting that makes the outdoor space feel cosy without dazzling neighbours.

Anyone who has mainly used their balcony as a storage area can rethink it in just a few steps: items rarely needed can go into the storage section of the NÄMMARÖ module, while smaller belongings can be kept in boxes or baskets. The floor stays clear, leaving room for a small outdoor zone that feels almost like an extra room.