You know, it’s wild how a basic chain link fence can turn into something that actually makes your backyard feel like a million bucks.
You don’t have to go broke, either. I’ve rounded up 17 ideas that’ll help you upgrade your fence, make your yard cozier, and let your style shine.
Whether you want a fast DIY fix, love plants, or just want a little more privacy (or, hey, some backyard sparkle at night), there’s something here for you.
Scroll through, pick your favorites, and let’s make that fence actually work for you.
1. Add cedar wooden caps to the top rail for warmth and polish.
Ever notice how a bare chain link top rail just screams “unfinished”?
Pop a cedar wooden cap on there, and suddenly your fence looks like you actually care about your yard.
Lay a cedar board right on top, screw it down, and boom—no more cold metal edge.
You get a clean line and a softer, friendlier look.
Cedar holds up outside and takes stain like a champ, so match it to your deck or just let it go natural.
It’s a one-afternoon job that makes your whole backyard feel more put-together.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Measure twice and cut once—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Use exterior screws and a dab of construction adhesive for a fit that actually lasts.”
2. Weave colorful vinyl slats through the fence for a pop of personality.
Let’s bust a myth: chain link fences do not have to be boring.
Grab some vinyl slats and weave them through the mesh—suddenly you’ve got color, privacy, and a fence that doesn’t look like a dog park.
Pick out a few fun colors or go for a more chill, neutral palette.
You can get wild with stripes, chevrons, or keep it simple with a solid look.
It’s cheap, easy, and stands up to weather.
If you get tired of the colors, just swap the slats out—no drama.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Go for UV-resistant slats so your colors don’t fade. Try mixing one bold color with a couple neutrals for a look that pops but doesn’t shout.”
3. Train climbing roses or jasmine to create a fragrant floral screen.
Let’s turn that metal grid into a living wall that smells amazing and hides your yard from nosy neighbors.
Guide jasmine or climbing roses along the fence with soft ties, and run the main stems sideways for more blooms.
Plant them at the base in soil that drains well, and keep them watered while they settle in.
Prune every winter to clear out dead wood and keep things tidy.
Try a mix of varieties for a long bloom season.
If the vines need help, add a trellis net. Your summer evenings will smell so good, you’ll want to stay outside all night.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Tie canes loosely with soft twine so you don’t hurt the stems. Prune lightly after blooms to keep the flowers coming and the fence looking sharp.
4. Install hanging planters with succulents along the fence line.
Surprising Fact: Succulents barely need any attention, so they’re perfect for lazy gardeners (no shame!).
Turn your fence into a living art wall by hanging planters at different heights.
Use little pots, old cans, or those pocket planters you’ve seen online—just make sure each plant gets some sun.
Pick tough succulents like sedum, echeveria, or haworthia.
Hang the pots with sturdy hooks or S-chains so they don’t blow away, and use light, fast-draining soil.
Water them sparingly and check after it rains.
Give each plant a spin now and then so they all get their moment in the sun.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Check drainage holes now and then, and tap out extra water so your fence doesn’t rust. Swap out the soil every year for happy, plump succulents.
5. Attach DIY pallet wood panels for a rustic charm upgrade.
Surprising Fact: Pallet wood can totally cozy up a chain link fence, and you don’t need to be a pro to pull it off.
Clip or tie pallet panels right onto your chain link—no need to rip out the fence.
Cut the pallets to fit, sand off the splinters, and use zip ties or wire to hold them on.
Want it to stick around for years?
Screw some treated wood battens to the fence, then attach the pallet boards to those.
Stain them, paint them, or just let them weather naturally for that rustic look.
You can even hang planters or shelves right on the panels.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Measure twice, cut once! Use galvanized fasteners so your panels don’t fall apart after the first rainstorm.
6. Use bamboo rolls for instant privacy and a tropical vibe.
Don’t worry, bamboo rolls won’t take over your yard—they’re not the plant, just panels.
Clip them onto your chain link and you’ll hide the metal in a single afternoon.
Bamboo rolls come in all sorts of heights and shades, so you can pick what works for your space.
They’re super light, and you can attach them with zip ties or wire, even if your fence isn’t perfectly straight.
They let a little light and air through but keep out prying eyes.
For extra style, plant some climbers or set up potted palms nearby.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Measure your fence before you buy, so you don’t end up with awkward gaps. Use UV-rated zip ties for panels that last through all kinds of weather.
7. Backyard Art Gallery with Chain Link Fence
Surprising fact: You can turn a chain link fence into a backyard art gallery with just a few cans of paint.
Turn those diamonds into a bold mural that actually gets people talking.
Pick a couple of strong colors, grab some tape or cut cardboard templates, and map out triangles, stripes, or chevrons.
Paint in small sections so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Spray paint covers fast, but keep some outdoor acrylic handy for touch-ups.
Let each color dry before you add a new one, or you’ll end up with a rainbow mess.
This trick gives your fence a modern look—no one will guess it’s just chain link under there.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Test your colors on a spare bit of fence to see how they look from across the yard. Tape carefully and paint when it’s not too hot or cold for crisp lines.”
8. Hang string lights or lanterns for magical nighttime ambiance
Forget what you’ve heard—string lights can look classy, not cheesy.
Drape them along the top rail or weave them through the links for a soft, inviting glow.
Pick warm white bulbs or paper lanterns if you want a chill vibe.
Solar lights keep things simple, but plug-ins are better for big parties.
Use S-hooks, zip ties, or little clips to keep the lights from blowing away.
Try mixing up the heights and toss a few mason jar lanterns on the posts for extra charm.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Set up your layout while it’s still light out so you know where everything goes. Use weatherproof lights and leave a little slack in the cords so nothing snaps.”
9. Plant a row of tall evergreens for a natural, living barrier
Who says a fence has to be metal or wood?
If you plant a row of tall evergreens along your chain link, you’ll get privacy, block the wind, and make your yard feel like its own little world.
Pick fast-growers like Thuja Green Giant for quick results, or go slower if you want less maintenance.
Space them so their branches touch as they grow—that way you get a solid wall of green.
Water them well the first couple years, and mulch to keep the roots cool.
You’ll have a living fence that looks great all year, no matter what the weather does.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Plant in a staggered row for faster coverage. Give each tree room to spread so they grow healthy and full.
10. Drape outdoor fabric or mesh for a breezy, boho look
Don’t let anyone tell you a chain link fence can’t be soft and cozy.
Hang some lightweight fabric or mesh panels to cover the metal and add a splash of color.
Sheer curtains give off a breezy, cabana vibe, while woven tapestries bring in some boho flair.
Tie the fabric at the posts or weave it through the links so it stays put but still moves in the wind.
Pick weather-resistant materials so you’re not swapping them out every month.
Layer a couple different fabrics for more privacy, and string up lights or add plants for bonus points.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Go for outdoor fabrics and secure the edges with clips or zip ties so nothing frays. Swap or wash panels every season to keep them looking fresh.
11. Clip decorative metal shapes like birds or butterflies onto links
Surprising Fact: Just a few metal birds or butterflies can totally change how your fence feels.
Clip some lightweight metal shapes onto the chain links, and suddenly your fence feels alive.
They snap on or hang with little hooks—no tools, no fuss.
Choose weatherproof pieces so they don’t rust or fade.
Mix up the sizes and colors for a playful, eye-catching look.
Put them at eye level where everyone will see them, especially near gates or patios.
You can space them out or cluster a few together for a pop of color.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Pick powder-coated metal for longer life and easy cleaning. Toss in a few different shapes to keep things interesting.”
12. Create a vertical herb garden using mounted pots and hooks
Ever wanted your kitchen to smell like fresh basil, but you don’t want herbs taking over your whole yard? Just grab some pots and hang your favorite herbs right on your chain link fence.
Pick sun-loving herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil. I usually go for lightweight pots or whatever old containers I find, then hang them up with S-hooks or metal clips made for fences.
Try hanging the pots at different heights. That way, each plant gets some sun and you don’t end up splashing water everywhere. If you live somewhere windy, tie down the heavier pots or use wall anchors.
This setup looks tidy, adds some color, and honestly, you’ll notice fewer bugs than you get with regular garden beds. Plus, you can just snip a little basil or thyme for dinner without trekking across the yard.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Fill pots with fast-draining soil and water deeply once or twice a week. Rotate the pots with the seasons to keep herbs happy.”
13. Add a chalkboard panel for a fun message board or kids’ art
Here’s a fun one: a chalkboard on your fence turns it into an instant play wall. I promise, the kids will use it for hours. You can attach a framed chalkboard right onto the chain link with zip ties or little hooks.
Paint a piece of plywood with chalkboard paint, or just buy a ready-made board if you’re not feeling crafty. Keep it low for the little ones, and maybe add a shelf for chalk and erasers so you’re not always hunting for supplies.
It’s handy for grocery lists, garden notes, or whatever doodle-of-the-day your family comes up with.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Use weatherproof screws or heavy-duty zip ties to keep the board secure. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep it looking fresh.”
14. Wrap solar fairy lights around the fence posts for sparkle
Here’s a little secret: you don’t need an outlet to make your backyard shine.
Just wrap solar fairy lights around your chain link posts. They soak up sunlight during the day and turn on at dusk, so you’re not tripping over cords or hunting for plugs. The tiny bulbs give your yard a cozy, magical glow—perfect for quiet nights or last-minute get-togethers.
Space the lights out, tuck away extra wire, and use waterproof clips or zip ties to keep things tidy. If you like variety, mix warm and cool tones, or keep it simple with one color.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Place the lights where they’ll get at least six hours of sun. Check the batteries every season so your sparkle doesn’t fade.”
15. Incorporate lattice panels at intervals for architectural interest
Guess what? Lattice isn’t just for grandma’s cottage.
Stick lattice panels between a few fence sections to break up all that metal and add some depth. You get cool patterns without blocking out the breeze or sunlight, and it gives your plants something to climb.
Pick wood or vinyl, whatever matches your house. Paint it bright for a pop of color, or leave it natural if you like that softer look.
If you want more privacy, go for tighter patterns. For a view, pick wider openings. It’s a small fix, but it makes your fence look like you put in some real effort.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Mix up lattice styles for a cozy, layered look. Try adding climbing roses or clematis for quick, pretty coverage.”
16. Use colorful outdoor ribbons or fabric strips for movement
Here’s something fun: a little ribbon goes a long way.
Weave UV-resistant ribbons or fabric strips through the fence links. They flutter in the breeze and make your yard pop with color.
Go for weatherproof materials so the colors stay bright and the strips don’t fall apart. Mix up widths and patterns for a playful feel, or pick one color if you’re into a simpler look. Fasten the ends with clips or zip ties so they don’t fly away.
This project is cheap, quick, and easy to swap out when you want a change. You can even get the kids or neighbors involved and turn it into a mini art party.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Pick fade-resistant fabrics and double-knot them so they stay put. Swap out the ribbons each season for a fresh look without spending much.
17. Attach weatherproof cork boards for a community notice area
Here’s a fun little secret: your fence can totally become the neighborhood bulletin board that folks actually check out.
Just mount some weatherproof cork boards right onto your chain link fence and—boom—suddenly you’ve got a spot for events, lost pet flyers, and all those “Yard Sale This Saturday!” signs.
Sealed frames and rubber gaskets keep everything dry and legible, so you don’t end up with soggy, sad paper scraps fluttering away.
If you want to keep things neat (and maybe avoid prank flyers), go for lockable, enclosed boards.
I like mixing up the board sizes—a big one for community news, smaller ones for kids’ stuff or takeout menus from the pizza place down the street.
Stick the boards at eye level and close to walkways where people naturally slow down.
If your spot gets drenched a lot, slap a little roof or cover over the boards. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just enough to keep the worst of the rain off.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Use zip ties and metal brackets to attach the boards, so they don’t wobble. Swap out the cork once a year to keep thumbtacks gripping like champs.
